Today in Mississippi November 2025 Local Pages by American MainStreet Publications

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Singing River member wins NRECA scholarship

Singing River Electric member Kevin McLain has been awarded a $1,000 Glenn English National Cooperative Leadership Foundation scholarship.

Since its inception in 2014, the Glenn English National Cooperative Leadership Foundation has awarded over $100,000 in scholarships to NRECA’s Electric Cooperative Youth Tour alumni. The foundation works to encourage educational advancement by awarding higher education scholarships to eligible students.

McLain, 19, is majoring in business administration at Mississippi State University.

Here is a Q/A with McLain about the Electric Cooperative of Mississippi’s Cooperative Youth Leaders program.

Dream job:

A managerial position in a company and to lead my employees by making a positive impact in their lives.

Hometown and what you like best about it: Waynesboro. I like that it’s a relatively small town where everybody seems to know each other, so you will always have somebody to talk to when you are out and about.

Youth Tour year and how the experience shaped you: 2023. The experience of Youth Tour expanded my outlook on life by showing me how far my leadership values can reach and by connecting me with leaders around the world.

What would you like people to know about electric co-ops?

Electric co-ops are ﬁlled with some of the most passionate and caring people in the world. These individuals are dedicated to their respective communities and to the youth. They have inspired me to reach new heights, and I hope they continue to inspire more youth around the world.

Two industrial properties earn SiteInvest designations

Cooperative Energy reported that two industrial properties have earned the prestigious SiteInvest Premier Property designation, highlighting their advanced readiness and strong potential for industrial development, according to a news release. This recognition positions these sites among the most competitive industrial properties in Mississippi and reﬂects Cooperative Energy’s ongoing commitment to driving economic growth across the state. The 2025 honorees were selected following a rigorous evaluation led by third-party engineering ﬁ rm Burns & McDonnell, as part of Cooperative Energy’s strategic initiative to enhance industrial property readiness.

The 2025 properties are MS-98 Industry Plex North – Marion County Port Bienville Industrial Park – Hancock County

These two newly designated properties join a select group of only six other sites recognized in 2024, further expanding Mississippi’s portfolio of top-tier industrial locations. Collectively, more than $50 million has been invested in SiteInvest Premier Properties to date, supported by Cooperative Energy’s Cooperative Competes grant program, the Mississippi Development Authority’s Site Development Program, state and federal site development support programs, and signiﬁcant local contributions. These investments are advancing infrastructure, accelerating site readiness, and ensuring properties meet the standards required by today’s leading industries.

Launched in 2023, the SiteInvest program was created to elevate the competitiveness of industrial properties served by Cooperative Energy’s 11 Member electric cooperatives. The program complements broader economic development initiatives, including Cooperative Competes, which funds site improvements, workforce initiatives, and community development projects statewide.

“Achieving SiteInvest Premier Property status is an important milestone in positioning Mississippi as a destination for transformative industrial investment,” said Mitch Stringer, director of economic development at Cooperative Energy.

“The signiﬁcant ﬁ nancial resources committed to these sites demonstrate our partnership with state and local leaders to prepare communities for the next wave of economic opportunities.”

“Improving

Taking ownership matters; Happy Thanksgiving

Studies have shown that having individual and collective ownership of something – whether it be in a home, business or decision – provides a more likely path to success.

Chances are you probably don’t think too often about your ownership role with your electric cooperative. As a member of 4-County Electric Power Association, you can take pride in the fact that you are an owner of this electric co-op. While at times it may seem easy to take the service of electricity for granted, we are working 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to make sure you, the member-owners of the co-op, are well taken care when it comes to your electricity needs.

Locally based cooperatives believe this special bond and obligation to be an integral part of the community. 4-County understands that you can’t sell electricity to a business that has closed its doors, or to people that have left the community because there are not enough local opportunities. Electricity is a critical need, but it takes more than poles, wires, and kilowatt-hours to make a community.

4-County is invested in economic development for the communities we serve. Quite often, the co-op is one of the initial supporters and contributors to economic development plans, like the Huber Engineered Wood Products project in Noxubee County, Aluminum Dynamics in Lowndes County and Yokohama in Clay County. We are owners of our co-op, and in a real sense, we are owners of our community. Our community is strong. Think about how much greater it can be when we

work cooperatively to tackle our future challenges. If we act like owners on a consistent basis, we will put even more care and attention into our community, and we will look locally for solutions. Finding local solutions can help keep money – and people – right here in our community.

We all have a role to play. As your local electric cooperative, we promise to do our part for the community. We’ve added FASTnet, 4-County’s broadband internet company, to our o erings. And through our 4-County Foundation, members have distributed over $2.5 million in grants to community organizations (see an example on page 18). That’s pocket change that changes lives! Learn more about the 4-County Foundation by calling 1-800-431-1544.

You are the owners of the co-op, and we welcome your active participation!

In conclusion, we are thankful. We are thankful for God’s abundant providence, family, friends, neighbors, and our members! Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

CEO/General Manager by Brian Clark

making Christmas brighter

by Brad Barr

4-County Electric Power Association and FASTnet are encouraging members and customers to help make Christmas better and brighter for area children by taking part in their annual Toy Drive.

Drop-o boxes will be in 4-County o ces this month through Dec. 11. The co-op is asking its members, employees, and the public to drop o a new, unwrapped toy in one of the boxes located in the 4-County o ce nearest you.

Collected toys will be delivered to the Salvation Army who will distribute toys throughout the 4-County service area. Last year, employees and members dug deep and collected nearly 300 toys for distribution in 4-County’s service area.

“This is a great Christmas project,” said 4-County Senior Communications Coordinator Brad Barr. “We’re always excited to participate in our annual Toy Drive. A lot of children identiﬁed by Salvation Army wouldn’t have the same Christmas experience without the help of this charitable organization and organizations like 4-County.”

Again, the deadline for dropping o toys is Dec. 11. Call Brad at 1-800-431-1544 for more information about the annual Toy Drive project. (Note: Special arrangements to pick up toy donations can also be made by calling Brad.)

4-COUNTY’S ANNUAL

Toy Drive

DROPOFF LOCATIONS: 4COUNTY OFFICES DEADLINE: DEC. 11

by Brad Barr

Fill a Bucket ﬁlls a need

Help make things a little easier for area families during the upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays by collecting food items for The Giving Hands Food Pantry.

How can you help? Employees and members can bring food items (canned goods, boxed items, and pull-tab items) to 4-County o ces Nov. 20 and place them in the collection utility bucket. “The Fill a Bucket program will ﬁll a big need in area communities,” said 4-County CEO Brian Clark.

For more information, call 4-County’s Marketing Department at 1-800-431-1544.

DEADLINE NOV. 20

by Brad Barr

Big things often come in small packages.

GO HOME GO BIG

Take Kailyn Gavin, for example. At 5 feet, 4 inches tall (or close to it), the self-acknowledged go-getter is doing big things at just 19 years of age. “I’m a go, go, go, person,” Kailyn said.

Her resume speaks for itself. Kailyn is a biochemistry/pre-med major at Mississippi State University (MSU). She is employed part-time as an Emergency Medical Technician (having earned her certification while at MSU). The college junior is also a firefighter with the East Oktibbeha Volunteer Fire Department and is enrolled at the Mississippi Fire Academy.

A typical day for Kailyn goes a little something like this: responding with the East Oktibbeha VFD to a 3 a.m. structure ﬁre; attending MSU classes at 8 a.m., taking a late afternoon shift as an EMT, squeezing in a quick workout at the gym and taking on a little studying before bed. Lucille Ball may have said it best: If you want something done, ask a busy person to do it. “I can’t sit still,” Kailyn admitted. “Being busy actually keeps me on track.”

The precocious teen grew up navigating the swampy expanses of north Louisiana, and the bays and bayous around Biloxi. “I grew up enjoying the great outdoors – hunting, ﬁshing, and riding fourwheel all-terrain vehicles. We came in when it was time for bed and then we did it all over the next day,” she said.

Today, Kailyn describes herself as an “old soul” who embraces the simple things in life. As the old saying goes, she is comfortable in her own skin. “I can get dirty and wear my uniforms during the week, but I can still get ready, clean up and put on a dress for church,” she stressed.

Kailyn wants to ﬁll her time away from school with service. “My purpose, I feel, is to help people. Every day is a learning experience, and I’m ready to learn,” she said.

Her path to service has been a divine calling. “All of the doors opened perfectly. It’s not my plan. It’s God’s plan.”

What does she like about emergency responses? “I like the constant unknowns,” Kailyn said. “The adrenaline is addicting.” Her emergency response counterparts have made the learning experience a special one. “I’ve gained a whole new family. They’re my brothers and sisters.”

Known as “Little Bit” by some and “Queen Bee” by others, Kailyn takes the good-natured jabs in stride. “I’m prepared. If you are willing to put the work in and you are physically, mentally, and emotionally capable of doing the job in an e cient and safe manner, it doesn’t matter how big or small you are. My emergency response counterparts are very supportive,” she stressed.

Kailyn takes a trailblazing approach to being a woman in a typically male-dominated endeavor. “Most people, when they hear what I spend my time doing, think it’s inspiring. Sometimes, you have a few naysayers,” she said with a shrug. “You can’t let that get to you.”

The favorite part of her emergency response gigs is interacting with those in need. “It’s very humbling,” she said. “You come to them in a position of strength and support. It brings out your compassion for others. I take the responsibility of helping others seriously,” she said.

What’s her advice for other girls who some may consider too small or too feminine? “If you’re passionate about it, just do it,” she stressed. “I don’t want to live life with regrets.”

Grant turns pages in new chapters of life

by Brad Barr

A wise person once said, “Life is a book, and there are a thousand pages I have not yet read.”

Thanks to a $9,715 grant from the 4-County Foundation, students at West Clay Elementary School are adding new chapters to their scholastic and life stories.

The school used the grant money to purchase library décor, furniture, and an innovative book vending machine. Lacie Pumphrey, West Clay librarian/interventionist and author of the grant, said the program is based on incentives for behavior and achievement. Based on those criteria, school sta will nominate students to receive a golden vending token. “This is a fun way to bolster our students love for reading, while also creating a positive learning experience,” Pumphrey said.

Over 100 students, Pre-K through 6th grade, will have access to the machine. “There is a wealth of excitement among our children, sta , and parents about this program. They’re more excited about reading than they’ve ever been before,” Pumphrey said. “This program is reaching students, promoting literacy and reading.”

You don’t have to convince Jaylen White, 11, a sixth grader at the school. “I can’t wait to read. I’m excited and ready to use the book vending machine,” Jaylen said with a smile and holding his shiny token.

The 4-County Foundation is creating learning opportunities that, otherwise, may not exist, Pumphrey explained. “We are incredibly grateful to the 4-County Foundation for making this program possible.” Because of this program, they will develop skills and enjoy resources that will beneﬁt them for the rest of their lives.”

4-County believes in helping the communities it serves. That’s why the cooperative launched the 4-County Foundation, a community service program that has given away over $2.5 million in grants. 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.

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

ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OF MISSISSIPPI

Cooperative Youth Leaders

LOCAL STUDENTS SELECTED FOR 2026 COOPERATIVE YOUTH LEADERS PROGRAM

Four area high school juniors were recently selected through an interview process to represent Central Electric Power Association during an upcoming statewide leadership workshop in Jackson, and the annual National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Youth Tour in

Washington, D.C. this summer.

Now in its 39th year, the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Cooperative Youth Leaders Program is an enjoyable educational experience that makes a lasting impact on participants. The Cooperative Youth Leaders program provides an opportunity for students across

experience that makes a lasting impact on participants. The Cooperative Mississippi to learn, grow, and experience.

Students LEARN the value of the cooperative business model, speciﬁcally the impact that electric cooperatives have on their lives and communities.

Participants GROW in their leadership qualities through team-building exercises as well as expanding their communication skills, conﬁdence, and courage in decision making.

Our group will get to EXPERIENCE the democratic process at state and federal levels by visiting the Mississippi and U.S. capital cities.

CENTRAL ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION CONGRATULATES THESE STUDENTS!

MCKINLEY JOHNSON

McKinley Johnson is the daughter of Danny and Kim Johnson. She attends West Lauderdale High School. After graduation, McKinley plans to pursue a degree in agriculture education.

CALE COTNAM

Cale Cotnam is the son of Luke and Stephanie Cotnam. He attends East Rankin Academy. After graduation, Cale plans to pursue a degree in aerospace engineering.

DIARRA DAVIS

Diarra Davis is the daughter of Drusilla Hicks and the late Ethan Davis. She attends Northwest Rankin High School. After graduation, Diarra plans to pursue a degree in radiology.

BRADY FAVRE

Brady Farve is the son of Benjamin and Eric Farve. He attends Choctaw Central High School. After graduation, Brady plans to pursue a degree in pharmacy.

HOLIDAY EVENTS 2025 Schedule

ATTALA COUNTY

Christmas Open House

Sunday, Nov. 2

Merry Market Place Monday, Nov. 24

Kosciusko Christmas Parade Monday, Dec. 1

LEAKE COUNTY

Christmas Open House

Saturday, Nov. 8

1 p.m. until 5 p.m.

Walnut Grove Christmas Parade

Tuesday, Dec. 2 6 p.m.

Carthage Christmas Parade Thursday, Dec. 4 6 p.m.

Jingle and Mingle

Tuesday, Dec. 16 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Please contact your local Chamber of Commerce to conﬁrm all events.

NESHOBA COUNTY

Christmas Open House

Sunday, Nov. 9 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.

Third Thursday Thursday, Nov. 20

Hometown Christmas Friday, Dec. 5 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.

A Very Library Christmas Saturday, Dec. 6 9 a.m. until 11 a.m.

Christmas Parade Monday, Dec. 8 6 p.m.

Moonlight Madness Thursday, Dec. 18 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.

RANKIN COUNTY

Magic of Lights, Brandon Nov. 2, 2025 through Jan. 3, 2026, opens at 5:30 p.m.

Chili Cook-O and Grand Lighting of Winners Circle Park Thursday, Dec. 4 5:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

‘Not-for-profit’ means ‘all f you’

by Scott Flood

It’s hard to imagine what our daily lives would be like without electricity. Every year, our dependence on what travels across poles and wires to our homes and businesses grows. We act as though electricity has always been there, take its presence for granted, and can’t imagine life without it. Even the shortest power outage manages to turn our world upside-down.

But 90 years ago, when President Franklin Roosevelt signed the executive order that created the Rural Electriﬁcation Administration (REA), nobody in America’s small towns and wide-open spaces took electricity for granted. That’s because most of them didn’t have access to it.

The primary goal of a co-op isn’t to make money, but to provide a safe and reliable source of electricity at a cost the local community can a ord.

As the 19th Century drew to a close, wealthy investors were starting electricity utility companies in cities from coast to coast. Building power plants and installing power lines was costly, so investors focused their e ort in places with the highest population density. Few gave any thought to rural America. Built-up areas o ered more customers in smaller spaces, which helped those utilities become highly proﬁtable. Running power lines to serve a handful of consumers spread across so many thousands of acres just didn’t make economic sense, so most utilities ignored them. After all, they couldn’t make as much money serving those places.

Long after their city cousins became accustomed to enjoying the wonders of electric lighting and the earliest home appliances, folks in more remote areas could only dream about the convenience. The REA was created to change that, providing a source of expertise and ﬁnancing for a new concept in energy: the rural electric power cooperative.

Besides the areas each served, the most important distinctions between those big utilities and the new co-ops involved was who owned them and their purpose. As the name implies, investor-owned utilities are owned by people who buy stock in the utilities. The primary goal of those utilities is to make money to distribute to their investors through dividends and generate higher per-share prices to increase those investors’ wealth.

Electric cooperatives are built and owned not by investors, but by the very people they serve. They’re led by boards of local residents who are elected by their neighbors to represent them and are responsible for acting in the members’ best interests.

The primary goal of a co-op isn’t to make money, but to provide a safe and reliable source of electricity at a cost the local community can a ord. As not-for-proﬁt organizations, they receive their money from members when they pay electric bills, then use most of that money to purchase and deliver electricity. They typically set aside some money for the future and emergency needs. And, because they employ local people who patronize local businesses, much of the money they earn stays in the communities they serve, boosting the local economy.

Most co-ops purchase electricity on the wholesale power market and turn around and sell it to members at a slight markup designed to cover the costs associated with operating the co-op and maintaining the infrastructure for delivering power. That’s why co-ops don’t make more money when you use more power, or when wholesale prices increase. It’s also why they are dedicated to helping their members reduce energy consumption and lower their power bills.

When co-ops earn more than they pay out in wholesale energy and other costs, they keep some the extra money in reserves or return it to their members through what are known as capital credits.

Because co-ops exist to serve their members and not proﬁt-hungry investors, they have an obligation to keep the price of electricity as low as possible. When members spend less for their electricity, they have more money to use on what’s important to them.

Co-ops also work to support the area’s economic health through activities designed to bring new employers to the community and help existing businesses expand. That’s particularly important, because many of the areas served by co-ops face economic challenges. One in four households on co-op lines nationally has an annual income of below $35,000, making keeping rates a ordable a key priority.

When the leaders of investor-owned utilities make decisions, their ﬁrst thought is how those choices will a ect the price of their company’s stock. When co-op leaders make decisions, they’re focused on doing the best thing for their members. Instead of trying to impress Wall Street, co-ops want to make sure they’re meeting your needs for power at the best price possible. That’s because they’re truly not for proﬁt, and they’re for you and your neighbors.

For more than four decades, business writer Scott Flood has worked with electric cooperatives to build knowledge of energy-related issues among directors, sta , and members.

Electric co-ops employ local people who patronize local businesses, so much of the money they earn stays in the communities they serve, boosting the local economy.

by Miranda Boutelle

The following steps can be taken now to use less energy at home before the winter chill sets in. They also help lower strain on the electric grid during extreme winter weather when energy use is at its peak in your community.

First, let’s consider your home’s layers. Just like layering up those winter ﬂannels, ﬂeeces, and down jackets with waterproof, wind-stopping shells, gloves and hats, your home needs layers, too. Air sealing and insulation protect your home from the elements while locking in the warm air to keep you cozy.

There’s also a $150 tax credit for an energy audit, which allows a pro to help determine what your home needs and how to prioritize potential projects. Visit energystar.gov for more information.

When it comes to do-it-yourself projects, there are a few upgrades you can take care of yourself. Lock in savings with window cleaning and maintenance. Make sure sash locks and window cranks are in good working order and cleaned of any dirt and leaves. Debris can keep them from closing snugly. I ﬁnd the crevice tool attachment on my vacuum cleaner, combined with a small, dry scrub brush or an old toothbrush works great. The locks should pull the top and bottom window sashes together tightly. For casement windows, the locks should pull the window tightly to the frame.

Although it might not seem like a signiﬁcant di erence, reducing airﬂow through and around windows can make your home more

Filters should be checked every three months and replaced if needed. What can I do now to manage my winter energy bills? You’ll be thankful you prepared in the fall for colder weather when you receive your ﬁrst winter bill.

comfortable in the winter. Replacing broken or nonfunctional sash locks can be a reasonable DIY project, but it’s best to avoid doing it when the winter winds are blowing. Also, use caulk to seal all gaps around the window trim. If you have operable storm windows, make sure they close. If you have a forced-air heating or air conditioning system, replace the filter. First, turn the system o to check it. If your filter is dirty, leave it in place until you have a replacement. Running your system without a filter can send any dust or dirt in the ductwork directly into the components and damage your equipment. Make a note of the filter’s size on your shopping list or take a picture of the filter with your phone, so you can reference it when running errands.

Also, stocking up on filters can save you money. I bought a 12-pack of filters for $72—$6 each. A similar filter sold separately was $10. This fall, look for opportunities to protect your home from the elements and maintain your equipment before the cold of winter.

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

Bylaws outline procedure for Annual Meeting

Coahoma Electric Power Association will hold its Annual Meeting of the Membership at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, at Coahoma Electric’s Headquarters multipurpose room at 3355 Rudyard-Jonestown Rd, Coahoma, MS 38617.

This new location is approximately 1 mile north of Coahoma County Airport on Highway 61.

The following is an excerpt from the association’s bylaws pertaining to the Annual Meeting of the Membership.

ARTICLE III Meeting of Members

• Section 3.01. Annual Meeting.

For the purposes of electing Directors, hearing and passing upon reports covering the previous fiscal year, and transacting such other business as may properly come before the meeting, the annual meeting of the Members shall be held on the second Thursday of February of each year, at such place in Coahoma County, Mississippi, and beginning at such hour, as the Board of Directors shall, from year to year, fix; PROVIDED, that, for cause su cient, the Board of Directors may fix a di erent date for such annual meeting not more than thirty (30) days prior or subsequent to the day otherwise established for such meeting. Failure to hold the annual meeting at the designated time and place shall not work a forfeiture or dissolution of the Association.

• Section 3.02. Special Meetings.

Special meetings of the Members may be called by a majority of the Board of Directors, or upon written petition submitted to the Board of Directors signed by at least three hundred (300) Members; any such petition(s) shall be submitted on forms provided by the Association, and the same shall be signed, completed and veriﬁed in the same manner as are petitions submitted under Section 4.04 of these Bylaws. Special meetings shall be held at such place within Coahoma County, Mississippi, on such date, and at such hour as the Board of Directors shall ﬁx and determine, and the Association’s Secretary shall cause notice of any such meetings to be given as hereinafter provided.

• Section 3.03. Notice of Members’ Meetings.

Written or printed notice stating the place, day and hour of the meeting and, in the case of a special meeting or of an annual meeting at which business requiring special notice is to be transacted, the purpose or purposes of the meeting shall be delivered to each Member not less than fifteen (15) days nor more than twenty-five (25) days prior to the date of the meeting, either personally, by mail, or electronically, by or at the direction of the Association’s Secretary, or by the directors or members calling the meeting. Written notice of any meeting at which the Association’s certificate of incorporation will be voted on by the Members must be sent to the Members at least

thirty (30) days prior to the date of the meeting, and shall identify and describe the purpose of the amendment. If Directors are to be elected at such meeting, the notice of Members’ meeting shall include a statement of the members of the Board of Directors to be elected as provided in Section 4.04. Unless speciﬁed in such notice of meeting, no matter may be acted upon at such meeting. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be delivered when deposited in the United States mail, addressed to the Member at his or her address as it appears on the records of the Association, with postage thereon prepaid. The failure of any Member to receive such notice shall not invalidate any action which may be taken by the Members at any such meeting.

• Section 3.04. Quorum.

Three hundred (300) Members shall constitute a quorum at any regular or special meeting of Members. This number shall be arrived at by adding the number of Members present in person at the meeting to the number of Members represented at that meeting by valid proxies ﬁled as provided by these Bylaws. If less than a quorum is present at any meeting of Members, the o cer of the Association who is presiding at the meeting may, at the time stated in the notice and without a motion, declare the meeting adjourned and closed or he may hold the meeting open for not longer than thirty (30) minutes to see if a quorum is present within that time; and the meeting shall automatically be adjourned and closed if a quorum shall not be present at the end of said thirty (30) minute period. The Members present at a meeting at which a quorum is not present shall not have the power to take any kind of action, including, but not by way of limitations, adjourning said meeting to another time or place.

• Section 3.05. Voting.

Each Member who is not in a status of suspension, as provided for in Section 2.01, shall be entitled to only one vote upon each matter submitted to a vote at any meeting of the Members. A Member may vote at any such meeting either in person or by proxy. At a meeting of the Members where Directors are to be elected, all Members present in person or by proxy may cast one (1) vote for each Director to be elected; each Member may vote his or her own vote plus those proxies executed in such Member’s favor, pursuant to Section 3.06 and 3.07 of these Bylaws. Voting by Members other than Members who are natural persons shall be allowed upon the presentation to the

Association, prior to or upon registration at each Member meeting, of satisfactory evidence entitling the person presenting same to vote. At all meetings of the Members, all questions shall be decided by a majority of the Members voting thereon, except as otherwise provided by law or by the Association’s Certiﬁcate of Incorporation or these Bylaws or any amendment(s) thereto. Members may not cumulate their votes.

• Section 3.06. Proxies.

At all meetings of the Members, a Member may vote by proxy executed in writing and signed by the Member, subject to the provisions hereinafter set forth, provided, however, any Member intending to vote by proxy must file the executed proxy at the Association’s headquarters by the close of business on the later of the Monday preceding the annual or special meeting or three (3) business days prior to such meeting. A Member may personally deliver his or her proxy to the said o ces of the Association or mail the proxy by United States Mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the Secretary, Coahoma Electric Power Association, P. O. Box 188, Lyon, Mississippi, 38645. If the proxy is sent by mail, the date of its receipt in the Association’s o ce at the above address shall be its filing date. The proxy must have entered thereon the name and account number of the member appointed to vote the proxy. No proxy shall be voted at any meeting of the Members unless it shall designate the particular meeting at which it is to be voted, and no proxy shall be voted at any meeting other than the one so designated, or any adjournment of such meeting. No proxy shall be voted by anyone except a Member. A Member may appoint any other individual Member to vote his or her proxy, or a Member may appoint the individual members of the Board of Directors, collectively, to vote said proxy. No Member shall vote as proxy for more than fifty (50) Members at any meeting of the Members. In the event an individual Member is appointed to vote as proxy for more than fifty (50) other Members, such proxies in excess of fifty (50) shall be assigned to the Board of Directors for voting; and the proxies so assigned and those proxies appointing the individual members of the Board of Directors shall be voted according to the will of a majority of the Board of Directors. The presence of a Member at a meeting of the Members shall revoke a proxy theretofore executed by that Member, and such Member shall be entitled to vote at such meeting in the same manner and with the same e ect as if the proxy had not been executed. In case of a joint membership, a proxy may be executed by either spouse. The timely presence of either spouse at a meeting of the Members shall revoke a proxy theretofore executed by either of them and such joint Member (or Members) shall be entitled to vote at such meeting in the same manner and with the same e ect as if a proxy had not been executed. A standard proxy form shall be used which identifies the Member by name and Member number, in order to assure authenticity and facilitate the tabulation of votes. If the proxy form of a Member is

lost, stolen, or destroyed, the Association shall furnish such Member with a replacement proxy form upon request, provided that the Member executes a revocation of the lost, stolen or destroyed form, to be witnessed by an employee of the Association. Blank proxy forms will not be distributed in bulk to any Member. Designation of proxies shall be upon forms prescribed by the Board of Directors and furnished by the Association and no other forms shall be recognized or accepted.

ARTICLE IV

• Section 4.04. Committee on Nominations.

Notice to Members

ANNUAL MEETING OF MEMBERS

Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026 at 10 a.m.

Coahoma Electric’s Headquarters • Coahoma, MS

Members of Coahoma EPA’s Committee on Nominations

Robert A. Boyce

(a) It shall be the duty of the Board of Directors to appoint, no less than forty (40) calendar days nor more than ninety (90) calendar days before the date of the meeting of the Members at which Directors are to be elected, a Committee on Nominations consisting of not less than five (5) nor more than eleven (11) Members who shall be selected with consideration being given to provide geographic representation of the Association’s service area. No existing Association employees, agents, o cers, Directors or known candidates for Director, and close relatives (as hereinafter defined) or members of the same household of existing association employees, agents, o cers, Directors or known candidates for Director may serve on such committee. The Committee on Nominations shall receive and consider any suggestion as to nominees submitted by Members. The Committee on Nominations shall meet at a time and place set by the Board of Directors. The Committee on Nominations shall prepare and post at the principal o ce of the Association at least thirty-five (35) calendar days before the meeting a list of nominations for Directors. The Secretary must mail with the notice of the meeting or separately a statement of the number of Directors to be elected and the names and addresses of the candidates nominated by the Committee on Nominations.

(b) Nominations By Petition. Any ﬁfty (50) Members acting together may make a nomination by petition and the Secretary shall post such nomination at the same place where the list of nominations by the Committee on Nominations is posted. Any petition for nomination shall be submitted on a form designated and provided by the Association. Each Member signing such petition shall place thereon the date of signing, address and account number of the Member. The Secretary shall mail with the notice of the meeting or separately a statement of the number of board members to be elected and the names of candidates nominated by the committees and the names of candidates nominated by petition, if any. Nominations made by petition, if any, received by the close of business at least 90 calendar days before the annual meeting shall be included on the o cial ballot. No petition may contain more than one nominee.

(c) Notwithstanding anything in this Section, failure to comply with any of the provisions of this Section shall not a ect in any manner whatsoever the validity of any election of Directors.

Reggie Hibbler

Hamp Bass

William Peal

Harvey B. Rodgers Jr.

Dina Wilson

Tommy Sides

COAHOMA ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION

‘Not-for-profit’ means ‘all f you’

by Scott Flood

The primary goal of a co-op isn’t to make money, but to provide a safe and reliable source of electricity at a cost the local community can a ord.

When co-ops earn more than they pay out in wholesale energy and other costs, they keep some the extra money in reserves or return it to their members through what are known as capital credits.

For more than four decades, business writer Scott Flood has worked with electric cooperatives to build knowledge of energy-related issues among directors, sta and members.

Electric co-ops employ local people who patronize local businesses, so much of the money they earn stays in the communities they serve, boosting the local economy.

As the holiday season approaches, we’re reminded that this is the season of giving. Just like our members, Coast Electric employees take things like gratitude, generosity and looking out for one another to heart year-round.

When we talk about our concern for the community it’s not just a nice phrase — it’s one of the core principles that makes electric cooperatives like ours di erent from other utilities. Providing reliable, a ordable electricity, and world-class internet service are the best ways we can serve our communities, but it’s not all we do to make life better for our members.

Over the years, we’ve faced challenges together, and every time, our co-op family has stepped up. We’ve come together to support those in need, to keep our community strong and to build something better for the future. That spirit of generosity is never more evident than during the holiday season.

Featured in this issue are stories about how our co-op and our employees participated in the Heart Walk and helped make a local high school student’s wishes come true. Whether it’s supporting charity events, making donations to worthy causes or participating

Season of giving

in hands-on volunteering activities, our employees take our mission to improve the quality of life in our communities seriously.

We are grateful that members, like you, are our partners in serving our communities through the Operation Round Up program. Your participation allows us to support worthy organizations in our threecounty service area. When you’re part of a co-op, giving back isn’t a requirement — it’s just what you do. That’s something to be thankful for this holiday season and all year long.

At Coast Electric we believe concern for community is more than a value — it’s the heart of who we are. And during this season of giving, we’re especially grateful to be part of such a caring, generous community.

by Ron Barnes

President and CEO

ANNUAL MEETING REMINDER

Coast Electric’s Annual Meeting will be held at the cooperative’s headquarters in Kiln on Thursday, Nov. 6. Registration begins at 5 p.m. and the business meeting will be called to order at 6 p.m. Members who attend will be able to speak with Coast Electric and CoastConnect employees about our programs and services, will hear reports about the state of the cooperative and will be eligible to win prizes including up to $1,000 in electricity credits and a Ford F-150 recently retired from the company ﬂeet. We hope to see you there!

Donation makes class accessible to more students

When employees at Coast Electric heard from Harrison County Career and Technical Center (HCCTC) Director Preston Necaise that one of his students needed modiﬁed equipment to fully participate in the school’s carpentry program, the co-op made a donation that made that possible.

Ellie Gautreaux has a passion for building things. A student at D’Iberville High School, Ellie spends time each day at the HCCTC working with her fellow students on building projects. Ellie was born with spina biﬁda and uses a wheelchair, which makes it di cult to use the equipment in the school shop.

To make it possible for Ellie to fully participate in the class safely, Coast Electric donated a set of accessible tools to Ellie.

“Even though it’s just a few pieces of equipment, we knew the impact for Ellie would not just beneﬁt her but also other students here at the career tech center, and give them opportunities to succeed and thrive,” said Coast Electric Director of Community Development Janell Nolan.

Heart Walk

Coast Electric employees, their families and their pets recently participated in the Gulf Coast Heart Walk at Jones Park in Gulfport. The team raised funds for the American Heart Association that will be used for research and resources locally.

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 energy consumption in your home. Visit www.coastelectric.coop and ﬁll out our entry form. It only takes a few seconds, and you could win a prize that helps you save!

Coast Electric employees donate a set of accessible tools to Ellie Gautreaux, a student who participates in the carpentry program at the Harrison County Career and Technical Center. Ellie uses a wheelchair and is now able to safely and fully participate in the class thanks to the donation.

Thank you Veterans

We are grateful for the Coast Electric and CoastConnect employees who have served our country. We are thankful for your service:

Sonia Anderson

Scott Baucum

Donnie Bond

Buddy Bourn Luke Davis Wilson Eaton

Paul D. Guichet

Lashonda Gorman

Jesse Hardee

Darrell Henderson

Clay Hoppen

Gus Irias

Susan Lossett Greg Martin

Kenneth Mitchell

Sean Mitchem

Doug Mooney

Devin Nelson

Walter Samayoa

Bruce Thompson

Tony Wallis

David Warman

Cory Wescovich

Chris Westbrook

John Ziller

OFFICES CLOSED FOR VETERANS DAY

COAST ELECTRIC AND COASTCONNECT OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED TUESDAY, NOV. 11, ON VETERANS DAY.

Coast Electric dispatchers will be on duty, and crews will be on call. If you need to report an outage, you can text us at 228-338-4644 using the mobile number associated with your account, report your outage on coastelectric.coop, use our CE on the Go app or call 877-769-2372. For 24/7 tech support with CoastConnect, call 877-969-3884 and select option 2.

2 GIG CoastConnect just got FASTER

CoastConnect’s NEW referral program is here! Sign up to be a CoastConnect Ambassador today, so you can start turning your connections into cash. It’s our way of saying thanks for spreading the word about our high-speed internet and phone service.

Ready for more speed? Our new 2 Gig internet plan is now available to take your online experience to the next level. Whether you’re streaming, gaming, working from home or connecting multiple devices, the UltimateConnect 2 Gig plan gives you the freedom to do it all.

Turn your connections into cash

Here’s how it works:

• Visit our new and improved website to sign up to be a CoastConnect Ambassador.

• Once signed up, you will receive a personalized referral QR code to share with friends, family, neighbors and anybody who needs faster internet.

• When someone signs up for CoastConnect service using your referral QR code, you and the new subscriber will receive a gift card after the referred subscriber pays their ﬁrst bill.

• The more people you refer, the more you earn. It’s that easy!

Sign up to be a CoastConnect Ambassador today! You can receive $50 for each residential referral, or $100 for each business referral. Visit coastconnect.com/ambassador/ to learn more.

HAPPY

Coast Electric and CoastConnect o ces will be closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 27-28 for the Thanksgiving holiday. Coast Electric dispatchers will be on duty and crews will be on call throughout the weekend. If you need to report an outage, text 228-338-4644 using the mobile number associated with your account, report your outage on coastelectric.coop, use our CE on the Go app or call 877-769-2372. For 24/7 tech support with CoastConnect, call 877-969-3884 and select option 2. We wish you and your loved ones a happy holiday, full of things that make you grateful.

Prep now for

What can I do now to manage my winter energy bills?

There’s also a $150 tax credit for an energy audit, which allows a pro to help determine what your home needs and how to prioritize potential projects. Visit energystar.gov for more information.

Although it might not seem like a signiﬁcant di erence, reducing airﬂow through and around windows can make your home more comfortable in the winter. Replacing broken or nonfunctional sash

You’ll be thankful you prepared in the fall for colder weather when you receive your ﬁrst winter bill.

locks can be a reasonable DIY project, but it’s best to avoid doing it when the winter winds are blowing. Also, use caulk to seal all gaps around the window trim. If you have operable storm windows, make sure they close.

If you have a forced-air heating or air conditioning system, replace the filter. First, turn the system o to check it. If your filter is dirty, leave it in place until you have a replacement. Running your system without a filter can send any dust or dirt in the ductwork directly into the components and damage your equipment. Make a note of the filter’s size on your shopping list or take a picture of the filter with your phone, so you can reference it when running errands.

Also, stocking up on filters can save you money. I bought a 12-pack of filters for $72—$6 each. A similar filter sold separately was $10.

This fall, look for opportunities to protect your home from the elements and maintain your equipment before the cold of winter.

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

Miranda Boutelle

Filters should be checked every three months and replaced if needed.

‘Not-for-profit’ means ‘all f you’

by Scott Flood

was created to change that, providing a source of expertise and ﬁnancing for a new concept in energy: the rural electric power cooperative.

Electric co-ops employ local people who patronize local businesses, so much of the money they earn stays in the communities they serve, boosting the local economy.

When co-ops earn more than they pay out in wholesale energy and other costs, they keep some the extra money in reserves or return it to their members through what are known as capital credits.

Co-ops also work to support the area’s economic health through activities designed was created help bring electricity to rural communities, providing a source of expertise and ﬁnancing for a new concept in energy.

For more than four decades, business writer Scott Flood has worked with electric cooperatives to build knowledge of energy-related issues among directors, sta and members.

The primary goal of a co-op isn’t to make money, but to provide a safe and reliable source of electricity at a cost the local community can a ord.

Infrastructure Costs

The past five years have been a period of exploding costs for the electric utility industr y and for broadband providers, pushed by soaring demand, supply chain challenges, raw materials shortages, increased labor costs and tari s. The impact has been rapid increases in the cost of producing power, longer and more unpredictable project timelines and the need for more financing, all of which have driven electric rates up for residences, businesses and other end-users. Here’s a look at what’s contributing to the trend. Percent increase since 2020:

Infrastructure

Utility poles (wood, steel, composite)

Crossarms & braces (steel/wood).......

Conductor wire (aluminum/copper)..

Transformers.......................................

Grain-oriented electrical steel...........

Oil/dielectric fluids............................

Copper wiring......................................

Concrete..............................................

Smart meters.......................................

Pad-mounted switchgear....................

Circuit breakers/reclosers...................

+25–40%

+20–35%

+30–50%

+70–100%

Generation

Diesel gensets......................................

Gas turbines........................................

Solar PV systems.................................

Wind turbines......................................

Hydropower components...................

Batter y storage....................................

SCADA/EMS systems...........................

Inverters..............................................

Relays & switchgear

Natural Gas..........................................

Coal......................................................

Diesel/fuel oil....................................

Build-outs

Utility construction labor....................

Freight/logistics...................................

Fleets

Light trucks..........................................

Bucket trucks, digger derricks ...........

Fuel costs (especially diesel)..............

+20–50%

+20–30%

Broadband

Sources: BLS; energynews.com; Reuters; Wood Mackenzie; NREL; +25–40%

Maintenance........................................

Insurance premiums...........................

+15–25% +20%

Powered by progress, rooted in gratitude

As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s a time for reﬂecting on the journey we’ve shared as a cooperative. I’ve had the privilege to call Dixie Electric home for 39 years. It’s been remarkable to see the co-op evolve through the years, with technology advancing at an astonishing pace. In many ways, these advancements have transformed how we serve you, enhancing reliability, convenience, and safety. But amid all the progress, one constant has remained: our unwavering commitment to our mission of powering communities and empowering lives.

When I fi rst joined Dixie Electric, many of our tools and processes were quite di erent from what you see today. We had a couple of digger trucks for setting poles and one bucket truck. Almost all the work of providing service and restoring power involved the linemen climbing poles. They still climb poles today, but the fleet of vehicles and the specialized tools we have now allow our linemen to work safer and more e ciently than in the past. Not only does this equipment protect our men and women in the field, but it also allows us to restore power faster when outages occur. These improvements reflect our commitment to continually investing in both our people and the resources they need to serve you well.

It’s not just vehicles and tools that have transformed the way we serve. Innovations in technology — from automated meter reading to modern outage management systems — have enabled us to improve service for our members, respond faster

to outages, and o er more convenience in how you manage your energy use. These advancements ensure that we’re not only meeting today’s needs but preparing for the future. Our priority has always been, and continues to be, delivering the reliable, a ordable service our members expect.

But even with all this change, the single greatest asset we have continues to be our people, the ones who make up this cooperative. We are fortunate to have a dedicated team that works diligently and a committed board of directors that has supported and guided us at every turn. At Dixie Electric, our goal is to be more than just a power provider — we are neighbors, friends, and partners in the growth of our community.

This Thanksgiving, I want to thank you for being part of our co-op family and for placing your trust in us. As we continue to advance and adapt, you can count on us to stay focused on what matters most: empowering lives and powering the communities we all call home.

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Dixie Electric!

by Randy Smith

General Manager

Powering connections:

partnering with our schools for safety and learning

by Amanda Mills

As both a communicator for Dixie Electric and a mom, I know how important it is for children to receive the right lessons at the right time. Electricity and the internet bring countless opportunities into our homes, but they also carry risks. That’s why I was so proud to help launch our very ﬁ rst Powering Connections event this September.

As an electric cooperative, we feel called to help teach children the dangers of electricity and how to stay safe around it.

On Sept. 18, we welcomed 36 educators representing 24 schools across our seven-county service area to our headquarters in Laurel. Principals, counselors, career coaches, and teachers gathered for one common purpose: to learn how Dixie Electric and DE Fastlink can partner with them to better equip their students.

Many schools didn’t realize the variety of resources we o er. From electric safety demonstrations and bucket truck displays to STEM activities, youth leadership programs, and internet safety

presentations, our team has developed ways to make learning hands-on and memorable. One of the highlights of the day was giving educators the chance to try a STEM activity themselves — the same type of activity our employees bring into classrooms. It was fun to watch them dive in and enjoy what their students would soon experience.

For us, this isn’t just about outreach — it’s about responsibility. As an electric cooperative, we feel called to help teach children the dangers of electricity and how to stay safe around it. With the addition of high-speed internet in our communities, the responsibility extends to helping students navigate the online world safely, too. As parents ourselves, we understand just how critical these lessons are.

Powering Connections gave us the opportunity to not only share these resources but also build lasting partnerships with our local schools. We’re grateful for the chance to walk alongside educators in preparing the next generation, and we look forward to continuing this journey together. Educators who would like to schedule Dixie Electric or DE Fastlink to visit their school for a classroom presentation or demonstration are encouraged to reach out. To learn more or to schedule a visit, contact Melanie Driskell at 601-425-2535 or email melaniedriskell@dixieepa.com.

Remem ing Jennifer Penton

by Amanda Mills

Dixie Electric Power Association is mourning the loss of one of our own, Jennifer Penton, who passed away on Sept. 27. Jennifer was a familiar face to many of our members and a beloved part of the Dixie Electric family for over 20 years.

Jennifer began her career at Dixie Electric in June 2005 as a cashier trainee in the Petal o ce. From her ﬁrst day, she was known for her politeness, initiative, and eagerness to learn. Her dedication and care for members quickly stood out, and in Jan. 2012, she was promoted to senior member service representative — a role she faithfully served in until her passing.

Her coworkers remember her as someone who led by example, never hesitating to step in and help when needed. Whether assisting a member with a question or supporting her fellow team members, Jennifer always approached her work with kindness and professionalism. Her presence in the Petal o ce was not just valued — it was cherished.

“Working with Jennifer was a privilege,” said Petal District Supervisor Jerry Gibson. “I never had to worry about member service because she had the knowledge and skill to take care of just about everything that came through the o ce. Beyond being coworkers, we were close friends, and it’s hard to put into words the weight of her loss. Jennifer will be deeply missed by both her coworkers and the members she cared for so well.”

“Jennifer was the embodiment of kindness and gentleness,” said General Manager Randy Smith. “I can’t remember ever hearing a cross word from Jennifer about anyone, even members who had been rude or ugly. I can’t imagine anyone better suited for the job she had in Petal than Jennifer. We are going to miss her."

Beyond her career, Jennifer’s greatest pride and joy were her two children, Tyler and Breanna. She treasured every moment with them, and her devotion as a mother was evident to all who knew her.

Jennifer’s sudden passing leaves a tremendous void, both within her family and in our cooperative family. She will be deeply missed by her coworkers, our members, and the community she served with such dedication.

The Foster Backpack Program

Tickets are $25 each. Buy four tickets for $100 and receive a ﬁfth bonus ticket!

• First drawing will be Monday, Dec. 1, and continue each weekday through Tuesday, Dec. 16.

• Only 500 tickets will be sold. • Winning tickets will stay in the drawing, allowing the opportunity to win multiple days.

• Tickets can be purchased from any Dixie Electric employee or o ce location.

36 Inch Outdoor Fire Pit with Grill

$105 value

Electric Waterless Oil Di user + 5 Scent Oils (covers up to 1,000 feet)

$120 value

Beautiful by Drew Barrymore 3.5 Qt. Stand mixer (white)

$125 value

Cordless Vacuum Cleaner with Charging Dock Station

$130 value

Vizio 5.1 Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer

$200 value

iRobot Roomba Vacuum & Mop Combo

$250 value

Apple Airpod Pro 3 Wireless Earbuds with Active Noise Cancellation

$250 value

Pit Boss Tabletop Wood Pellet Grill

$250 value

Apple iPad 11-inch 128 GB

$300 value

28” Blackstone Griddle with X-Braced Hood

$400 value

Roku 65-inch Smart 4K HDR TV

$400 value

Yeti Tundra 75 Cooler, Desert Tan

$450 value

As we came together for EMEPA’s 87th Annual Meeting, I was reminded of a simple truth: this cooperative doesn’t belong to one person — it belongs to all of us. Every mile of line, every upgrade, every service we provide has been made possible because of the employees, directors and members who have worked together – past and present – to serve East Mississippi.

When I ﬁrst joined EMEPA in 1977 as a draftsman, I was just a young man learning how to draw lines and complete work orders. I never imagined that one day I’d serve you as CEO. Over the years, I’ve discovered that any success I’ve had is thanks to the people around me — dedicated people who were willing to teach, support and share in the work of building something greater than themselves.

One of the things I’m proudest of is how far we’ve come in safety and reliability. Today, we invest in our employees, so they go home safely each night, and we’ve strengthened our system to provide the reliable service you count on. You may not see those upgrades every day, but you feel them — in the lights that stay on, the businesses that open their doors, and the conﬁdence our communities have to grow.

We’ve also embraced innovation. I remember when computerized work orders replaced the paper systems we’d relied on for decades, and when we digitized system maps to improve outage response. These changes, along with ﬁnancial planning tools and forecasting, have helped us keep rates a ordable and prepare for the future.

WITH GRATITUDE for our cooperative family

One of the boldest steps we’ve taken in recent years is the launch of East Mississippi Connect. Broadband isn’t a luxury anymore — it’s a necessity. When no one else was willing to provide it, your cooperative stepped forward. Today, thousands of families are connected, and with that connection comes new opportunities for education, healthcare and economic growth.

I’m pleased to announce that this year, more than $2.2 million in capital credits will be returned to members who received service in 1994–1995. That’s one of the clearest examples of the cooperative di erence — returning value directly to you.

As I reﬂect on my career, I don’t see a list of accomplishments. I see a family — the EMEPA family. From linemen working in the toughest storms, to o ce sta answering phones with patience, to engineers designing for tomorrow and to members who trust us to serve — every one of you is part of our story.

Our cooperative is strong because of you. As we look ahead, let’s keep that cooperative spirit alive: watching out for one another, serving with pride and building a brighter future for East Mississippi — together.

by Randy Carroll

CEO — East Mississippi Electric Power Association

Shift, save and simplify with EMEPA’s

Time-of-Use Rate Plan

Did you know you can lower your electric bill without lowering your electricity use? East Mississippi Electric Power Association’s Time-of-Use (TOU) Rate Plan gives you the power to save money simply by adjusting when you use electricity.

Instead of paying one ﬂat rate, TOU pricing is based on the time of day. Electricity used during high-demand hours (on-peak) costs more, while energy use during o -peak hours costs less. That means by shifting daily tasks like laundry, cooking or heating water to opeak times, you can take advantage of lower rates and watch the savings add up.

Why it works

When members use more electricity during o -peak hours, EMEPA avoids costly peak demand charges and delays the need for additional generation facilities. This helps keep rates stable while rewarding members with lower costs. In fact, 87% of the hours in a day are o -peak, giving you plenty of time to make the switch.

On-peak vs. o -peak hours

On-peak times vary slightly depending on your system and the season:

• South system (April–October): 2 p.m.–5 p.m. weekdays

• North system (April–October): 3 p.m.–6 p.m. weekdays

• South and north systems (November–March): 6 a.m.–9 a.m. weekdays

• Off-peak: All other hours, plus weekends and major holidays

Easy ways to shift your use

Making small changes can add up to big savings. Try:

• Running dishwashers, laundry or pool pumps during o -peak hours.

• Using programmable thermostats to reduce heating/cooling during peak times.

• Setting timers for appliances like water heaters.

• Cooking dinner a little earlier or later when peak hours apply.

For complete details and sign-up information, visit emepa.com or stop by any EMEPA o ce. Take control of your energy costs today! With EMEPA’s Time-of-Use Rate Plan, the power to save is in your hands.

EMEPA CELEBRATES 87 YEARS AT ANNUAL MEETING

East Mississippi Electric Power Association recently celebrated 87 years of service during its Annual Meeting in Meridian. CEO Randy Carroll highlighted the cooperative’s growth, praised the dedication of EMEPA’s team, and thanked members for their continued support.

Members re-elected David Sorrels (Kemper County), Jerry Webb (Winston County) and Chester Willis (South System At-Large) to three-year terms on the Board of Directors, reﬂecting the co-op’s democratic governance.

Members in attendance were entered to win electricity bill credits, with prizes ranging from $250 to $500.

Attendance Drawing Winners:

• $250: Russell Keene (Lauderdale County), and Mack Stewart (Lauderdale County)

• $500: Kelly Miller (Lauderdale County)

Proxy Drawing Winners ($500 each):

Jessica Dearmon (Clarke County), Gregg Gardner (Lauderdale County), Katie Harbour Robinson (Kemper County), and Birta Shumaker (Winston County)

$2.2 million in capital credits coming back to members

East Mississippi Electric Power Association is returning more than $2.2 million in capital credits to members who received service in 1995. Capital credit distributions will be issued in early December.

As a not-for-proﬁt cooperative, EMEPA returns any margins to its members rather than shareholders. Each year, the Board of Directors reviews the co-op’s ﬁnancial condition and long-term plans to determine the amount to retire, following a 30-year rotation.

Capital credits play a key role in strengthening the system — funds are reinvested into equipment and infrastructure to keep power reliable and costs stable.

“As a cooperative, we belong to the members we serve,” said CEO Randy Carroll. “Sharing margins back with our members is part of what makes co-ops di erent.”

Learn more at EMEPA.com/account/capital-credits.

Holiday Survival Kit

Inside the kit, you’ll ﬁnd:

Celebrate

Between the shopping, decorating and traveling, the season sometimes feels like it moves at lightning speed. That’s why EMC has created the Digital Holiday Streaming Survival Kit, your go-to guide for keeping the fun stress-free and connected.

• Top holiday movies and where to stream them, so your family movie nights are ready to roll.

• Streaming and Wi-Fi tips to keep video calls crystal clear and prevent bu ering during big game nights or holiday movie marathons.

• Family-friendly video call apps so you can see the smiles of loved ones near and far.

• Troubleshooting basics that help ﬁx common internet hiccups quickly.

• Quick gift ideas you can order online with ﬁber speed—perfect for last-minute shopping.

It’s everything you need to stay connected, entertained and prepared, all in one festive guide. With EMC’s reliable ﬁber internet, you’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing your connection is strong enough for every call, stream and download.

Scan the QR code to download your Holiday Survival Kit and start celebrating smarter this season.

Letters to Santa—Delivered by Fiber

Few traditions capture the wonder of the holidays quite like writing to Santa Claus. This year, EMC is making sure every child in East Mississippi can send Christmas wishes at ﬁber speed!

The holidays are a time for joy, family and community. East Mississippi Connect is here to help make your season a little brighter! From streaming your favorite holiday movies to making sure the kids’ letters reach Santa on time, EMC is proud to power the moments that matter most. This year, we’re sharing two special holiday initiatives designed with you in mind:

the Holidays with EMC

1. Drop o a letter at any EMC o ce.

Families have two easy ways to participate:

2. Submit online through our holiday web page. Kids can type their letter or upload a scanned copy of their handwritten note.

Every letter is delivered directly to the North Pole, and every child will receive a magical postcard reply from Santa himself. To make it extra special, three to ﬁve lucky letters will be chosen for a surprise holiday doorstep delivery—complete with toys, EMC plushes, books and candy.

This program is more than just fun. It’s a way for EMC to connect with families across our communities, spreading joy in schools, neighborhoods and homes.

Scan the QR code to submit your letter today.

A Season of Connection

At EMC, we believe the holidays are about more than fast internet—they’re about building memories, celebrating traditions and connecting with the people you love most. Whether you’re watching a holiday classic, catching up with distant relatives or seeing your child’s face light up when Santa writes back, we’re proud to help power it all.

From our family to yours, may your holidays be ﬁlled with connection, cheer and community.

TYLERTOWN’S

RETURNS FOR ANOTHER SEASON

Tylertown’s long-running holiday light show marks its 27th season this year at the town’s 40-acre park, located on the east bank of Magee’s Creek.

Christmas in the Park attracts thousands of visitors to this small town of under 2,000 residents during the Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve period.

The lighted park has been featured on area television stations, in newspapers and magazine stories, and on internet web sites, including being named as one of the state’s “Must See” Christmas attractions.

The community-supported event is operated by a volunteer committee as an arm of the Walthall Chamber of Commerce.

While the park’s walking trails remain open, the park was closed to vehicular tra c starting on Oct. 1 to allow workers to transport, erect, and set up the thousands of Christmas light displays.

Prior to Christmas in the Park, the committee hosts a Christmas Craft Show and Bazaar Nov. 21 from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Nov. 22 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Southwest Events Center. Visitors attending the show will get an early look at the lights while riding a custom-designed trailer traveling the park at 15–20-minute intervals. The preview rides are available for $5

for adults, while children under 12 ride free. Concessions will be catered by Magnolia House.

Then, less than a week later, Christmas in the Park opens on Thanksgiving Eve with a one-time walking tour Nov. 26 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Admission for the walking tour is $5 per adult and $2 for children 12 and under.

The drive through tours begin at dusk Thanksgiving night — Nov. 27 — continuing until 8:30 p.m. nightly through New Year’s Eve. Admission is $5 for passenger vehicles, $10 for commercial vans, and $20 for buses. Entrance for the drive-through tours is on Old Hwy. 98 East at the Magee’s Creek Bridge.

Closer to Christmas, the park committee hosts a second craft event, Tylertown’s Country Christmas Festival and Craft Show, on Dec. 12 from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Dec. 13 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Agri-Heritage building, downtown.

A vast assortment of gifts including custom jewelry, bookmarks, crochet, metal work and whimsical art, paintings, variety of woodcrafts, stained glass, engraving, jellies and preserves from products native to the area, baked goods, candies and other items will be on sale.

For more information, call 601-876-2680.

What can I do now to manage my winter energy bills?

by Miranda Boutelle

There’s also a $150 tax credit for an energy audit, which allows a pro to help determine what your home needs and how to prioritize potential projects. Visit energystar.gov for more information.

You’ll be thankful you prepared in the fall for colder weather when you receive your ﬁrst winter bill.

keep them from closing snugly. I ﬁnd the crevice tool attachment on my vacuum cleaner, combined with a small, dry scrub brush or an old toothbrush works great. The locks should pull the top and bottom window sashes together tightly. For casement windows, the locks should pull the window tightly to the frame.

Although it might not seem like a significant di erence, reducing airflow through and around windows can make your home more comfortable in the winter. Replacing broken or nonfunctional sash locks can be a reasonable DIY project, but it’s best to avoid doing it when the winter winds are blowing. Also, use caulk to seal all gaps around the window trim. If you have operable storm windows, make sure they close. If you have a forced-air heating or air conditioning system, replace the filter. First, turn the system o to check it. If your filter is dirty, leave it in place until you have a replacement. Running your system without a filter can send any dust or dirt in the ductwork directly into the components and damage your equipment. Make a note of the filter’s size on your shopping list or take a picture of the filter with your phone, so you can reference it when running errands.

Also, stocking up on filters can save you money. I bought a 12-pack of filters for $72—$6 each. A similar filter sold separately was $10.

This fall, look for opportunities to protect your home from the elements and maintain your equipment before the cold of winter.

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

Filters should be checked every three months and replaced if needed.

MEP supporting

December is here, and if you ﬁnd any toys on sale, be sure to buy an extra one for the Toys for Tots drive.

MEP will again be supporting Toys for Tots this Christmas, and we are asking our members to help us collect toys for the children. Members can drop toys o in a donation box in the lobby at Magnolia Electric Power.

If you want to participate, please leave an unwrapped toy in the donation box from now until Dec. 12, and we will see that it gets to the proper people.

There are no restrictions on the toys.

HAPPY

Magnolia Electric's business o ce will be closed Nov. 27-28 for Thanksgiving. A dispatcher will be on duty, and our linemen will be on call.

Should you have an outage, please call in at 601-684-4011 or report it by SmartHub.

Prep now for

What can I do now to manage my winter energy bills?

by Miranda Boutelle

Check all windows to ensure a tight lock and seal to reduce outdoor air from seeping into your home.

To o set the costs, federal tax credits for energy e ciency upgrades are available through Dec. 31, 2025. Homeowners can claim a total of 30% of the cost of installation, up to $3,200. Tax credits are available for insulation, heat pumps, air conditioning systems, and more. There’s even a tax credit for electrical panel upgrades, which might be needed to accommodate new energy e cient equipment. There’s also a $150 tax credit for an energy audit, which allows a pro to help determine what your home needs and how to prioritize potential projects. Visit energystar.gov for more information. When it comes to do-it-yourself projects, there are a few upgrades you can take care of yourself. Lock in savings with window cleaning and maintenance. Make sure sash locks and window cranks are in good working order and cleaned of any dirt and leaves. Debris can keep them from closing snugly. I ﬁnd the crevice tool attachment on

You’ll be thankful you prepared in the fall for colder weather when you receive your ﬁrst winter bill.

my vacuum cleaner, combined with a small, dry scrub brush or an old toothbrush works great. The locks should pull the top and bottom window sashes together tightly. For casement windows, the locks should pull the window tightly to the frame.

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

Filters should be checked every three months and replaced if needed.

‘Not-for-profit’ means ‘all f you’

by Scott Flood

Electric co-ops employ local people who patronize local businesses, so much of the money they earn stays in the communities they serve, boosting the local economy.

When co-ops earn more than they pay out in wholesale energy and other costs, they keep some the extra money in reserves or return it to their members through what are known as capital credits.

For more than four decades, business writer Scott Flood has worked with electric cooperatives to build knowledge of energy-related issues among directors, sta and members.

The primary goal of a co-op isn’t to make money, but to provide a safe and reliable source of electricity at a cost the local community can a ord.

Infrastructure Costs

Infrastructure

Utility poles (wood, steel, composite)

Crossarms & braces (steel/wood).......

Conductor wire (aluminum/copper)..

Transformers.......................................

Grain-oriented electrical steel...........

Oil/dielectric fluids............................

Copper wiring......................................

Concrete..............................................

Smart meters.......................................

Pad-mounted switchgear....................

Circuit breakers/reclosers...................

+25–40%

+20–35%

+30–50%

+70–100%

Generation

Diesel gensets......................................

Gas turbines........................................

Solar PV systems.................................

Wind turbines......................................

Hydropower components...................

Batter y storage....................................

SCADA/EMS systems...........................

Inverters..............................................

Relays & switchgear

Natural Gas..........................................

Coal......................................................

Diesel/fuel oil....................................

Build-outs

Utility construction labor....................

Freight/logistics...................................

Fleets

Light trucks..........................................

Bucket trucks, digger derricks ...........

Fuel costs (especially diesel)..............

+20–50%

+20–30%

Broadband

Sources: BLS; energynews.com; Reuters; Wood Mackenzie; NREL; +25–40%

Maintenance........................................

Insurance premiums...........................

+15–25% +20%

North East Mississippi

SAVE THE DATE ANNUAL MEETING • Dec. 13

North East Mississippi Electric Power Association’s annual meeting will be held on Dec. 13 at 1 p.m. in the NEMEPA auditorium at 1389 Cooperative Way.

At the annual meeting, North East Power will provide members with updates on the association and NE SPARC. The election results for the Board of Directors will also be announced. Attendees will have the chance to win prizes, which will be awarded that day.

Members can participate in the Board of Directors election by casting an online ballot or proxy through an electronic link that will be emailed to all accounts on ﬁle. Paper ballots and proxies will still be available; however, due to USPS delays, we encourage members to use the online option. The ballot and proxy will be sent along with your o cial meeting notice approximately 30 days before the annual meeting. All returned ballots will be eligible for a prize.

A playback of the meeting will be available the following week. If you are unable to attend in person, please check our website or social media for details on how to watch.

Briscoe selected to serve on North East Power Board of Directors

Danny Briscoe, a lifelong Lafayette County resident, has been selected to serve on the North East Mississippi Electric Power Association Board of Directors serving District 8.

Briscoe was born and raised in Lafayette County and is a 1977 graduate of Lafayette High School. He went on to earn his degree from Mississippi State University in 1981. That same year, he married his high school sweetheart, Cynthia Brown. The couple recently celebrated 44 years of marriage and are longtime members of Anchor Baptist Church.

Throughout his career, Briscoe worked in several communities across Mississippi with the Federal Land Bank, serving as a loan o cer/appraiser, assistant vice president of the Columbus o ce, and later with the district audit and review department.

In 1987, he and his family returned to Oxford, a move Briscoe describes as coming “home to stay.”

He went on to work with the Lafayette County School District as transportation director before serving more than two decades as student services coordinator at the Oxford-Lafayette Business & Industry Complex. After retiring in May 2018, Briscoe began working alongside his son, Daniel, in the Briscoe Construction Company.

Briscoe says he is grateful for the opportunity to give back through his new role on the North East Power Board of Directors.

“I am honored to be able to serve on the North East Mississippi Electric Power Association Board of Directors,” Briscoe said. “I feel like we are being served by the best association in the state of Mississippi.”

LOCAL EDUCATORS WIN

BRIGHT IDEAS

GRANTS

Matthew Briscoe

Jessi Cook

Area schoolteachers were recently awarded Bright Ideas grants from North East Mississippi Electric Power Association and NE SPARC. Ten local educators were selected after submitting an online application and being judged by an independent selection process. These educators secured funds for their creative and innovative classroom projects. Teachers from Lafayette, Oxford, Pontotoc, and Union County school districts received the nearly $10,000 awarded through the Bright Ideas program that will enrich the education of hundreds of children.

“The Bright Ideas program is one of the ways we put our cooperative values into action by supporting education in our communities,” said Sarah Brooke Bishop, communications and marketing manager for NEMEPA, NE SPARC. “Our teachers go above and beyond for students every day, and these grants allow us to give back in a meaningful way. Delivering the awards in person is always such a joy — it’s a highlight of the year for us.”

This is the third year NEMEPA and NE SPARC have distributed grants of up to $500 to public schoolteachers teaching K through 12th grade in their service territory. All classroom subjects are eligible for funding, including but not limited to STEM, language arts, and social studies. Teachers with a bright idea simply submit an online form when applications are open.

Lyn Lane

Lafayette Middle School

Brandi Cooper West Union Attendance Center

Kathleen Hamiliton

Lafayette Elementary School

Leslie Hilliard

D.T. Cox Elementary School

Della Davidson Elementary

Diana McKinion

Lafayette Middle School

Emily Norwood

Lafayette Middle School

Kelle Sumrall

Lafayette Middle School

Misty Vineyard

D.T. Cox Elementary School

North East partners with TVA to support local nonproﬁts

North East Mississippi Electric Power Association (NEMEPA) is proud to announce its partnership with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to award grants to nonproﬁt organizations across the counties it serves.

The funding comes from TVA’s Community Care Fund, which helps local power companies address immediate needs in their communities by providing matching funds for local initiatives. Each selected nonproﬁt organization received a total of $5,000.

“We are grateful for TVA’s continued support through the Community Care Fund, which allows us to extend even greater help to organizations making a real impact in our communities. By partnering together, we can strengthen the resources available to serve and support our members,” said Keith Hayward, CEO/general manager of North East Mississippi Electric Power Association.

This year’s donation recipients are:

• Love Packs

• United Way of Oxford-Lafayette County

• Pontotoc County CREATE A liate (PACT)

• United Way of Northeast Mississippi

“In the spirit of public power, we are honored to partner with local power companies to address the unprecedented challenges facing those we serve,” said Jeannette Mills, TVA’s executive vice president and chief external relations o cer.

by AI DON’T GET TRICKED DON’T GET TRICKED

Artiﬁcial Intelligence (AI) generators are getting better and more accurate at making photos, videos, and messages look real. And while it can be fun to play with the various AI tools, chat platforms, and content generators, there are dangers lurking with those who would seek to do harm.

With the rapid spread of AI content comes a rise in misleading deepfakes, or altered images, videos, or audio. According to information released by the FBI and the American Bankers Association, “[Deepfakes] may depict people you know — including friends and family — or public ﬁgures including celebrities, government o cials, and law enforcement.”

Fake images and messages, including deepfakes, are increasingly being used to trick people into believing false information or even sharing private personal data with bad actors. As AI-created media is posted and shared more widely online, it’s important to learn how to tell the di erence between human-created content and AI-generated content.

NE SPARC has been keeping a close eye on AI developments and new trends, and we want to help keep you safe from deepfakes and bad actors using simulated content.

SPOTTING A FAKE

AI can be used to create fake news, scam calls, or even fake videos of politicians, celebrities, or current events. These tricks can spread fast online and confuse people. Being able to pause and ask, “Is this real?” protects you and your loved ones.

AI is also being used in phishing scams sent through emails and texts. These scammers can more quickly and easily replicate legitimate-looking organizational messages with fewer spelling mistakes. AI chatbots disguised as investors or romantic partners can carry on conversations to earn your trust.

AI is getting so good that even professionally trained eyes struggle to tell what’s real and what’s fake. The most important takeaway is to fact-check copy, images, and even videos you see online before believing the content is real.

SCAMS ARE GETTING TRICKIER WITH AI

The biggest risks to consumers right now are scammers using AI to make their schemes more realistic. In fact, in 2023, the FTC released a consumer alert about scammers using AI to make family emergency schemes and “grandparent scams” seem legitimate.

Criminals are using AI voice cloning tools to replicate audio pulled from videos and voice recordings posted online to sound like your loved one, often claiming they’re in trouble and need money. Likewise, your own voice or face could be copied from social media and used to trick others into sharing money or information.

PROTECTING YOURSELF

The general rule of thumb for protecting yourself online has always been to be careful about what you share on social media, including photos, birthdays, and videos with voices, so that this information cannot be used against you or loved ones via deepfakes. Create code words with your loved ones in case an emergency does arise.

Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication so AI-driven phishing tools can’t break in as easily. It takes seconds for a strong tool to break through weak passwords, and accounts are hard, or often impossible, to recover without two-factor authentication.

Finally, be suspicious:

• Double-check any urgent call or text asking for money or personal details. Hang up and call the person back directly.

• If an o er sounds too good to be true, it likely is.

• Before you share information or photos on social media, verify the source and fact-check from reliable sources.

AI: FRIEND OR FOE?

While scammers are getting extremely sophisticated with deepfakes and generated content, AI can still be helpful in work and fun to play with. The goal isn’t to avoid AI, but to be aware of how to spot the fakes.

NE SPARC cares about keeping you safe online and connected to trustworthy information.

Stay alert, don’t overshare online, double-check content you see shared, and lean on tools when you’re unsure.

Cooperation in action

Your electric cooperative has had a busy October. It’s only ﬁtting that during National Cooperative Month, we were able to celebrate our community through Member Appreciation Day and our 75th Annual Membership Meeting.

Last year, Northcentral — along with many other cooperatives — put into practice one of our guiding principles: cooperation among cooperatives. When Hurricanes Helene and Milton devastated many southeastern communities, electric co-ops from across the country came together to rebuild electric grids and restore power. Here in Mississippi, cooperatives band together to provide group health insurance and various training opportunities for its members. Our state’s co-ops also formed the Mississippi Fiber Network, a communications network that spans the state and extends to Atlanta, Chicago, and Houston. This partnership strengthens reliability and helps keep internet pricing fair for everyone on our networks. We believe in the saying, “Nobody can get there unless everybody gets there.”

Thank you, veterans.

Stay safe.

by Kevin Doddridge General Manager/CEO

As we turn the page to November, we take time to remember our military veterans on November 11. Originally known as Armistice Day to commemorate the end of World War I, Veterans Day reminds us of the courage and sacriﬁce of those who have served our country. Let’s be sure to honor our veterans with the respect they have earned and deserve, not just on the 11th, but every day.

OUR VETERANS HONORING

United

BOBBY

United

CLIFF

United

PETE

United

DONTRELL

Safety starts here

At Northcentral, safety isn’t just a policy — it’s a promise we make to one another. During our annual Safety Day celebration in September, employees were recognized with awards and safety coins for their dedication to following safe work practices, watching out for their coworkers, and keeping our cooperative and community safe. Over the past year, Northcentral employees worked more than 578,000 hours without a single lost-time injury and drove more than 1.1 million miles in company vehicles without an at-fault accident. Our rebranded safety program, Zero Incident, embodies this commitment and reinforces our goal of achieving zero incidents both within Northcentral and throughout the community. Through continued training and teamwork, Northcentral ensures that safety remains at the heart of everything we do — both in the ﬁeld and in the o ce.

If we fail, what excuse do we have? The answer is none.

– JD Cox, director of safety & loss control

Jonathan Patrick recognized for completing the Electric Cooperatives of MS Lineman Apprenticeship Program

Zachary Tyge earned his associate’s degree from Northwest MS Community College with credits earned from the ECM Lineman Apprenticeship program. He is the ﬁrst Northcentral lineman to do so.

Jonathan Pugh is the ﬁrst Northcentral employee to complete the TVPPA Fiber Optic Lineman program.

Northcentral employees awarded safety coins in recognition of their commitment to workplace safety.

Cyber threats are everywhere, but with ProtectIQ, your home network stays one step ahead. As a Northcentral Connect subscriber, you can enjoy peace of mind with built-in protection that blocks viruses, malware, and intrusions before they ever reach your devices. It works quietly in the background 24/7, keeping your family’s data safe and secure. ProtectIQ is included with EVERY plan, giving you one more reason to choose fast, local ﬁber from the folks you know!

Visit northcentralconnect.com to sign up today.

Member owned. Locally operated. That’s the cooperative di erence.

PRVEPA

District 1 • Danny Wilks

Annual Meeting

Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association held its Annual Meeting at its headquarters in Columbia on Sept. 27, 2025. 127 members were in attendance to conduct cooperative business, including the election of three directors to threeyear terms. The following directors were elected:

District 4 • Jack Bradshaw

District 9 • Lavell Bond

Attendance and absentee prizes were awarded as a part of our celebration.

In person winners:

$1000 Prize

Gloria Jean Johnson

$750 Prize

Julia James

Absentee prize winners:

$1,000 ANALOIS ENTREKIN

$750 CHAD BRITT

$500 HANSON BRELAND

$100 TINA ANDREWS

$100 ARLIE BROWN

$100 RICHARD BRUMFIELD

$100 SEAN BUHRER

$100 COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH

$100 ANDREW DORMAN

$100 MARGARET HENDERSON

$100 LARRY HERRIN

$100 CHRISTOPHER HILLARD

$100 ROBERT HOOKER

$100 GINGER HOPKINS

$100 DOROTHY JONES

$100 MARILYN WHITE MCDAVID

$100 RANDY MORROW

$100 NEW ZION METHODIST CHURCH

$500 Prize

Jessie Lee Barnes

$100 CONNIE OQUIN

$100 DOROTHY PERRIEN

$100 TWERNELLA PITTMAN

$100 JODI PLOCHER

$100 HALEE REED

$100 BENNIE RICHARDSON

$100 SHERRY SEALS

$100 JUNE SMITH

$100 AMANDA STRICKLAND

$100 CARL TAYLOR

$50 DORIS BILBO

$50 SHERRON BROOM

$50 JIMMIE BROWN

$50 DEBBIE BRYANT

$50 DAVID BULLOCK

$50 STEVE DAIGLE, SR

$50 ANITA GREEN

$100 Prizes

$50 KAREN GRIFFIS

$50 TERRY HOLSTON

$50 ELIZABETH KING

$50 JOEL THOMAS MAY

$50 JERRY MAYO

$50 JIMMY MYERS

$50 MILDRED PERRY

$50 RACHEL ROBBINS

$50 FORREST SANDERS, JR

$50 LISA SELPH

$50 ISAAC SINGLEY

$50 ELBERT STRICKLAND

$50 REED STRINGER

$50 KATELYN STUART

$50 DOROTHY SWEATT

$50 ANN VICKERY

$50 FIRST PENTECOSTAL CHURCH

$50 VICTOR WILLIAMS

Left photo L – R: Herschel Rector, Robert Simm, Kevin Scarborough, Elizabeth Kintzel, and Paula Singley.

Right photo L – R: Sarain Newton, Rahmana Pittman, Alice McKenzie, Dovie Stevenson, and Laine Blackburn.

2025 Round Up for Education scholarships awarded

Over the past 13 years, Pearl River Valley Electric’s Round Up for Education Scholarship program has helped more than 2,500 students achieve higher education. This fall, 178 students throughout Pearl River Valley Electric’s 12-county service area will receive scholarships to help them begin their college journey. Each student will receive a total of $800 in scholarship funds, distributed in two installments — $400 for the fall semester and $400 for the spring semester — thanks to the generosity of our members. In the program’s 13 years, 2,532 students have now received scholarships.

Pearl River Valley Electric’s Round Up for Education program is funded by members who round their bills up to the nearest dollar each month. Scholarships are available to members who participate in the program, as well as for their spouses or dependent children who are enrolled as freshmen this fall.

“Our members make this program possible,” said CEO/General Manager Matthew Ware. “By coming together and giving just a little

each month, they are opening doors of opportunity for students who might not otherwise have this kind of support.”

Scholarship recipients this year include 102 students attending Pearl River Community College, 34 at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, 28 at Jones College, and 14 students enrolled at four other state community colleges. Overall, students came from 24 di erent high schools and home school programs.

“It’s amazing to see how spare change can create such a powerful impact,” Ware said. “When thousands of members work together, their generosity not only changes individual lives but also strengthens the entire community. That spirit of cooperation is what makes this program so special.”

Round Up for Education funds collected after Aug. 1 go toward next year’s scholarships. Applications for 2026 scholarships will be available beginning this month.

2025 PRVEPA

Round Up for Education Program

Total amount: $142,400

Each recipient receives: $800

Total recipients: 178

Copiah Lincoln

Community College

Lane Breland SHS

Mikell Breland CHS

Madyson McCrory LCS

Cadence Sheppard OG

Owen Simmons CA

East Central Community College

Curtis Swan PHS

Hinds Community College

Jakira Brown CHS

Christopher Dickens OG

Claire Garcia FCAHS

Mattie Gibson SHS

Jeremiah McGee OG

Tevin Pope CHS

Jones College

Chad Anderson LCS

Noah Barnett OG

Austin Baughman CA

Tessa Brown CA

Kennedy Carr OG

Justin Emmons PHS

Jackson Fisher OG

Rae Grantham Home

Joshua Grantham Home

Collin Haney CHS

Haze Henderson Sum

Michael Herrington OG

Charles Herrington OG

Macy Herrington SHS

Sariah Hubbard OG

Cody Keith OG

Riley Lewis SHS

Spencer Martin SHS

Luci-Kate Massey OG

Seth Mastin OG

Donald Parhm Jr. LCS

Christian Patterson Home

Cayden Pope CHS

Landyn Rogers OG

Zoey Stringer CA

Dalton Stringer SHS

Abigale Swales Mize High School

Avery Walters Christian Light Education

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College

Lana Adams PCS

Ashley Baskin SHS

Austin Bond SHS

Chloe Boney Hattiesburg High

Tucker Brooks SHS

MacKenzie Brown SHS

Autumn Buchanan FCAHS

Daniel Castillo OG

Jordan Cooper SHS

Mariacelina Corneiro St. Patrick Catholic HS

Austin Cucuzza Home

Alivia Freeman SHS

Jordan Garcia SHS

Brock Hinton SHS

David Johnson OG

Fisher Ladner SHS

James Lee FCAHS

Alivia LoPer SHS

Jordan Marin SHS

Terry McCray Jr. SHS

Tony McSwain OG

Regginald Nix Jr. SHS

Faith Olsen SHS

Aiden Owens OG

William Pennell FCAHS

Ranken Peoples SHS

Jayla Powell SHS

Chance Roberts SHS

Kayla Rodgers PHS

Jeremy Savage SHS

Connor Smith SHS

Nyliah Smith SHS

Banks Teater PHS

Carey Williams SHS

Pearl River

Community College

Neyemiah Allen EM

Jazzmyn Anderson PHS

Jamayiah Anderson WM

Lillian Barber Prentiss Christian

Michael Bates EM

Celina Beaver SHS

Ethan Belk PHS

Arawyn Blood PHS

Kamden Bodie Sum

Braylon Boney Hattiesburg High

Colby Brannan PHS

Avery Brown LCS

Marcus Brown Jr. CHS

Ayden Buckley CA

Laila Bullen SHS

Ethan Bullock Woodlawn Prep

Kylin Champagne OG

Atiyrah Chisolm EM

James Conner OG

Connor Cuevas PHS

Moses Cummings PHS

Madison Daniels EM

Dominick Davis WM

Rayden Davis PHS

Austin Dear PHS

Agnes-Rose Dilmore PHS

Cody Foster PHS

Makaila Gabriel Franklin County High School

Brittney Garner PHS

Jace Gipson PHS

Judd Gipson PHS

Alice Graves CHS

Maddox Green FCAHS

Peyton Green FCAHS

Hunter Haddox CA

Patrick Hankins PHS

Kaelyn Hart OG

Caden Hartﬁeld PHS

Kathryn Hoda FCAHS

Madison Holland CHS

Kyra Hopson OG

Thomas Jackson Innova Prep

Samia Je erson EM

Patrick Jones LCS

Jon Kemp PHS

Kate Kirkland FCAHS

Jacob Lambert Poplarville High School

Charles Langston CHS

Jazlyn Lewis WM

Kadence Lott PHS

Gracelyn Macdonald Sum

Owen Martin WM

Cooper McCain CA

Madison Meeks PHS

Mia Miciello CHS

Caden Mingo EM

Christopher Mitcham Lum

Apollo Mitchell OG

Kenna Morrow FCAHS

Cooper Morrow PHS

Kayleigh Nuccio Poplarville High School

Colton Odom PHS

Destin Oliver FCAHS

Alexis Patterson New Hope

Kandice Pigeon Lum

Blair Pounds CA

Destiny Powell PHS

David Powell Hattiesburg High

Camdyn Powell PHS

Nathaniel Redler FCAHS

Camryn Robbins CA

Luke Roseberry PHS

Isaiah Runnels PHS

Will Ryals FCAHS

Sadie Seal FCAHS

Ta’Niyah Simon CHS

Brayden Smith Sum

Laura Smith Sum

Coleten Smith Sum

Landon Smith OG

Jackson Speir CA

Derrielle Steverson OG

Kylie Stewart Sum

Erin Stoetzner CHS

Liam Storrs Poplarville High School

Colton Stringer Wayne Academy

Briley Sullivan CA

Lainey Sykes Sum

Jada Taylor OG

Noah Taylor PCS

Kyndall Thornhill CA

Heidi Thornhill CA

Jordan Thornhill Sum

Montana Tyree FCAHS

Hayden Verucchi CHS

Ethan Walker PHS

Macy Walker FCAHS

Kodi Warren Sum

Alyssa Watts EM

Keenan Watts Jr. EM

Hank Wilson PHS

Zachary Zehentner CA

Southwest Mississippi Community College

Hattie Tynes PHS

Tyler Walsh Sum

Stay in the know with text alerts!

Never miss a payment and stay on top of your energy use with alerts through our member portal, EmPowered.

Getting started is easy:

1. Visit prvepa.com and click “Manage My Account” to log in to EmPowered.

2. Under the “My Account” tab, update your cell phone number and email under “Account Proﬁle.”

3. Then click “Manage Alerts” under “My Account” to choose the notiﬁcations you want—like bill due date reminders, past due notices, payment conﬁrmations, or arrangement reminders.

But it’s not just about billing. You can also track your daily energy use! Set alerts for high or low use or get daily updates, so you’ll always know where you stand.

With text alerts from EmPowered, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your bill is handled and your energy use is in your hands.

SCHOLARS PROGRAM Community College

APPLICATIONS DUE AUG. 14, 2026

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

• Completed applications must be postmarked or emailed by Aug. 14.

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

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

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

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

More information is available at prvepa.com.

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

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR CEO

More than $4 million in capital credits being retired to SRE members

There are many beneﬁts of being a member of an electric cooperative, and a major beneﬁt is the retirement of capital credits. Singing River Electric Cooperative’s (SRE) board of directors recently approved a retirement of more than $2.7 million in SRE capital credits to our membership; this represents capital credits for the year 1999.

Our generation and transmission cooperative, Cooperative Energy, also returns capital credits to SRE members; they are returning $1.6 million in capital credits to our membership for the year 1995.

What does this mean for Singing River Electric members?

As a member, you have a share in the earnings of your not-for-proﬁt electric cooperative. SRE’s rate revenue is used to operate, make payments on loans, and make improvements to the electric system. Any remaining revenue is allocated to the members in the form of capital credits. The amount of capital credits assigned to a member is based on the amount of electricity used during a particular year. When funding is available, Singing River Electric’s board of directors can approve retiring a portion of a members' capital credits in the form of a bill credit or check; the same applies for Cooperative Energy. As always, this year’s retirement is dependent on potential tropical storms or hurricanes through the remainder of this year’s storm season. How do I get capital credits?

SRE members during the years 1995 and 1999, with an account that is still active and receiving a monthly billing statement, will automatically receive either a bill credit or a check depending on the credit amount. These members do not have to ﬁll out any paperwork to receive their capital credits.

Previous SRE members who had an account during the speciﬁed years, but no longer have an active account, can visit our website at singingriver.com or call any Singing River Electric o ce between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31 to receive instructions and download the necessary paperwork to claim their capital credits. Completed documentation must be returned to SRE’s Lucedale o ce by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025.

We hope these returned capital credits help you and your family this holiday season. On behalf of our board and employees, I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving.

by Brian Hughey

Energy Tips

Gabe Robbins Energy Services Representative robbins@singingriver.com

Cooler weather and holidays

Cooler weather can mean big savings. How you operate your thermostat this time of year will have the biggest impact on total kilowatts used and in turn, your bill.

I know members who turn their air conditioning/heating unit completely o and take advantage of the cool air during shoulder months, which is the most sureﬁre way to reduce energy consumption. Most of these members open their windows to allow the cool draft to blow into their home. Even if your unit is on, adjusting the thermostat a couple of degrees can help reduce energy consumption.

Even with air conditioner/heater run times being less due to cooler temperatures, I still recommend changing your air ﬁlters monthly. This is a great time to have your HVAC system serviced before the winter cold sets in.

On a related note, the holiday season usually means more time in the kitchen. When possible, cook meals using smaller, energy-e cient appliances such as air fryers and slow cookers. After your holiday meals are complete, load the dishwasher fully before starting the wash cycle.

singingriver.com/ways-to-save

MEMBER SATISFACTION Survey MEMBER SATISFACTION Survey

Singing River Electric is conducting an online member satisfaction survey starting on November 17, 2025. We need your feedback to know what we are doing well and what we can improve. Your input will also help us make decisions about new programs and services.

Thank you FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION!

• A scientiﬁc sample of our membership will be randomly selected to participate in the survey.

• Selected members will be contacted by email and asked to complete the online survey.

• Members will not be asked for any personal ﬁnancial information or to buy anything.

• Responses are conﬁdential, and participation is anonymous unless you choose to share your name.

• NRECA Market Research is our survey partner. Legitimate survey emails will come from Singing River Electric’s name and include our research partner’s email address: MarketResearch@nreca.coop. To verify the email link, hover over the “Take the Survey” button –the URL should include “NRECA” and “Qualtrics.”

Using Singing River Electric’s outage map

Red Hexagon – Veriﬁed: Outage has been veriﬁed by our dispatchers, linemen, or members who can see the direct cause of the outage. We know the exact number of meters without power in this area.

Orange Hexagon – Predicted: A member reported an outage, and our outage management system, dispatchers, and linemen are checking other points around the outage to determine the extent. This number may change as reports are received and will become a veriﬁed outage once the exact number of affected meters is conﬁrmed.

Lineman Inside a Hexagon – Crew Assigned: A crew is assigned to this outage and is either currently working or is on the way to restore power.

Green Square – Planned: Planned outages are communicated to affected members before the outage takes place. Emails, SmartHub app push notiﬁcations, and texts to those who have opted in are sent to those affected.

Reporting your outage is quick and easy by using your SmartHub app, texting "OUT" to 601-947-1744, or by calling our ofﬁce at 601-947-4211 or 228-497-1313.

Our live outage map is a helpful tool for Singing River Electric members to view and understand outages in our service area. Here is a breakdown of the key terms and shapes.

Our app’s new main dashboard allows Singing River Connect subscribers to easily swipe to access features like assigning priority devices, setting screen time limits, and maintaining a fast, secure home connection. The My SR Connect App o ers a smoother experience for work, gaming, and streaming, with greater visibility and control over your network.

Hearing from our subscribers

NOVEMBER 2025

"I have used internet services from two large companies in our area over the past few years. Singing River Connect is superior to both, providing faster internet speeds and friendly customer service. I encourage everyone to give Singing River Connect a try - you won't be disappointed!"

Ellen, Singing River Connect subscriber, Sunplex substation area

Step 3: Fiber Construction

Running ﬁber lines on poles and burying lines underground

• Bayou Cassotte

• Kreole

• Monaco Lake

• Singing River Mall

• Gautier

Step 4: Splicing

• Fountainbleu

• Gulf Park Estates

Connecting ﬁber lines to the network

Step 5: Service Drop & Drop

Splicing & Step 6: Installation

Bringing mainline ﬁber to the exterior of your home and connecting your home to blazing-fast ﬁber internet

• Hamill Farm

• Sunplex

• Fort Bayou

• Martin Blu

• Hickory Hills

• St. Martin

• Tucker Road

• Forts Lake

• Helena • Helena Industrial • Ocean Springs

• Escatawpa South

• All Singing River Electric areas in George, Greene, Perry, Stone, Wayne, Harrison, Mobile, and Washington counties and north Jackson County

Out and about in our communities

Vancleave High School

Our linemen, member service representatives, and human resources personnel recently talked to more than 400 students about electric industry careers at Vancleave High School's career fair.

La Pointe - Krebs House and Museum

Singing River Electric employees volunteered at La Pointe - Krebs House and Museum in Pascagoula on Sept.19 to help school groups at various stations throughout the grounds.

Activities included making the mud/moss mixture that the home's walls are made of, finding specific information during the cemetery scavenger hunt, digging for artifacts, and playing old-fashioned games.

Built in 1757, La Pointe-Krebs House is celebrating its 75th year of being a public exhibit.

Vancleave Lower Elementary

Singing River Electric linemen recently greeted students arriving at Vancleave Lower Elementary for the school day. They appreciated the chance to welcome the students and support the school on Community Helper Day.

Family, Fellowship, and Gratitude

November has a way of slowing us down just enough to take stock of what matters most. Thanksgiving is one of those rare times when the hustle of everyday life gives way to family gatherings, shared meals, and moments of real gratitude. Around kitchen tables and in living rooms across our communities, stories will be told, laughter will be shared, and blessings will be counted.

At Southern Pine, we feel that same spirit. Our work may be about power lines, poles, and substations, but at the heart of it all, it is about people — our members, our team, and the communities we call home. You are the reason we exist, and we never take that for granted. Each time we ﬂ ip a switch or answer a call, we are reminded that we have been given the privilege of bringing the power to your homes, your farms, your businesses, and your gatherings.

BRINGING THE POWER

That is why I would like to extend a personal invitation for you to join us for our Annual Membership Meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 13. Just like Thanksgiving, it is a time for fellowship, for catching up with friends and neighbors, and for remembering that we are stronger when we are together. It is an opportunity for our Southern Pine family to come together, and our family would not be complete without you.

When you walk through those doors, you will see the faces of the men and women who work every day to keep your lights on and your lives connected. We will share updates about your cooperative, celebrate the past year, and look ahead with hope and determination. In the same way a family meal nourishes the body, I hope this gathering will nourish our shared sense of community.

From all of us here at Southern Pine, thank you for the trust you place in us. Thank you for allowing us to serve you, and thank you for being such an important part of our story. We are grateful for you, not just in November, but all year long.

We hope to see you on Nov. 13. Until then, may your Thanksgiving be ﬁ lled with the warmth of family, the joy of friendship, and the blessings of a community that truly cares.

by Drummonds McAlpin

President/CEO Southern Pine Electric

THURSDAY, NOV. 13,

9:30 A.M.

FROM OUR FAMILY

Around here, the holidays are marked by the smells coming from the kitchen just as much as the lights on the tree or the leaves on the ground. A pot bubbling on the stove, a pie cooling on the counter, a tray of dressing straight from the oven all bring back memories of family gathered close.

Our Southern Pine family wanted to share some of those recipes with you. These are the dishes that show up year after year, the ones that remind us of loved ones, or that carry a story only food can tell. They’re simple, honest, and ﬁ lled with the same kind of warmth we try to bring to our members every day.

We hope you’ll enjoy these recipes and maybe even add one to your own holiday table. After all, good food and good company have always been the heart of Thanksgiving and Christmas in the South.

HOLIDAY DATE BALLS

RECIPE BY: ADAIR RUNNELS

Member Service Specialist Headquarters

“Without fail, in the weeks leading up to Christmas, my grandmother, Willie Grace, always had Christmas candies cooking at her house. Some years she would change things up with different kinds, but one thing never changed – she ALWAYS made date balls. They were (and still are) a family favorite, a treat we all look forward to every Christmas. You could always find them in a Christmas tin container!”

INGREDIENTS

8 ounces pitted dates

1 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

½ cup butter

3 cups Rice Krispies

½ cup chopped nuts optional Powdered sugar for rolling

Chop dates finely. You can use a food processor to get them super fine.

Put dates in saucepan. Stir in sugar and egg.

Add stick of butter and cook over medium heat until the butter is melted and the mixture is thickened.

Remove from heat and stir in cereal and nuts.

Use lightly greased hands to roll about 1 tablespoon of the mixture into a ball. Continue until all the mixture has been formed into balls.

Roll in powdered sugar. Powdered sugar works well, but so does granulated sugar or even colored sugar.

Store in airtight container in the refrigerator or on the counter. ENJOY!

JAPANESE FRUIT CAKE

RECIPE BY: CINDY KAHN

Member Service Representative New Hebron District

“Every year as December draws near, the house begins to fill with the scent of Christmas – not just pine, but something better. It’s the smell of dad’s Japanese Fruit Cake baking in the oven.

This year, dad turned 86. And still, he makes the cake the same way he always has. Mixing, baking, remembering.

As he bakes, he tells us stories from long ago, stories we’ve heard 100 times and hope to hear 100 more. Stories of Christmas mornings in a house filled with eight Sullivan children, five girls and three boys. There weren’t many gifts under the tree, but there was always a bag for each child: an orange, a candy cane, a few nuts. Maybe, if the year had been kind, a new pair of shoes. And they were grateful. Blessed, even.

We listened to his stories, gathered around the kitchen table with coffee and slices of his famous cake. Outside, the world rushes by. But inside, time slows. We’re reminded of what truly matters –family, tradition, and the love passed down in every bite.

Dad’s cake is more than dessert. It’s a legacy. A tradition. A symbol of joy.

Thank you, dad, for the stories, the cake, and the reminder that we are blessed.”

INGREDIENTS - FRUIT CAKE

2 cups self-rising ﬂour

2 ½ cups sugar

1 teaspoon of cloves

1 teaspoon of cinnamon

1 teaspoon allspice

ICING

2 cups sugar

1 cup water or coconut juice

1 real coconut, grated

1 cup of nuts

1 cup of raisins

6 eggs beaten

1 cup of butter

½ cup milk

1 lemon

3 tablespoon butter

1 orange

FOR CAKE: Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease and flour three cake pans. Cream butter and sugar together. Add milk. Beat well, then add eggs, sifted flour, cloves, allspice, cinnamon, nuts, and raisins. Bake at 325 degrees until done.

FOR ICING: Grate the coconut, lemon and orange rind, and put it in your saucepan. Then put the inside of the orange and lemon in a blender and blend it together and then add it to the saucepan. Then add all the remaining ingredients to the saucepan and let it cook until thick. When the cake is done, put the icing between layers and on top, but not on the sides. It will be a clear thin icing with all the yumminess of the orange, coconut, and lemon.

TABLES TO YOURS

BREAKFAST CASSEROLE

RECIPE BY: RAMONA ANDERSON

HR and Training Specialist Headquarters

“This recipe is what I’ve done for many, many years for Christmas morning breakfast while my boys were home, and still today, whatever day they will be at my house to celebrate Christmas.

We also did destination Christmas many years ago and I fixed this and baked it Christmas morning in the cabin. We carried it with us to Cade’s Cove and ate while stopped at the Primitive Baptist Church. After we finished, we went inside the church, and someone was playing/singing Christmas songs and then we all sat as the Christmas story was read by one of the visitors.”

INGREDIENTS

1 ½ pounds sausage or ham (brown and drain)

9 eggs

3 cups milk

2 cups shredded cheese

3 slices bread (torn up small pieces)

1 ½ teaspoons dry mustard

Salt and pepper

Mix all ingredients in casserole dish and refrigerate overnight. Bake at 350 degrees until done (about an hour).

BREAD PUDDING

RECIPE BY: RICHELLE GIVENS SMITH Member Service Representative Newton District

“This Bread Pudding is what my mother and I used to make every Thanksgiving. This recipe has been in my family for years. It is very easy to make.”

INGREDIENTS

White bread or hamburger buns

2 cups of heavy whipping cream

2 cups of whole milk

1 tablespoon of butter

1 cup of sugar

2 tablespoon of vanilla

4 eggs

FRUITCAKE COOKIES

RECIPE

BY:

SAM WILKERSON Accountant Headquarters

“In my house, Laurel’s “Pancake Day” is almost as important as Christmas itself. In fact, the Pancake Day mug on my desk was one of the first things my wife gifted me when we started dating, because I talk about it so much. My love for Pancake Day is closely intertwined with these recipes. Every year when I was growing up, I would go stay at my grandparent’s house for the weekend of Pancake Day and the Laurel Christmas parade. After they took me to the festivities on Saturday, we would go back to their house to decorate the Christmas tree and my grandmother and I would make enough fruitcake cookies and chocolate covered cherries for our big celebration on Christmas Eve. This is a tradition that we have kept over the years, and I am excited to pass this tradition on to my kids.”

INGREDIENTS

1 cup butter (soft)

1 ½ cups sugar

2 eggs

2 ½ cups plain ﬂour

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cinnamon

3 cups chopped pecans

1 8 ounce container of red candied cherries (ﬁnely chopped)

Tear bread into pieces and fill 9x13 greased dish. Heat cream, milk, butter, and sugar until sugar dissolves. Do not boil. Beat eggs and vanilla together. Add milk mixture to egg mixture. Pour over the bread in the dish and let stand for 15 minutes. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour and 10 minutes. Top with cinnamon and sugar. Let cool and serve.

1 8 ounce container of green candied cherries (ﬁnely chopped)

In a mixer, begin beating butter.

Add sugar and eggs.

Combine dry ingredients in a separate bowl, then add it to the mixer.

Once the dry and wet ingredients are sufficiently combined, add the pecans and cherries.

Drop dough on a cookie sheet using either a spoon or a cookie scoop.

Bake at 375 degrees for 11 minutes or until golden brown.

Why We Observe Veterans Day

Every Nov. 11, our nation pauses to honor the men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces. Veterans Day is more than a date on the calendar. It’s a reminder that the freedoms we enjoy were safeguarded by ordinary people who stepped forward in extraordinary ways.

The story of Veterans Day begins with the end of World War I. On November 11, 1918, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the guns ﬁ nally fell silent. That moment was ﬁ rst remembered as Armistice Day. In 1954, the holiday was renamed Veterans Day so we could honor not just those who fought in World War I, but all American veterans, past and present.

Unlike Memorial Day, which honors those who gave their lives, Veterans Day celebrates every veteran who has served and returned home. It’s a time to thank our fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, neighbors, and friends who answered the call to serve. They may live quietly among us, but their service left a mark on history and helped shape the freedoms we all share today.

At Southern Pine, we are proud to count veterans among our members and among our own employees. Their dedication, discipline, and spirit of service are the same qualities we strive to live out every day as a cooperative. Veterans remind us that the greatest callings in life often center around putting others before ourselves.

As we gather on Veterans Day, whether at a community program, a school assembly, or in a quiet moment at home, may we all take time to say “thank you.” Our nation is stronger because of those who served, and our future is brighter because of the values they carried home with them.

Happy Thanksgiving Honoring Those Who Served

from Southern Pine Electric

This season, we pause to reﬂect on the blessings we share — family, friends, and the communities we’re proud to call home. At Southern Pine Electric, we’re especially thankful for you, our members. Your trust allows us the privilege of bringing the power to your homes, your businesses, and your lives every day.

From our Southern Pine family to yours, may your Thanksgiving be ﬁ lled with warmth, gratitude, and plenty of time with the ones you love.

Construction Crew Foreman

VETERANS

Sgt. Butler was called up for active duty in the Army in November 1990. He served for six months during Desert Storm and was stationed in Saudi Arabia. He returned home just four days before his wedding. Bruce has worked for Southwest Electric for 39 years as a serviceman’s helper, a lineman, a serviceman and a crew foreman. He supervises a construction crew daily and oversees the installation of new services. Bruce and his wife, Kim, have two sons.

Harris, Lineman

Private First Class Harris served in the Army for four years. He attended infantry school at Fort Benning before being stationed at Camp Shelby. Anthony has worked at Southwest Electric for four years. He is on a construction crew of five linemen. They install new services, change out poles, relocate services and perform general maintenance. Anthony has four children.

Sgt. Keller was also called up for active duty in the Army in November 1990. He was stationed in California for six months ready to deploy to the Middle East if Operation Desert Storm escalated. Jr has worked for Southwest Electric for 37 years in the right-of-way department and the shop. He is lead mechanic ,maintaining a ﬂeet of 60 large and small trucks and 10 o -road vehicles and trailers. Jr has one son and one grandson.

Our o ces will be closed on Nov. 27 and 28 to observe the Thanksgiving holidays. If you experience an outage or emergency, please report it on the SmartHub app, text ‘OUT’ to 844-975-2728 or call 800-287-8564 or 601-437-3611. on

Southwest Electric would like to thank all veterans for serving their country, whether during a time of peace or war.

MTK Golf Tournament

Southwest Electric sponsored the 2025 golf tournament on Oct. 2 to beneﬁt Mississippi’s Toughest Kids Foundation. The foundation is building Camp Kamassa, a fully-accessible camp for children and adults with special needs on 426 acres in Copiah County. This camp is located in the Southwest Electric service area, and its mission is supported by our employees and directors. For more information about Camp Kamassa, we encourage you to visit campkamassa.com.

Winter energy e ciency tips

Caulk windows

Stop cold air from inﬁltrating your home by using caulk to plug holes, cracks and open seams around the exterior of your house. Either use a high-quality caulk or expanding foam sealant and ﬁll any and all air-leaking gaps.

Seal duct work

Air conditioning and heating ducts that leak air into unheated spaces can add hundreds of dollars a year to your heating and cooling bills. Properly sealed and insulated ducts increase e ciency, lower your energy bills and can often pay for themselves in energy savings.

Weather strip doors

Inspect the weather stripping around all exterior doors to ensure that it is not ripped, crushed or missing. Try closing the door and check for air-leaking gaps around all four edges of the door. If you see sunlight shining through, you’ll need to seal the spaces with weather stripping.

Check attic insulation

The most e ective use of insulation is in the attic. Unfortunately, most homes have either no insulation or not enough insulation in the attic. Attics are recommended to have a minimum of R-38 insulation, which is typically between 10 and 14 inches deep.

Pictured from left to right are Konner Allen, Tanner Bullock, Cody Brown and Wyatt Martin.

Employees played in the golf tournament on two teams. Pictured from left to right are Scott Campbell, Dustin Matthews, Michael Johnson and Jamie Barfoot.

Mississippi’s Toughest Kids Foundation sta were pleased to have a good turnout at the annual fundraiser.

VOTER Registration EVENT

This year, National Voter Registration Day was on Tuesday, Sept. 16. We were fortunate to be able to partner with both the Adams County Circuit Clerk’s o ce and the Natchez Campus of Copiah-Lincoln Community College to collectively sign up 14 eligible students to vote.

Rep t outageanin

the

The Report Outage feature is back on the home screen. Members can now tap on the green button with a tree to report an outage.

Rep t outageanin the SmartHub App

Above: Deputy Clerk JoAnn Lyles-Middleton from the Adams County Circuit Clerk’s o ce helped students complete the voter registration form.

MATCHING PETS WITH THEIR forever h mes

forever h mes

by Steven Ward

HoofBeats and PawPrints Rescue saves lives.

The Natchez-based, non-proﬁt animal rescue and transportation program reports it has saved approximately 18,000 pets from euthanasia since it was formed in 2017, according to Kathy Fitch, the group’s president.

Hoofbeats and PawPrints Rescue (HPR) also transports and places about 1,500 animals annually.

The rescue was started by Southwest Electric Members Kathy and Jay Fitch. The regional transport program was initiated in 2012 while Kathy was serving as president of the Natchez Adams County Humane Society. In 2017, Kathy and Jay formed HPR to ﬁnancially support area shelters and provide equine rescue at their farm. In 2019, the humane society needed to focus more on the city and county, so the regional transport program transitioned to HPR.

“Pet dumping is a major issue in southwest Mississippi,” Kathy said.

HPR runs a large shelter averaging 200 pets — dogs and cats — at the Woodland Plantation facility or in foster homes. Most of those pets are awaiting transport to no-kill adoption centers and shelters in northeastern and upper midwest states, such as Pennsylvania, Missouri, and Illinois. The program receives a small stipend from the City of Natchez for helping place pets from animal control and the humane society.

Besides the stipend, HPR is dependent on donations for the program’s $500,000 annual budget.

The group’s major fundraiser, Mardi-Paws, is a community event where pets and their humans dress up for a walking parade held every February on the Natchez Blu .

“Initially, most of the transport candidates came from area shelters. Post Covid, HPR became a primary shelter that not only supports transporting pets from area shelters, but from community members and individual rescuers as well, since most shelters are routinely at capacity,” Kathy said.

The program covers southwest Mississippi as well as parts of eastern and central Louisiana with o ces in Ferriday and Vidalia.

The program is ﬁlled with dogs and cats that need homes.

“A special dog is Camille who su ered a spinal cord injury before she came to us and has paralyzed back legs. She gets out in her wheelchair every day for 30 minutes and dashes around in pure joy,” Kathy said.

“You cannot possibly watch her without it brightening your day. Camille is nearing two years at HPR and still awaiting adoption.”

Each animal at HPR is special, Kathy said.

“Each of the pets whose journey take them through the HPR program are special as they bless the families that ultimately receive them.”

For more information about the program or donations, call 601-303-0672 or visit hoofbeatsandpawprintsrescue.org.

Jay and Kathy Fitch

Camille

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

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

Community Events & ACTIVITIES

SEPTEMBER

Twin County Annual Meeting

• SEPT. 23, 2025

“It’s a Wrap.” The annual meeting of members was held at Twin County Conference Center. Thank you to all those members in attendance. Four members’ names were pulled, and each received a $100 credit on their bill for the month of October. These members are

• Michael Johnson

• Linda Brown

• Rickie Rexrode

• Charles Wright Congratulations to our winners! We look forward to next year’s meeting.

OCTOBER

Delta Cotton Belles

Twin County EPA was fast in getting the word out by joining in on the ﬁght against breast cancer. Twin County is also a proud sponsor of the local Delta Cotton Belles. Delta Cotton Belles is a nonproﬁt organization dedicated to raising awareness of breast cancer through education, mammogram screening, and providing essential services to women and men diagnosed with the disease across the Mississippi and Arkansas Delta.

Halloween Trunk or Treat

OCT. 31, 2025

Twin County EPA enjoyed participating in another spooktacular Halloween Truck or Treat held each year at the South Washington County Multiplex in Hollandale as well as an event in Belzoni. Sta enjoyed entertaining our local children as family events continue to grow in attendance.

2026 cooperative ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OF MISSISSIPPI Youth Leaders

Twin County Electric Power Association wants to help develop the future leaders of our communities and state. That’s why we sponsor two area students in this exciting program designed for high school juniors.

CHECK IT OUT AND SEE WHAT IT TAKES TO APPLY.

D.C.

Program goals

Goal: The Cooperative Youth Leaders program provides an opportunity for students across Mississippi to learn, grow, and experience.

• Students LEARN the value of the cooperative business model, speciﬁcally the impact that electric cooperatives have on their lives and communities.

• GROW in their leadership qualities through team-building exercises as well as expanding their communication skills, conﬁdence, and courage in decision making.

• EXPERIENCE the democratic process at state and federal levels by visiting the Mississippi and U.S. capital cities.

Twin County Electric has joined with other electric cooperatives in participating in the statewide Cooperative Leadership Program for high school juniors.

THREE-PART PROGRAM

The Cooperative Leadership Program has three parts:

• LEARN at Cooperative University on Dec. 3, 2025.

• GROW at the Cooperatives Leaders Workshop held at the Westin Hotel in Jackson Feb. 25-27, 2026

• EXPERIENCE the all-expense-paid Youth Tour of Washington, D.C. The Washington, D.C. Youth Tour is scheduled for June 13-19, 2026

Please verify these dates before you apply. Students must be able to attend all three events. All expenses are covered by Twin County Electric.

COOPERATIVE UNIVERSITY

Twin County Electric’s Cooperative University is a half-day event. Each student is expected to attend the half-day event in its entirety. The half-day will consist of speakers, games, lunch, and various demonstrations. This year’s Cooperative University will be held on Dec. 3, 2025.

This fun-ﬁlled day includes the following presentations and activities:

• Students will learn about Twin County Electric and what it means to be a cooperative and why membership matters.

• An overview of the Cooperative Youth Leaders program will allow students to see what they will experience if they’re selected to attend the Leadership Workshop held in Jackson and the Youth Tour of Washington, D.C.

YOUTH LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP

Students will attend the Cooperative Leaders Workshop in Jackson, Feb. 25-27, 2026. At the Workshop, students will:

• Enhance their leadership skills

• Enjoy breakfast where students can meet and talk with their state senators or representatives

• Visit the state Capitol and watch state government in action

• Hear presentations from governmental leaders, motivational speakers, and electric cooperative professionals

how to apply

The leadership program is open to high school juniors from our service counties and do not have to be a member of Twin County EPA. Each high school will select up to two students to participate in Twin County Electric’s Youth Leadership Cooperative University.

Please check with your guidance counselor about how to apply for this program.

• Students must have a grade point average of a B or higher in general subjects of study or advanced studies

• It is beneﬁcial for the students to be engaged in church or community service activities.

• The student must possess the following characteristics:

• Outstanding citizenship at school and in the community

• Solid school attendance record

• Outgoing personality

Finally, the students representing Twin County Electric will be involved in a statewide selection process in which one student will be selected to represent Mississippi on the National Youth Leadership Council. The chosen student will be required to represent Mississippi at various meetings. More information

YOUTH TOUR of WASHINGTON, D.C.

Mississippi’s student delegation joins high school juniors from across the nation at the Youth Tour of Washington, D.C.

During the week-long trip, students:

• Visit numerous monuments and memorials

• Tour the Smithsonian Museums

• Witness the changing of the guard at Arlington National Cemetery’s Tomb of the Unknowns

• Meet Mississippi’s congressional leaders at the U.S. Capitol

• Attend an inspirational youth rally

• And other exciting activities and events.

Twin County Electric’s 2025-2026 Youth Tour students will ﬂy to Washington, D.C., from Jackson, Gulfport, or Memphis on Saturday, June 13, and return on Friday, June 19, 2026.

application deadline

Students who are chosen by the school must turn in the ofﬁcial entry form by Nov. 27, 2025. Entry forms are available from guidance counselors.

If you have any questions about the Cooperative Leaders Program, please contact Twin County Electric at 662.827.2232 or email chamilton@twincoepa.com

This program is fully funded by Twin County Electric. There are no hidden costs. Twin County Electric pays for all travel, lodging, meals, educational materials, admission fees, etc.

THE 2026 COOPERATIVE YOUTH LEADERS PROGRAM APPLICATION DEADLINE

‘Not-for-profit’ means ‘all f you’

by Scott Flood

The primary goal of a co-op isn’t to make money, but to provide a safe and reliable source of electricity at a cost the local community can a ord.

When co-ops earn more than they pay out in wholesale energy and other costs, they keep some the extra money in reserves or return it to their members through what are known as capital credits.

For more than four decades, business writer Scott Flood has worked with electric cooperatives to build knowledge of energy-related issues among directors, sta and members.

Electric co-ops employ local people who patronize local businesses, so much of the money they earn stays in the communities they serve, boosting the local economy.

YAZOO VALLEY in the community

A. Yazoo Valley recently hosted students from the lineman program at Holmes Community College. Pictured with the students and instructors is Yazoo Valley’s Jay Milner, who took them to the West Yazoo Substation to show them how the system works.

B. Yazoo Valley’s Garret McClellan recently spoke to kindergarten students at Manchester Academy about what it’s like being a lineman and being safe around electricity. C. Yazoo Valley recently hosted a successful community blood drive. Pictured is lineman Jessie Duell donating blood.

D. Yazoo Valley’s Jason Patterson helps clean up the school garden at Yazoo County Middle School. E. Yazoo Valley was pleased to be able to help with replacing the lights at Benton Academy’s softball ﬁelds. Yazoo Valley is always ready to assist schools in our service area when we can.

‘Not-for-profit’ means ‘all f you’

by Scott Flood

Electric co-ops employ local people who patronize local businesses, so much of the money they earn stays in the communities they serve, boosting the local economy.

When co-ops earn more than they pay out in wholesale energy and other costs, they keep some the extra money in reserves or return it to their members through what are known as capital credits.

For more than four decades, business writer Scott Flood has worked with electric cooperatives to build knowledge of energy-related issues among directors, sta and members.

The primary goal of a co-op isn’t to make money, but to provide a safe and reliable source of electricity at a cost the local community can a ord.

My Opinion

Something you can count on

Here we are in November already. November signals more than just Thanksgiving, it signiﬁes the beginning of the entire holiday season.

Our cover story embodies that spirit with a longtime Christmas event that draws folks from all over the country and beyond — Trees of Christmas at Merrehope.

Tours at the Meridian mansion kick o this month on the 23rd and go through the season, wrapping up right after New Year’s Eve.

A regional production, decorators and designers traveled from Clarke County, Laurel, Philadelphia, Newton, Jasper County, the Gulf Coast, and from Alabama, Tennessee, and Kentucky to Merrehope to decorate the more than 70 trees featured at the event.

For many Mississippi families, Trees of Christmas at Merrehope is an annual tradition. This year’s event will be the 57th.

It’s something Mississippi families can count on, year after year.

Another thing Mississippi families can count on are their electric cooperatives.

The co-ops are always there in the background ensuring service to members.

Our priority is to provide a ordable, reliable energy for our local communities.

We are also committed to giving back to our communities in all the di erent ways we do. Whether it’s through putting on membership events for fellowship, hosting our youth leadership program, or volunteering our time or money via community charities, you know you can count on your electric co-op.

We hope you have a great holiday season and enjoy the issue.

by Michael Callahan

Executive Vice President/CEO Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi

What’s Mississippi to you? What do you treasure most about life in our state? Send your brief thoughts to Today in Mississippi, news@ecm.coop or mail to P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158.

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