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Louisiana JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026

Country

‘The Martha Josey Way’ Small-town Texas cowgirl becomes world champion, mentor to thousands and heart behind the nation’s longest-running rodeo school Page 18

At the famed Josey Ranch, faith, grit and horsepower come together in the persona of world champion barrel racer, Olympian and mentor Martha Josey. PHOTO BY KAYLEE KICHTY

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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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Reliability Requires Investment PANOLAHARRISON ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE 410 E. Houston St. • P.O. Box 1058 Marshall, TX 75671 903-935-7936 local • 800-972-1093 toll-free Website: phec.us OFFICE HOURS 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday 24-hour service for outages and emergencies GENERAL MANAGER Austin Haynes BOARD OF DIRECTORS District 1: Paul Fortune | Treasurer District 2: Albert Tiller | President District 3: Jay Goswick | Vice President District 4: Brad Richardson District 5: Debbie Burch District 6: Roger Connell District 7: Gene Stough Year organized: 1937 Counties and parishes served: Harrison, Panola, Caddo and DeSoto Connected meters: 20,648 Members: 13,722 Energized line: 2,465 miles distribution; 72 miles transmission Panola-Harrison Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer. If you wish to file a civil rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination complaint form online at ascr.usda. gov/complaint_ filing_cust.html or at any USDA office, or call 866-632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter by mail to U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, D.C., 20250-9410, by fax to 202-690-7442 or by email to program.intake@usda.gov.

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

As your local electric cooperative, PanolaHarrison Electric Cooperative has a straightforward mission: keep the lights on and support the communities we serve. But behind every light switch, every warm home and every business that depends on electricity is a complex system that requires constant attention. Reliable service doesn’t happen automatically. It takes steady investment in our poles, lines, substations and the technology that keeps power flowing safely and efficiently. Much of the electric system serving our rural communities was built decades ago. While it continues to perform well, age means equipment must be repaired or replaced to ensure safety and dependability. Poles weaken over time, wires wear and transformers reach the end of their useful lives. Routine maintenance helps extend equipment life, but eventually infrastructure must be upgraded to meet today’s standards. These proactive investments reduce outages, speed up restoration when interruptions occur, and strengthen the backbone of the system that serves our homes, farms and businesses. At the same time, demand for electricity continues to rise. Homes and businesses use more energy than in years past, and new technologies—from high-efficiency HVAC systems to electric-vehicle chargers and smart home devices—place additional load on the distribution system. To keep pace with these needs, strategic upgrades, such as substation improvements, line rebuilds, voltage upgrades and expanded right-of-way maintenance, are essential for maintaining the reliability our members expect. New technologies are also reshaping how we monitor and maintain the grid. Tools like automated switching equipment,

smart meters, drones, and advanced system monitoring help us pinpoint problems faster and respond more efficiently. These technologies can isolate outages, reroute power when Austin Haynes possible, and give our crews realtime information that improves planning and reduces downtime. In today’s energy environment, these innovations aren’t optional. They’re necessary to keep service reliable. We understand system improvements require careful planning and financial investment, and we also recognize members feel the effects of rising costs. But those investments bring long-term value. A stronger grid supports economic growth, improves service quality, enhances safety and protects the reliability you count on every day. Our commitment goes beyond equipment and infrastructure. Reliability is about serving people—your families, your schools, your workplaces and every corner of our service area. Every upgrade, repair and new technology we put in place is an investment in the quality of life here at home. Powering our community means preparing for the future, not just maintaining what we already have. By investing in our local grid today, PHEC is building a stronger, more resilient system for the years ahead—one that continues to serve you safely and dependably, no matter what tomorrow brings.

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CUT YOUR UTILITY BILLS

Water Heater Woes By Miranda Boutelle

Q: How can I tell if my water heater should be repaired or replaced? A: We’ve gotten used to having reliable hot water in our homes. Nobody wants to be caught off guard with a cold shower. I tend to live in the “if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it” school of thought, but a failed water heater can cause damage to your home and property. Emergency replacement of a water heater can add unexpected cost, not to mention inconvenience. Evening or weekend repairs or replacements often come with higher service charges from plumbing companies. The typical storage water heater has a lifespan of 10-15 years, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. If your water heater is older than that, plan to replace it soon. Be aware of your water heater’s age and performance Don’t have records of when it was installed? No problem. Find the to avoid emergency replacement and damage to your serial number on the water heater’s sticker or metal plate. Look up the home. PHOTO BY MIRANDA BOUTELLE serial number online or call the manufacturer to find its age. Sediment collecting at the bottom of the water heater or water flowing onto the floor could be an indication the equipment’s days are numbered. Sediment buildup can be a sign of corrosion. Seeing discolored water when you turn on your faucets can be a sign the tank is rusting inside. If water does not get as hot as it used to, it could mean an electric element is failing or a gas burner is not functioning properly. Odd noises could indicate an issue with the components. If you’re hearing unusual noises from your water heater, schedule a checkup with a plumber. Well-functioning water heaters typically don’t make much noise. A professional plumber may be able to replace failing components. If you are having issues with the tank itself, it’s likely time for a new unit. If you’re in the market for a new water heater, a heat pump water heater might be a good fit for your home. These systems are two to three times more energy efficient than conventional electric tank water heaters, according to the DOE. A federal tax credit is available until Dec. 31. You can claim 30% of the project cost— up to $2,000—for the installation of an Energy Star-certified heat pump water heater. If your water heater is past its useful life or shows signs of failure, consider Miranda Boutelle has more than 20 investing in a new one before the year ends. years of experience helping people You might also qualify for rebates from your state or local electric utility. save energy. She has worked on energy-efficiency projects from the If your water heater is in good shape, you can save energy at home by reducing Midwest to the West Coast. Today, hot water use. Ways to do this include washing laundry in cold water and installing Miranda is chief operating officer at high-performance aerators on faucets and showerheads to conserve hot water. Efficiency Services Group in Oregon, a cooperatively owned energy-efficiency company. If your utility offers time-of-use rates, you can save by installing a timer on your This content was originally created by Efficiency Services water heater to prevent it from operating during peak demand hours, typically in the Group LLC under contract with NRECA. NRECA retains mornings and evenings. This also helps reduce strain on the electric system. ownership of this content. NRECA does not endorse Knowing the signs of water heater failure can prevent home damage and offer Efficiency Services Group, its views herein expressed, nor opportunities to explore options for more efficient equipment to lower your energy use.  any products or services it offers. 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

PANOLAHARRISON ELECTRIC

POP QUIZ

Electricity Terms How well do you know terms related to electricity? Test your knowledge! Read the definitions below. Then, look at the word bank to match the correct terms to the definitions. You can only use each word once, so choose carefully. Check your work in the answer key.

Word Bank: Conductor

Circuit

Volt (Voltage)

Static Electricity

Insulator

1. A complete path that electricity flows through. _________________________________________________________________ 2. Something that allows electricity to pass through, such as metal or wire. _________________________________________________________________ 3. The standard unit of measurement for electricity. _________________________________________________________________ 4. Something that does not allow electricity to pass through easily, such as rubber. _________________________________________________________________ 5. Electricity build-up caused by rubbing two surfaces together. _________________________________________________________________

Answer Key: 1. Circuit 2. Conductor 3. Volt (Voltage) 4. Insulator 5. Static Electricity 16

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

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.

Stop Hurting & Start Healing

(601) 550-6217

105 Main Street Purvis, MS 39475

The Josey Ranch in Marshall, Texas, welcomes students eager to learn to ride and race horses. PHOTOS BY KAYLEE KICHTY

‘The Martha Josey Way’ Small-town Texas cowgirl becomes world champion, mentor to thousands and heart behind the nation’s longestrunning rodeo school

Martha Josey

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

By Sadie McDonald

At first glance, Marshall, Texas, might look like just another quiet East Texas town. But down its pine-lined backroads, something special is always stirring. Here, at the famed Josey Ranch, faith, grit and horsepower come together in the persona of world champion barrel racer, Olympian and mentor Martha Josey. Martha has spent a lifetime turning her love for horses into a legacy that inspires riders around the world. “I loved all my horses,” she says. “They were all so good, and I wish I had them all back. But my favorite would be Cebe Reed, which is why we’re talking today.” That’s where her story begins. Born and raised in Gregg County, Texas, Martha grew up with horses in her blood and determination in her bones. She spent her childhood outdoors, learning the rhythm of a horse’s stride and the calm that came from being in the saddle. Even then, she seemed to know where she belonged: in the rodeo arena.

Her destiny took shape when she met the horse that would change everything. After her father passed away when she was 10, her mother was forced to sell all 36 of their mares. Years later, a man called Martha out of the blue. “He said he had a 3-year-old colt from my daddy’s bloodline,” she says. “His name was Cebe Reed.” The price was $5,000, which was money Martha didn’t have, but something told her not to give up. “Right after that, I started winning (rodeos),” she laughs. Eventually, she called the man back and offered $2,500 and three horses in trade. “I almost fainted. I didn’t have the money,” she says. But fate intervened that day as her mother sold a small piece of land for exactly $2,500. “It was my own Cinderella story,” Martha says with a smile. From then on, Martha and Cebe were unstoppable. They dominated East Texas rodeos and set her on the path to

PANOLAHARRISON ELECTRIC

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Martha joined the professional rodeo circuit in 1968, and before long, her winnings allowed her to leave her day job and focus on riding full time. A weathered ranch sign bearing her name stands as a marker of a life built around horses and hard work. Her glory days are showcased by her memorabilia, displayed in her trophy room. Saddles, back numbers and awards line the walls, marking decades of competition across the country.

becoming one of the most respected names in the sport. She joined the professional circuit in 1968. Before long, her winnings allowed her to leave her day job and focus on riding full time. “I rode him all through the ’60s,” she says. “And I made the National Finals for the first time.” Over her remarkable career, Martha and Cebe Reed would make National Finals Rodeo appearances across four decades, an extraordinary record of consistency and skill.

“After Cebe, it was hard to find another horse like him,” she says. Destiny had another partner in store. While traveling through Oklahoma, Martha met 3-year-old Sonny Bit O’ Both, a horse that others had given up on. She saw potential where others saw problems. That instinct proved right. Sonny carried her to the National Finals Rodeo in 1978, 1979, 1980 and 1981. Together, they made history as the only pair ever to win both the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association and the American Quarter Horse Association titles in the same year. Over the years, Martha has ridden roughly 200 horses, reaching the finals on eight of them. “They’re kind of like family,” she says . “If I had any of those horses now, they’d still be winners.” But Martha’s legacy extends beyond the record books. She is a world-renowned mentor who young riders from all over the world come to see and learn from. In 1976, she and her late husband founded the Josey Ranch, now the longest-running rodeo school in the world. More than 300,000 riders from across the world have trained there, learning not just how to ride, but how to believe. “I taught a little girl named Fallon Taylor when she was 6,” Martha says. “Now

she’s a world champion and has her own clothing line, Ranch Dress’ .” Through decades of teaching, she has guided riders to chase their dreams and hold tight to their faith. Her own faith deepened after surviving several devastating riding accidents. “I’ve had about three major ones,” she says. “One of them, I was told I’d never ride again, probably never walk again.” At 66, she suffered one of her worst injuries at the Austin Rodeo, breaking her pelvis and six ribs, fracturing her skull and puncturing a lung. Yet somehow, she came back. “By the grace of God, I’m walking and riding and having a great time,” she says. “The good Lord loves what we’re doing. He was born in a manger and rode a donkey. Horse people understand that kind of love.” Her message to aspiring riders is simple and powerful: “Shoot for the stars and follow your dreams. You can’t get to the stars until you shoot for them.” Today, the Josey Ranch continues to welcome students eager to learn “The Martha Josey Way,” a mix of skill, faith and fierce determination. Her influence has shaped generations of barrel racers and will continue to inspire many more—a legacy defined by confidence, grit and unmatched devotion to the sport. 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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JA N U A RY / F E B R U A RY 2026