Issuu

KITCHEN TIME WITH THE KIDS SEPTEMBER 2025

2025-2026

HUNTING SEASONS

1921 MOONSHINE MURDER

Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and tastes of New England. From quaint island villages to the breathtaking beauty of the coastline, summer in New England is a truly delightful experience. Discover the region’s rich maritime heritage, savor a traditional Lobsterbake, and marvel at grand mansions of the Gilded Age. Return to the comfort of your onboard sanctuary and bask in the warm camaraderie of fellow guests and crew.

My Opinion

Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi CEO Michael Callahan’s took this month o to give some prime page real estate to our HBCU schools. Last month, we didn’t have room to include their football previews in our sports issue. Those previews are published below.

FOOTBALL TIME

in the SWAC

Alcorn State

Coming o a second-place ﬁnish in the SWAC Western Division last year, the Alcorn State Braves coach Cedric Thomas will be looking for several answers to key questions on both sides of the ball.

The Braves return their leading rusher from last season in Jacorian Sewell. He earned second team All-SWAC honors last season. The Braves were very good at running the ball as they rushed for 200 yards per game last season. Howard University transfer Jaylon Tolbert and Charlotte transfer Ande Washington will be competing for the starting quarterback spot. The Braves were very inconsistent passing the football last year. The o ensive line is another concern as most of the starters will be new.

The Braves defense has ﬁve of the top six tacklers from last year returning. They allowed 28 points per game in 2024 but will have to do a better job of stopping the run. So, Thomas needs some quick answers for the Braves to succeed.

by Dale McKee

Jackson State

Jackson State football coach T.C. Taylor and his Tigers had a magical season last year. The Pike County native led his alma mater to the SWAC Eastern Division, SWAC Championship, Celebration Bowl, and HBCU National Championship.

The Tigers are preseason East favorites as they had a dozen players named to the preseason All-SWAC team. Taylor understands the hype is due in large part to the Tigers’ success in 2024. He also knows what comes with that. They are a target for everyone on their schedule. The good thing is that Taylor has quarterback Jacobian Morgan back. The defense led by Jeremiah Williams has potential to be better in 2025.

Taylor stated at SWAC Media Days that he wants this year’s Tigers to be more consistent in every phase of the game. “2024 was 2024. We know the work we put in to get where we were last year, so now we have to go out there and do the same things again, just better.”

Mississippi Valley State

Newly hired head coach Terrell Buckley says the Delta Devils want to close the door. In talking about last year’s one win season, Buckley stated at Media Days that he and his new sta have not looked at game tapes from last year and do not intend to. The former Florida State All-American defensive back said, “We plan to show up and compete in 2025.”

Buckley has been in college coaching for 14 years with stops at Florida State, Akron, Louisville, Mississippi State, and Ole Miss. Buckley has coached under Bobby Bowden, Terry Bowden, Dan Mullen and Lane Ki n. He also played in the National Football League for 14 years under coaches Bill Belichick, Don Shula, Mike Holmgren, and Jimmy Johnson.

The former ﬁrst round and ﬁfth overall selection in the 1992 NFL draft by Green Bay wants to begin a new era in Itta Bena.

T.C. taylor

Coreopsis

Two state rails-to trails locations have cyclists peddling

The Official Publication of the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi

Vol. 78 No. 09

OFFICERS

Brian Hughey - President

Brian Long - First Vice President

Shawn Edmondson - Second Vice President

Brian Clark - Secretary/Treasurer

Michael Callahan - Executive Vice President/CEO

EDITORIAL STAFF

Lydia Walters - VP, Communications

Steven Ward - Editor

Chad Calcote - Creative Director

Kevin Wood - Graphic Designer

Alan Burnitt - Graphic Designer

Jill Sowell - Graphic Designer

Whitley Daughtry - Graphic Designer

Chris Alexander - Member Services Coordinator

Andy Tuccio - Media Solutions Director

Steve Temple - Social Media Director

Julienne Sones - Communication Assistant

EDITORIAL OFFICE & ADVERTISING – 601-605-8600

For delivery questions or issues, call your local co-op.

Acceptance of advertising by Today in Mississippi does not imply endorsement of the advertised product or services by the publisher or Mississippi’s electric power associations. Product satisfaction and delivery responsibility lie solely with the advertiser.

• National advertising representative: American MainStreet Publications, 800-626-1181

Circulation of this issue: 479,877 Non-member subscription price: $9.50 per year.

Today in Mississippi (ISSN 1052-2433) is published 12 times a year by Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Inc., P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158-3300, or 665 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland, MS 39157. Phone 601-605-8600. Periodical postage paid at Ridgeland, MS, and additional o ce. The publisher (and/or its agent) reserves the right to refuse or edit all advertising. The magazine is published for members of subscribing co-ops. The magazine is a bene t of membership.

POSTMASTER: Send all UAA to CFS. (See DMM 507.1.5.2) NON-POSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: send address corrections to: Today in Mississippi, P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158-3300 www.facebook.com/TodayinMississippi www.todayinmississippi.com

Cyclists peddle their way down the Longleaf Trace near Hattiesburg.

The Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Foundation was created by the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi in 2005 in an e ort to give back to the communities they serve by providing scholarships for engineering students in their junior or senior year of college.

This year, four college students were awarded $2,500 scholarships. Graham Lewis of Decatur, a mechanical engineering major at Mississippi State University; Matthew Blaine Speed of Lumberton, an electrical engineering student at Mississippi State University; Dylan Williams of Collinsville, an electrical engineering major at Mississippi State University; and Austin Schru of Long Beach, an electrical engineering major at Mississippi State University won the scholarships.

Lewis and Speed are working for Cooperative Energy, while Schru works at Coast Electric. Williams worked with East Mississippi EPA in 2021 and 2022. The students work at the electric cooperatives as part of Mississippi State University’s Co-op engineering program.

NRECA is supporting a new bipartisan bill that would streamline the Federal Emergency Management Agency and speed up delivery of crucial disaster relief funds to electric cooperatives hit hard by hurricanes, wildﬁ res, tornadoes, and other catastrophes.

The Fixing Emergency Management for Americans (FEMA) Act of 2025 would keep in place FEMA’s essential public assistance program, which provides money to co-ops to restore power and rebuild their systems after natural disasters. Without those funds, NRECA says, rebuilding would take much longer and raise costs sharply for rural communities.

NRECA and its member co-ops have been strong advocates for improving FEMA while keeping the agency intact.

“If this doesn’t pass, it’s going to mean increased costs for our members,” said Michael Callahan, executive vice president and CEO of the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi.

The FEMA reform bill would greatly reduce the amount of time it takes for co-ops to receive reimbursements from the agency.

Speciﬁcally, it would direct the FEMA administrator to reimburse a co-op for emergency work no later than 120 days after it submits a request. The president would ﬁ rst need to determine that at least 90% of estimated costs are eligible for reimbursement, said Will Mitchell, a NRECA legislative a airs director who lobbies Congress on FEMA issues.

For longer-term projects to rebuild or replace infrastructure, the bill would require FEMA to review within 90 days a co-op’s cost estimate of the work that needs to be done, Mitchell said. After that, the agency would have 30 days to disburse the funds for the project.

Callahan said, in Mississippi, 95% of the weather events the electric co-ops deal with are not FEMA-related. But the 5% that qualify cause huge costs to co-ops for rebuilding and restoration.

“Those kind of events are rare. The storms would have to be catastrophic,” Callahan said.

But Callahan also said FEMA needs to be reformed to make the agency work more e ciently.

“It’s important that there’s a rethink to how FEMA operates,” Callahan said.

Because of Mississippi’s experience with dealing with FEMA and natural disasters, President Donald Trump appointed former Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant to the FEMA Review Council. Bryant is the council’s vice chairman. Trump tasked the council with streamlining operations and ensuring FEMA delivers rapid, e cient, and mission-focused relief to Americans in need.

Another big improvement under the legislation is that co-ops would be allowed to build stronger, more resilient systems in the aftermath of disasters rather than being forced by the agency to build everything back exactly as it was before.

NRECA CEO Jim Matheson called FEMA “a crucial partner” in e orts to restore power after disaster strikes. The legislation would remove FEMA from the Department of Homeland Security and return it to its former status as an independent agency that reports directly to the president.

“Reforming FEMA into a stronger, more responsive agency will help strengthen rural resilience, protect taxpayer dollars and ensure essential services are restored as quickly as possible after a disaster,” Matheson said.

Sponsors from the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee introduced the legislation on July 23 — the day the House adjourned for its summer recess. The committee is expected to have hearings on the bill after Congress returns to the nation’s capital in September. The panel will then vote on whether to send it to the full House for consideration.

If passed by the House, the legislation would still need to be approved by the Senate and signed into law by the president. – NRECA

Two of the recipients of the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Foundation Engineering scholarships are Graham Lewis and Austin Schru .

Southern Gardening

Coreopsis, our state wildﬂower here in Mississippi, is getting the spotlight it deserves at Mississippi State University’s South Mississippi Branch Experiment Station in Poplarville.

During a recent visit to their trial gardens, I had the chance to check out several varieties currently being evaluated.

One that immediately stood out to me is grandiﬂora SunKiss. This compact, vibrant perennial adds a cheerful burst of golden yellow, really lighting up the landscape.

The large, daisy-like blooms are some of the biggest I’ve seen among the grandiﬂora types. Each has bright yellow petals with a bold, dark red eye in the center. The deep green, lance-shaped foliage forms a tidy, rounded mound, giving the plant a neat and polished look.

Another variety I really like is grandiﬂora Double the Sun.

This selection is covered in fully double, golden-yellow ﬂowers that remind me of little marigolds or pom-poms. These bright, ﬂu y

blooms bring color and texture to beds, borders, and containers. Its compact size makes it perfect for smaller garden spaces like patios or raised beds.

And then there’s UpTick Gold and Bronze, a real head-turner that has an extended bloom season and bicolor ﬂowers.

The large, daisy-like blooms are some of the biggest I’ve seen among the grandiﬂora types. Each has bright yellow petals with a bold, dark red eye in the center.

The daisy-like blooms have goldenyellow petals with a warm, bronze-red center that gradually fades outward. UpTick Gold and Bronze forms a tidy mound. When it’s in full bloom, the colors seem to glow, especially in the late afternoon sun.

I love using coreopsis in the landscape as they are beautiful and o er many beneﬁts.

Their bright, daisy-like blooms attract a wide range of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making them a great addition to pollinator-friendly gardens. Because they are low maintenance, these plants are ideal for beginner gardeners or anyone looking to reduce time spent on upkeep.

Coreopsis like this grandiﬂora Double the Sun handles Mississippi summers with ease.

I’ve found they work beautifully as border plants, in mass plantings for bold color, or even in wildﬂower meadows for a more natural look.

Coreopsis are a smart choice for water-wise gardening. Once established, they handle our hot Mississippi summers with ease.

Their drought tolerance is impressive, and while I’ll give them a drink during long dry spells, they’re not needy. This makes them a reliable option for areas that don’t get consistent rainfall or for gardeners who want to conserve water.

To keep them blooming strong, I try to deadhead spent coreopsis ﬂowers regularly and give them a light trim in midsummer to encourage fresh growth. I also apply a light dose of balanced fertilizer in early spring to get them o to a healthy start.

Make sure not to overdo it with water or fertilizer — too much of either can lead to leggy growth or fewer blooms.

Each of these coreopsis varieties brings its own charm to the garden, but they all share that easy-going nature, bright color and tough performance that make them such a joy to grow.

Whether you’re looking to attract pollinators, add long-lasting color, or simply plant something you can count on year after year, coreopsis is a sunny solution that never disappoints.

by Dr. Eddie Smith

Southern Gardening columnist Dr. Eddie Smith, a gardening specialist and Pearl River County coordinator with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, is an internationally certiﬁed arborist, Produce Safety Alliance certiﬁed trainer, and one of the developers of the Mississippi Smart Landscapes program that encourages the use of native plants in the landscape.

Coreopsis grandiﬂora SunKiss has large, daisy-like blooms that are some of the biggest among the grandiﬂora types.

Coreopsis like this UpTick Gold and Bronze are easy to grow and tough performers, with an extended bloom season and bright ﬂowers.

Outdoors Today

Fall Traditions Be n Multiple hunting seasons start in September

In September, a new round of annual sporting traditions begins. Mississippi sportsmen can hunt everything from deer to waterfowl this month.

Archers can hunt deer earlier and longer than sportsmen using ﬁrearms. In some parts of Mississippi, archers can hunt deer in September. In addition, some public properties or sections of public lands only allow bow hunting for deer.

Moreover, bow hunters can quietly hunt some small private plots where no one would dare to ﬁre a high-powered riﬂe. In some small tracts, big white-tailed bucks might die of old age without ever seeing a hunter or anyone even knowing they live there.

The early season for resident Canada geese begins Sept. 1 and runs through Sept. 30 with a limit of ﬁve per day. In the 1950s, wildlife managers believed that the subspecies of greater Canada geese became extinct. Fortunately, people discovered a small remnant in Minnesota.

From that small ﬂock, wildlife managers across the nation began breeding these large waterfowl and releasing them into the wild. Raised in pens, these giant geese do not migrate, but their populations grew substantially. In many places, like parks and golf courses, geese became so numerous that they turned into pests. Therefore, Mississippi and other states hold September seasons to trim the burgeoning population of resident Canada geese.

The ﬁrst split of rail and gallinule seasons run from Sept. 1-30. Each Mississippi sportsman can take up to 15 common or purple gallinules, 15 king or clapper rails, and 25 sora and Virginia rails per day.

Waterfowl hunters can also bag teal from Sept. 20-28 with a limit of six per day. The limit can include any combination of blue-winged and green-winged teal. Blue-winged teal migrate much earlier than most other ducks. Hunter bags normally contain about 95 percent blue-winged teal in September. Teal typically ﬂy best at ﬁrst light. During the teal season, people could hunt teal early in the morning and then rails and gallinules afterward.

The first split of dove season opens Sept. 1 and runs through Sept. 30. In both zones, sportsmen can bag up to 15 doves per day in any combination of mourning and white-winged doves.

Native to Mexico, Texas, and the southwestern states, white-winged doves began moving farther northward and eastward in recent years. White-winged doves look very similar to mourning doves and often mix with them. Highly visible white wing patches make excellent identification marks.

The first split of dove season opens Sept. 1 and runs through Sept. 30. In both zones, sportsmen can bag up to 15 doves per day in any combination of mourning and white-winged doves.

Squirrel season makes an excellent time to introduce youngsters to the sport of hunting. Mississippi holds a special youth squirrel season from Sept. 24-30. The regular squirrel season begins Oct. 1 and runs through Feb. 28, 2026. In each season, hunters can bag up to eight squirrels per day.

Statewide seasons and regulations could differ from the dates and regulations on public hunting lands. Also, dates and regulations might differ from one public property to the next one, so always check the regulations before hunting anywhere.

by John N. Felsher

John N. Felsher is a professional freelance writer, broadcaster, photographer, and editor who lives in Alabama. An avid sportsman, he’s written more than 3,300 articles for more than 170 different magazines on a wide variety of outdoors topics. Contact him at j.felsher@hotmail.com.

Scene Around the ‘Sip

by Steven Ward

“Well, Little Lady, I need to apologize to you. My uncle killed your grandfather.”

Juanita Green Hollinghead stood there shocked and dumbfounded by the words of the man she just hired to refinish her cabinet doors.

When Rufus Holley found out who Hollinghead was, and who she was related to, he apologized for the actions of his uncle.

Hollinghead’s grandfather, Jacob “Jake” Francis Green, was a U.S. Treasury agent in Greene County.

On April Fool’s Day in 1921, Green, along with Richton Town Marshal Lawrence Dunham, were shot and killed by moonshiners when the prohibition-era officers were attempting to shut down an illegal still.

“As Jake Green’s youngest grandchild, I have always felt a heart-wrenching burden to investigate and research further the accounts leading up to and after his murder,” Hollinghead told Today in Mississippi

Hollinghead said her father never discussed the murder with his own family.

Only in 1988, after her father’s death, did she begin an active, personal investigation into a crime that shaped her entire family’s history.

As Jake Green’s youngest grandchild, I have always felt a heart-wrenching burden to investigate and research further the accounts leading up to and after his murder.

Holley’s uncle, Mancy Kelley, was one of the men indicted in the murder of Hollinghead’s grandfather. Kelly committed suicide before he was set to be hanged.

“I could not believe he was apologizing for something he had no control over that happened so long ago,” Hollinghead wrote in her book, “Beyond the Green Widow: Consequences of the Piney Woods Creek Murders of 1921.” The book was written with Sherye S. Green.

Hollinghead, a retired Greene County history teacher, said she wrote the book after 40 years of “research and investigation.”

“My grandmother and her three children never discussed Jake’s death. When I was born 43 years later, my mother always told me and my three siblings to never ask my father about his daddy’s death. It was just too heartbreaking for the family. I honored her request until my father passed away,” Hollinghead said.

Hollinghead said she started sharing her grandfather’s story with her fourth-grade students at Leakesville Elementary School in the mid-1980s.

Her students encouraged her to write a book about the family tragedy.

“I started researching to find out whatever I could to know more. The courthouse from 1921 had burned, and the present courthouse in Greene County had its basement flooded. That’s where all the historical court documents were stored.”

After she retired in 2012, Hollinghead had more time and other ways to research her family’s story.

She used online sources, newspapers, court documents, and conducted personal interviews.

“My few newspaper clippings turned into binders of over a thousand newspaper articles related to the murders, and other documents acquired through the years,” she said.

Hollinghead designed a curriculum guide with the book to be shared with teachers based on the standard for teaching Mississippi History.

“It’s my passion to encourage young readers to place themselves into the book they are reading and feel the emotions of the characters. So far, I have visited all K-8 schools in Greene County. Those events were some of my favorites. It was like I was back in the classroom,” she said.

Hollinghead said she got emotional during a visit with students at the McClain Attendance Center.

“I shared the importance of recognizing fallen o cers and that I was able to attend the National Law Enforcement Memorial Wall Ceremony in 2017. After the program, one young man came up to me and told me he was sorry for my loss. Then a young man shared that he was going with his family to Washington, D.C. the following week to attend a candlelight vigil for his family member who was killed in the line of duty in George County. You can see why I got emotional.”

During the research of the book, Hollinghead discovered other interesting facts about her family. She learned that her great-

grandfather was a Greene County sheri , and uncovered family deeds were connected to a land grant signed by John Quincy Adams in 1825. When asked why she wrote her book, Hollinghead’s words were wise.

“I am a consequence of the Piney Woods Creek Murders of 1921. It’s my history. Would I like to go back and change it? No. It made me who I am today: Jake Green’s youngest o spring and keeper of the Jake Green family history. And that is priceless,” she said.

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Saving energy during peak times benefits all

Conserving electricity during peak energy use times not only lowers your monthly bill — it can benefit our entire community.

“Peak times” refer to periods of the day when the demand for electricity is highest. Think early mornings when people are getting ready for work or school and evenings when families return home, cook dinner, and unwind with electronics. When everyone uses energy at once, it adds pressure on the electric grid.

Your local electric cooperative works around the clock to ensure that electricity flows to your home whenever you need it. Behind the scenes, an enormous and intricate system is at work — one of the most complex machines in the world: the U.S. power grid. The grid is made up of three major interconnections that span the country, each managing supply and demand through regional authorities to keep the lights on and our economy running smoothly.

Electricity comes from a diverse mix of sources — hydropower, natural gas, coal, solar, wind, and more. Some power plants can respond quickly to spikes in demand, while others are less flexible. Once energy is generated, it travels through high-voltage transmission lines to local utilities which then delivers it to your home or business through distribution power lines.

When electricity demand surges during peak times, it’s more expensive to generate or purchase power. If supply can’t keep up, the risk of outages increases. That’s why using less energy during peak hours is more important than ever. It not only eases strain on the grid but also helps you save money.

So how can you “beat the peak”? Start by adjusting your thermostat a few degrees during peak hours. Smart thermostats can automate this for you. Delay using energy-hungry appliances like

ovens, clothes washers, and dishwashers until later in the evening. Charging your electric vehicle overnight instead of right after you get home can also help.

Small actions taken by many households can lead to big results. When we all work together to reduce energy use during peak times, we protect our power grid, help control costs, and ensure reliable electricity for our communities.

To help beat the energy peak, delay using large appliances like ovens, clothes washers and dishwashers until later in the evening.

HIDDEN ENERGY USERS at home Find

by Miranda Boutelle

Out of sight, out of mind. It is easy to overlook the hidden energy users in our homes. Yet, every plugged-in device and ready-to-use appliance can lead to higher electric bills.

Let’s see if we can find some hidden energy savings for you.

Your water heater could be using more energy than necessary. Storage water heaters heat water to a preset temperature. When hot water is used, cold water enters the tank, lowering the temperature, and the water is reheated to that preset level. If the water heater is set higher than needed, it wastes energy. Most water heaters are set to 140 degrees at the factory. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting the temperature to 120 degrees. This will save energy and reduce the risk of scalding. Do not set it lower than 120 degrees to prevent bacteria development in the tank.

Exterior security lights, porch lights, and barn lights can use more energy than needed. If they are on every night, all year long, that adds up to 4,380 hours, or half the hours in a year. If those lights use outdated, inefficient technology, they waste energy.

With that many hours, even a slight increase in efficiency can yield big energy savings. Switch to energy efficient LED bulbs. If lights need to stay on, consider upgrading to motion sensor lights so you aren’t drawing energy all night.

Pools and hot tubs can also be big energy users. Since you don’t see the pumps or heaters by design, it’s difficult to know when they are operating and consuming energy. Pumps filter water to keep it clean and safe for swimming. Energy Star®-certified pumps run at lower speeds and can be programmed to match your pool’s filtering needs, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. They can pay for themselves in two years, are quieter, and can prolong the life of your pool’s filtering system. Schedule your hot tub to a lower temperature when you’re not using it to reduce energy use. If your electric utility offers time-of-use rates, consider scheduling accordingly.

Gaming consoles are another hidden energy user. Gamers often put them in rest mode when not in use. This allows them to complete updates and reduces start-up time for the next session.

Plug load is anything in your home that is plugged into an outlet. As we use more and more appliances and technology in our homes, plug load energy use increases. Find what is plugged in around your home. If you aren’t using it, unplug it. For computer stations and entertainment centers, consider using smart power strips. These devices sense when energy is being used and turn peripheral devices on or off as needed.

Gaming consoles are another hidden energy user. Gamers often put them in rest mode when not in use. This allows them to complete updates and reduces start-up time for the next session. It also means they are still consuming energy even when not actively used. Powering off between gaming sessions can save energy. Ask the gamers in your life to power off. It may require a bit more time for updates, but every kilowatt-hour counts when it comes to saving energy.

It’s easy to make a habit of powering down and unplugging once you identify everything drawing power in your home. For upgrades, reach out to your electric utility about available rebates to help cover costs.

Powering off between gaming sessions can save energy. Photo Credit: Mark Gilliland, Pioneer Utility Resources

Miranda Boutelle is the chief operating officer at Efficiency Services Group in Oregon, a cooperatively owned energy efficiency company.

Upgrade your hot tub pump to reduce the amount of energy it uses.

Photo Credit: Mark Gilliland, Pioneer Utility Resources

How you can help support

this summer

by Jennah Denney

Extreme temperatures, whether during summer or winter months, drive up the demand for electricity as homes and businesses rely on air conditioning or heating to stay safe and comfortable. Every year, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), the nation’s watchdog for grid reliability, issues two Reliability Assessment reports — one for summer months and one for winter. These bi-annual assessments provide independent views of how prepared the U.S. grid is to meet electricity demand when temperatures soar or dip.

The NERC assessments are critical planning tools for electric utilities as they prepare for peak demand months. The reports provide a comprehensive evaluation of the North American Bulk Power System and highlight areas of concern regarding reliability.

During times of peak electricity demand, quick conservation actions taken by co-op members can make a meaningful difference.

NERC’s 2025 Summer Reliability Assessment, released in May, found that while most areas were prepared for typical summer conditions, some regions of the U.S. could experience elevated risk during periods of extreme heat or when generation resources are limited due to planned or unplanned power outages. A few months ago, Entergy and SWEPCO customers in Louisiana experienced rolling power outages due to grid capacity constraints.

Mississippi’s electric cooperatives want our members to understand how these surges in demand can impact you — and how you can play an important role in supporting reliable electric service for our local communities.

The electric grid is a vast network comprised of power plants, transmission lines, and distribution systems that work together to deliver electricity to homes and businesses. Grid reliability means ensuring enough electricity is always available to meet demand — even on the hottest and coldest days of the year.

According to NERC’s most recent assessment, our electric grid is experiencing rapid load growth. Across North America, the total forecasted peak demand for summer months increased by more than

10 gigawatts (GW) since 2024 — more than double the increase seen in 2023. This growth is being driven by continued economic activity, expansion of data centers and industrial facilities, and increasing electrification across many sectors.

At the same time, more than 7.4 GW of generation capacity has retired or gone inactive since last summer. Retirements include natural gas, coal, nuclear, and other types of generation, which reduces the availability of dispatchable resources that can operate at any time to help balance the grid. But new resources are becoming available to help meet some of this growing demand. Over 30 GW of new solar capacity and 13 GW of new battery storage are already contributing to increased demand requirements. These resources are especially helpful during peak daylight hours but can create new operational challenges in the evening, when solar generation tapers off and the demand for electricity remains high.

While most regions are prepared to meet demand under normal conditions, the NERC assessment highlights that some areas — including parts of the Midwest, New England, and Texas — face elevated risk of supply shortfalls during periods of above-normal demand or low resource availability. These risks may occur during extended periods of extreme temperatures or when generation outages coincide with high loads.

In regions like ours, electric cooperatives rely on the collective actions of individual consumers to help maintain reliability when the system is under stress. This is where you can help. Stay informed and watch for communications from your electric co-op about peak demand periods or energy conservation requests. Quick actions taken by co-op members can make a meaningful difference.

Adjusting your thermostat by a few degrees, postponing use of large appliances until evening hours, and turning off lights and unnecessary electronics are simple, effective ways you can help ease strain on the grid.

As the electric grid evolves — with changing generation resources, new technologies, and growing demand — maintaining reliable service requires careful planning and participation from everyone. NERC will likely release the 2025-2026 Winter Reliability Assessment in November, which will provide Mississippi’s electric cooperatives with key insights into winter reliability.

Your electric co-op is working closely with our power supply providers in preparing for peak demand, and your actions to conserve during these times are equally important. By working together, we can help ensure our community continues to receive reliable and affordable electric service throughout periods of high demand.

Jennah Denney writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

If Your Hands, Arms, Feet, or Legs Are Numb - If You Feel Shooting or Burning Pain or An Electric Sensation - You Are at Risk

Get The Help You Need - Here's What You Need to Know...

Purvis, MS - If you experience numbness or tingling in your hands, arms, legs, or feet or if you experience shooting or burning pain, this is important.

Please read this carefully

Peripheral Neuropathy is when small blood vessels in the hands, arms, feet or legs become diseased and tiny nerves that keep the cells and muscles working properly shrivel up and die.

Early-warning symptoms include tingling and numbness, mild loss of feeling in your hands, arms, legs or feet, inability to feel your feet, which increases your risk of foot-injury and falling

More Advanced Symptoms Include...

Loss of coordination & dexterity, which puts you at increased risk of accidents

Inability to feel clothing like socks and gloves

High risk of falling, which makes walking dangerous, and makes you more dependent on others

Burning sensations in your arms, legs, hands or feet that may start mild, but as nerves and muscles die, may feel like you're being burned by a blow torch.

Ignore the early warning signals long enough and you risk progressive nerve damage leading to muscle wasting, severe pain, loss of balance and a lot of staying at home wishing you didn't hurt

When every step is like walking on hot coals, sitting still may be the only thing you feel like doing But there's little joy in sitting still all day long

Now here's the scary part....

Nerve damage CAUSES cell damage Cell damage SPEEDS UP nerve degeneration

Without treatment this can become a DOWN-WARD SPIRAL that accelerates.

The damage can get worse fast Mild symptoms intensify Slight tingling, numbness or lack of feeling can turn into burning pain.

Before you know it, damage can become so bad you hurt all the time

Unless this downward spiral is stopped and nerves return to proper function - the damage to nerves and cells in the affected area can get so bad your muscles begin to die right along with the nerves and cells. And that sets the stage for weakness, loss of mobility, disability, and dependence on others.

If you have early warning signs of peripheral neuropathy, (tingling &/or numbness, loss of feeling or pain) it's CRITICAL you get proper treatment

It's critical, because with proper treatment the symptoms can often be reversed Without it, you are playing Russian Roulette with your health

Once your nerve loss reaches 85%, odds are there's nothing any doctor can do to help.

The most common method your doctor may recommend to treat neuropathy is prescription drugs

Drugs like Gabapentin, Lyrica, Cymbalta, & Neurontin are often prescribed to manage the pain But, damaged nerves and dying cells do not heal on their own

Pain pills do not restore healthy nerve function. They just mask the pain as the nerves continue to degenerate and cells and muscle continue to die.

Taking endless drugs and suffering terrible side effects that may damage your liver & kidney and create even more problems, is not a reasonable path. You deserve better. Three things must be determined to effectively treat neuropathy 1) What is the underlying cause? 2) How much nerve damage has been sustained? 3) How much treatment your condition will require?

With proper treatment, shriveled blood vessels grow back & nerves can return to proper function How much treatment you may need depends on your condition

At Purvis Chiropractic we do a complete neuropathy sensitivity exam to determine the extent of your nerve damage The exam includes a detailed sensory evaluation, extensive peripheral vascular testing, & a detailed analysis of the findings.

Dr Rob Acord, D C will be offering this complete neuropathy sensitivity exam for $47 This special offer goes away at the end of this month as we have a limited number of exam appointments available

Stop Hurting & Start Healing

Call

Travelin’

Cyclists ﬂock to the Tanglefoot

Trail and Longleaf

Trace, the state’s two rails-to-trails destinations.

by Jim Beaugez

If someone had told Bob McGee of Pontotoc that he’d still be riding bicycles with friends through his hometown well into his retirement years, he probably would’ve laughed it o . But after wrapping up his professional career, he moved back and took to pedaling almost daily with a friend he’s known “pretty much since birth.”

In contrast to the many detours and winding paths McGee’s life has taken, the Tanglefoot Trail — a mostly level, straight-line of a hiking and cycling path built on a decommissioned rail line in northeastern Mississippi — makes reconnecting with the simpler side of life easy.

“Being here has been such a blessing to me,” says McGee, chairman of the board that oversees the trail. Today, he lives less than a mile from a trail access point and just four houses down from his riding pal.

Railroads still crisscross Mississippi carrying payloads of freight to far-ﬂung locales every day, but some lines faded with the decline of local rail service. Two of those lines — the Tanglefoot as well as the Longleaf Trace in the Pine Belt — have taken on new life as recreational trails for walkers, cyclists, and travelers who prefer to slow things down.

The Tanglefoot Trail, which opened in 2013, stretches 43.6 miles through the farmland and forests of Union, Pontotoc, and Chickasaw counties, following the path of a former Gulf and Ship Island Railroad spur developed in the 19th century by Col. William Clark Falkner, great-grandfather of author William Faulkner. Over the decades, the corridor changed hands, became part of the GM&O and later Illinois Central systems, and was eventually abandoned.

McGee, a triathlete until an injury forced him to refocus on cycling, and many others now traverse an asphalt-paved trail connecting Pontotoc with communities like New Albany, Ecru, Algoma, New Houlka, and Houston.

Murals along the Longleaf Trace in Hattiesburg tell the region’s natural history.

Following a nationwide trend, local governments along the route formed the GM&O Rails to Trails Recreational District to manage the trail’s development and upkeep. That coordination shows up in the details: each town maintains a whistle-stop rest area or trailhead, offering amenities like restrooms, picnic tables, and bike racks. Larger towns like Pontotoc and New Albany have added civic infrastructure, including amphitheaters and downtown access points. In New Albany, visitors enter the trail through a landscaped plaza with public art installations that highlight the region’s history.

The trail’s development has brought a measure of tourism and outside attention to these towns. In 2019, the Rails to Trails Conservancy named the Tanglefoot Trail to its Rail-Trail Hall of Fame, citing both the quality of the trail and the level of local engagement. Businesses have emerged near the trailheads in several towns, especially in New Albany and Pontotoc, which already had walkable downtown areas. In Houston, the trail ends just north of the town center, where civic improvements have been made to support visitors.

where the terrain is more rural, he and other riders often see a variety of wildlife — everything from the area’s native birds and snakes to more secretive animals like bobcats and coyotes. Some have even reported catching glimpses of bears and an alligator.

“You’re out there in places you would have never been able to go if the trail didn’t exist,” McGee says. “It’s a great time to reflect on the things that matter.”

Roughly 200 miles to the south, the Longleaf Trace, which opened to travelers in 2000, follows a broader and occasionally more urbanized path. Its 44-mile course along the former Mississippi Central Railroad corridor connects Hattiesburg with Prentiss by way of Sumrall, Bassfield, and Carson. It was the state’s first rail-trail and remains one of its most heavily used.

You’re out there in places you would have never been able to go if the trail didn’t exist. It’s a great time to reflect on the things that matter.

“There are people who travel all these trails all over the country,” says cycling enthusiast Jed Darby. “The Longleaf is on their bucket list.”

“Between Pontotoc and New Houlka is where I ride most often,” McGee says, “and I do that because it’s 80% shaded and on a normal day is extremely quiet.” On the trail’s southern half,

Darby, who moved to Hattiesburg from Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, runs Jed’s Perfect Endurance Bikes, an 8,000-squarefoot bike shop with a coffee bar, showers, and other amenities for riders at the Jackson Road trail entrance just northwest of Hattiesburg. “We’re lucky because we have a lot of stretches of road where we never have to cross an intersection,” he says.

Throughout the seasons and across its 43.6-mile length, cyclists on the Tanglefoot Trail get to access scenery otherwise hidden from view.

Towns along the Tanglefoot Trail like New Albany have embraced the cycling path and the visitors it brings.

The trail’s name refers to the longleaf pine, once dominant in this region’s forests. Today, those trees remain along sections of the route, particularly outside the more developed areas. Like the Tanglefoot, the Longleaf Trace is paved and relatively ﬂat, with a 24-mile parallel equestrian trail between Carson and the Ronnie Shows Nature Center. What sets the Longleaf Trace apart is its urban anchor. In Hattiesburg, the trail runs through the University of Southern Mississippi campus and connects to neighborhoods, commercial areas and downtown. A tunnel under Fourth Street, painted with murals by local artists, links the campus to the trail. From there, the route stretches westward into rural Lamar and Je erson Davis counties, where smaller towns maintain trail access through local partnerships.

Depots in Prentiss, Sumrall, and other locations have been converted into rest stations and visitor centers. These spaces o er parking, water, restrooms and shaded seating — all key for riders tackling longer distances. The Sumrall depot, for instance, serves as both a civic meeting space and trail hub. In Prentiss, a similar setup greets riders at the trail’s northernmost point.

According to estimates from the Rails to Trails Conservancy and local o cials, the Longleaf Trace sees between 250,000 and 300,000 visits annually. That includes college students commuting by bike, families out for weekend rides, and participants in organized running and cycling events.

For travelers, the appeal of these trails is their mix of landscape and local character. Riders on the Tanglefoot might stop at a farm stand near Algoma or explore town centers in New Albany and Pontotoc. On the Longleaf Trace, a cyclist can ride from dense pine forest into a college town within an hour. Neither route is overly remote, but both o er enough quiet to make the scenery matter.

The Tanglefoot even hosts the Tour de Bodock, an annual bike ride that attracted 325 riders from eight states in 2024 (this year’s edition will be held Oct. 4) and helps raise funds for trail maintenance and improvements.

“Most of these folks would have never come here, but when they come and see the trail, some of them come back on a regular basis to enjoy the trail,” McGee says. “It’s fun to see it through the eyes of people who are not from here because then you appreciate it anew once again.”

Thousands of serious cyclists, weekend warriors and families visit the Tanglefoot Trail and Longleaf Trace (below) each year.

MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS

Mergansers, and Coots**

Geese: Canada, White-fronted, Snow, Blue, Ross’, and Brant Nov. 14 - Nov. 30 Dec. 6 - Jan. 31 Canada Geese: 5 Snow, Blue, & Ross’: 20 White-fronted: 3 Brant: 1

Youth, Veterans, and Active Military Waterfowl Days Feb. 7 - 8

Light Goose Conservation Order*** (Special Permit Needed)

Youth (Private, authorized state and federal public lands, and open public lands Youth 15 and under)

Oct. 1 - Nov. 13

Dec. 1 - Dec. 5 Feb. 1 - Feb. 6 Feb. 9 - Mar. 31

Spring Turkey

Canada Geese: 15 Snow, Blue, & Ross’: No limit White-fronted: 9 Brant: 3

Spring Turkey

Mar. 7 - 13

One (1) adult gobbler or 1 gobbler with a 6-inch

of choice (any

*Sept. Canada Goose season is closed on Roebuck Lake in Leflore County.

* Non-residents Turkey Hunting on Public Lands: Non-residents cannot hunt any public land in Mississippi before April 1 unless drawn for either a Non-resident Public Lands Turkey Permit or WMA Draw Hunt. During youth season on public land, any non-resident accompanying adult must be permitted/ drawn.

**The duck daily bag limit is a total of 6 ducks, including no more than 4 mallards (no more than 2 of which may be females), 1 mottled duck, 2 black ducks, 3 pintails, 3 wood ducks, 2 canvasbacks, and 2 redheads. The daily bag limit for scaup is 1 scaup per day Nov. 28 – Nov. 30 and Dec. 6 – 17; and is 2 scaup per day Dec. 18 – Jan. 31.

SMALL GAME

Small Game

The merganser daily bag limit is a total of 5 mergansers, only 2 of which may be hooded mergansers.

The coot daily bag limit is a total of 15 coots.

The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit for ducks, mergansers, and coots.

Shooting hours for all migratory game birds are from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset, except for the Light Goose Conservation Order (see below).

***The Light Goose Conservation Order is a special opportunity designed to reduce the population of overpopulated snow, blue, and Ross’ geese when no other waterfowl seasons are open. This order allows for expanded methods of take that are not allowed during regular waterfowl seasons. To participate in the Light Goose Conservation Order, hunters need a valid Mississippi hunting license, state waterfowl stamp, and a free Light Goose Conservation Order permit number. Hunters can obtain a permit number by visiting mdwfp.com/wildlife-hunting/light-goose-permit-application.

Light Goose Conservation Order Methods: Shooting hours are from ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset. Only snow, blue, and Ross’ geese are eligible for harvest. The use of electronic calls is allowed. The use of unplugged shotguns is allowed. There is no daily or possession limit for snow, blue, or Ross’ geese. Hunters must use non-toxic shots. Hunters must possess a valid Mississippi hunting license and a Mississippi state waterfowl stamp. Light goose conservation order hunters do not need a federal duck stamp.

DEER ZONES

BAG LIMITS

ANTLERED BUCK DEER:

The statewide bag limit on antlered buck deer is one (1) buck per day and three (3) per annual season. One (1) of these three (3) may have hardened antlers that do not meet the unit legal antler requirements on private land and Holly Springs National Forest. Only one antlered buck may be harvested during the September archery velvet season (counts toward the annual bag limit). For youth hunters ﬁfteen (15) years of age and younger, hunting on private land and authorized state and federal lands, all three (3) of the three (3) buck bag limit may be any antlered deer. Antlered buck bag limit in the North Central Deer Management Unit (DMU) is one (1) buck per day and four (4) per annual season. No antler restrictions apply to this DMU. All four bucks may have any sized hardened antlers.

ANTLERLESS DEER:

Private lands: The statewide annual bag limit on antlerless deer is ﬁve (5). The antlerless bag limit for private lands in the North Central DMU is ten (10) antlerless deer per season. Antlerless deer are male or female deer which do not have hardened antler above the natural hairline. Only three (3) antlerless deer may be harvested from the Southeast Unit. There is no daily bag limit on antlerless deer in the North Central, Hills, and Delta units. Only one (1) antlerless deer per day may be harvested in the Southeast DMU.

U.S. Forest Service National Forests: The bag limit is one (1) per day, not to exceed ﬁve (5) per annual season except in the Southeast Unit, which is three (3) per annual season.

14 inches. If the OUTSIDE of each antler beam is 1 inch inside the eye, main

the ear-tip, the inside spread is approximately 10 inches.

14 inches. If the OUTSIDE of each antler beam is 1 inch inside the eye, main beam length is approximately the ear-tip, the inside spread is approximately 10 inches. 13 inches.

DELTA UNIT

A legal buck is defined as having EITHER a minimum inside

A legal buck is defined as having EITHER a minimum inside spread of 12

legal buck is defined as having EITHER a minimum inside spread of 12 inches OR one main beam at least 15 inches long.

How to estimate a 12 inch inside spread:

Estimating a 12 inch spread is accomplished by observing a

How to estimate a 15 inch main beam: 12” Inside Spread 15” Main Beam

Estimating a 12 inch spread is accomplished by observing a To estimate a 15 inch main beam, the buck’s buck’s ears in the alert position. When in the alert position, the head must be observed from the side. If the distance from ear-tip to ear-tip measures approximately 15 tip of the main beam extends between the inches. If the OUTSIDE of each antler beam reaches the ear-tip, front of the eye and the tip of the nose, main the inside spread is approximately 12 inches. (Therefore, if the beam length is approximately 15 inches. outside of both antler beams reach the ear tips, the buck is legal).

To estimate a 15 inch main beam, the buck’s buck’s ears in the alert position. When in the alert position, the head must be observed from the side. If the distance from ear-tip to ear-tip measures approximately 15 tip of the main beam extends between the inches. If the OUTSIDE of each antler beam reaches the ear-tip, front of the eye and the tip of the nose, main the inside spread is approximately 12 inches. (Therefore, if the beam length is approximately 15 inches. outside of both antler beams reach the ear tips, the buck is legal).

*Due to body size differences in the Delta Unit, ear-tip to ear-tip measurements are slightly larger compared to the other units.

WHITE-TAILED DEER

Legal Bucks SOUTHEAST AND HILLS UNITS

A legal buck is defined as having EITHER a minimum inside spread of 10 inches OR one main beam at least 13

DELTA, NORTH CENTRAL, AND HILLS DEER MANAGEMENT UNITS

METHOD SEASON DATES

LEGAL DEER

METHOD SEASON DATES LEGAL DEER

How to estimate a 10 inch inside spread: How to estimate a 13 inch

LEGAL DEER

Archery Sept. 12 - 14

Archery Sept. 13 - 15

Oct. 1 - Nov. 21

Oct. 1 - Nov. 22

Only one (1) Legal Buck. Special permit, mandatory reporting, and CWD sampling required. Private Land and authorized state and federal lands

Only one (1) Legal Buck. Special permit, mandatory reporting, and CWD sampling required. Private Land and authorized state and federal lands Oct. 1 - Nov. 21

Only one (1) Legal Buck Special permit, mandatory reporting, and CWD sampling required. Private Land and authorized state and federal lands

Either-Sex on private and open public lands.

Estimating a 10 inch spread is accomplished by observing a To estimate a 13 inch main beam, the buck’s buck’s ears in the alert position. When in the alert position, head must be observed from the side. If the the distance from ear-tip to ear-tip measures approximately tip of the main beam extends to the front of 14 inches. If the OUTSIDE of each antler beam is 1 inch inside the eye, main beam length is approximately the ear-tip, the inside spread is approximately 10 inches. 13 inches.

Either-Sex on private and open public lands.

Either-Sex on private land, open public land, and Holly Springs NF

Youth Season (15 and under) Nov. 8 - Nov. 21

Youth Season (15 and under) Nov. 9 - Nov. 22

Either-Sex on private lands, authorized state and federal lands, and open public lands. Nov. 22 - Jan. 31

Either-Sex on private lands, authorized state and federal lands, and open public lands. Nov. 23 - Jan. 31

Antlerless Primitive Weapon Nov. 10 - 21

Antlerless Primitive Weapon Nov. 11 - 22

Either-Sex on private lands. On open public lands, youth must follow legal buck criteria.

DELTA UNIT

Either-Sex on private lands. On open public lands, youth must follow below legal deer criteria.

Antlerless Deer Only on private lands.

A legal buck is defined as having EITHER a minimum inside spread of 12 inches OR one main beam at

Antlerless Deer Only on private lands.

Gun (with dogs) Nov. 22 - Dec. 1

Gun (with dogs) Nov. 23 - Dec. 1

How to estimate a 12 inch inside spread:

Primitive Weapon Dec. 2 - 15

Estimating a 12 inch spread is accomplished by observing a

Primitive Weapon Dec. 2 - 15

Gun (without dogs) Dec. 16 - 23

Gun (with dogs) Dec. 24 - Jan. 21

Gun (with dogs) Dec. 24 - Jan. 22

Either-Sex on private land and Holly Springs NF (excluding portions in Yalobusha County) Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Either-Sex on private land and Holly Springs NF (excluding portions in Yalobusha County). Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Either-Sex on private land and Holly Springs NF. Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Archery/Primitive Weapon Jan. 22 - 31

*Due to body size differences in the Delta Unit, ear-tip to ear-tip measurements are slightly larger compared to the other units.

Archery/Primitive Weapon Jan. 23 - 31

DATES

Either-Sex on private and open public lands. Weapon of choice may be used on private land with appropriate license.

Either-Sex on private and open public lands Weapon of choice may be used on private land with appropriate license.

Either-Sex on private land, open public land, and Holly Springs NF. Weapon of choice may be used on private land with appropriate license.

Either-Sex on private land and Holly Springs NF (excluding portions in Yalobusha County) Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Either-Sex on private land and Holly Springs NF (excluding portions in Yalobusha County). Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Either-Sex on private land and Holly Springs NF. Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Either-Sex on private land and Holly Spring NF (excluding portions in Yalobusha County). Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Either-Sex on private land and Holly Spring NF (excluding portions in Yalobusha County) Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Either-Sex on private land and Holly Spring NF. Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Either-Sex on private land and Holly Springs NF. Legal Bucks only on open public land. Weapon of choice may be used on private land with appropriate license.

Either-Sex on private land and Holly Springs NF (excluding portions in Yalobusha County) Legal Bucks only on open public land. Weapon of choice may be used on private land with appropriate license.

SOUTHEAST UNIT

DELTA, NORTH CENTRAL, AND HILLS DEER MANAGEMENT UNITS

LEGAL DEER

Archery Sept. 13 - 15

Archery Sept. 12 - 14 Only one (1) Legal Buck. Special permit, mandatory reporting, and CWD sampling required. Private Land and authorized state and federal lands.

Oct. 15 - Nov. 21

Archery Sept. 12 - 14 Only one (1) Legal Buck Special permit, mandatory reporting, and CWD sampling required. Private Land and authorized state and federal lands. Oct. 15 - Nov. 21

Oct. 1 - Nov. 22

Only one (1) Legal Buck Special permit, mandatory reporting, and CWD sampling required. Private Land and authorized state and federal lands

Archery Sept. 13 - 15 Only one (1) Legal Buck Special permit, mandatory reporting, and CWD sampling required. Private Land and authorized state and federal lands. Oct. 15 - Nov. 22

Nov. 8 - Nov. 21

Either-Sex on private and open public land.

Either-Sex on private land, open public land, and Holly Springs NF

Either-Sex on private and open public land.

Either-Sex on private lands, authorized state and federal lands, and open public lands

Either-Sex on private lands, authorized state and federal lands, and open public lands.

Youth Season (15 and under)

Youth Season (15 and under) Nov. 9 - Nov. 22

Youth Season (15 and under)

Youth Season under) Nov. 9 - Nov. 22

Nov. 22 – Jan. 31

Nov. 23 - Jan. 31

Either-Sex on private lands, authorized state and federal lands, and open public lands.

Either-Sex on private lands.

Either-Sex on private lands, authorized state and federal lands, and open public lands. Nov. 23 - Feb. 15

Antlerless Primitive Weapon Nov. 11 - 22

Feb. 1 - 15

Gun (with dogs) Nov. 23 - Dec. 1

Either-Sex on private lands. On open public lands, youth must follow legal buck criteria. Feb. 1 - 15

Either-Sex on private lands. On open public lands, youth must follow below legal deer criteria.

On open public lands, youth must follow legal buck criteria.

Either-Sex on private lands. On open public lands, youth must follow below legal deer criteria.

Legal bucks on private and open public lands.

Antlerless Deer Only on private lands.

Legal bucks on private and open public lands.

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Gun (with dogs) Nov. 22 - Dec. 1

Gun (with dogs) Nov. 23 - Dec. 1

Primitive Weapon Dec. 2 - 15

Gun (without dogs) Dec. 16 - 23

Gun (with dogs) Dec. 24 - Jan. 22

Gun (with dogs) Dec. 24 - Jan. 21

Archery/Primitive Weapon Jan. 23 - 31

Gun (with dogs) Dec. 24 - Jan. 22

Archery/Primitive Weapon Jan. 22 - 31

Archery/Primitive Weapon Jan. 23 - 31

Feb. 1 - 15

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Either-Sex on private land and Holly Springs NF. Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Either-Sex on private and open public land. Weapon of choice may be used on private land with appropriate license.

Either-Sex on private land, open public land, and Holly Springs NF. Weapon of choice may be used on private land with appropriate license.

Either-Sex on private and open public land. Weapon of choice may be used on private land with appropriate license.

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Either-Sex on private land and Holly Springs NF. Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Either-Sex on private land and Holly Spring NF. Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land. Weapon of choice may be used on private land with appropriate license. Feb. 1 - 15 Legal Bucks only on private and open public land. Weapon of choice may be used on private land with appropriate license.

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land. Weapon of choice may be used on private land with appropriate license. Feb. 1 - 15

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land. Weapon of choice may be used on private land with appropriate license.

Either-Sex on private land and Holly Springs NF. Legal Bucks only on open public land. Weapon of choice may be used on private land with appropriate license.

Legal Bucks only on private and open public land. Weapon of choice may be used on private land with appropriate license.

SOUTHEAST UNIT

TURKEY

METHOD SEASON DATES LEGAL DEER

Spring Turkey

Archery Sept. 13 - 15 Only one (1) Legal Buck Special permit, mandatory reporting, and CWD

15 - Nov. 22

Either-Sex on private and open public land.

Youth Season (15 and under) Nov. 9 - Nov. 22 Either-Sex on private lands,

Small Game

SPRING

Travel anywhere in the United States, and you’ll be able to ﬁnd a place to plug in your phone charger. Whether you’re on the East Coast, in the Paciﬁc Northwest, or in a town in the Southeast, you’ll encounter the same wall socket used to access electricity. But while the power charging your phone may be identical, the organizations delivering it through the wires probably are not.

Throughout the U.S., electricity is delivered through three types of power providers: investor-owned utility companies (IOUs), public power systems, and electric power cooperatives. Two-thirds of American homes and businesses receive their electricity through an IOU. Public power companies serve 15% and co-ops deliver power to 13% of the nation’s consumers.

The biggest di erence in power providers is the profit motive. Public power systems and electric co-ops are not-for-profit organizations. That means their primary motive isn’t to make a profit, but to deliver electricity to the homes and businesses they serve at the most reasonable cost. In other words, their first objective is service.

Compare that to investor-owned utilities. As the name implies, IOUs are owned by investors. Those investors hold shares of stock in the utility — each owning some percentage of the utility’s assets. The goal of the IOU is to earn proﬁts to raise the value of the stock and provide income to the shareholders in the form of dividends. No matter how much e ort an IOU puts into being a good power provider for its customers, its ultimate goal is to make as much money as possible for its owners.

Public power systems are owned by municipalities and other forms of government, which means they’re technically owned by — and accountable to — the taxpayers they serve. The people who run these government units want to keep the taxpayers happy, so their goal is to keep rates as low as possible. Similarly, co-ops are owned by the members they serve, and their primary motivation is to keep the cost of electricity as low as possible.

Decision-making is another di erentiator. Investor-owned utilities are large corporations that may be headquartered hundreds of miles away from the folks who pay the bills. If one of those customers has a concern, they’ll likely have a di cult time getting the utility’s management to listen.

Electric co-ops deliver power to 13% of the nation’s consumers.

by Scott Flood

For public power, the same o cials elected or hired to manage things like streets and parks oversee operations. A customer can reach out to their government representative if they’re unhappy with the service they receive.

Once again, co-ops are di erent. Their operations are managed by a volunteer board of directors made up of members. Those directors represent their neighbors and have an obligation to consider other members’ concerns and preferences. A co-op member who has questions about their rates or concerns about their service can turn to their local director for answers.

Infrastructure needs represent another key di erence. Public power providers and IOUs tend to serve areas like cities, suburbs, and larger towns that have higher population densities. Most co-op service areas are in more rural areas and smaller communities, where members are more widespread. As a result, co-ops average just 7.98 members for each mile of power lines, compared to 32.4 customers per mile for the other types of power providers. Co-ops earn an average of $2,390 in annual revenue from members, compared to $2,585 for the other types. That means co-ops have to manage signiﬁcantly more infrastructure for the number of homes and businesses they serve, although they receive less money than the other types of power providers. Because co-ops are inherently focused on the needs of their members, they center their planning and operations around the places they operate. Unlike IOUs that usually o er the same services everywhere they do business, co-ops can quickly adapt to changing community needs. They also play active roles in building the economic strength of the places they serve through community support, economic development initiatives, by employing more than 73,000 Americans, and by paying $1.5 billion in state and local taxes annually.

IOUs generally have little direct competition in the areas they serve, but they compete with other public companies and IOUs for attention from investors and Wall Street, making them less eager to share ideas and innovations. In comparison, electric cooperatives work closely with neighboring co-ops and their counterparts across the U.S. That’s because they’re committed to the seven cooperative principles, one of which calls for

cooperation among co-ops. Whether that involves a joint investment in generation assets like solar farms, sharing resources to eliminate duplication, or being co-owners of a generation and transmission cooperative, these close relationships improve all co-ops’ ability to serve their members.

Finally, while the three types of power providers are structured and do business in di erent ways, it’s important to remember that all are highly regulated by multiple state and federal agencies. Unlike other industries in which companies can raise prices or build facilities whenever they want, power companies normally have to earn regulators’ permission before they can take actions that will a ect the services they provide and what they charge.

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

Co-ops play active roles in strengthening the communities they serve through supporting local youth programs, economic development initiatives, and volunteer e orts.

Co-ops sole purpose is to serve their communities, which means they can quickly adapt to changing member needs.

FARMHOUSE

I’m blessed to spend a great deal of June teaching kiddos of all ages some culinary skills in my kitchen at Mississippi State University. I bring the recipes, they bring the willing hearts and stomachs, and we have a big time exposing ourselves to new experiences — the kids in food and culinary skills, and me (us) in the latest TikTok trends and food-fashion. At the end of the week, they go home with a notebook full of recipes, an apron, and a baseball cap, and I go home exhausted, but with a completely heartened outlook on the future of food in their young hands. We don’t try to create little Jacque Pepins or Julia Childs. We just want them to know how to feed themselves and to learn some basic — and not so basic — skills, and a have a willingness to try anything once.

Only time will tell if we succeed in our endeavors. But I’ve learned a lot from them through the years. I’m always amazed at the things they pick up that I never know they see — things I may forget to say to them; skills I may take for granted that they know but don’t really. They are little sponges. We might spend a 6-hour day baking or making pasta, but I’ve learned that everything I do around them is important. I don’t have to try extra hard to teach them ALL the things. They are learning when nobody’s looking.

Let your kiddos drag you into the kitchen. Give them a recipe or two and turn them loose. Be there behind them to show them the ropes and talk to them about the business at hand.

Devil’s Food Cookies

Makes about 30

INGREDIENTS

1 Devil’s Food Cake mix

2 eggs

½ cup oil

1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet)

Combine cake mix, eggs, and oil and blend well. Stir in chocolate chips. Form into walnut-sized balls (or use a very small cookie scoop to portion, or a heaping teaspoon to measure and roll) and place on a parchment lined baking sheet 2 inches apart.

Bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes. They may look a little underdone in the very middle depending on the size of the cookie. Cool for 2 minutes before removing from baking sheet to a cooling rack.

with Vicki Leach

Chicken Chimichangas

Makes 20

Makes 30 cheese stuffed shells –serves 10 to 12 folks

INGREDIENTS

2 cups salsa, picante or taco sauce, divided (small jar)

5 6-ounce boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and ﬁnely diced

1 small onion, diced

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 3 teaspoons fresh)

1 teaspoon salt

20 ﬂour tortillas (8 to 10 inch - the smaller the better)

3 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Cooking oil spray (as needed)

Combine cooked chicken, half of salsa, diced onion, and seasonings in a sauté pan and simmer for about 20 minutes over medium-low heat until almost dry and thoroughly combined.

To assemble: Lay flour tortillas a few at a time on a flat surface. Place ¼ cup of chicken filling on one edge of each flour tortilla and roll over once. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of shredded cheese. Fold both sides in and continue to roll tortilla until closed around the fillings. Seal rolled edge with a toothpick and place seam-side down on a parchment lined baking sheet. Continue until all tortillas are done. Spray with cooking oil spray.

Bake at 425 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes, turning over halfway through cooking. Remove from oven (remove picks) and serve hot with desired garnishes.

Mix cheeses, eggs, herbs, salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Cook pasta shells in a gallon of boiling water to which 1 tablespoon of salt has been added. Cook al dente, or according to package directions. Drain.

Spray 2 casserole dishes that will hold 15 shells and a can of sauce each. Spray with pan spray and spread 24 ounces evenly across the bottom of each.

Stuff each shell with a scant ¼ cup of cheese mixture. A portion/ cookie scoop works well here. Nestle the stuffed shells into the pasta sauce. Bake at 375 degrees, covering with foil for the first 20 minutes or so; uncover and continue to cook for 20 minutes to 30 minutes more — until the cheese mixture is done and tomato sauce is bubbly.

FOR FILLING

¾ cup grated parmesan cheese

6 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

2 cups ricotta or cottage cheese

4 eggs

1 tablespoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 box jumbo pasta shells (I like 12-ounce boxes)

4-6 cups pasta sauce, homemade or your favorite store brand

(2 24-ounce cans of Hunt’s spaghetti sauce works well)

by Vicki Leach

Vicki Leach is a full-time chef/culinary instructor at Mississippi State University in the Department of Food Science, Nutrition, and Health Promotion. She teaches Science of Food Preparation, Foodservice Organization, and Quantity Food Production. She lives in a 130-year-old farmhouse that speaks to her old soul.

Events

Events open to the public will be published free of charge as space allows. Submit details at least two months prior to the event date. Submissions must include a phone number with area code for publication. Email to news@ecm.coop. Events are subject to change.

Gulf Coast Military Relics, Antique Arms, and Collectibles Show. Sept. 5 and 6. Biloxi. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Joppa Shriner’s Center, 13280 Shriner’s Blvd. Admission is $7, and parking is free. Historical military artifacts from all periods and wars bought, sold. And traded. Items include helmets, firearms, swords, bayonets, uniforms, flags, medals and other items. Details: 228-224-1120 or email terrell.hamilton@gmail.com.

Bingo Night. Sept. 6. Baxterville. Bingo, spaghetti and chicken plates, and prizes. The event will help raise money for the local school. 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Immersion Center. Details: 601-410-1001.

Clarke Fest 2025. Sept. 26 and 27. Quitman. On Friday, the kick-off party features Jagger Whitaker and Band as well as Billy Rascoe. Tickets are $20. Gate entry fee is $5 per car. Armbands will be issued. Gates open at 5 p.m. and the concert starts at 6 p.m. at Archusa Creek Water Park. Bring your lawn chairs. Food vendors will be on site. Keep the armband because it gets you into Clarke Fest for free on Saturday. Saturday will feature Busy Bee Bouncers, activities for the kids, and a talent contest for all ages. The grand prize is an 8-hour recording session at the Governor’s Recording Studio at The Max in Meridian. Entry fee is $50. Pre-registration is required. The day will also feature a corn hole tournament. The cost is $10 per 2-person team. Prizes based on number of teams registered. Gate opens at 9 a.m. $5 park entry fee without armband from the concert. Details: 601-776-5701.

Magnolia State Gem, Mineral, and Jewelry Show. Sept. 27 and 28. Ocean Springs. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Ocean Springs Civic Center, 3730 Bienville Blvd. Adult admission is $5 and children 12 and under are free with a paying adult. Door prize and more than 20 vendors. There will be fossils, gemstones, jewelry, minerals, beads and ore to purchase. Details: 601-947-7245 or 228-238-9900.

Harrisville Day. Sept. 27. Harrisville. The event will be held at 1767 Harrisville Community Park. Fun, food, games, music, bounce houses, vendors and car show. Firefighters will be cooking barbecue. The event starts at 8 a.m. Details: 624-927-0445 or 601-942-1480.

Picayune Writer’s Group 16th Annual Writers Symposium. Sept. 27. Picayune. “Nuts & Bolts: The Mechanics of Writing” is this year’s theme. Sessions will include talks on world building in fiction and nonfiction, character development, and the use of various writing tools. The day will also include panel discussions on the pros and cons of artificial intelligence and roundtable featuring group members on venues to submit work. Admission is free and includes a continental breakfast and lunch. Preregistration is appreciated but not required to attend. To register to be included in a drawing of books by group authors, send your full name and email address to picayunewritersgroup@gmail.com. The event starts at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. at the Crosby Memorial Library. Details: 518-586-6843.

The Magee Chamber of Commerce Fall Festival. Oct. 25. Magee. The downtown free festival is held on Main Street from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The festival will feature a 5K run and walk, arts and crafts, food vendors, an antique car show, a chicken show, activities for kids, and live entertainment featuring Vintage 601 and other acts performing from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. Details: 601-849-2517.

Barn Sale – Antiques and Collectibles. Oct. 17 and 18. Purvis. From 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 4799 Old Highway 11. More than 85 collectors with trial loads of antiques, collectibles including advertising signs, glassware, railroad wagon wheels, bells, anvils, crocks, furniture, tools, tractor seats, bottles, doors, jewelry, coins and other unusual items. Concession stand. $2 for parking per car. Good for both days. Details: 601-818-5886 or 601-794-7462.

The Friends of Noxubee’s 5K Gator Run and Refuge Day. Oct. 18. Brooksville. The race begins at 7:30 a.m. Refuge Day is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be exhibitors from all areas of wildlife, crafts, games, and free hot dogs. Smokey the Bear will also be there. The event also features a drum circle, square dancers, and a Nature Store. The event will be held at sa, D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, 13723 Bluff Lake Rd. Details: 662-769-7558.

Puckett Methodist Women’s Missions Market Place. Nov. 1. Puckett. The event takes place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Puckett Methodist Church Family Life Center located at 6412 Hwy 18. Proceeds to go to help children on the autism spectrum that attend the Center Ridge Outpost summer camp, and to fund the group’s Friends in Need campaign to help those with cancer and other medical expenses. The event will include vendors with handmade items, rummage sale, raffle items, and a soup lunch café for a bargain at $5 a bowl. This year will also include a “Cruize In” car show from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Frozen casseroles will also be on sale. Table space is available for $25. Details: 601-214-7834 or 601-591-5570.

Veterans Day Event. Nov. 9. Natchez. The recognition will be held at the Zion Hill No. 1 Baptist Church, 349 Lower Woodville Rd. Registration and slide show begin at 7:30 a.m. The veteran procession starts at 8 a.m. followed by a religious service and brunch in the fellowship hall. Gift bags and door prizes will also be available for veterans. Details: 601-443-1560 or 601-493-7724.

School has been “in” for about a month in most Mississippi districts. Except those doing year ‘round school — nine weeks in class and then two weeks out — all year long.

Growing up in the Delta, I associated the smell of cotton defoliant with the opening of school. In September, the Delta planters sprayed the leaves. The leaves then drop o , so the mechanical pickers could pick cleaner cotton and less trash.

In my 15th summer, I worked on my uncle’s dairy farm in Metcalfe, near Greenville. Riding to the hay field early morning in late summer, another uncle noticed the leafless cotton fields and marveled that it looked like a frosty October morning.

School started soon, and I was relieved to be in class from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. and not on a tractor for 12 hours.

We were studying English literature that year and wadded through Samuel Coleridge’s “Rime of the Ancient Mariner.” All these years later about all I remember from it is the anguished mariner bemoaning that there was “Water, water everywhere but not a drop to drink.”

He considered the abundance of water around him a curse. And in his case, it was. But as I gazed out the classroom window (which I did too much back then), I recalled that we were about five miles from the Mississippi River, and maybe two or three miles from Lake Ferguson. Deer Creek was east of town about 10 miles. There were all sorts of borrow pits — we called them bar-pits — some people called them “blue holes” between the levee and the river where the dirt had been dug to build the levee. A few of them stayed flooded all the time. The rest of them some of the time. They made good fishing and swimming holes.

My point is this — we had and still have a great deal of water in Mississippi. And it is anything but a curse. I see a bunch of boats and water skiers on the Barnett Reservoir summer weekends and on the Fourth of July. I suppose people are trying to cool o . We did a live shot on the Rez for the “Daily Sip at 3:30” (WJTV, Jackson and WHLT, Hattiesburg) show on the 4th, and I thought I was gonna roast.

To me, the time of year we’re heading into now is more conducive for boat rides (or convertible tops down) than the 90-plus degree days of summer.

We have way more waterways than just the big lakes, too. I think I can still take you to a huge slab of petriﬁed wood in the creek at the foot of the hill at grandmother’s house in Fulton. I’ve ﬂoated on Red Creek and Black Creek in south Mississippi. The Pascagoula is still untamed and explorable from the Chickasawhay or Leaf River. And a zillion more.

“Water, water everywhere” a curse? That poor mariner was just in the wrong place. He should ‘a been in Mississippi.

by Walt Grayson

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