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Louisiana JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026

Country

Fuel Your Resolutions

Start the new year with a fresh brew and fresh goals Page 18 The Coffee Connection Owner Debbie Rowell stands at the front counter. PHOTO COURTESY OF BECI

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11/24/25 10:17 AM

In This Issue 4

Powering Louisiana Together

Superintendents and Foremen’s Association Hosts Annual Banquet

10 Challenging Fowl 12 The Future of Farming 20 Generate Safely 24 Avoid Energy Scams Your Co-op Local Pages 6-7, 9, 16, 18-19

12 Association of Louisiana Electric Cooperatives Inc. Staff

ALEC Members

INTERIM CEO/DIRECTOR OF SAFETY AND LOSS CONTROL Aarron Graham

BEAUREGARD ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC. Mike Viator Tommy Cryar

COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR Conley Bourgeois, CCC ACCOUNTING MANAGER Beth Fraser

Board of Directors President Michael Heinen Vice President Roger Dale DeHart Secretary/Treasurer Richard Sitman

CLAIBORNE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC. Mike Marcotte Lane Davidson DEMCO Daniel Berthelot

Richard “Dickie” Sitman

JEFF DAVIS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC. Michael Heinen Byron Hardee SOUTH LOUISIANA ELECTRIC COOP ASSOCIATION Trevor Benoit Roger Dale DeHart WASHINGTONST. TAMMANY ELECTRIC COOP INC. Joe Jarrell Dennis Glass

Associate Member PANOLAHARRISON ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.

20 JA N UA RY / F E B R UA RY 20 2 6

STATEWIDE NEWS

Powering Louisiana Together Meet ALEC’s interim CEO By Aaron Graham, Interim CEO I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Aaron Graham, and I am honored to serve as the interim CEO of the Association of Louisiana Electric Cooperatives. I have spent most of my career in the cooperative system, beginning with Red Simpson, a utility contractor at DEMCO. Shortly after, I joined DEMCO and benefited from its outstanding educational program, one of the many ways electric cooperatives invest in their employees and strengthen the communities they serve. With the support of that program, I earned a degree in occupational and environmental safety from Southeastern Louisiana University and joined ALEC in 2005. I was fortunate to learn from two exceptional mentors, Mike Bergeaux and Randy Pierce, who instilled in me the values and principles that define the electric cooperative model. Those values continue to guide me, and I am proud to share them with our members. ALEC serves as the statewide trade organization for Louisiana’s electric cooperatives, which include Beauregard Electric, Claiborne Electric, DEMCO, Jeff Davis Electric, Panola Harrison Electric, South Louisiana Electric and

JA N U A RY / F E B R U A RY 2026

Washington-St. Tammany Electric. These cooperatives are not-for-profit, member-owned organizations led by boards of directors elected by you, our members. That structure ensures you have a voice in how your cooperative operates. Working at a co-op truly feels like working with family. We look out for each other, support one another and advocate for the members we serve. Cooperatives give back in meaningful ways through safety training at schools, fire stations and police departments; through scholarships; and through programs such as Youth Tour, which invests in the next generation of leaders. These electric cooperatives are staffed by your neighbors—people who live, work, worship and raise their families alongside you—to provide safe, reliable and affordable power. Your board members are also community members, often with deep roots spanning generations. Because cooperatives focus on service over profit, any revenue beyond operating expenses is reinvested directly into the cooperatives and the communities they serve. This approach helps strengthen local infrastructure, support youth programs and keep rates as affordable as possible.

Though cooperatives are typically smaller than investor-owned utilities, they face the same challenges. Today, one of the greatest concerns is electric capacity. As demand grows, ensuring we have enough power to meet members’ needs is critical. Despite these challenges, cooperatives continue to fuel economic growth and strengthen local infrastructure. They invest in system improvements, resilience measures, and storm hardening to better withstand severe weather and environmental impacts. The opportunities and benefits available to co-op members are truly unique. ALEC’s motto is, “One family, one voice, powering Louisiana.” But the cooperative system is even more than that. It is a network of people built by the community and for the community. Like any family, its strength lies in unity, support and shared purpose. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as interim CEO and look forward to continuing the meaningful work of providing opportunity, savings and support to co-op members across Louisiana—benefits only electric cooperatives can offer. 

RIGHT: Austin Hudspeith, center, is presented with a plaque recognizing 26 years of service to DEMCO. BELOW The Louisiana Superintendents and Foremen’s Association presented outgoing President Rickey Cummings, second from left, with a plaque in recognition of his leadership. Pictured from left are Jonathan Nunez, Jeff Davis Electric Cooperative; Rickey Cummings; Mike Bergeaux, Association of Louisiana Electric Cooperatives; and Aaron Graham, ALEC.

Louisiana Superintendents and Foremen’s Association Hosts Annual Banquet The Louisiana Superintendents and Foremen’s Association hosted its annual banquet in December. The group honored retirees and outgoing President Rickey Cummings, of DEMCO, and welcomed incoming President Jonathan Nunez of Jeff Davis Electric Cooperative.

Retirees not pictured:  Scott Deshotel, 23 years at Beauregard Electric Cooperative  Mikael Johnson, 32 years at BECi  Jeff Lilleton, 20 years at BECi  Chad Papillion, 33 years at BECi

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS Donald Bush | District One Ricky Deggs | District Two J.R. Hickman | District Three Alan Dane Slaydon | District Four Jeff West | District Five Dan O’Dell | District Six Doug Sonnier | District Seven Jeron “Scott” Kyle | District Eight Tommy Cryar | District Nine BEAUREGARD ELECTRIC CO-OP LEADERSHIP Mike Viator | General Manager Kay Fox | Vice President of Marketing and Member Services Kelly Lewis | Vice President of Finance and Corporate Services Kevin Aycock | Vice President of Engineering and Technical Services Bobby Brown | Vice President of Operations and Construction Services BEAUREGARD ELECTRIC OFFICES Main office 1010 E. 1st St. DeRidder, LA 70634 Phone: 800-367-0275 Moss Bluff 975 N. Perkins Ferry Road Lake Charles, LA 70611 Phone: 337-855-6684

www.beci.org

Volume 43, Issue 1 Louisiana Country (USPS 473-180) is published bimonthly by the Association of Louisiana Electric Co-ops Inc., 10725 Airline Highway, Baton Rouge, LA 70816, in partnership with Pioneer Utility Resources. Annual Subscriptions: Members $2.79. Nonmembers $5. Postmaster: Send form 3579 to 10725 Airline Highway, Baton Rouge, LA 70816. Periodicals postage paid at Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70821 and additional mailing offices.

JA N U A RY / F E B R U A RY 2026

Commitment to Open Communication Over the past year, we’ve received numerous kind and encouraging comments about the communications here at Beauregard Electric Cooperative Inc. One of the commitments we made to the board of directors was to be as open and transparent as possible using the tools available to us. We’ve worked hard to keep that promise, which makes it especially rewarding to hear positive and affirming feedback through comments, emails, texts, calls and other forms of communication expressing appreciation for our efforts. Mike Viator Even in instances where we fell short and the feedback wasn’t all roses, we’ve taken it seriously and used it to improve future communications. Open communication is the only way that happens. As a 40-plus-year member of BECi and an active concerned resident, I understand the importance of accurate information. We’ve discussed internally many times over the past year that misinformation is unacceptable, and a lack of information can create the perception that something is being hidden. The challenge we face is determining what to communicate and when, and we are constantly working to strike that balance. Some questions and concerns are complex and not easily addressed through social media or email, which is why I’ve invited many of you to meet in person. For those who have taken me up on that, the one-on-one conversations have been productive, allowing me to better understand issues and address them effectively. When necessary, I’ve brought in subject matter experts to ensure the information provided is accurate and complete. However, it all starts with communication. We are a work in progress, and we aim to keep improving. Your feedback is appreciated and essential to that process. Thank you for your continued engagement and support. I’m encouraged.

BECi offices are closed Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day.

You Could Win a $50 Bill Credit Beauregard Electric offers its members an opportunity to win the co-op’s Lucky Account Number Contest by publishing four account numbers somewhere on Pages 20-21 of Louisiana Country. The account numbers are listed within the story on those pages, not on the magazine cover. To win, you must locate your account number (listed on your electric bill) on these pages and then contact the co-op. To claim your prize, call 800-367-0275 or 337-463-6221 by Feb. 15.

BEAUREGARD ELECTRIC

Since 1979, Beauregard Electric Cooperative Inc. has awarded local students with the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., during the Rural Electric Youth Tour Conference. The BECi Board of Directors and management place a lot of emphasis on supporting youth in education. This year, BECi will sponsor an all-expense-paid trip for three winners of an essaywriting contest open to sophomores, juniors and seniors. Selected students travel with other winners from Louisiana and Maine—as well as numerous chaperones from Louisiana electric cooperatives—to meet with more than 1,500 students from 46 other states for an unforgettable week in our nation’s capital. While in Washington, students immerse themselves in history by

visiting monuments and the Smithsonian Museums, and meeting with representatives and senators. To enter the contest, students must write an essay of up to 1,000 words describing “My Vision for America’s Future.” The topic should be stated and thoroughly discussed. Entries are judged on originality, composition, neatness and grammar. They must be written in ink or typed and must contain a cover sheet. The due date for students to submit their entries is Friday, Feb. 6. Winners are announced Friday, March 6. Entries can be emailed to mvictor@beci.org, uploaded via www.beci.org/community/youth-tour or mailed to Beauregard Electric, Attn: Mayson Victor, P.O. Box 970, DeRidder, LA 70634.  JA N UA RY / F E B R UA RY 20 2 6

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Beauregard Electric

Scholarships 2026 Apply now for the BECi scholarship program Beauregard Electric Cooperative offers 15 one-year scholarships to students for the 2026-27 school year. To qualify, the applicant must be a Beauregard Electric Cooperative member or the child or legal ward of a member in good standing for 12 consecutive months as of March 1, 2026. Here are some details about BECi’s scholarship program: • Each scholarship is for $1,500, payable in installments for two semesters or three quarters. • Only one scholarship may be awarded per membership per family per year. • A student can receive the BECi scholarship one time. It is not renewable. • The term of the scholarship is for one academic year, beginning with the fall semester or quarter. • Scholarship monies can be used to attend full time at any Louisiana accredited institution of higher education. • A high school senior or first-time college student applying for the BECi scholarship must have graduated from high school with at least a 2.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale).

• A continuing college student seeking the scholarship must have achieved a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale). • Scholarship funds are paid to recipients at the beginning of each semester or quarter upon presentation of official receipts for the payment of full-time tuition. To receive the next semester or quarter payments, in addition to tuition receipts, students must provide evidence of successful completion of the previous semester or quarter (on a full-time basis) with a GPA of at least 2.0 (on a scale of 4.0). • Recipients are chosen by random drawing during the BECi annual meeting March 28. Those whose names are drawn are required to provide BECi with official transcripts verifying their eligibility within 30 days after the close of the school year. • Neither applicants nor their sponsoring members need to be present to win. • Only one application is accepted per student. • Applications must be postmarked by Sunday, March 1, to qualify. Apply at www.beci.org/community/scholarship-program. 

JA N UA RY / F E B R UA RY 20 2 6

A hunter walks through the woods looking for woodcock, an exciting, erratic flyer with a long bill.

Challenging

ADOBE STOCK

IMAGE BY MO

Swift little birds can embarrass even the best shots

Story and photos by John N. Felsher Walking as quietly as possible along a small creek flowing through a hardwood bottom surrounded by a Louisiana pine forest just awakening to a new dawn, I paused occasionally to scan the trees for squirrels. After looking and listening for several minutes and hearing nothing except the twitter of distant birds, I began to move forward one step at a time to continue my quest for late-season bushytails. Then, I stepped into a grass clump growing next to a thicket. Suddenly, a brown object exploded at my feet and leapt for my throat, screeching like a banshee on fire. In the dim light, I instinctively jumped back, not knowing whether to drop to the ground, hide, run, climb a tree or shoot the thing in self-defense. After putting my heart back in its proper place, I realized the 10

JA N U A RY / F E B R U A RY 2026

shrieking brown beast about the size of a baseball didn’t really leap for my throat. It did jump straight up, peaking off at eye level and zipping through the trees like a miniature radar-guided smart missile on afterburners. After my shaky nerves sufficiently calmed, I spent the rest of the morning trying to repeat the experience. Two commonly overlooked long-billed birds can provide incredibly exciting wing-shooting action with little competition. Both birds explode from cover, fly swiftly and erratically. Both regularly embarrass even the best wing shots. Woodcock The Louisiana woodcock season started Dec. 18 and runs through Jan. 31, with a daily limit of three. Some years, Louisiana hosts up to 70% of the wintering woodcock population in the central United States, but few people intentionally pursue these birds.

GET OUTSIDE Hunters pursuing quail, squirrels, rabbits or other game shoot an occasional woodcock. Woodcock prefer the thickest cover they can find and often hold tight without flushing until the last second. Their rich chestnut coloration blends in well with brown leaves and other ground debris. They typically remain motionless, almost invisible in their camouflage, until someone practically steps on them. Then, they explode in the person’s face. “When woodcock flush, they are incredibly hard to hit,” says Mitchell Marks, a woodcock hunter. “They’re extremely agile in the woods. They must get through that thick understory in the habitat they like, so they’re a tough target to shoot. They are difficult to hit in a place with a lot of small trees in the way when trying to swing a shotgun and shoot. It’s definitely a tough bird to hunt.” Woodcock can eat their weight in earthworms every day. They feed every eight hours around the clock. At first or last light, hunters might catch them flying from the fields to forests or back. Any place with soft, damp soil where the birds can use their long dexterous bills to probe for earthworms and dense underbrush that gives them good cover could hold woodcock. When scouting for woodcock, look for probe holes where they thrust their bills into the dirt and white splashings, as if someone rubbed chalk on the ground. Splashings and probe holes indicate woodcock visited the area, but these chestnut brown ghosts of fields and forest habitually disappear and reappear overnight. The best hunting naturally occurs right before or after a severe cold front pushes more birds south. When woodcock find good habitat, they commonly congregate in great numbers and frequently return to the same places each year if nothing changes. Any public properties with bottomland hardwoods could provide good woodcock action. Some of the best hunting in the nation occurs in the northern end of the Atchafalaya Basin, especially Sherburne Wildlife Management Area and adjacent federal lands. Snipe Snipe season runs in two splits. The late split runs Dec. 20 through Feb. 28, with a limit of eight per day.

Because of a legendary practical joke, many people don’t believe such a bird as a snipe even exists. A snipe hunt of legend occurs when someone wants to play a trick on a rather dim-witted, gullible and usually inebriated acquaintance. A group convinces the neophyte hunter to go to some remote location at night, hold a sack and make strange noises while the jokesters promise to beat the bushes to flush the snipe. Then, the victim can catch the snipe in the sack. In reality, the pranksters get in their vehicles and leave the poor victim stranded in the dark, literally holding the bag. Like woodcock, snipe can provide challenging wing shooting. In fact, the word sniper, describing a military marksman, originated with British soldiers hunting snipe. With the guns available before the 20th century, only the best shots could reliably hit these unpredictable fliers, so they earned the title snipers. Snipe resemble woodcock, but with more grayish-brown plumage, black barring and lighter flecks more suitable to hiding in grass. Like woodcock, snipe use their long bills with sensitive tips to grab aquatic insects, worms, grubs, snails, small crustaceans or other invertebrates. Unlike their chestnut-colored cousins, snipe prefer open country, such as marshes, rice fields, wet pastures, river or lake shorelines or other soggy places. While woodcock like damp dirt, snipe thrive in shallow water or wet mudflats. More snipe probably fall to duck hunters as bonus game than people actually targeting the erratic birds. Waterfowlers might fire at snipe flying over their blinds or walk the marshes and rice fields after the duck flights end for more wing-shooting action. After duck season ends, Louisiana hunters enjoy their best opportunities to bag snipe. Even on heavily pressured public lands, they might find little to no competition in February. To hunt snipe, sportsmen don’t need to arrive before dawn or set out hundreds of decoys. Just load as much ammunition in pockets and start walking the marshes or fields. In groups, spread out at safe intervals. Like woodcock, snipe normally wait until someone almost steps on them before flushing. Then, they seldom fly far. Hunters who mark landing spots could possibly jump them again several times. 

Similar to woodcock, snipe like soggy marshes and other wet grasslands.

JA N UA RY / F E B R UA RY 20 2 6

The Future of

FARMING Hydroponics and aquaponics combine agriculture with technology By Trish Milburn Extreme weather. Soil degradation. High operation costs. Pests and disease. All of these challenges are familiar to American farmers and, by extension, consumers. Add in obstacles like food deserts— geographical areas, both rural and urban, where nearly 19 million Americans have limited access to fresh, nutritious and affordable food, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture—and it becomes clear that new ways of producing and distributing food are increasingly necessary. Hydroponics and its cousin aquaponics are beginning to reshape how food is grown across Louisiana, from backyard greenhouses to commercial farms. By replacing soil with nutrient-rich water, these systems allow growers to produce leafy greens, herbs and other produce with remarkable efficiency, often using less space and fewer resources than traditional agriculture. As interest accelerates amid

concerns over sustainability, climate resilience and year-round food access, independent growers are using these soilless methods to help feed the state’s present and future. Hydro…what? Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil, instead using water and a nutrient-rich solution. There are no pesticides or herbicides. Its benefits are impressive—faster plant growth, higher yield, more efficient water use and less chance of contamination. Another huge plus is year-round growing because it can be, and often is, done indoors in greenhouses, warehouses or other conditioned spaces. This means food can be grown in extreme climates, where the soil is poor or even in the middle of cities.

Business partners James McCready, Marla Martin, Amie Janes and Tony Janes stand amid rows of growing lettuce. PHOTOS COURTESY OF H2GREAUX

JA N U A RY / F E B R U A RY 2026

SPOTLIGHT

ADOBE STOCK IMAGE BY POTAERIN, URSULAMEA

ABOVE: H2Greaux’s expects its number of greenhouses to double from six to 12. ABOVE LEFT: James checks the progress of lettuce plants in one of the greenhouses.

Hydroponic growing can be combined with aquaculture, or raising fish, in a method of food production called aquaponics. In this symbiotic relationship, fish excretions provide nutrients for the plants, which filter the water for the fish. “They create opportunities beyond conventional farmland,” says Mark A. Wilson, associate extension agent, agricultural and natural resources (horticulture) for Bossier, Caddo and Red River parishes. “They also allow for precise control over nutrients and water use, making them appealing for sustainability-minded consumers. While still a niche in Louisiana, these methods showcase innovation in agriculture and could become an important complement to traditional farming as technology and market demand evolve.” “Hydroponics is very efficient,” says James McCready of H2Greaux Farms in Monroe. “The plant only takes what it needs. There’s very little waste and no soil disruption.” H2Greaux began small, as many businesses do. In 2019, nurse Amie Janes, her row-crop farmer husband, Tony, and fellow nurse Marla Martin kicked things off with one small greenhouse of lettuce in Marla’s front yard. Amie was inspired by the dramatic improvement in her sister’s health after she completely changed her diet after being diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder and falling gravely ill at 29 years old. When Amie’s sister switched to an all-organic, all-natural diet, her health improved so much that

she no longer had to take medication. This experience with her sister, combined with how she and Marla had seen diet affect the health of patients, led to Amie’s desire to grow organic food. After the pandemic ended the travel James did for his sales job, he was looking for something to do. When he learned what Amie was planning, he immediately expressed his interest in being part of the operation and became the fourth business partner. “Farming is in my blood,” James says. “There are so many farmers in my family. Plants and nature intrigue me.” As nursing administrators during the pandemic, Amie and Marla had no time to work in the greenhouse. But with James on board, they got a new crop in April 2021—the first of many to come. H2Greaux fits its name in more ways than one. The business has grown at a remarkable rate. From that first crop of 300 to 350 heads of lettuce in the front-yard greenhouse, the hydroponic operation has grown to six large greenhouses—four in full production—on a designated property. The operation produces about 6,000 heads of lettuce a week, with a set rotation schedule among the greenhouses. H2Greaux lettuce is found in markets, retail grocers and restaurants. The company also provides lettuce to Louisiana State University Athletics and food banks. Its workforce has increased from the original four business partners to include five additional employees. JA N UA RY / F E B R UA RY 20 2 6

ADOBE STOCK IMAGE BY SOPHIA, URSULAMEA

AgriAquaculture Center of Excellence Director of Operations Thomas Pat Skidd conducts a tour of the catfish warehouse. PHOTOS COURTESY OF LOUISIANA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOUNDATION

The farm production is set to grow even more. James says the two greenhouses that didn’t have crops in early November were expected to be up and running by the end of 2025, and there are plans to add six more beginning in 2026. H2Greaux recently bought four refrigerated trailers for transporting its lettuce to customers, allowing the company to expand its market penetration. “We’ll be able to grow an estimated 70,000 heads of lettuce a month with 12 greenhouses,” James says. The growth of the business is due, in part, to people becoming more interested in where their food originates. James says consumers often don’t know where their food comes from, how it’s been handled and by whom. The H2Greaux greenhouses have a streamlined operation that allows the company to know who performed each step in the production and when. Hydroponically grown lettuce also lasts longer than its soilgrown counterpart because the roots are still attached, meaning the plant is still alive. “Our diets have been nutrient-robbed,” James says. “Our lettuce is nutrient dense and has a low risk of contamination.” The contamination issue has become a concern for grocery shoppers following outbreaks of bacterial pathogens, such as E. coli and listeria, which can lead to serious illness and have required product recalls. As an illustration of one of the benefits of hydroponic 14

JA N U A RY / F E B R U A RY 2026

agriculture, lettuce would not normally grow in Louisiana because it likes a cooler climate. In a greenhouse, however, the humidity and temperature can be controlled. “Environmentally controlled agriculture is where it’s at,” James says. “We’re trying to put Louisiana on the map for lettuce.” A Mutually Beneficial Relationship Commercial growing is mixed with education at AgriAquaculture Center of Excellence in Harvey. Part of the Louisiana Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the center produces fresh, sustainable lettuce in a 3,800-square-foot greenhouse using a 7,000-gallon aquaponics system that turns the filtered waste of channel catfish into fertilizer. The fish are not harvested because they are seen as long-term residents. According to the center, this approach ensures a continuous and reliable source of natural fertilizer, reducing the need for on-site fish processing and eliminating disruptions in fertilizer production. In addition to a growing cycle that can go from seed to harvest anywhere from 30 to 75 days depending on factors such as plant genetics, temperature and nutrient levels, the operation’s aquaponics system uses 90% less water than traditional farming. The center is a commercial demonstration facility that educates those looking to dip their toes into the field of

controlled-environment agriculture, as well as showing stakeholders and elected officials what can be done with this type of operation. To eradicate food insecurity, food production has to adopt and adapt to new technologies and methods of farming, says Paul Begue, the center’s program coordinator. The operation’s primary mission is to promote economic resilience and job creation within the agri-aquaculture sector, supporting small businesses through comprehensive technical assistance, educational programs and collaboration opportunities. While there will still be traditional farming, particularly for animal feed and crops—such as root vegetables—that can’t be grown hydroponically, Paul says there are lots of benefits to hydroponic and aquaponic food production. With traditional farm work, the labor can be hard on the human body and is often undertaken in harsh conditions. The climate is also unpredictable. Not only does indoor farming address those issues, it allows farmers to diversify and control their own prices. “Our costs are predictable,” James says. “We have not changed our prices in years.” Hydroponics and aquaponics provide STEM pathways in agriculture, creating jobs for those who might have previously never considered a career in the field. “Young people like this,” Paul says. “It’s tech they understand being used to grow food.” He says the center is seeking a grant to start a youth education program in 2026. As of mid-November 2025, the center produced 6.5 tons of leafy greens and herbs, with the goal of hitting 8 tons by the end

of the year. It harvests between 1,200 to 1,900 heads of lettuce a week. When considering one head of romaine lettuce grown in a greenhouse space can make three side salads, that lettuce can feed a lot of people. In fact, the operation donates about 80% of what it grows to food banks, churches, senior centers and others who need fresh greens—up to 5,700 people affected positively every week. The donations are among the terms of a grant secured by Rep. Troy A. Carter Sr. for the center’s operations. “It’s a community garden on steroids, on a small scale,” Paul says. Future Growth If the past is any indicator, the future of alternate farming methods looks bright. Controlled-environment agriculture—a category that includes greenhouses, hydroponics, vertical farms and aquaponics—operations in the United States more than doubled from 1,476 in 2009 to 2,994 in 2019, according to the USDA’s Economic Research Service. Production increased about 56% during that period. According to Grand View Research, a market research and consulting company, the U.S. hydroponics market value was $506.3 million in 2023. It is projected to grow at around a 10.7% compound annual growth rate from 2024-2030. Even with those statistics, don’t expect familiar fields of crops to disappear. “Our climate allows for almost year-round traditional production,” Mark says. “However, hydroponics offers a quick turnaround and the ability to grow in controlled environments, which can help mitigate weather-related risks and soil limitations. These systems have the potential to expand as technology improves and as demand for locally grown, high-quality produce continues to rise. While they won’t replace conventional farming, they can complement it by providing diversification and sustainability options for growers.” 

ABOVE: AACE Project Coordinator Paul Begue speaks to a group of visitors to the center. LEFT: Kylie Miller, greenhouse seed operation assistant, shows trays of lettuce to Jefferson County Parish Councilwoman At-Large Jennifer Van Vrancken and her staff. JA N UA RY / F E B R UA RY 20 2 6

BEAUREGARD ELECTRIC

A Stranger is

Just a Friend You Haven’t Met I’m a friend collector. Any day I make a new friend is a good day. Not long ago, I was working at my “second office,” Y-Not-Stop in Alexandria. I call it “Little Buccee’s.” There’s strong Wi-Fi, hot coffee, clean restrooms and a good corner cubbyhole table to write. That’s hard to beat. When I take a bathroom break, I usually carry my laptop with me. But not always. If some trusty-looking soul is sitting nearby, I’ll ask, “Do you mind watching my stuff?” Such was the case on this day. An older sweet lady, munching down on a good BLT, sat at a nearby table. “Ma’am, do you mind watching my laptop ‘til I’m back?” I asked. She nodded and smiled. As I passed, I said, “Ma’am, you look like you could fight off any thief.” We both smiled. I was reminded of how I love Southern women. I returned with a gift for her. Southerners are that way. If I help you, I can usually count on a warm return hug or a fresh casserole. That’s just the way we are in the Pineywoods. We like to help others. Nothing expected but a “thank you.” But we might also like to show appreciation with something tangible. Like a casserole or Ziploc bag of hot chocolate chip cookies. I’m not a cook. I’m a writer. So, my gift for my laptop-bodyguard was a book—a copy of my favorite short story collection, “Where I Come From.” I’ve written 16 books over 25 years, and dare say I’ve given away as many as I’ve sold. That makes me a winner in both cases. Giving is a privilege, especially when it’s something handmade like a book, a dish or a wood duck whistle carved by a friend. I handed my new friend her book. She gripped it firmly, still not sure what to make of me and my gift. Her caretaker daughter, with her back to me, was busy on the phone. She turned and saw her mother holding a book. She hung up. “That’s a Curt Iles book.” She eyed me. “Are you Curt Iles?” “The one and only.” I knew from her voice that she, like me, is from Pineywoods. Folks at the Alexandria Rotary probably don’t know who I am, but my people do. My people are Louisiana Pineywoods people. They’re the finest people in the world. They’ll do anything for you, and you can depend on them to do what they say and stand with you. Like guarding a laptop while eating a BLT. I learned the name of my new friend: Lois. That’s a fine classic name. Anyone I’ve ever met named Lois was nice. It’s easy to tell Lois. You don’t get her lifetime smile without being nice. 16

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Lois Rollins, left, shows off a book gifted to her by Curt Iles at Y-NotStop in Alexandria. PHOTO COURTESY OF CURT ILES

The three of us—Lois, her daughter and I—began the rural practice I’ve honed all my life: comparing notes. They’re from southwest Rapides Parish, and I’m from nearby Beauregard. As Southerners do, the three of us started naming names and connecting dots. It’s called “raking up kin.” If you take enough time to listen, you’ll find someone or something in common. I signed Lois’ book, “To my new friend and personal guard, Mrs. Lois Rollins. Y-Not-Stop. Tuesday, October 28, 2025.” Lois, book in hand, waved as she left. She was happy. She had a new book. I was happy. I made a new friend. That sounds like a win-win. As my wise mom has told me for six decades, “Curt, you can’t have too many friends.” As usual, Momma is right. Yes, it’s true. A stranger is just a friend you haven’t met. To read and find out more, visit www.creekbank.net.

Curt Iles lives in Central Louisiana. He is a graduate of Louisiana College and McNeese State University. He has served as a teacher, coach, principal, camp director, missionary and writer. To see more work by Curt, visit www.creekbank.net.

WARNING - WARNING - WARNING

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

Don't Let Creeping Nerve Death Ruin Your Life Get The Help You Need - Here's What You Need to Know...

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

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. I

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.

2021 Russell Communications

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. 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.

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.

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

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.

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

Call Now to Schedule Your Complete Neuropathy Sensitivity Exam with Dr. Rob Acord, D.C.

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

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Fuel Your Resolutions Start the new year with a fresh brew and fresh goals By Mayson Victor As the new year begins, many of us are looking for ways to make healthier choices without giving up the things we love— such as coffee. That’s where The Coffee Connection steps in. It is more than just a coffee shop, it’s a community hub dedicated to quality, wellness and connection. From California to Our Community Owner Debbie Rowell’s passion for coffee started in California, where she learned 18

JA N U A RY / F E B R U A RY 2026

from master roasters and barista experts at the Barista College of Los Angeles, mastering Russian and Asian techniques. Later, she opened a coffee shop there. After moving back to Louisiana, Debbie helped start Flat Tire Coffee in 2021. In 2023, she rebranded as The Coffee Connection with a renewed focus: clean coffee, organic beans and healthier menu options. Account No. 82294 002 Healthy Choices on the Menu The Coffee Connection offers more than

your favorite espresso—it’s a place where intentional living meets great taste. While the cafe acts as a space for friends to gather, the menu is also a big draw. Popular items include kosher bagels and sandwiches, avocado toast topped with balsamic-soaked tomatoes, chia pudding and the fan-favorite acai bowl. Drinks feature clean Monin syrups without dyes, sugar-free alternatives and plant-based milks. For noncoffee lovers, The Brilliance—a spirulina-based drink— is a option that supports wellness goals.

BEAUREGARD ELECTRIC LEFT: Acai bowls are a fan-favorite at The Coffee Connection. Account No. 75647 001 OPPOSITE PAGE: Debbie Rowell designed the machines she uses to create drinks and now sells them to other

“Faith is the most important thing. Every decision is prayed over before it’s made.” DEBBIE ROWELL

Supporting Your Goals Debbie’s mission is simple: create an ambiance where people feel at home while making healthier choices. “We pride ourselves on offering options for those who are intentional about their health,” she says. Account No. 120941 009 The Coffee Connection plans to expand its menu this year with more wellnessfocused items. The shop is also open to host events and meetings free of charge for the community. 

Coffee beans are grinded in house biweekly to ensure customers receive the freshest coffee in town. Account No. 169116 001

Healthy Coffee Hacks

 Swap sugary syrups for sugar-free or clean alternatives.  Choose plant-based milk for fewer calories and added nutrients.  Switch to powder-based sweeteners and pure cane sugar in the raw.  Try a wellness drink such as The Brilliance for a nutrient boost and a little caffeine energy. JA N UA RY / F E B R UA RY 20 2 6

PLUGGED IN

Generate Safely Don’t create problems with your backup generator By Scott Flood The wind howls outside your windows as a winter storm system blows through the area in the late evening. Your lights flicker for a moment or two before you’re plunged into darkness. The social media feed on your phone is packed with reports of damage and power outages, and the storm shows no sign of letting up for hours. Fortunately, you had the foresight to buy a backup generator big enough to handle your refrigerator, freezer and other key needs. Flashlight in hand, you attach extension cords. Within minutes, you hear the quiet humming that tells you they’re working again.

Your electric utility understands power outages are a major inconvenience, and its employees do their best to prevent them. But when severe weather rolls through, outages can sometimes stretch into several hours or even days after a major storm. Lineworkers may have to check many miles of power lines to pinpoint the problems before they can begin their work to restore service. That’s why many consumers consider buying backup generators to provide for their families’ needs while waiting for service to resume. Backup generators fall into one of two categories. Standby generators are permanently wired into the home’s electrical system by a qualified electrician. They come in various sizes so homeowners can match the generator to their home’s power needs. Portable generators, as the name implies, can be moved to wherever they are needed. Because they’re small enough to move, they generally provide less power than

standby models. Most use gasoline or diesel fuel. When operated correctly, both types provide a safe source of backup power. Proper Installation Matters Some homeowners make the mistake of plugging their backup generators directly into a wall outlet or connecting them to their home’s electrical panel. Beyond the significant risk of electrocution and fire that can create, plugging generators directly into outlets can send the voltage the generator creates into the power lines connecting homes to the electric grid. That creates a dangerous condition called backfeed, which can seriously injure lineworkers who are working hard to restore electricity, as well as anyone who accidentally comes in contact with power lines. Backfeed can also damage the generator. These potential hazards are why permanently installed generators are

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Stay Grounded With Generator Safety Tips  Never connect a portable generator directly

to your home’s wiring. Standby generators must be permanently wired by a qualified electrician.

 Always plug appliances directly into

ABOVE: Standby generators are permanently wired into the home’s electrical system by a qualified electrician. PHOTO COURTESY OF KOHLER OPPOSITE PAGE: If you buy a portable backup generator, protect your home and family by taking the time to read the manufacturer’s instructions. PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF BRYAN, TEXAS

required to have a transfer switch, which should be installed by a qualified electrician. The transfer switch creates a barrier between your home’s electrical system and outside wires so backfeed cannot occur. When the transfer switch senses power has been restored, it switches the power from the generator back to the outside lines. The biggest danger associated with backup generators is one that’s invisible and deadly. Because backup generators burn fossil fuels, they generate a variety of gases, most notably carbon monoxide (CO). One portable generator can produce as much CO as hundreds of cars, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The agency reports nearly 100 Americans die each year because of CO poisoning from backup generators. That’s why generators should only be used in dry, well-ventilated areas away from your home and garage.

CO gas is also odorless. The National Institutes of Health warns that CO can kill in as little as five minutes. People exposed to CO typically become dizzy, feel nauseated and experience headaches. Often, they lose consciousness before noticing any symptoms. Anyone exposed to CO should be moved to fresh air immediately. If you buy a portable generator, protect your home and family by taking the time to read the manufacturer’s instructions. Don’t use portable generators in rainy or wet conditions unless you keep them wellventilated and dry. When starting a portable generator, make sure nothing is plugged into it. You can reduce the potential for damage to your appliances and lighting by turning them off or unplugging them from the wall. After the generator starts, plug them in and turn them on one at a time to

generators.  Use heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords.  Ensure your generator is properly grounded.  Never overload a generator.  Turn off all equipment powered by the generator before shutting it down.  Keep the generator dry.  Always have a fully charged fire extinguisher nearby.  Never fuel a generator while it is operating.  Read and adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation. Information courtesy of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association

make sure you aren’t overloading your generator’s capacity. Unplug them from the generator before turning off the generator. Unless the manufacturer recommends otherwise, always turn the generator off and allow it to cool before adding fuel. Finally, as with many home appliances, regular maintenance is the key to ensuring your portable generator operates safely for years to come. When storing it, drain the fuel from the tank. In addition, check the oil and fuel levels, filters and other components once a season so you know it will be ready to run safely and efficiently the next time a big storm blows through.  JA N UA RY / F E B R UA RY 20 2 6

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One in four Veterans lives in rural areas. Every day, we strive to extend our reach, to make sure they have access to the compassionate care and attention they need—from advanced telehealth services to community-based outpatient clinics. Because all our Veterans deserve it, no matter where they are. We believe it’s up to us to ensure they lead healthier, happier lives. Visit vacareers.va.gov to lend a hand.

JA N U A RY / F E B R U A RY 2026