Issuu

Delegates learn leadership skills at ECM workshop

High school juniors from all over the state descended on Jackson Feb. 25 to Feb. 27 to participate in the 39th Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi (ECM) Cooperative Leaders Workshop.

The conference, held at The Westin in downtown Jackson, gave 83 high school delegates the opportunity this year to learn about leadership, community service, and state government in action.

Each student was sponsored and chosen by di erent electric cooperatives throughout the state.

The delegates also earned an all-expense paid group trip to Washington, D.C. in June.

Cooperative Day at the state capitol

Feb. 19 was Cooperative Day at the Capitol. Mississippi electric co-op general managers, senior sta , and a few linemen mingled with state lawmakers in Jackson to promote the important relationship between legislators and co-ops, which provide electric power and high-speed internet to rural Mississippians.

The co-ops set up booths and demonstrations. Key sta from the co-ops visited with lawmakers during the event to talk about the state’s important relationship with cooperatives and how their partnership works to better local communities.

During the three-day workshop, delegates met with their state lawmakers, toured the state capitol, participated in problem solving activities, and attended speeches by motivational speakers.

Pearl River Valley Electric delegate Michelle Xie was chosen at the new Youth Leadership Council Representative for the state of Mississippi. Xie will attend the NRECA Annual Meeting in San Diego next year. She also received a $1,000 scholarship from the ECM Foundation.

Secretary of State Michael Watson and political cartoonist/ storyteller Marshall Ramsey spoke to the delegates during the event.

MORE THAN FARMING — AGRIBUSINESS MEANS OPTIONS.

An agribusiness degree from Mississippi State University opens doors to careers in management, finance, marketing, and policy across the modern agricultural economy.

97% Job Placement 1,800+ Alumni Network Nationwide Internships Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution.

“Improving the quality of life for all those we touch.”

BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY

Safety!

It’s the name of the game for our hard-working linemen and all our employees at 4-County Electric Power Association/ FASTnet. And it’s a game we’re winning. On April 10, the co-op will celebrate 1.5 million no lost-time hours. It’s a special day, and a win-win situation for all involved. Our goal is for every employee to come home – safe and sound – each and every day. This certainly applies to linemen (as national studies consistently rank linework as one of the most dangerous jobs in the country) but also to all our employees, inside and outside team members. In honor of their achievement, these hardworking men and women will receive a good meal and a welldeserved pat on the back. But I want you to know we appreciate our employees every day and the selﬂess service they provide to our members. Join us in acknowledging their dedication, accomplishments and safe working practices.

What does it mean to be a 4-County employee? These brave workers are always on call. We have crews and employees standing by to serve you 24 hours a day, in the middle of the night or wee hours of the morning, weekends and holidays. In times of intense power restoration e orts, we all strap up our boots and get the job done.

It’s easy to take power – and those who provide it – for granted. We have to work safely, smart, and e ciently. Often, our linemen accomplish those goals while 40 feet in the air. Our inside employees sometimes work with dangerous equipment. We all have to watch for common threats to safety. All our employees are trained to do so.

Working directly with high voltage will quickly put you in the “dangerous jobs” category. For linemen, there can be no slip ups or careless actions. Embracing a culture of safety can mean the di erence between life and death. That’s one of the reasons linemen form a brotherhood. When you put your life in the hands of co-workers every day, they become more than colleagues. They’re family.

On a typical day, linemen maintain electric distribution lines or build service to new homes and businesses in 4-County’s service area. Their dedication to service and safety doesn’t end there. Linemen are often familiar ﬁgures in the communities they serve and live in. They, and other members of the 4-County team, can be found delivering safety messages to schools, churches and emergency response organizations. The 4-County machine is built on a culture of safety.

The long story is that safety is interwoven throughout our organization, and it’s observed by all of our employees. In short, our employees (particularly our linemen, in the most dangerous of roles), do safety very well.

When you see 4-County employees, give them a pat on the back, o er a word of encouragement, and congratulate them on their safety achievements. And make safety a priority at your home or organization. Remember, better safe than sorry!

by Brian Clark

CEO/General Manager

4-County Foundation makes awards

by Brad Barr

The 4-County Foundation met March 5 and made over $45,000 in awards to six area non-proﬁt organizations.

Those receiving the recent round of awards include

• Fellowship of Christian Athletes ($10,000 for funds to send 30 children to a leadership camp)

• Friends of the Noxubee County Library ($10,000 to purchase materials for an interactive children’s area)

• Make A Wish Foundation of Mississippi ($6,500 for a child’s wish trip)

• Oktibbeha County Sheri ’s O ce ($9,775 for SWAT/Critical Response Team equipment)

• Starkville Kiwanis Club ($6,000 for non-perishable food items for the United We Feed Food Drive)

• The Webster County Public Library ($3,500 for mobile classroom equipment)

Applications to receive Foundation assistance for individuals and organizations are available in 4-County o ces and on the 4-County website, 4county.org. You can also call 1-800-431-1544 for more information. Ninety-three percent of 4-County members participate.

4-COUNTY YOUNG LEADERS GRADUATE FROM PROGRAM

by Brad Barr

4-County Electric Power Association Youth Leadership Delegates Emma Williams, Reagan Kilgore, Ginger Ford, and Katelyn Hammett graduated from the prestigious Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Leaders Workshop Feb. 25-27 in Jackson.

The quartet joined 79 high school juniors from across the state for the 39th annual workshop.

The young leaders also met with their state lawmakers, toured the state capitol, participated in problem solving activities, and attended speeches by motivational speakers — including one by political cartoonist Marshall Ramsey — who urged them to serve their communities. Secretary of State Michael Watson also spoke to the students during the three-day workshop.

The program instills leadership skills, inspires creative thinking, encourages community service, and introduces students to legislative elected o cials from their communities. The conference was held at The Westin in downtown Jackson.

The students earned the trip to the workshop following a competitive selection process sponsored by their local electric cooperative. They will travel to Washington, D.C. in June for a seven-day youth leadership tour.

Six Mississippi legislators met the 4-County delegates for breakfast at the event: Sen. Chuck Younger, Rep. Andy Boyd, Sen. Bart Williams, Sen. Rod Hickman, Sen. Ben Suber, and Rep. Justin Crosby.

Williams was named a ﬁnalist at the event. She also sang the national anthem at the workshop’s opening session.

The workshop was life changing. I have made the sweetest of friends, and I have learned the true definition of a leader.

Katelyn Hammett

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

JUNE 4, 2026

ANNUAL MEETING CHECKLIST

❏ JUNE 4, 2026

❏ Registration • 9 a.m.

❏ Lunch • 10:15 a.m.

❏ Business Meeting • Noon

❏ Door Prizes • from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Grand Prize is a retired 4-County vehicle! You must be present to win.)

Nominees submitted for co-op Director

EAST MISSISSIPPI COMMUNITY COLLEGE

GOLDEN TRIANGLE LYCEUM

8731 S. FRONTAGE ROAD IN MAYHEW @

Mike Banks and Bill Bell are nominated for three-year terms on 4-County Electric Power Association’s board of directors.

Banks (District 4, Noxubee County) and Bell (At-Large) – both current board members – were placed in nomination by the association’s nominating committee at its March 18 meeting. Nominations may also be made by petition. The deadline for those is April 6. Any qualiﬁed petition nominees will be listed in the May issue and will appear on your ballot.

Notice of Nomination Reports

Nominating committee reports were posted March 18 at both 4-County o ces and online. The deadline for additional nominations for directors, by petition of at least 50 consumermembers, is April 6, no later than noon. At press time, no nominees petitioned to become a board candidate.

Ballot/proxies will be mailed by May 5 to all 4-County members.

The deadline for returning ballot/proxies is May 29 by noon, six days prior to the annual membership meeting June 4.

Members of the nominating committee are Paul Crowley, Willie Davis, James Gillespie, Benny Graves, Doran Henry, Frank Howell, Henri Sue Kennard, Donald Land, Grey Land III, Charles McMinn, John Partridge, Brian D. Power, Angela Robertson Odie L. Shaw. Ann Shelton, Belk Weems, and Sammie Williams.

O cial notice of 4-County Annual Meeting

Pursuant to Article II, Sections 1 and 3 of the 4-County Electric Power Association Bylaws, notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of members of 4-County Electric Power Association will be held Thursday, June 4, at noon.

In accordance with the laws of the state of Mississippi and the Bylaws of the Association, two directors will be elected for threeyear terms, reports will be given on the operation of the Association for the past year and other matters of business will be addressed.

Jay Gilliland Secretary-Treasurer 4-County

Electric Power Association Board of Directors

CENTRAL ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION

A tradition of dependable, hometown service since 1937

107 EAST MAIN STREET • CARTHAGE, MS 39051

LINEWORKERS ARE READY when it matters most

At Central Electric, we have the unique privilege of seeing ﬁrsthand what it truly takes to keep the lights on for our members. In April, we take time to pause and recognize the brave men who make that possible every single day — our lineworkers.

When storms impact our communities and outages occur, many people experience the inconvenience, but our lineworkers see a call to action. Our crews are always ready when it matters most — leaving family dinners, working through the night and heading into challenging conditions to restore power as safely and quickly as possible. That readiness is not accidental. It comes from rigorous training, deep experience, and a shared commitment to serving others.

Our crews are always ready when it matters most — leaving family dinners, working through the night and heading into challenging conditions to restore power as safely and quickly as possible.

CARTHAGE: 601-267-5671 | PHILADELPHIA: 601-656-2601 | RANKIN: 601-829-1201 | SEBASTOPOL: 601-625-7422

to daily life, to local businesses, to schools, farms, and emergency services. Powering the places we call home is personal to lineworkers.

Electric cooperatives like Central Electric were built on the principle of neighbors helping neighbors, and our lineworkers embody that spirit every day. They are the ﬁrst to respond and the last to leave, often working long hours behind the scenes. At times, serving our neighbors means going beyond our own service territory through a process known as mutual aid. During major outage events, Central Electric crews stand ready to assist neighboring co-ops —sometimes close to home, and sometimes across state lines — to help restore power. This spirit of mutual aid strengthens all cooperatives and ultimately beneﬁts the members we serve.

We understand any time the lights go out can be frustrating, bringing everyday life to a halt. We are incredibly grateful to our members for your patience and encouragement during these times. Linework is demanding, physical, and at times, it can be dangerous. Our crews approach each job with a focus on safety and teamwork. They take pride in their craft and in the trust our members place in them.

In April, we will celebrate Lineworker Appreciation Month, but one month is hardly enough. Every day, we thank lineworkers for their service and dedication, which are the backbone of our cooperative.

To our lineworkers: thank you for your hard work, your readiness, and your unwavering commitment to the communities we serve. We are proud to stand behind you and grateful for all that you do.

FUTURE LEADERS TAKE ACTION IN JACKSON

A group of 83 high school juniors from all over the state gathered in Jackson from Feb. 25 to Feb. 27 for the 39th Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Cooperative Leaders Workshop.

The program instills leadership skills, inspires creative thinking, encourages community service, and introduces students to legislative elected o cials from their communities.

The conference was held at The Westin in downtown Jackson.

The delegates earned the trip to the workshop following a competitive selection process sponsored by their local electric cooperative.

They will travel to Washington, D.C. in June for a seven-day youth leadership tour.

Central Electric delegates Cale Cotnam, Diarra Davis, Brady Farve, and McKinley Johnson spent the three days in Jackson with other delegates from around the state.

They met with their state lawmakers, toured the state capitol, participated in problem solving activities, and attended speeches by motivational speakers — including one by political cartoonist Marshall Ramsey — who urged them to serve their communities.

Secretary of State Michael Watson spoke to the delegates during the workshop.

A. Brady Farve, Diarra Davis, McKinley Johnson, and Cale Cotnam receiving their Leadership Awards after completing the workshop. B. (left to right) Rep. Scott Bounds, Cale Cotnam, Dierra Davis, McKinley Johson, Brady Farve, and Sen. Tyler McCaughn.

WE’RE NOT DONE YET!

This summer, Cooperative Youth Leaders will be traveling to Washington, D.C. Check back in Today in Mississippi’s August issue to see highlights from ECM’s 39th annual Youth Tour.

The workshop taught me that there’s more than one solution to a problem and no perfect solution.”

Cale Cotnam

CelebratingRetirees OUR RECENT

Central Electric General Manager Brian Long presents plaques to Richard Wilson and Greg Barrett.

25 years of service 2001-2026

36 years of service 1986-2002 2005-2026

RICHARD WILSON GREG BARRETT

CEPA’s 1st

by Qua’Shara Monix

The Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi’s Cooperative Youth Leadership Workshop held in Jackson on Feb. 25–27, was an inspiring and unforgettable experience for students across the state. Hosted in our capital city, the workshop brought together 83 high school juniors eager to grow as leaders, build relationships, and gain a deeper understanding of Mississippi’s rich history and civic process.

Coahoma Electric Power Association was proudly represented by three outstanding delegates — Desi Monix II, Graydon Burke, and Braiden Blair — who joined 80 other student leaders from across Mississippi to kick o the event. Upon arriving in Jackson, the group immediately immersed themselves in the cultural and historical signiﬁcance of our state with tours of the Museum of Mississippi History and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. These powerful experiences provided meaningful insight into Mississippi’s past and the leadership, resilience, and courage that continue to shape its future.

Under the direction of Eddie Tanner, students quickly became acquainted and began building a strong community of youth leaders united by service, growth, and cooperation. The atmosphere throughout the workshop was one of encouragement, connection, and shared purpose.

Thursday began with a hearty breakfast alongside area legislators, giving students the opportunity to engage in conversation and witness public service in action. The delegates then traveled to the historic Mississippi State Capitol, where they gained ﬁrsthand exposure to the legislative process and the importance of civic involvement.

The day continued with a professional etiquette presentation by Mandi Stanley, equipping students with valuable skills that will serve them well

in mississippi's capital PLANTING THE SEEDS of Leadership

youth leadership experience

in academic, professional, and leadership settings. Later, Elyon Outreach Ministries delivered an impactful session titled “Cooperating in a Modern World,” encouraging delegates to lead with integrity, unity, and purpose in today’s ever-changing society. Then, magician Dorian LaChance ﬁlled the room with amazing illusions and hilarious, clean comedy that attracted a bunch of high energy participation.

On the ﬁnal day, Michael Watson, Mississippi’s secretary of state, served as a guest speaker. As he does each year, Watson carved out time from his schedule to invest in the lives of these young leaders. His message of encouragement, life lessons, faith, perseverance, and the goodness of God planted wholesome seeds into the hearts and minds of all 83 delegates.

The workshop concluded with humor and insight from renowned political cartoonist and storyteller Marshall Ramsey, followed by certiﬁcate and scholarship presentations recognizing the hard work and dedication of the delegates.

Coahoma Electric Power Association would like to sincerely thank Desi Monix II, Graydon Burke, and Braiden Blair for their commitment and representation during our very ﬁrst Cooperative Youth Leadership Workshop experience. We are incredibly proud of the way they carried themselves and hope they will continue to apply the leadership principles, conﬁdence, and community spirit they gained throughout the event.

We are already looking ahead with excitement and anticipation for the next group of deserving juniors for the 2026–2027 program year to take advantage of this remarkable opportunity.

Stay tuned… the future of leadership is bright!

FUTURE LEADERS TAKE ACTION IN JACKSON

A group of 83 high school juniors from all over the state gathered in Jackson from Feb. 25 to Feb. 27 for the 39th Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Cooperative Leaders Workshop. The program instills leadership skills, inspires creative thinking, encourages community service, and introduces students to legislative elected officials from their communities.

The conference was held at The Westin in downtown Jackson. The delegates earned the trip to the workshop following a competitive selection process sponsored by their local electric cooperative.

They will travel to Washington, D.C. in June for a seven-day youth leadership tour.

Coahoma Electric delegates Desi Monix II, Graydon Burke, and Braiden Blair spent the three days in Jackson with other delegates from around the state.

Secretary of State Michael Watson spoke to the delegates during the workshop.

A. Coahoma Electric student delegates enjoyed a legislative breakfast with state lawmakers. Pictured left to right are Rep. Tracey Rosebud, Graydon Burke, Braiden Blair, Desi Monix II, Rep. Otha Williams III, and Sen. Reginald Jackson.

I was impacted by meeting new people. Meeting new people can be exciting and interesting.

Desi MonixII

WE’RE NOT DONE YET!

This summer, our Cooperative Youth Leaders will be traveling to Washington, D.C. Check back in Today in Mississippi’s August issue to see highlights from ECM’s 39th annual Youth Tour.

ANOTHER YEAR of CLARKSDALE'S

JUKE JOINT FESTIVAL

The 23rd Annual Juke Joint Festival will be on April 11 in downtown Clarksdale.

Although the main day is April 11, there will be extra festival events starting April 8 and going through April 12.

On April 8, Clarksdale’s own guitar superstar Christone “Kingﬁsh” Ingram will play a free show at 6 p.m. at the festival’s Red Panther Brewing Stage at 121 Delta Ave.

On April 9, there will be an all-star blues show featuring Grammy nominee and Mississippi-born blues guitarist John Primer on the Red Panther Brewing Stage.

The main event on April 10 will be a visit from the Thacker Mountain Radio Hour show at 6 p.m. including guests, author W. Ralph Eubanks, blues legend Bobby Rush, and Twurt Chamberlain. The “live” radio taping event is free at the Red Panther Brew Stage.

On April 12, there will be a free mini festival at the Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Art store from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The entire ﬁve-day festival will feature music, food vendors, children’s events, and arts and crafts.

For more information, visit jukejointfestival.com.

SATURDAY APRIL 11, 2026

CLARKSDALE, MISSISSIPPI

our members have the power

LINEWORKERS ARE READY when it matters most

As a Coast Electric employee, I have the unique privilege of seeing ﬁrsthand what it truly takes to keep the lights on for our members. In April, we take time to pause and recognize the brave workers who make that possible every single day — our linemen.

When outages a ect our members, our linemen are ready to respond. They are ready when it matters most, even if that means leaving family dinners, working through the night and heading into challenging conditions to restore power safely and quickly. That readiness is not accidental. It comes from training, experience and a commitment to serving our members and subscribers.

Our linemen are proud to power their communities. They live here. They raise their families here. They understand that electricity is more than a convenience; it’s essential to daily life, to local businesses, to schools, farms and emergency services.

Electric co-ops, like Coast Electric, were built on the principle of neighbors helping neighbors, and our linemen embody that spirit. They are the ﬁrst to respond and the last to leave, often working long hours behind the scenes. Sometimes, serving our neighbors means going beyond our own service territory to help sister co-ops. Our linemen recently worked to help folks in Oxford and

surrounding communities after ice storms left thousands without power. The welcome they received and the thanks they have gotten from people in those communities, since they’ve returned, have reminded us that mutual aid strengthens cooperatives and beneﬁts the members we serve.

Linework is demanding, physical and, at times, it can be dangerous. Our crews approach each job with a focus on safety and teamwork. They take pride in their work and in the trust our members place in them.

This month, we will celebrate Lineworker Appreciation Day, but one day is hardly enough. Every day, we thank lineworkers for their service and dedication, which are the backbone of our cooperative.

by Chris Rhodes

President and CEO

Coast Electric wants you to reduce your energy use and see savings on your energy costs. Each month, you will have an opportunity to register to win a prize that will help you reduce the energy consumption in your home. Visit www.coastelectric.coop or scan the QR code to enter. It only takes a few seconds, and you could win a prize that helps you save!

FUTURE LEADERS TAKE ACTION IN JACKSON

The conference was held at The Westin in downtown Jackson. The delegates earned the trip to the workshop following a competitive selection process sponsored by their local electric cooperative.

They will travel to Washington, D.C. in June for a seven-day youth leadership tour.

Coast Electric delegates Natalie Crider, Blake Henley, Asa Jones, and Cady Owen spent the three days in Jackson with other delegates from around the state.

They met with their state lawmakers, toured the state Capitol, participated in problem solving activities, and attended speeches by motivational speakers — including one by political cartoonist Marshall Ramsey — who urged them to serve their communities.

Secretary of State Michael Watson spoke to the delegates during the workshop.

A. Coast Electric Cooperative Youth Leaders delegates Natalie Crider, Blake Henley, Asa Jones and Cady Owen arrive in Jackson to meet with other young leaders from around the state. B. Natalie Crider works with other co-op representatives from across the state to come up with practical solutions to help fellow students. C. Rep. Greg Haney answers students’ questions about the legislative process. D. The Capitol rotunda E. Sen. Philman Ladner and Rep. Jay McKnight meet Coast Electric’s student delegates in the Capitol. F. Coast Electric’s Cooperative Youth Leader delegates in front of the Capitol.

G. Coast Electric Cooperative Youth Leaders delegate and Biloxi High School student Natalie Crider is the recipient of a $500 scholarship from the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Foundation. Natalie received this award after participating in the selection process for Mississippi’s Youth Leadership Council delegates. H. Sen. Mike Seymour, Rep. Kevin Felsher, Coast Electric Cooperative Youth Leader representatives Asa Jones, Cady Owen, Natalie Crider and Blake Henley, Senator Angela Hill, and Rep. Greg Haney meet at a breakfast where students were able to speak with their elected o cials.

The workshop directors teach the gifted how to use their gifts at every turn, and I will forever thank them for showing me how to turn what was great inside myself into something great for the world.

Cady Owen

WE’RE NOT DONE YET!

This summer, our Cooperative Youth Leaders will be traveling to Washington, D.C. Check back in Today in Mississippi’s August issue to see highlights from ECM’s 39th annual Youth Tour.

OPERATION ROUND UP CELEBRATION

In February, Operation Round Up (ORU) grant recipients visited Coast Electric’s Kiln headquarters to share their ORU success stories and network with representatives from other local charitable organizations. Representatives from organizations including the Lighthouse Academy for Dyslexia, Mississippi Gulf Coast Buddy Sports, Inﬁnity Science Center, Manna Ministries, CASA of South Mississippi and many others were able to share information about their organizations’ missions and the work they’ve been able to accomplish with ORU grant funds.

The event gave these organizations the opportunity to share information about resources and form beneficial partnerships to benefit our community. Representatives shared what ORU grants did for their organizations, including filling backpacks with meals for food insecure

TURN YOUR CONNECTIONS INTO CASH!

students, funding sports programs for children with special needs, helping women who have su ered from domestic abuse get on their feet once again, and so much more. Recipients o ered words of gratitude to Coast Electric members for supporting the work they do.

Community Development Director Janell Nolan called the day one of gratitude and love for our community and the people who work hard to make it a better place to live. “These organizations make such an impact in our communities,” Nolan said. “The fact that Operation Round Up grants contribute to the work they do makes me grateful for our members who contribute each month. It’s amazing that their spare change has funded millions of dollars of grants that make our communities a better place to live.”

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.

Here’s how it works:

• Visit www.coastconnect.com 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 our website to learn more and start earning today.

LINEWORKERS ARE READY when it matters most

As general manager of Delta Electric, I have the unique privilege of seeing ﬁrsthand what it truly takes to keep the lights on for our members. In April, we take time to pause and recognize the brave men who make that possible every single day — our lineworkers.

What makes lineworkers especially remarkable is that they aren’t just restoring power to a system — they’re restoring power to their own communities. They live here. They raise their families here. They understand that electricity is more than a convenience; it’s essential to daily life, to local businesses, to schools, farms, and emergency services. Powering the places we call home is personal to lineworkers.

Electric cooperatives like Delta Electric were built on the principle of neighbors helping neighbors, and our lineworkers embody that spirit every day. They are the ﬁrst to respond and the last to leave, often working long hours behind the scenes. At times, serving our neighbors means going beyond our own service territory through a process known as mutual aid. During major outage events, Delta Electric crews stand ready to assist neighboring co-ops —sometimes

close to home, and sometimes across state lines — to help restore power. This spirit of mutual aid strengthens all cooperatives and ultimately beneﬁts the members we serve.

In April, we will celebrate Lineworker Appreciation Month, but one month is hardly enough. Every day, we thank lineworkers for their service and dedication, which are the backbone of our cooperative.

To our lineworkers: thank you for your hard work, your readiness, and your unwavering commitment to the communities we serve. We are proud to stand behind you and grateful for all that you do.

by Harold Pittman

General Manager

by Michael Leitman

The electric grid is the backbone of modern life. It powers homes, businesses and institutions, including hospitals and other critical infrastructure. As the grid becomes more interconnected and digitized, it also faces growing threats ranging from cyberattacks to extreme weather events.

Keeping the grid reliable and resilient is essential, and electric cooperatives are actively involved in national e orts to secure the electric grid.

Electric cooperatives, other utilities, and grid operators follow standards set by organizations like the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), which mandate protections for critical infrastructure, including

• Cybersecurity Measures: Firewalls, encryption, and multi-factor authentication help prevent unauthorized access to control systems. Regular software updates and vulnerability scans reduce the risk of exploitation.

• Physical Security: Electric substations and control centers are protected with fencing, surveillance, and restricted access. Physical breaches or attacks can be just as damaging as cyberattacks.

• Redundancy and Resilience: Backup systems and redundant lines ensure power can be rerouted during outages caused by natural events or deliberate attacks. This minimizes disruption and speeds recovery.

As the electric grid becomes more interconnected and digitized, it faces growing threats ranging from cyberattacks to extreme weather events and wildﬁres.

Photo Credit: Maurice Van Der Velden

Each of these standards creates layers of defense, making it harder for any single failure to compromise the entire grid.

As threats evolve, so do the tools to combat them. New tools including drones, remote sensors, and advanced controls allow cooperatives to be more e ective in monitoring and responding to a variety of grid threats.

Automated sensors and controls allow real-time visibility across the grid and enable rapid response to emergency conditions, either by a human operator or automated settings. Artiﬁcial intelligence (AI) can be a powerful technology to enhance these other tools, especially in sifting through large amounts of data or imagery to detect irregularities or patterns. But to be e ective, AI tools must be well designed, properly trained, and incorporated into cybersecurity protections.

Electric co-ops are also making investments to harden their local systems against the growing threat of extreme weather events and other natural hazards. These investments include identifying vulnerable parts of the grid, replacing wooden poles with metal or cement poles, or adding enhanced technologies that allow greater visibility and control to anticipate and respond to emergency conditions.

Planning for the unexpected is critical.

Utilities and government agencies conduct large-scale exercises to test their readiness for emergencies. One example is GridEx, a biennial event organized by NERC that simulates cyber and physical attacks on the electric grid. Thousands of participants, from utilities to law enforcement, work together to identify weaknesses and improve coordination.

These drills serve two purposes. They expose vulnerabilities before real crises occur, and they build relationships among key

stakeholders. In an actual emergency, rapid communication and collaboration can make the di erence between a minor disruption and a widespread outage.

Beyond planning exercises like GridEx, electric co-ops also create plans and conduct trainings to practice their responses to cyber and physical attacks and natural hazards.

So, why does all this matter? A secure electric grid isn’t just about keeping the lights on; it’s about protecting public health, economic stability, and national security in the co-op communities we serve.

By combining robust industry standards, rigorous training, and cutting-edge technology, electric co-ops are helping to build a grid that is not only reliable but resilient today and in the future.

Michael Leitman writes on consumer and cooperative a airs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

Electric co-ops are creating plans and conducting trainings to practice their responses to cyber and physical attacks and natural hazards.

New tools and technologies allow cooperatives to be more e ective in monitoring and responding to a variety of grid threats.

Spring into

Spring is a season of renewal — and a great time to refresh your energy habits, too! As temperatures begin to warm and daily routines shift, a few small changes around your home can add up to meaningful energy savings.

Your co-op is committed to helping members use energy wisely while keeping homes comfortable year-round.

Spring is the perfect time to schedule maintenance for your heating and cooling system. Spring and fall checkups conducted by a licensed professional can help ensure your system is running e ciently, safely, and reliably before the peak seasons begin. A well-maintained unit uses less energy, lasts longer, and helps prevent costly breakdowns when you need it most.

If you’re looking for a simple place to start saving, look no further than ceiling fans. Fans don’t actually cool or heat the air, but they help you feel more comfortable by moving it. During warmer months, make sure your ceiling fan blades are set to rotate counterclockwise. This creates a downward breeze that makes you feel cooler, allowing you to raise your thermostat a few degrees without sacriﬁcing comfort. In cooler months, reverse the direction of fan blades clockwise to help push warm air down from the ceiling, improving e ciency when your heating system is running.

Speaking of thermostats, adjusting the temperature just a few degrees can make a noticeable di erence on your energy bill. As spring arrives, try setting your thermostat slightly higher when cooling or slightly lower when heating. Even a two- or threedegree adjustment can reduce energy use while still keeping your home comfortable — especially when combined with ceiling fans or open windows on mild, pleasant days.

Hot water use is another area where simple habits matter. Taking shorter showers can help reduce the amount of energy used to heat water, which makes up a signiﬁcant portion of most energy bills. Cutting just a few minutes o each shower not only saves energy but also conserves water.

Finally, the time of day you use energy can also play a part in savings. When you run major appliances during o -peak hours (when energy demand is lower), you can take advantage of non-peak rates and help reduce pressure on the electric grid — that’s a win-win!

SPRING INTO ENERGY SAVINGS.

• Schedule a tune-up for your heating/cooling system.

• Set fan blades to run counterclockwise for cooling.

• Adjust your thermostat a few degrees.

• Take short showers to save on water heating.

• Run major appliances during o -peak hours.

“Powering

Growing with purpose

Investing wisely for our members and our future

For more than 85 years, Dixie Electric has grown alongside the communities we serve. That growth brings additional responsibilities to our members and our employees.

Recently, Dixie Electric purchased property on Flynt Road in Laurel, formerly the Wayne-Sanderson headquarters. I want to take a moment to explain why this decision was made, how it beneﬁts our members and employees, and how it positions us for the future. But before I do that, I want to take a moment to provide some historical context. Dixie Electric, then Jones County Electric Power Association, was in a small o ce on Ellisville Boulevard in Laurel from 1938 until 1943, when they moved to an o ce on South Magnolia Street. In 1949, a new headquarters was built on that same site on South Magnolia Street, which is now the site of the Laurel Police Station. They remained at that location until 1970, when the o ce and headquarters on Hwy 184 (Hwy 84 at that time) were completed. It is a solid, well-designed, and well-constructed facility that has served Dixie Electric well for more than 55 years, almost two-thirds of the life of the cooperative. By contrast, they were at the South Magnolia site for only 21 years. At the time it was built, there were fewer than 60 employees. It was built with growth in mind, but I don’t think anyone could have imagined what Dixie Electric would become. Today, we employ more than 145 employees, each playing a critical role in delivering safe, reliable, and a ordable electricity to our members, as well as reliable, high-speed internet service through DE Fastlink.

When DE Fastlink launched in 2020, our growth accelerated. We didn’t just grow in size; we grew in responsibility, services, and expectations. We did everything we could to make our existing space work. O ces became shared spaces for up to three or four employees. Conference rooms also became shared o ce space, and storage closets became o ces. We even had to rent storage space for equipment and ﬁ les. We stretched and adapted as much as possible, but over time, it became clear we had outgrown the facility that had once served us so well.

As we began planning for the future, we considered building a new headquarters on our existing property. However, with today’s construction costs, that option would have required a very signiﬁcant investment. Then, unexpectedly, another opportunity emerged: the Wayne-Sanderson facility became available.

This option allowed us to meet our needs at a much more coste ective price than building new. While the property includes more space than we currently require, that excess space also became part of the solution. By leasing unused portions of the building back

to Wayne-Sanderson, we are o setting the costs to purchase and operate the new facility and further reducing the ﬁ nancial impact to our members.

We had a decision to make — either pursue the option that kept us in a single location but at a much higher cost or make the more financially responsible decision. With careful deliberation and guidance from our board of directors, we chose the path that best reflects our commitment to being good stewards of our members’ investment. Every decision of this magnitude is made with thoughtful consideration. This one was no di erent. Guided by our cooperative principles, particularly Members’ Economic Participation, we approach decisions with a long-term view. Much like the facility built in 1970 supported our members for decades, this decision reflects thoughtful planning and our responsibility to ensure the cooperative remains strong and well-positioned for the future. When we looked at the options, we fully believed this was the best decision for Dixie Electric and its members and employees.

As with any expense of this magnitude, members might be concerned with how it could a ect their electric bill. This purchase was ﬁ nanced over a long period of time, so that no one generation of members absorbs all the cost. Just like the costs of substations, poles, wire, and transformers that are spread out over time, this purchase is treated exactly the same way. It plays a small part in the overall ﬁ xed costs of the cooperative, but when spread over time, it has a minimal impact on any one member, especially when you consider that we’re leasing part of facilities back to Wayne Sanderson or other organizations in the future.

Today, we are adjusting to a new normal. Our operations and member services teams continue working out of the existing facility on Hwy 184, while administrative departments and DE Fastlinkrelated employees have transitioned to the Flynt Road location. We are excited about what’s ahead for Dixie Electric and DE Fastlink. Most importantly, we remain committed to serving you with integrity, accountability, and a long-term vision that keeps our members at the center of every decision we make.

by Randy Smith General Manager

FUTURE LEADERS TAKE ACTION IN JACKSON

A group of 83 high school juniors from across Mississippi gathered in Jackson from Feb. 25 to Feb. 27 for the 39th Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Cooperative Leaders Workshop — three days focused on leadership, service, and civic engagement.

Designed to cultivate leadership skills and spark a heart for community involvement, the workshop gives delegates an inside look at how cooperatives and state government work together to serve Mississippi communities. Throughout the workshop, students are challenged to think critically, collaborate with peers, and consider how they can make a di erence right where they are.

Held at The Westin in downtown Jackson, the event brought together students who earned their spot through a competitive selection process sponsored by their local electric cooperatives. This summer, they will continue the experience with a seven-day Youth Leadership Tour in Washington, D.C.

Representing Dixie Electric this year were Ford Bigler, Collin Windham, and Brantlee Crager. Over the course of three days, they connected with fellow students from around the state, toured the Mississippi State Capitol, and participated in hands-on leadership and problem-solving activities. They also heard from several inspiring speakers, including political cartoonist Marshall Ramsey, who encouraged students to use their voices, talents, and opportunities to serve their communities well.

While at the Capitol, our delegates had the opportunity to meet with and learn from elected o cials who represent our area. We are especially grateful to Sen. Don Hartness and Reps. Donnie Scoggin, Charles Blackwell, and Larry Byrd for taking time out of their busy schedules to have breakfast with our delegates and personally show them around the Capitol. Opportunities like these give delegates a ﬁrsthand look at the legislative process and allow them to ask meaningful questions about leadership and public service.

Secretary of State Michael Watson also addressed the group during the workshop, sharing insights about state government and the responsibility that comes with leadership.

We are proud of Ford, Collin, and Brantlee for representing Dixie Electric and our members so well, and we look forward to seeing the impact they will continue to make in the years ahead.

I learned that you can’t be a strong leader to others if you don’t have conﬁdence and discipline within yourself. Brantlee Crager

A. Ford Bigler, Brantlee Crager, and Collin Windham starting o the workshop with a smile.

B. (Left to right) Rep. Larry Byrd, Sen. Don Hartness, Ford, Brantlee, Collin, Rep. Donnie Scoggin, and Rep. Charles Blackwell.

behind the lines THE MEN

by Amanda Mills

Before I came to work at Dixie Electric, I appreciated having electricity, but I never grasped the depth of what that truly meant. If the lights were on, life was normal. If the power went out, I waited for it to come back. Like most people, I didn’t think much about what happened in between.

I’ve now worked at Dixie Electric for nearly 18 years, and my perspective has completely changed. From where I sit, there is no group of people more deserving of appreciation than the men who keep the lights on for our members.

Lineman Appreciation Day, held annually on April 18, gives us the opportunity to pause and recognize what I have witnessed ﬁrsthand for nearly two decades: this job is not ordinary.

It’s climbing poles in the heat of a Mississippi summer. It’s working through freezing rain and bitter wind. It’s responding at 2 a.m. while most of us are asleep. It’s operating heavy equipment in dangerous conditions with precision and focus. It’s missed t-ball games, holiday gatherings, and birthday parties. It’s carrying the responsibility of knowing that what you do matters, not just for convenience, but for safety, for medical equipment, for schools, for businesses, and for entire communities.

Storm restoration is where you truly see who they are. I’ve watched them leave their families for days, sometimes weeks, to help restore power after major weather events. I’ve seen them head out before sunrise and return long after dark with tired faces and quiet pride. What amazes me most is not just their endurance, but their attitude.

They don’t complain about the heat. They don’t complain about the cold. They don’t complain about the hours. They just keep on keeping on.

Osmose Utilities Services inspection and maintenance

Celebrating 2026 Lineman Appreciation Day this April 18

There is a level of grit in a lineman that is hard to describe unless you’ve seen it up close. They understand that every service reconnected and every pole replaced means something very real to someone waiting at home.

Thank you for your grit, your integrity, and your commitment to the members of Dixie Electric.

From my role in communications, I often get to share their stories. I get to take the photos from the ﬁeld and watch them work tirelessly. I get to share the updates as outages drop, and members are restored. I read the thank-you messages from our members on social media (and they do, too). Every single time I get to do these things, I’m reminded that this is more than a job for them. It’s a calling.

Before I came to work at Dixie Electric, I respected linemen in theory. Now, after years of seeing the sacriﬁce, the dedication, and the heart behind the hard hats, I respect them in a way that’s di cult to put into words.

So on Lineman Appreciation Day, from my perspective and all of us at Dixie Electric, thank you.

Thank you for the long days and nights.

Thank you for the dangerous work.

Thank you for the missed dinners and family time.

Thank you for your grit, your integrity, and your commitment to the members of Dixie Electric.

You are the backbone of this cooperative, and we are stronger because of you.

Osmose Utilities Services will be performing inspection and maintenance on some of Dixie Electric Power Association’s poles during the next year, beginning in March and continuing for approximately six months. The general areas to be inspected will be Eucutta, Whistler, Shubuta, Hiwannee, Beat 4, Pleasant Grove, Strengthford, Little Rock, Clara, Salem, Hollis Creek, and Camp Eight.

This work will generally consist of excavating a hole about 18” deep around the poles to inspect them and applying a preservative and/or remedial treatment to the poles as needed. The purpose of the inspection and treatment is to identify poles that do not meet industry strength standards and to extend the useful life of all others.

All Osmose contract workers will be identiﬁable by their yellow and orange Osmose work vests and hard hats. Osmose vehicles should be marked with Osmose Utility decals as well as a Dixie Electric Power Association “Contractor” decals.

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

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

Serving beyond our lines

Following the 2026 ice storm that impacted much of Mississippi, I want to share an important reminder about what it truly means to be part of a cooperative.

Fortunately, East Mississippi Electric Power Association’s electric and ﬁber systems did not experience signiﬁcant damage during the storm. We were prepared and closely monitored conditions, and we are grateful our infrastructure was spared. At the same time, several fellow cooperatives across the state were facing widespread destruction and extended outages.

Because our system remained intact, we were able to send more than 60 EMEPA line and ﬁber personnel to assist three di erent cooperatives in Mississippi.

That is the cooperative di erence in action. Working together, the cooperatives restored more than $100 million in damaged infrastructure in approximately 21 days. To put that into perspective, during those 21 days crews accomplished what would normally equal 45 to 50 days of work. That kind of progress only happens when cooperatives combine resources, manpower, equipment and expertise.

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR CEO

who serve not only their own communities but others across our state when needed. Their skill, training and willingness to answer the call reﬂect the very best of the cooperative spirit.

Electric cooperatives were built on the principle of neighbors helping neighbors. When one system is heavily impacted, others respond. There is no hesitation and no competition — only a shared commitment to restoring power safely and e ciently for the communities we all serve.

The employees who traveled to assist left their homes and families to help fellow Mississippians in a time of need. They worked long hours in di cult conditions, representing EMEPA with professionalism, skill and a work ethic that is respected across our industry. We heard ﬁrsthand how much their help was appreciated.

Cooperation among cooperatives is more than a cooperative principle — it is a proven system of mutual support that beneﬁts every member.

It is natural for members to focus on their own home and when their power will be restored. Leadership, however, must focus on thousands of homes, businesses, hospitals, nursing facilities, community service providers, grocery stores and fuel suppliers — all at the same time. They must also think constantly about safety: the safety of their own employees, the safety of our employees arriving to help and the safety of the public.

At the same time, they are managing the enormous logistics of storm response — feeding crews, arranging lodging, supplying materials, fueling trucks, coordinating damage assessments, dispatching resources and planning each day’s work so restoration progresses as quickly and safely as possible.

As we recognize National Lineman Appreciation Day on April 18, it is especially ﬁtting to acknowledge the dedication of the line workers

Cooperation among cooperatives is more than a cooperative principle — it is a proven system of mutual support that beneﬁts every member. Just as we were able to send help this time, we know that if our system is ever signiﬁcantly impacted, other cooperatives will stand ready to assist us.

That shared commitment strengthens reliability, speeds restoration and protects the communities we serve — including yours.

We are proud of our employees who answered the call, and we are proud to be part of a cooperative network that works together when it matters most.

Thank you for allowing us to serve you.

by Randy Carroll

CEO — East Mississippi Electric Power Association

FUTURE LEADERS TAKE ACTION IN JACKSON

The conference was held at The Westin in downtown Jackson. The delegates earned the trip to the workshop following a competitive selection process sponsored by their local electric cooperative.

They will travel to Washington, D.C. in June for a sevenday youth leadership tour.

East Mississippi Electric delegates Anna Jane Gibson, Brody Gressett, Caleb Randall, Ayla Ryals, and Qua Sillimon spent the three days in Jackson with other delegates from around the state.

Secretary of State Michael Watson spoke to the delegates during the workshop.

A. Students had the unexpected opportunity of meeting Congressman Michael Guest and his staff who were also visiting the Mississippi Capitol.

B. Sen. Jeff Tate visited with the EMEPA delegates at the Capitol.

C. EMEPA student delegates enjoyed a legislative breakfast with state lawmakers. Pictured left to right are Sen. Rod Hickman, Rep. Billy Adam Calvert, Ayla Ryals, Qua Sillimon, Brody Gressett, Caleb Randall, Anna Jane Gibson, Sen. Tyler McCaughn, and Rep. Troy Smith.

WE’RE NOT DONE YET!

This summer, our Cooperative Youth Leaders will be traveling to Washington, D.C. Check back in Today in Mississippi’s August issue to see highlights from ECM’s 39th annual Youth Tour.

I will take home new friends, more conﬁdence, and great memories that will last a lifetime.

Anna Jane Gibson

Cooperatives Helping Cooperatives

After Winter Storm Fern

When Winter Storm Fern moved through the region, it disrupted infrastructure and daily life for many Mississippi communities. It also highlighted one of the strongest principles of the cooperative model: cooperatives helping cooperatives.

On Jan. 26, an East Mississippi Connect fiber crew deployed to Natchez Trace Electric Power Association in Houston, Mississippi, to assist with restoration e orts supporting its fiber subsidiary, NT Spark. For more than a week, our crew worked alongside Natchez Trace personnel in a unified e ort to restore broadband service to a ected members. The deployment reflected more than operational support. It represented a shared commitment among cooperatives to step in when neighboring systems face challenges.

While a separate ﬁber-only photo was not captured on that trip, the image reﬂects the broader cooperative response. Multiple crews. Multiple systems. One shared mission.

East MS Connect ﬁber is a subsidiary of the EMEPA. As part of the cooperative network, East MS Connect is committed not only to serving its own members, but also to supporting fellow cooperatives when the need arises.

Mutual aid is a deﬁning feature of the electric and broadband cooperative network. Rather than operating in competition, cooperatives operate in collaboration. When one system experiences widespread damage, others provide crews, equipment and expertise to accelerate restoration. The focus remains on serving members and strengthening communities.

On Feb. 8, a second East MS Connect fiber crew departed for Greenwood to assist Delta Electric Power Association’s fiber subsidiary, DELight Speed. A third crew also deployed on Feb. 15, and all crews have now safely returned. By combining local system knowledge with additional field personnel, cooperatives are able to restore connectivity more e ciently and safely.

One of the accompanying photos includes both East Mississippi Electric Power Association line crews and EMC ﬁber crew members serving together during the Natchez Trace deployment.

Winter Storm Fern tested systems across the region. The response demonstrated the resilience of the cooperative model. When one cooperative calls, others answer.

W. Darrell Smith

retires after 50 years

After more than ﬁfty years of employment, I am retiring from Magnolia Electric Power. When I look back, it’s hard to believe how quickly the years have passed and how fortunate I’ve been to spend my entire career serving this cooperative and the people of Southwest Mississippi.

I started my employment at Magnolia Electric in 1973 as a cooperative education student while planning to major in Electrical Engineering at Mississippi State University. In 1976, I was hired full-time as an Electrical Engineer by General Manager Mr. E. C. Parker, and the Manager of Engineering and Operations Mr. Lamar Stokes. These two men were among the ﬁnest I ever met in the business world, and I was blessed to begin my career under their leadership and guidance.

During my ﬁrst 26 years at Magnolia, I had the opportunity to be in charge of every department on the engineering, construction, and operations side at one time or another. I thoroughly enjoyed most of those years, especially the chance to meet so many Mississippians who remembered ﬁrsthand what electric cooperatives had done to improve their quality of life. Even today, there are still members who understand and appreciate what their electric cooperative does for them, and they recognize the dedication of our employees. That pride in service has always meant a great deal to me.

natural disaster Magnolia had ever su ered. After recovering from Katrina, Magnolia took advantage of what I believe was the ﬁrst government grant the cooperative had ever received. Through that grant, we implemented an automated metering and SCADA system (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), allowing us to operate our electric grid more economically and much more safely.

In 2002, I became the CEO and General Manager of Magnolia Electric. By that time, I had spent more than two decades seeing where improvements were needed, and I was eager to begin addressing them. One of my ﬁrst priorities was creating a fulltime, in-house safety program with a dedicated safety director. This was something Magnolia badly needed, and improving safety for our employees and members became a major focus.

Once those systems were in place, we returned to the issue of the headquarters building. A feasibility study clearly showed that Magnolia needed to start over with a new facility. Using my ﬁrsthand knowledge of the limitations of the old building, along with valuable input from other employees, our new headquarters campus came together. It has already proven its value during later hurricanes, tornadoes, and even the rare ice storms we face in Southwest Mississippi.

More recently, in 2023, Magnolia was able to negotiate a highspeed broadband system that will cover our complete service territory without any Magnolia Electric Power members being responsible for the cost of implementing the program. I expect the full buildout to be completed this year, and I believe it will be another lasting beneﬁt to the communities we serve.

My attention then turned to our small and outdated headquarters building, which was built in the 1940s and had been added onto several times over the years. Those plans were temporarily interrupted when Hurricane Katrina came ashore in Mississippi as the most destructive

I am proud of what we’ve accomplished at Magnolia during my time as CEO. None of these achievements would have been possible without the support of our Board of Directors and a group of smart, dedicated employees. I sincerely thank each of them for helping make Magnolia better, and I am conﬁdent that progress will continue long after I’m gone.

It’s been a good career for me, made possible by the support I’ve received over the years. I wish everyone continued success, good luck, and prosperity in the future. Thank you all.

FUTURE LEADERS TAKE ACTION IN JACKSON

The conference was held at The Westin in downtown Jackson. The delegates earned the trip to the workshop following a competitive selection process sponsored by their local electric cooperative.

They will travel to Washington, D.C. in June for a seven-day youth leadership tour.

Magnolia Electric delegates Nathan Paulk, Jack Rippy, and Rivers Jordan spent the three days in Jackson with other delegates from around the state. They met with their state lawmakers, toured the state capitol, participated in problem solving activities, and attended speeches by motivational speakers — including one by political cartoonist Marshall Ramsey — who urged them to serve their communities.

Secretary of State Michael Watson spoke to the delegates during the workshop.

A. The MEP delegates enjoyed a breakfast with their legislators and a group photo. Those legislators who attended the breakfast included (back row, from left) Sen. Gary Brumﬁeld, Sen. Joey Fillingane, Sen. Jason Barrett, Rep. Vince Mangold, Rep. Bill Pigott, and Sen. Andy Berry; (front row) Nathan Paul, Jack Rippy and Rivers Jordan. B. Jack Rippy, Rivers Jordan, U.S. Congressman Michael Guest, State Rep. Becky Currie, and Nathan Paulk. C. Jack Rippy, Rivers Jordan, State Rep. Angela Cockerham, and Nathan Paulk. D. Jack Rippy, State Rep. Daryl Porter, Nathan Paulk, and Rivers Jordan. Porter was able to give the Youth Leadership delegates a tour of the House ﬂoor and a photo opportunity at the House podium. E. The MEP delegates with their local advisors and the organizers of the leadership program: (from left) Lucy Shell, Lydia Walters, Jack Rippy, Nathan Paulk, Rivers Jordan, Laken Smith, Heather Atwood, and Chris Alexander.

WE’RE NOT DONE YET!

This summer, our Cooperative Youth Leaders will be traveling to Washington, D.C. Check back in Today in Mississippi’s August issue to see highlights from ECM’s 39th annual Youth Tour.

Throughout my time spent at the CYL workshop, I learned that being a leader isn’t about getting attention or having control. Being a leader is more about understanding other people’s viewpoints and overcoming adversity together rather than solo.

Jack Rippy

Spring into

Your co-op is committed to helping members use energy wisely while keeping homes comfortable year-round.

you to raise your thermostat a few degrees without sacriﬁcing comfort. In cooler months, reverse the direction of fan blades clockwise to help push warm air down from the ceiling, improving e ciency when your heating system is running.

Speaking of thermostats, adjusting the temperature just a few degrees can make a noticeable di erence on your energy bill. As spring arrives, try setting your thermostat slightly higher when cooling or slightly lower when heating. Even a two- or three-degree adjustment can reduce energy use while still keeping your home comfortable — especially when combined with ceiling fans or open windows on mild, pleasant days.

SPRING INTO ENERGY SAVINGS.

• Schedule a tune-up for your heating/cooling system.

• Set fan blades to run counterclockwise for cooling.

• Adjust your thermostat a few degrees.

• Take short showers to save on water heating.

LINEWORKERS ARE READY when it matters most

As general manager of Monroe County Electric, I have the unique privilege of seeing ﬁrsthand what it truly takes to keep the lights on for our members. In April, we take time to pause and recognize the brave men who make that possible every single day — our lineworkers.

Electric cooperatives like Monroe County Electric were built on the principle of neighbors helping neighbors, and our lineworkers embody that spirit every day. They are the ﬁrst to respond and the last to

leave, often working long hours behind the scenes. At times, serving our neighbors means going beyond our own service territory through a process known as mutual aid. During major outage events, Monroe County Electric crews stand ready to assist neighboring co-ops — sometimes close to home, and sometimes across state lines — to help restore power. This spirit of mutual aid strengthens all cooperatives and ultimately beneﬁts the members we serve.

In April, we will celebrate Lineworker Appreciation Month, but one month is hardly enough. Every day, we thank lineworkers for their service and dedication, which are the backbone of our cooperative.

To our lineworkers: thank you for your hard work, your readiness, and your unwavering commitment to the communities we serve. We are proud to stand behind you and grateful for all that you do.

by Michael Leitman

Keeping the grid reliable and resilient is essential, and electric cooperatives are actively involved in national e orts to secure the electric grid.

• Physical Security: Electric substations and control centers are protected with fencing, surveillance, and restricted access. Physical breaches or attacks can be just as damaging as cyberattacks.

As the electric grid becomes more interconnected and digitized, it faces growing threats ranging from cyberattacks to extreme weather events and wildﬁres.

Photo Credit: Maurice Van Der Velden

Each of these standards creates layers of defense, making it harder for any single failure to compromise the entire grid.

Planning for the unexpected is critical.

These drills serve two purposes. They expose vulnerabilities before real crises occur, and they build relationships among key

stakeholders. In an actual emergency, rapid communication and collaboration can make the di erence between a minor disruption and a widespread outage.

Beyond planning exercises like GridEx, electric co-ops also create plans and conduct trainings to practice their responses to cyber and physical attacks and natural hazards.

By combining robust industry standards, rigorous training, and cutting-edge technology, electric co-ops are helping to build a grid that is not only reliable but resilient today and in the future.

Michael Leitman writes on consumer and cooperative a airs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

Electric co-ops are creating plans and conducting trainings to practice their responses to cyber and physical attacks and natural hazards.

New tools and technologies allow cooperatives to be more e ective in monitoring and responding to a variety of grid threats.

Spring into

Your co-op is committed to helping members use energy wisely while keeping homes comfortable year-round.

clockwise to help push warm air down from the ceiling, improving e ciency when your heating system is running.

Speaking of thermostats, adjusting the temperature just a few degrees can make a noticeable di erence on your energy bill. As spring arrives, try setting your thermostat slightly higher when cooling or slightly lower when heating. Even a two- or three-degree adjustment can reduce energy use while still keeping your home comfortable — especially when combined with ceiling fans or open windows on mild, pleasant days.

SPRING INTO ENERGY SAVINGS.

• Schedule a tune-up for your heating/cooling system.

• Set fan blades to run counterclockwise for cooling.

• Adjust your thermostat a few degrees.

• Take short showers to save on water heating.

• Run major appliances during o -peak hours.

WINTER STORM FERN RESPONSE

Number of meters out at peak: 8,000

Linemen from other co-ops assisting: 67

Length of Power Restoration: 8 days

Natchez Trace General Manager Shawn Edmondson: “Our sta kept the storm response running smoothly, making sure housing, food, and materials were available every day in each of our districts. Our lineman braved extreme cold and icy, dangerous conditions from sunup to sundown every day. The community support was amazing. Individuals and groups across our territory provided meals, snacks, and warm clothing. Some even pulled our trucks in and out of job sites. I can’t brag enough on our employees, cooperative network, and communities.”

FUTURE LEADERS TAKE ACTION IN JACKSON

A group of 83 high school juniors from all over the state gathered in Jackson from Feb. 25 to Feb. 27 for the 39th Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Cooperative Leaders Workshop.

The program instills leadership skills, inspires creative thinking, encourages community service, and introduces students to legislative elected o cials from their communities.

The conference was held at The Westin in downtown Jackson. The delegates earned the trip to the workshop following a competitive selection process sponsored by their local electric cooperative. They will travel to Washington, D.C. in June for a seven-day youth leadership tour.

Natchez Trace Electric delegates Thad Garner and Lauren Lee spent the three days in Jackson with other delegates from around the state.

Secretary of State Michael Watson spoke to the delegates during the workshop.

A. Thad Garner and Lauren Lee share a smile to kick o the workshop on Wednesday afternoon. B. (From left to right) Sen. Ben Suber, Lauren, Thad, and Rep. Justin Crosby are photographed before their legislative breakfast.

OFFICIAL NOTICE

THE ANNUAL MEETING OF MEMBERS

Will be held at the Calhoun City High School

Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 7 p.m.

The Annual Meeting of the members of the Natchez Trace Electric Power Association (“Association”) will be held at 7 p.m. on April 28, 2026, in the Calhoun City High School Auditorium, Calhoun City, Mississippi. The Calhoun City High School band will perform at 6:30 before the meeting begins.

Among the business to come before the members are (a) hearing and passing upon reports covering the previous ﬁscal year and (b) the election of three Directors.

Each member in good standing is entitled to one vote upon each matter submitted to vote at the meeting of members. A member may vote in person or by proxy through o cial mail ballot provided by the Association.

The Committee on Nominations are Perry Bailey, Stan Blaylock, Jerry Chandler, Billy M Gore, Walter B. Meek, Darrin Buggs, Cole Norman, Michael Watkins, and Jacob Samuell. Submitted by members of the Association, this committee receives and considers nominees for Director. The Committee met in the Board Room at the Association’s Houston o ce, 551 East Madison Street, on Feb. 10 for the purpose of selecting nominees considered for the Board. The Committee will prepare and post a list of their nominations for Board Members at the Houston, Calhoun City, and Eupora o ces of the Association at least 45 days before the Annual Meeting.

The Association’s secretary mails with the notice of the Annual Meeting, or separately, a statement of the Board Members to be elected and the names and addresses of the candidates. Only those

nominations made by the Committee, or by petition as hereinafter described, will be valid.

Any 50 members acting together may make nominations by petition, and the secretary will post such nominations at the same place where the list of nominations by the committee on nominations is posted. Any petition for nomination shall be submitted at least 45 days before the Annual Meeting on a form designated and provided by the Association. Each member signing such petition shall place thereon the date of signing, address, member’s number, and service location of the member. Nominations made by petition, if any, received at least 45 days before the meeting shall be included on the o cial ballot.

Notice is further given that three (3) directors are to be elected at the annual meeting and that the nominations for directors made by the Committee on Nominations and/or the Credentials and Elections Committee are as follows:

DISTRICT 1: Chickasaw and Pontotoc counties

Danny Ellison, 319 County Road 68, Woodland, MS 39776

DISTRICT 2: Webster and Clay counties

Terry Wills, 782 Center Road, Eupora, MS 39744

DISTRICT 3: Calhoun, Grenada, and Yalobusha counties

Mike Wade, 659 County Road 418, Calhoun City, MS 38916

Return your ballot to win

Return your ballot promptly for a chance to win a $500 credit for electricity. You do not have to be present at the Annual Meeting in order to win this prize.

Thanks to all of the members who voted their ballot last year. We need your ballot again this year in order to have a valid director’s election and annual meeting.

Please vote your ballot, sign it, seal it in the postage prepaid envelope, and return it to us. Please vote for one director in each district, three in total. Remember, you may win the $500 credit by doing so promptly.

Members can vote by mail or in person at the Annual Meeting. Members who vote by mail are also encouraged to attend the Annual Meeting. As noted above, members who vote by mail are eligible for a chance to win the $500 Credit. Members who also attend in person are eligible for a chance to win a $100 or $50 cash prize drawing. So, if a member votes by mail and attends the Annual Meeting in person, he/she has two opportunities to win a prize.

Directors election process explained

According to our Bylaws, three of our nine directors are elected every April. The process starts in January when the Board appoints the Committee on Nominations, as well as the Credentials and Elections Committee. Though separate committees with entirely different functions, they are usually made up of the same persons. After the Nominating Committee is constituted, Natchez Trace publishes their names in the three principal papers within our service area, as well as its stating of the time and place of the Nominating Committee meeting.

This year the Nominating Committee members are Perry Bailey, Stan Blaylock, Jerry Chandler, Billy M Gore, Walter B. Meek, Darrin Buggs, Cole Norman, Michael Watkins, and Jacob Samuell. These same persons constituted the Credentials and Elections Committee.

The Association’s attorney announced that after the Nominating Committee makes its decision as to the nominee or nominees for each

of (the three) positions, the nominees will be posted at the three principal offices of the Association. If a member or group of members is unsatisfied with the Nominating Committee recommendations, there would be another opportunity for additional inputs as to board candidates, in the form of nomination by petition, until March 13, 2026. After the committee members decided to separate the respective responsibilities of the Nominating Committee and of the Credentials and Elections Committee, the Committee on Nominations nominated the three incumbent directors whose respective slots were coming vacant to run again: nominated by petition, Danny Ellison, District One; Terry Wills, District Two; and Mike Wade, District Three.

Candidates for director

DISTRICT ONE

Danny Ellison

Danny Ellison is a candidate for director of District One in Chickasaw and Pontotoc counties. He is a resident of Woodland, where he and his sons operate Ellison Farms. Danny graduated from Woodland High School. Danny and wife, Cindy Vance Ellison, have three sons and seven grandchildren. He is a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. Mr. Ellison has taken the courses required to receive his Credentialed Cooperative Director Certificate.

DISTRICT TWO

Terry Wills

Terry Wills is a candidate for director of District Two in Webster and Clay counties. Mr. Wills is married to the former Betty Pogue of Eupora. They have two daughters. He is a member of Union Baptist Church, where he serves as pastor. He is a 1972 graduate of Mississippi State University, where he received a B.S. degree in agricultural economics. Mr. Wills was the agency manager at Webster County Farm Bureau until his retirement in 2013. He is enrolled in Biblical Studies through the Christian University Global Net. Mr. Wills has taken the courses required to receive his Credentialed Cooperative Director Certificate.

DISTRICT THREE

Mike Wade

Mike Wade is a candidate for director of District Three of Calhoun, Grenada, and Yalobusha counties. He is a lifelong resident of Calhoun County. After 40 years of flying, Mr. Wade retired from his agricultural spraying business, Mr. Wade’s Flying Service, in Calhoun City. He is currently serving as a board member for the Crossroads Water Association. He is a member of Bentley Baptist Church where he also serves as a deacon. Mr. Wade is married to Debra Spivey Wade, and they have three children and nine grandchildren. Mr. Wade has taken the courses required to receive his Credentialed Cooperative Director Certificate.

NATCHEZ TRACE ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION BALANCE SHEET

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2025

Utility Plant

Original Cost

$ 149,010,551 Less Depreciation $

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices and employees and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs).

Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Person with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_ filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call 866-632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

1. MAIL: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;

2. FAX: 202-690-7442; or

3. EMAIL: program.intake@usda.gov

Good Neighbors is a volunteer program designed to help – on a one time basis – families who fall on hard times and need help in paying their electric bill. NTEPA customers voluntarily agree to add at least one dollar per month to their electric bill as a contribution to this worthy cause. NTEPA collects and Community Action agencies administer this fund at no charge. Anyone interested in helping such families as a “Good Neighbor” please call 662-456-3037.

Endure and Prevail

Sitting in my o ce today and looking out at sunny skies with temperatures touching 70 degrees, it’s hard to think back to late January and early February and the damage North Mississippi sustained during Winter Storm Fern. Although Northcentral, through a combination of accelerated maintenance and a little weather luck, experienced relatively minimal damage, other areas did not fare as well.

Electric cooperatives across the state experienced approximately 165,000 outages and required assistance from more than 1,000 crews from across the country. When restoration e orts are complete, the total cost is expected to exceed $200 million.

Help didn’t come from just line crews, however. Restoration e orts rely on many di erent roles within a cooperative, and electric cooperatives have a wide range of sta working behind the scenes during storm response.

As we celebrate our linemen this month, we also recognize the many others who play critical roles in keeping the lights on: customer service representatives, accountants, IT specialists, mapping technicians, engineers, warehouse and purchasing sta , system operators, safety personnel, mechanics, communications sta , engaged boards of

Northcentral will be closed Friday, April 3, for Good Friday. We wish you and your family a happy Easter weekend. If you experience an outage during the long weekend, please report by calling 662-895-2151. Dispatchers will be on duty, and crews will be on call to respond.

directors, and even the occasional CEO. Each person plays an important part in carrying out our mission, and we celebrate them all this month.

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to meet members of the National Youth Council representing electric cooperatives from across the country. Students from all walks of life, cultures, and backgrounds make up this impressive group. If you want inspiration, don’t just talk with these future leaders, listen to them.

Like the great Mississippi author William Faulkner said, I believe these young leaders will not only help us endure but also prevail.

Stay safe.

by Kevin Doddridge General Manager/CEO

FUTURE LEADERS TAKE ACTION IN JACKSON

The conference was held at The Westin in downtown Jackson. The delegates earned the trip to the workshop following a competitive selection process sponsored by their local electric cooperative.

They will travel to Washington, D.C. in June for a seven-day youth leadership tour.

Northcentral Electric delegates Campbell Curran, Savannah Grinder, Trenton Hicks, Gracin Hollowell, Lucy Jasick, Gavin Moore, Kiersten Richmond, Jane Roman, Amy Ruiz, and Kaitlyn Sims spent the three days in Jackson with other delegates from around the state.

Secretary of State Michael Watson spoke to the delegates during the workshop.

WE’RE NOT DONE YET!

This summer, our Cooperative Youth Leaders will be traveling to Washington, D.C. Check back in Today in Mississippi’s August issue to see highlights from ECM’s 39th annual Youth Tour.

Pictured left to right: Campbell Curran, Kiersten Richmond, Jane Roman, Lucy Jasick, Gracin Hollowell, Amy Ruiz, Trenton Hicks, Savannah Grinder, Gavin Moore, and Kaitlyn Sims.

A

leader cannot reach their goals without the help of those around them. A good leader cooperates and comprises.

Savannah Grinder

Northcentral Electric student delegates enjoyed a legislative breakfast with state lawmakers.

Pictured are back row left: Sen. Reginald Jackson. Back row right: Sen. Kevin Blackwell. Front row left to right: Sen. Neil Whaley, Sen. Michael McLendon, Rep. Kimberly Remak, and Rep. Steve Massengill.

2,202 intrusions blocked

4,615 web threats blocked WHY WE’RE DIFFERENT all Northcentral Connect subscribers are protected with ProtectIQ®

4 virsues & malware blocked

“Switching to Northcentral Connect was the best choice we could have made. We’ve had better connections, faster downloads, and the service folks have been great to work with.” — VICKY NEYMAN —

PAY BILLS or REPORT OUTAGES: 855-2PRVEPA (855-277-8372)

COLUMBIA: 601-736-2666 | HATTIESBURG: 601-264-2458 | PURVIS: 601-794-8051 | WIGGINS: 601-928-7277

Member owned. Locally operated. That’s the cooperative di erence. • Visit us online at www.PRVEPA.com.

Saluting our Linemen

April 18 marks Lineman Appreciation Day, and for me, it is a day that deserves recognition. Every year, we take this time to acknowledge the men who work in some of the toughest conditions imaginable to keep our members’ lights on. At Pearl River Valley Electric, our linemen demonstrate the cooperative spirit, especially the principle of Cooperation Among Cooperatives.

I have always believed electric cooperatives are strongest when we stand together. That belief is proven every time a major storm hits and crews cross service territories to help one another. In those moments, cooperation is no longer an idea, it becomes action.

Winter Storm Fern hit our state earlier this year and provided a powerful example of this cooperative spirit. While our area was spared the worst of the winter conditions, Pearl River Valley Electric answered the call to support sister cooperatives Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association and Tallahatchie Valley Electric Power Association after they su ered extensive damage to their systems. In total, 36 linemen assisted these two cooperatives in storm restoration e orts. These men traveled to unfamiliar communities, yet they worked as if those members were their own friends and neighbors.

I know the sacriﬁces these trips require. They mean long hours in freezing weather, dangerous working conditions, and time away

from family. Crews push through fatigue, debris, and di cult terrain because they understand what it means for families to be without power.

Mutual aid e orts, like the response to Winter Storm Fern, speed up restoration and strengthen the relationships that connect our cooperative family. Just as we send help when others are in need, we know that same support stands ready for us when our members face hardship. No cooperative stands alone, and that unity is one of our greatest strengths.

On Lineman Appreciation Day, I encourage our members to join me in thanking our linemen. Their work is demanding and often dangerous, yet they perform it with pride. They serve both our community and the larger cooperative network with dedication that deserves recognition.

by Matthew Ware

CEO/General Manager

EXPOSING STUDENTS TO CAREERS IN POWER

Pearl River Valley Electric recently connected with local 8th and 9th grade students to spark interest in careers within the electric power industry. The Area Development Partnership’s Jump Start to Success career day, held Feb. 17 at the Forrest County MultiPurpose Center, brought together businesses, colleges, and universities to give students a closer look at future career opportunities through interactive exhibits.

PRVEPA employees represented a wide range of cooperative careers, including linemen, engineers, and energy services personnel. Instead of just talking about their jobs, they invited students to experience them. Linemen demonstrated tools and techniques used in the ﬁeld, while energy services sta shared hands-on displays focused on e ciency and how electricity is used in everyday life.

Events like Jump Start to Success give students a practical view of the many paths available in the energy industry and highlight the skilled workforce needed to power local communities. For PRVEPA, it was an opportunity not only to educate students, but to invest in the next generation of professionals who may one day serve the cooperative and the communities it supports.

FUTURE LEADERS TAKE ACTION IN JACKSON

The conference was held at The Westin in downtown Jackson. The delegates earned the trip to the workshop following a competitive selection process sponsored by their local electric cooperative.

They will travel to Washington, D.C. in June for a sevenday youth leadership tour.

Pearl River Valley Electric delegates Somtochi Offiah and Michelle Xie spent the three days in Jackson with other delegates from around the state.

Xie was chosen to represent the state as the Cooperative Youth Leaders’ Youth Council Representative. She will be heading to the NRECA Annual Meeting in San Diego next year to represent the state. She also received a $1,000 scholarship from the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Foundation.

Offiah and Xie met with their state lawmakers, toured the state capitol, participated in problem solving activities, and attended speeches by motivational speakers — including one by political cartoonist Marshall Ramsey — who urged them to serve their communities.

Secretary of State Michael Watson spoke to the delegates during the workshop.

A. PRVEPA delegates meet with Rep. Larry Byrd for a tour of the Mississippi House of Representatives.

B. (From left to right) Sen. Joey Fillingane, Sen. Joseph M. Seymour, Pearl River Valley Electric delegates Somtochi Offiah, Michelle Xie, Sen. Chris Johnson, and Sen. Angela Burks Hill.

WE’RE NOT DONE YET!

This summer, our Cooperative Youth Leaders will be traveling to Washington, D.C. Check back in Today in Mississippi’s August issue to see highlights from ECM’s 39th annual Youth Tour.

The workshop reinforced to me the importance of listening. Whether it be to listen to the strategies of my peers, the wisdom of my advisors, or simply to listen to my own conscience, a leader must listen before they act.

Somtochi Offiah

PURSUANT

TO MISSISSIPPI HOUSE BILL 366

To: The Members of Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED OF THE FOLLOWING:

Election of Directors for District 2, District 5, District 7 and At Large.

If you desire to be a candidate for the o ce of Director in one of the above Districts and if you meet the qualiﬁcations of Director as set forth below, then you may obtain an application in the form of a Petition for the candidacy to the Board of Directors at the o ce of Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association (hereinafter the “Association”), 1422 Highway 13 North, Columbia, Mississippi. You must obtain the signatures of at least ﬁfty (50) members of the Association on the Petition for your nomination, and you must deliver the signed Petition to the o ce of the General Manager of the Association. The Association must receive the signed Petition no later than Friday, May 29, 2026. If your Petition is received by the Association by the above deadline then your Petition will be reviewed to determine compliance with this Notice and the applicable law and By-Laws of the Association. If the Petition is in such compliance, then your nomination will be placed before the members for a vote at the Annual Meeting of the Association to be held on the fourth Saturday in September 2026.

The qualiﬁcations for the o ce of Director of the Association are set out by Mississippi law and in the By-Laws of the Association and are as follows:

• Must be 21 years of age and have no felony convictions.

• Must be a member of the Association, receiving service therefrom at his or her primary residential abode and a resident of the district from which he or she is elected.

• May not be employed by or ﬁnancially interested in a competing enterprise, or a business selling electric energy to the Association, or a business primarily engaged in selling electrical or plumbing appliances, ﬁxtures or supplies to the members of the Association.

• May not be the incumbent or a candidate for any elective county, city, ward, beat, district, or state public o ce.

• May not be a close relative of a director or of an employee of the Association as deﬁned in Section 4.14 of the By-Laws.

The information contained in this Notice concerning the qualiﬁcations of a Director and the means and manner of being nominated by Petition for the o ce of Director is a general summary only. The complete policy for Director election is available in the Association ByLaws which may be found on the Association’s website at www.prvepa.com In the event of a conﬂict between the summary set out herein and the actual law and By-Laws, the provisions of the law and the By-Laws shall control.

PEARL RIVER VALLEY ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION

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.

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.

More information is available at prvepa.com.

Lineman Appreciation Month A MESSAGE FROM YOUR CEO

Each April, Singing River Electric proudly recognizes our linemen who work tirelessly to keep power ﬂowing to our member homes and businesses.

When storms roll through our communities and cause outages, our members experience inconvenience, but our linemen see a call to action. They are always prepared when it matters most — leaving family dinners, working through the night, and braving weather conditions to restore power safely and quickly. This readiness isn’t accidental; it is the result of rigorous training, extensive experience, and a shared dedication to serving others.

Line work is demanding, physical, and sometimes dangerous. Our linemen approach each job with a focus on safety and teamwork. They take pride in their craft and the trust our members place in them.

Powering the places we call home is personal. Our linemen live here, raise their families here, and understand that electricity is more than a convenience – it is vital to daily life, local businesses, schools, farms, and emergency services.

Singing River Electric was founded on the principle of neighbors helping neighbors, and our linemen embody that spirit every day. They’re the ﬁrst to respond and the last to leave, often working long hours behind the scenes. Serving our neighbors also means going beyond our own service area to help fellow electric cooperatives during major outages. Through the mutual aid process, our linemen stand ready to assist with power restoration, whether in Mississippi or across state lines.

Earlier this year, 31 of our linemen answered the call to assist north Mississippi’s Pontotoc Electric Power Association and Tallahatchie Valley Electric Power Association restore power to their members after Winter Storm Fern blanketed those areas with several inches of ice. Cooperation Among Cooperatives is a powerful principle, especially in times like these.

We honor Singing River Electric linemen during Lineman Appreciation Month for their strength of character and love of family, community, and country. We appreciate all our employees who work alongside them and the families who support them.

by Brian Hughey

General Manager and CEO

Energy Tips

Gabe Robbins Energy Services Representative robbins@singingriver.com

Spring into warmer weather

April brings warmer days, higher humidity, and the beginning of true air conditioning season in south Mississippi. Now is the time to stay ahead of rising energy use.

Use natural air when possible

• Open windows during cooler mornings and evenings before turning on the air conditioning.

• Run ceiling fans to keep air moving and reduce the need to lower the thermostat.

• Close blinds and curtains during the hottest part of the afternoon to block heat.

Get your air conditioner ready

• Replace your air ﬁlter monthly to improve air ﬂow and e ciency.

• Schedule a spring air conditioning tune-up before the summer rush.

• Seal small air leaks around doors and windows to keep cool air inside.

• Remember the recommended thermostat setting in spring/summer is 78 degrees; this temperature is where your HVAC system will operate at its most e cient state.

Taking small steps in April can make a big di erence once those hot, humid Mississippi summer days settle in. singingriver.com/ways-to-save

Emails alert members to high energy use

No one wants to see higher electricity bills, but increased energy use is a real thing our members face. In January 2026, Singing River Electric began sending emails in the middle of the billing cycle if a member’s energy use is 50% higher than it was last month and 50% higher than it was last year.

“Instead of our members receiving a higher bill and being unable to do anything because the billing period is over, we want our members to know mid-month if energy use is higher so they can consider the last 14 days and make changes for the rest of the billing period,” said Energy Services Representative Gabe Robbins.

Robbins reviews the energy use data before emails are sent and addresses member questions when more explanation is requested, using the SmartHub app to show spikes in use and how higher use may correlate with the weather.

“The feedback has been positive,” said Robbins. “Some members know it was cold in January and February and realize their heaters worked harder to keep their homes warm. Others identiﬁed an issue with their heater, which allowed the problem to be ﬁxed and prevented more high bills. Either way, members appreciate the advance notice.”

Singing River Electric’s information technology department created reporting to generate these emails. Instead of paying an outside vendor, a true team e ort from Singing River Electric employees made this happen and kept the project in-house.

Our 2025 member survey results showed a need for more communication on energy costs, and these proactive emails provide clear, transparent information for a ected members. Having a good email address on your member account is important.

Receiving this energy use information and having access to the SmartHub app to view energy use are beneﬁts of being a Singing River Electric member.

Helping Tallahatchie Valley a er the ice storm

After 18 of our linemen spent nearly two weeks restoring power for Pontotoc Electric after Winter Storm Fern, Singing River Electric sent a new 13-man crew to assist Tallahatchie Valley Electric Power Association in Batesville, Miss., on Feb. 7.

Tallahatchie Valley serves more than 27,000 meters, with around 26,000 losing power in the immediate aftermath of the storm. When our linemen arrived, more than 5,000 meters were waiting for restoration due to destroyed sections of infrastructure including downed power lines and broken poles.

Cooperation Among Cooperatives is the principle at the heart of what cooperatives do for one another, and our linemen are always ready to answer the call. Our linemen worked for just over a week before coming home on Feb. 16.

RIGHT-OF-WAY TRIMMING

 Cumbest Blu Substation – Highway 63, Big Point Road, Sam Kirkwood Road, and surrounding areas.

 Wade Substation – Hurley-Wade Road., Highway 63, Highway 614, and surrounding areas.

 Kittrell Substation – Highway 42, Woulard Bend Road, Greene County-Chicora Road, and surrounding areas.

surrounding areas to help decrease the number of power outages and reduce the risk of coming in contact with the lines.

 State Line Substation – Highway 45, Highway 63/57, Highway 42, and surrounding areas.

Singing River Electric’s contractors are or will soon begin clearing trees, limbs, and underbrush around and below the power lines on these streets and

FUTURE LEADERS TAKE ACTION IN JACKSON

A group of 83 high school juniors from all over the state gathered in Jackson Feb. 25-27 for the 39th Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Cooperative Leaders Workshop. The program instills leadership skills, inspires creative thinking, encourages community service, and introduces students to legislative elected officials from their communities.

Addison Breland from Richton High School, Emily Frazier from St. Martin High School, and Cade Parker from Vancleave High School represented Singing River Electric and met with their state lawmakers, toured the state capitol, and participated in problem-solving activities. They also heard from Secretary of State Michael Watson and political cartoonist Marshall Ramsey.

Addison, Emily, and Cade earned the trip to the workshop following a competitive selection process at Singing River Electric’s Cooperative University event in fall 2025. They will travel to Washington, D.C. in June for a seven-day youth leadership tour.

Our students will attend the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association's Youth Tour. of Washington, D.C. on June 13-20. Check back in Today in Mississippi’s August issue to see highlights

A. Addison, Cade, and Emily visit the governor’s o ce inside the Mississippi State Capitol. B. Addison, Cade, and Emily kick o the Cooperative Leaders Workshop. C. Sen. Jeremy England, Sen. Mike Seymour, Speaker Pro Tempore Manly Barton, Rep. Elliot Burch, and Rep. Shane Barnett joined our delegates for breakfast. D. Cade, Addison, and Emily share a photo with Secretary of State Michael Watson.

Pascagoula areas opening for ﬁber internet sign-ups

Singing River Connect is opening areas in the Monaco Lake and Bayou Casotte substation areas of Pascagoula and Moss Point for ﬁber internet service!

Check our Facebook page at facebook.com/SingingRiverConnect to see speciﬁc areas and streets. Singing River Electric members will also receive an email and postcard when it’s your turn!

Saturday home installations

Did you know ﬁber internet home installation appointments are available on Saturdays? Get connected to blazing-fast ﬁber internet from Singing River Connect without taking o work!

Fiber technicians travel north to help TVIﬁber

Step 3: Fiber construction

For the first time ever, Singing River Connect sent fiber technicians to help with storm restoration. TVIfiber is the broadband subsidiary of Tallahatchie Valley Electric Power Association in north Mississippi. Singing River Electric sent linemen to help TVEPA restore power after Winter Storm Fern, and our fiber technicians completed complex splicing and replaced service drops to get fiber internet flowing to nearly 700 TVIfiber subscribers without service.

Running ﬁber lines overhead & underground

• Fountainbleau/Gautier/Singing River Mall

Step 4: Splicing

Connecting ﬁber lines to the network

• Monaco Lake – Highway 90 East

• Bayou Casotte – Martin Road South

Step 5 – Service drops/drop splicing & Step 6 – Installation

Connecting homes & businesses to ﬁber internet

• Monaco Lake – Old Mobile Highway

• Bayou Casotte – Martin Road North/ Lanier Street, Chicot Street North, Chicot Street South

All other Singing River Electric areas are open for ﬁ ber internet sign-ups!

• If your apartment complex is interested in service, call 877-272-6611.

• Fiber internet was not run in neighborhoods with two existing ﬁ ber internet providers. Please call if your home association is interested in service.

BRINGING THE POWER

Working Together for the People We Serve

At Southern Pine Electric, our job is pretty straightforward: keep the lights on, keep our people safe, and serve our members with integrity. But anyone who’s been around electric cooperatives for long knows that delivering reliable, a ordable power takes more than poles, wire, and hard work. It also takes strong relationships, especially with the men and women who help shape the laws and policies that a ect our members every day.

Electric cooperatives were built on the idea of local control and local service. We exist because communities came together and decided to take care of themselves when no one else would. That same cooperative spirit carries over into how we work with state and national legislators. When those relationships are strong, our members are better served.

Legislators play a critical role in decisions that a ect electric reliability, a ordability, safety, and long-term infrastructure investment. From right-of-way regulations and workforce development to cybersecurity, broadband, and energy policy, the choices made in Jackson and Washington, D.C., reach all the way down to kitchen tables across our service area. Those decisions can either help us plan responsibly for the future or create unintended challenges that drive up costs and limit ﬂexibility.

At the same time, electric cooperatives bring something valuable to the table: real-world experience. We know our systems, our communities, and our members. We see ﬁ rsthand how policy decisions play out, not in theory, but on back roads, in substations,

and in living rooms when storms roll through. Maintaining open, respectful relationships with legislators allows us to share that perspective and help ensure policies are grounded in reality, not just good intentions.

When cooperatives and legislators communicate well, we can work together to protect a ordability for our members, support economic development that brings jobs to rural communities, and ensure the infrastructure serving our members is strong and resilient for generations to come. We can also help lawmakers understand the unique nature of cooperatives as member-owned, not-for-proﬁt utilities that answer directly to the people we serve.

At the end of the day, legislators and electric cooperatives share a common goal: improving the quality of life for the people we serve. When we work together we can make decisions that strengthen communities, keep power reliable and a ordable, and ensure rural Mississippi continues to move forward.

That’s a partnership worth maintaining, and one we’ll continue to invest in for the beneﬁt of our members today and tomorrow.

by Drummonds McAlpin

President/CEO Southern Pine Electric

EASTER

MORNING

A New Beginning

As the sun rises this Easter, we’re reminded of the hope that renews our faith and strengthens our communities.

From our Southern Pine family to yours, Happy Easter.

FUTURE LEADERS TAKE ACTION IN JACKSON

The conference was held at The Westin in downtown Jackson. The delegates earned the trip to the workshop following a competitive selection process sponsored by their local electric cooperative.

They will travel to Washington, D.C. in June for a seven-day youth leadership tour.

Southern Pine Electric delegates Carly Gibson, Ryder Ivy, Payten Myers, E’Miyah Rhodes, and Jordin Woods spent the three days in Jackson with other delegates from around the state.

Secretary of State Michael Watson spoke to the delegates during the workshop.

WE’RE NOT DONE YET!

This summer, our Cooperative Youth Leaders will be traveling to Washington, D.C. Check back in Today in Mississippi’s August issue to see highlights from ECM’s 39th annual Youth Tour.

Front Row (L-R): Rep. Mark Tullos, Sen. Andy Berry, Rep. Troy Smith, Sen. Joey Fillingane, and Sen. Brian Rhodes. Back Row (L–R): Sen. Tyler McCaughn, Ryder Ivy, E’Miyah Rhodes, Payten Myers, Carly Gibson, Jordin Woods, Rep. Price Wallace, CEO Drummonds McAlpin, and Rep. Noah Sanford.

When you give all your time worrying about the past or future, you lose the one thing you do have: the present.

Ryder Ivy

Powering and Empowering Our Community SOUTHERN PINE

Lineman Appreciation Day is April 18, 2026, and it gives us a special opportunity to pause and recognize the men who rarely seek recognition but always show up when it matters most.

Every day, our linemen head out before sunrise and often return home long after dark. They work in the heat of a Mississippi summer, in the bitter cold of winter storms, and in the driving rain. The work is demanding, dangerous, and they do it with professionalism, skill, and a deep sense of responsibility to the members and communities we serve.

But they do more than keep the lights on.

Our linemen help keep our communities strong. When storms roll through, they are among the ﬁrst to respond. When fellow cooperatives need help, they volunteer for mutual aid and leave their own families to serve others. At ballgames, career fairs, and school events, you will often ﬁnd them lending a hand.

Behind every safe workday is a commitment to training, teamwork, and looking out for one another. And behind every lineman is a family who supports the long hours and the late-night calls.

On Lineman Appreciation Day, we simply say thank you. Thank you for the steady, dependable service you provide to our members. Most of all, thank you for strengthening the communities we are proud to call home.

LINEMEN ARE READY when it matters most

At Southwest Electric, we have the unique privilege of seeing ﬁrsthand what it truly takes to keep the lights on for our Members. In April, we take time to pause and recognize the brave men who make that possible every single day — our linemen.

When storms impact our communities and outages occur, many people experience the inconvenience, but our linemen see a call to action. Our crews are always ready when it matters most — leaving family dinners, working through the night and heading into challenging conditions to restore power as safely and quickly as possible. That readiness is not accidental. It comes from rigorous training, deep experience, and a shared commitment to serving others.

What makes linemen especially remarkable is that they aren’t just restoring power to a system — they’re restoring power to their own communities. They live here. They raise their families here. They understand that electricity is more than a convenience; it’s essential to daily life, to local businesses, to schools, farms, and emergency services. Powering the places we call home is personal to linemen.

Electric cooperatives like Southwest Electric were built on the principle of neighbors helping neighbors, and our linemen embody that spirit every day. They are the ﬁrst to respond and the last to leave,

often working long hours behind the scenes. At times, serving our neighbors means going beyond our own service territory through a process known as mutual aid. During major outage events, Southwest Electric crews stand ready to assist neighboring cooperatives — sometimes close to home, and sometimes across state lines — to help restore power. This spirit of mutual aid strengthens all cooperatives and ultimately beneﬁts the members we serve.

We understand any time the lights go out can be frustrating, bringing everyday life to a halt. We are incredibly grateful to our Members for your patience and encouragement during these times. Linework is demanding, physical, and at times, can be dangerous. Our crews approach each job with a focus on safety and teamwork. They take pride in their craft and in the trust our Members place in them.

In April, we will celebrate Lineman Appreciation Month, but one month is hardly enough. Every day, we thank linemen for their service and dedication, which are the backbone of our cooperative.

To our linemen: thank you for your hard work, your readiness, and your unwavering commitment to the communities we serve. We are proud to stand behind you and grateful for all that you do.

FUTURE LEADERS TAKE ACTION IN JACKSON

A group of 83 high school juniors from all over the state gathered in Jackson from Feb. 25 to Feb. 27 for the 39th Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Cooperative Leaders Workshop.

The program instills leadership skills, inspires creative thinking, encourages community service, and introduces students to legislative elected o cials from their communities.

The conference was held at The Westin in downtown Jackson. The delegates earned the trip to the workshop following Cooperative University, a competitive selection process sponsored by Southwest Electric.

Southwest Electric delegates Nya Brandon, Chance Graves, Mary Katherine Kellum, and Carter King spent the three days in Jackson with other delegates from around the state. They met with their state lawmakers, toured the state Capitol Building, participated in problem solving activities, and attended speeches by motivational speakers — including one by political cartoonist Marshall Ramsey — who urged them to serve their communities.

Secretary of State Michael Watson also spoke to the delegates during the workshop.

The delegates will travel to Washington, D.C. in June for a seven-day youth leadership tour.

Check back in Today in Mississippi’s August issue to see highlights from ECM’s 39th annual Youth Tour trip to Washington, D.C. WE’RE NOT DONE YET!

Southwest

student delegates visit the

B. Chance Graves, Carter King, Nya Brandon and Mary Katherine Kellum smile for the camera on the ﬁrst day of the workshop. C. Chance Graves, Nya Brandon, U.S. Rep. Michael Guest, State Rep. Becky Currie, Carter King and Mary Katherine Kellum inside the Capitol Building. D. Sen. Gary Brumﬁeld, Nya Brandon, Mary Katherine Kellum, Sen. Jason Barrett, Chance Graves, Rep. Vince Mangold and Carter King after the Legislative Breakfast.

Electric

Capitol Building in Jackson.

AID MUTUAL AID

In the aftermath of Winter Storm Fern, line and service crews from Southwest Electric answered the call for mutual aid, traveling north to assist Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association in Yazoo City and Tallahatchie Valley Electric Power Association in Batesville.

Battling freezing temperatures, fallen trees and icy roads, the crews worked long hours to restore power safely and efficiently to affected communities. Their willingness to step in and support sister cooperatives reflects the true spirit of mutual aid, neighbors helping neighbors when it matters most.

Line

Service Crews to Yazoo Valley Electric: Austin Wallace, Griffin Case, Kaleb Campbell, Brandon Lang

Service Crews to Tallahatchie Valley Electric: Austin Wallace, Evan Newell, Griffin Case, Brandon Lang, Michael Johnson

Plant the right tree in the right place

If you are planting a tree this spring, please plant so that the branches will not grow in the 40-foot right-of-way area around our poles and power lines.

SMALL/MEDIUM TREES

30-35 feet from lines

• Bradford Pear

• Dogwood

• Flowering Dogwood

• Ornamental Crabapple

• Plum

• Service Berry

• Cedar

• Fig

• Holly

• Persimmon

• Redbud

• Sourwood

Right-of-Way

Avoid planting anything within 20 feet of the power lines

LARGE TREES

40-45 feet from lines

• Ash

• Cotton Wood

• Elm

• Magnolia

• Poplar

• Spruce

• Walnut

• White Oak

• Cherry

• Cypress

• Hickory

• Pine

• Red Oak

• Sycamore

• Willow

Construction

Crews to Tallahatchie Valley Electric: Preston Higgins, Wyatt Martin, Sam Cowart, Seth Smith, Dwayne Stampley, TJ Floyd (Crew Leader, seated on truck), Cody Brown, Chad Buckley, Dexter Smith (Crew Leader) and Josh Smith

Winter Storm Fern’s impact on our system

The impact of Winter Storm Fern was truly heartbreaking for the members and communities served by Twin County Electric Power Association. The destruction to our power infrastructure was deeply felt as we faced the enormous task of rebuilding power poles and lines across many communities in Sharkey, Issaquena, Humphreys, Warren, and Washington counties. In just 30 days, we rebuilt what originally took decades. We safely installed 2,210 new power poles and reconstructed 307 transformers — an achievement that reﬂected exceptional coordination, dedication, and resilience.

As we navigated this disaster, our mission was to restore power safely and as quickly as possible. At the height of our outage restoration e orts, more than 375 outside personnel were supporting Twin County. Together, we completed over 350,000 manhours of work without a single recordable injury. We will continue to lift up other utilities and cooperatives in our prayers, along with their personnel and the families who were not as fortunate.

Twin County members showed up for us with compassion and understanding as we faced extreme challenges with the weather, roadways, terrain, equipment, and the remoteness of our service territory. I am deeply grateful for the overwhelming support, assistance, love, and empathy shown to us as we worked to repower our communities. In every sense, we came together as one Delta family.

During times when Twin County was focused on managing the essential and critical needs of our own organization, I witnessed our employees checking on the wellbeing of our members and the elderly, delivering food and water,

and responding to any request where we could o er help or facilitate assistance. We remain committed to our core principle of concern for community, and I am proud to work alongside employees who show genuine care and compassion for the wellbeing of our members.

While Twin County’s mission to provide reliable electric service remains unwavering, we want our members to feel seen and valued — especially in times of crisis. We partnered with community leaders, foundations, nonproﬁts, state legislators, and federal partners to bring not only power, but hope, essential resources, and critical services to every community.

Debris removal is still ongoing, and we are working through this challenge as quickly as we can. For members with damaged services or meter bases, please reach out to our o ce, so we can help ensure your power is restored safely and correctly.

The power to new beginnings has come, and we look forward to being more than just your local electric provider.

Our members matter. Our communities matter.

Twin County cares.

by Leslie Holloway

General Manager

FUTURE LEADERS TAKE ACTION IN JACKSON

The conference was held at The Westin in downtown Jackson. The delegates earned the trip to the workshop following a competitive selection process sponsored by their local electric cooperative.

They will travel to Washington, D.C. in June for a sevenday youth leadership tour.

Twin County Electric delegates Raven McElvaine and Hayden Smith spent the three days in Jackson with other delegates from around the state.

Secretary of State Michael Watson spoke to the delegates during the workshop.

WE’RE NOT DONE YET!

This summer, our Cooperative Youth Leaders will be traveling to Washington, D.C. Check back in Today in Mississippi’s August issue to see highlights from ECM’s 39th annual Youth Tour.

The workshop impacted me by learning about accountability. Knowing that others depended on me changed the way I approached my responsibilities.

Raven McElvaine

Twin County Electric student delegates enjoyed a legislative breakfast with state legislatures. Pictured left to right are Chris Hamilton, Sherrie Smutzer, Raven McElvaine, Hayden Smith, and Sen. Joseph Thomas.

Spring into

Your co-op is committed to helping members use energy wisely while keeping homes comfortable year-round.

clockwise to help push warm air down from the ceiling, improving e ciency when your heating system is running.

Speaking of thermostats, adjusting the temperature just a few degrees can make a noticeable di erence on your energy bill. As spring arrives, try setting your thermostat slightly higher when cooling or slightly lower when heating. Even a two- or three-degree adjustment can reduce energy use while still keeping your home comfortable — especially when combined with ceiling fans or open windows on mild, pleasant days.

SPRING INTO ENERGY SAVINGS.

• Schedule a tune-up for your heating/cooling system.

• Set fan blades to run counterclockwise for cooling.

• Adjust your thermostat a few degrees.

• Take short showers to save on water heating.

• Run major appliances during o -peak hours.

LINEWORKERS ARE READY when it matters most

As general manager of Yazoo Valley I have the unique privilege of seeing ﬁrsthand what it truly takes to keep the lights on for our members. In April, we take time to pause and recognize the brave men who make that possible every single day — our lineworkers.

Electric cooperatives like Yazoo Valley were built on the principle of neighbors helping neighbors, and our lineworkers embody that spirit every day. They are the ﬁrst to respond and the last to leave, often working long hours behind the scenes. At times, serving our neighbors means going beyond our own service territory through a process known as mutual aid. During major outage events, Yazoo Valley crews stand ready to assist neighboring co-ops — sometimes close to home,

and sometimes across state lines — to help restore power. This spirit of mutual aid strengthens all cooperatives and ultimately beneﬁts the members we serve.

In April, we will celebrate Lineworker Appreciation Month, but one month is hardly enough. Every day, we thank lineworkers for their service and dedication, which are the backbone of our cooperative.

To our lineworkers: thank you for your hard work, your readiness, and your unwavering commitment to the communities we serve. We are proud to stand behind you and grateful for all that you do.

by Michael Neely CEO and General Manager

FUTURE LEADERS TAKE ACTION IN JACKSON

A group of 83 high school juniors from all over the state gathered in Jackson from Feb. 25 to Feb. 27 for the 39th Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Cooperative Leaders Workshop.

The program instills leadership skills, inspires creative thinking, encourages community service, and introduces students to legislative elected o cials from their communities.

The conference was held at The Westin in downtown Jackson. The delegates earned the trip to the workshop following a competitive selection process sponsored by their local electric cooperative.

They will travel to Washington, D.C. in June for a seven-day youth leadership tour.

Yazoo Valley Electric delegates Chloe May and Maggie Day Ragland spent the three days in Jackson with other delegates from around the state.

Secretary of State Michael Watson spoke to the delegates during the workshop.

A. Chloe May and Maggie Day Ragland receive their certificates for successfully completing the 2026 Cooperative Youth Leaders Workshop. B. Yazoo Valley’s delegates and advisors received a tour of the floor of the House of Representatives from State Sen. Greg Haney. C. Maggie Day Ragland and Chloe May outside of the state Capitol. D. Chloe May and Maggie Day Ragland at the Capitol Club in Jackson. E. Maggie Day Ragland and Chloe May look down from the second floor of the state Capitol. They were recognized during the Senate session by Sen. Joseph Thomas Sr. F. Delegates enjoyed breakfast with state leaders before visiting the Capitol. Pictured from left are State Sen. Briggs Hopson, Rebecca Yeates, Maggie Day Ragland, Chloe May, State Sen. Joseph Thomas Sr., and Jason Patterson.

WE’RE NOT DONE YET!

This summer, the Cooperative Youth Leaders will be traveling to Washington, D.C. Check back in Today in Mississippi’s August issue to see highlights from ECM’s 39th annual Youth Tour.

The workshop taught me that everyone has di erent opinions and experiences, and that being a true leader means being able to work through those di erences.

Chloe May

COMMUNITY

FEA. Yazoo Valley’s Dylan Cunningham raises a new ﬂag above downtown Yazoo City. The ﬂag was donated by the Yazoo County Fair Association. B. Jason Patterson, Rebecca Yeates, Michael Neely and Eric Woods represented Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association at Cooperative Day at the Capitol. Electric cooperatives from around the state visited with lawmakers to discuss issues important to our members and give an update on the damages caused by Winter Storm Fern. C. Caroline Swa ord, who represented Yazoo Valley in the Cooperative Youth Leaders Program in 2025, recently served as a page for the Mississippi Senate. She is pictured with Governor Tate Reeves. D. Yazoo Valley’s Jason Patterson and Yazoo County High School senior Kenzie Ray got to catch up during Yazoo Day at the state Capitol. Ray represented Yazoo Valley in the Cooperative Youth Leaders Program in 2025. E. Ja’Dan Rucker tries on a lineman’s protective rubber glove during a job fair at Yazoo County High School. F. Yazoo Valley enjoyed meeting with many talented students recently at the Yazoo County Job Fair.

My Opinion

Exemplifying Cooperation among Cooperatives

Cooperation among Cooperatives is a rather simple idea. Cooperatives, even though they are privately-owned businesses, choose to work with other cooperatives to make our state and communities stronger, and when one cooperative is in need, the others are there to provide help and support.

The most recent example of this cooperation is in the aftermath of Winter Storm Fern. Electric cooperative linemen from across our state and nation, about 1,200 of them, left their families and homes to work in tough conditions for weeks to restore power to the more than 160,000 members across Mississippi, who were affected by Fern.

April is Lineman Appreciation Month. What a great time to say, “thank you,” to these brave individuals who worked long hours in cold, wet conditions to restore power. I am always proud of the linemen from Mississippi who work so hard and are willing to answer the call to help others when natural disasters strike. To all the line workers, engineers, and operations personnel across our state, thank you for your hard work and sacrifice.

Another powerful example of Cooperation among Cooperatives is our Mississippi Cooperative Youth Leaders program. The

program teaches high school juniors about the electric cooperative business model, builds their leadership skills, and allows them to experience democracy both at the state level in Jackson and the national level in Washington, D.C. High school juniors from across our state enhanced their leadership skills at our CYL Workshop in February. These 83 delegates represent 22 of our electric cooperatives in the state.

In this month’s issue, you’ll read about a lineman who has been working in electric power since the 1970s and meet the cooperative youth leaders from your local area. These are just two examples of Cooperation among Cooperatives. Today in Mississippi magazine is another great example. Enjoy!

by Michael Callahan

Executive Vice President/CEO Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi

Send us a photo of your dog.

The photos must be high-resolution JPG ﬁles of at least 1 MB in size. Please send the photo as an attachment to an email and send it to news@ecm.coop.

Each entry must be accompanied by photographer or sender’s name, address, and co-op.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: May 22. Select photos will appear in the July 2026 issue.