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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

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

Welcoming a New Year SOUTH LOUISIANA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION P.O. Box 4037, Houma, LA 70361 2028 Coteau Road, Hwy. 660, Houma, LA 70364 985-876-6880 Amelia branch office: 2903 Lake Palourde Road Morgan City, LA 70380 985-631-3605 www.sleca.com STAFF Matthew Peters | General Manager Brett Ledet | Assistant General Manager and Manager of Engineering Shannon Soudelier | Operations Superintendent Sandi Click | Manager of Finance Jordy Bourg | Manager of Purchasing Melissa Bonvillain | Manager of Member Services

As we welcome a new year at South Louisiana Electric Cooperative Association, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the opportunities that lie ahead. A new year always brings a sense of renewal—a time to reset, refocus and look forward to new personal beginnings, as well as cooperative beginnings. At SLECA, we are excited about what 2026 holds as we continue working to support members, strengthen our systems, and provide the safe, reliable service you expect from us. As we step into this season of new possibilities, SLECA remains committed to serving communities with care, dedication and continual improvement. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your lives throughout last year. We look forward to growing together in 2026. Wishing you and your family a safe, warm and prosperous new year. 53886001

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

SLECA Sweepstakes

Did you know SLECA gives away cash just for reading Louisiana Country? In each issue, four account numbers are randomly selected using a computer program and hidden in articles on SLECA’s pages (4, 5, 8, 17, 20 and 21). If you see your account number, call SLECA and win $25 cash or have the money applied to your bill. If you are not reading Louisiana Country from cover to cover, you’re missing out on great articles and the chance to win money.

Matthew Peters

SLECA

ACROSS THE BOARD Oct. 6, 2025 Present were directors David Luke, president; Roger DeHart, vice president; Larry Daigle, secretary; Terry Trahan, treasurer; board members Ivan Acosta, Trevor Benoit, Sandra Boudreaux, Betty Jean Doyle and Abby LeBlanc; and Lloyd Gibson, adviser to the board. Also attending were Matt Peters, general manager; and Ashley Ferrington, administrative assistant. The board approved the minutes and summary of the Sept. 8, 2025, regular board meeting and of the Sept. 30, 2025, special board meeting. The Association of Louisiana Electric Cooperatives and 1803 Cooperative reports were also approved. The financial report, approved by the board, highlighted interest earnings, cash on hand, a rate comparison showing South Louisiana Electric Cooperative Association having the most steady rates in the area, line loss, monthly kilowatt-hour sales, cumulative sales to date, cost of service, equity, times

SLECA offices are closed Jan. 1-2 for New Year’s and Jan. 19 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

interest earned ratio, and electric and total revenue versus cost per kWh. Following an update on upcoming schools, meetings and events, Peters reported the following: • SLECA has one of the steadiest rates in the area. • SLECA received a check from National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation. • SLECA received a check from GRESCO. • A monthly update was given on Hurricane Ida. • SLECA received a check from Arkansas Electric Cooperatives Inc. The board approved the manager’s report and expenses, attorney’s fees, and safety report showing employees have worked 4,767,772 hours without a lost-time accident since December 1996. 78310001 The meeting was adjourned. For copies of the minutes, contact SLECA, P.O. Box 4037, Houma, LA 70361, or call 985-876-6880 or 800-256-8826.

With the holiday season approaching and more time spent in the kitchen, consider ways to save energy in the heart of your home. When possible, cook meals with smaller, energy efficient appliances, such as toaster ovens, slow cookers and air fryers. When using the range, match the size of the pan to the heating element. Keep range-top burners and reflectors clean so they reflect heat more efficiently. After your holiday meals are complete, load the dishwasher fully before starting the wash cycle. Source: energy.gov

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

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WIN A

Youth Tour

SLECA

Experience

South Louisiana Electric Cooperative Association students have the opportunity to win the 2026 SLECA Youth Tour Contest. Two winners will spend an all-expense-paid trip from June 13-20 with about two dozen other Louisiana students on a Government in Action Youth Tour of Washington, D.C.

Eligibility Requirements X Current (2025-26 school year) high school sophomores and juniors are eligible. X Electricity to the student’s residence or parent’s business must be provided by SLECA. X Prior winners are ineligible.

Youth Tour Contest Guidelines X Students must write a 500-word letter to an elected official. The entry must be submitted in proper letter format to be eligible. X In the letter, students should voice their opinion (positive or negative) to a local, state or federal official on any issue or topic they believe to be critical to South Louisiana. X The topic should be stated and thoroughly discussed, and the letter should be addressed to the official the student has selected. X On a separate sheet attached to the essay, the student must write their name, the name of their school, grade level, parents’ names, address, phone number and SLECA account number. X Entries must include a current formal photo for use in news releases after the contest. X Entries can be mailed to: Youth Tour Essay Contest, c/o SLECA, P.O. Box 4037, Houma, LA 70361 or P.O. Box 1126, Amelia, LA 70340. They can also be delivered to SLECA’s main office at 2028 Coteau Road, Highway 660, Houma, LA, or SLECA’s office in Amelia at 2903 Lake Palourde Road, Morgan City, LA 70380. Entries can also be emailed to youthtour@sleca.com. 95669001

Mailed entries must be postmarked no later than March 13. Contest ends March 20. For more information, visit www.sleca.com or call 985-876-6880 or 1-800-256-8826. 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

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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

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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

SLECA

SLECA Announces 10 Scholarships for 2026 Seniors South Louisiana Electric Cooperative Association is pleased to offer 10 scholarships worth $500 each to assist graduating high school seniors with expenses for the fall 2026 semester. Funds may be used toward tuition, room and board, books, or other required educational costs at any Louisiana university, college or technical school. To be eligible, students must live on SLECA lines or have a parent or guardian who is a manager or owner of a company that is an active SLECA member. Financial need and scholastic performance are considered during the selection process. n

How to Apply Students may pick up an application from their school guidance counselor, download it at www.sleca.com and email to scholarships@sleca.com, or request one by calling 985-876-6880 in Houma or 985-631-3605 in Amelia. The deadline to apply is March 25. 92975002

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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

SLECA BYLAWS ARTICLE IV SECTION 1.01. DIRECTOR QUALIFICATION. A Director or Director nominee must comply with this Section 4.03. (A). Compliance Determination. To the extent reasonably necessary or helpful in determining or confirming initial compliance with this Section 4.03: (i). The Cooperative may conduct or procure any check, investigation, or other act, and may require or request information and documents; and (ii). A Director or Director nominee must consent and agree to, comply with, and facilitate any check, investigation, or other act, and must provide required or requested information and documents. Before or within a reasonable time after becoming a Director, and in a matter determined by the Board, a Director shall take an oath or sign a document agreeing to disqualification for service as a Director for not complying with this Section 4.03. (B). Director Qualifications. In order to become or remain a Director of the Cooperative, a person seeking or holding the position of Director must meet the following qualifications: (i). Such person must have lived and be domiciled in the Voting District for which he holds or seeks the directorship position for a period of two (2) continuous years from the date of his election. If a Director, during his term, should move outside of the Voting District that he represents, but continues to live and be domiciled in an area served by the Cooperative, such Director shall remain on the Board until his successor is chosen at the next District Meeting. If a Director, during his term, should move outside of the area served by the Cooperative, a vacancy shall occur, and the Board shall appoint a new Director to represent the Voting District for the remainder of the prior Director’s term. (ii). Such person must not be more than forty-five (45) days in arrears regarding any indebtedness or any payment owed to the Cooperative, pursuant to these Bylaws and must not be a majority stockholder in a corporation that is more than forty-five (45) days in arrears on any indebtedness or payment owed to the Cooperative. In the event that a Director, or any corporation in which he owns a majority of stock, during his term, becomes indebted or owes payment to the Cooperative for more than 45 days, in arrears, such Director 18

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

shall resign his directorship position. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Director or candidate for a directorship position affected by the foregoing provisions may make arrangements with the Cooperative to pay any arrearages on a payment plan approved by a majority of the Board (other than the affected-Director, if applicable) so as to remain a member in good standing and thus eligible to remain a Director or qualify as a candidate for a directorship position. (iii). Such person shall not be a current employee of the Cooperative or have been an employee of the Cooperative within the past ten (10) years; (iv). If such person has ever been an employee of the Cooperative, such person shall not have been terminated from employment at the Cooperative or otherwise departed from employment while not in good standing. For purposes of these Bylaws, “departing from employment while not in good standing” shall mean termination of employment due to misconduct, poor performance, violation of company policies, or any other action that would disqualify the individual from being eligible for rehire by the Cooperative. This includes, but is not limited to, resignation or retirement in lieu of termination under adverse circumstances, failure to provide required notice of resignation as specified in Cooperative policies, or departure with unresolved financial or ethical obligations to the Cooperative. (v). Such person shall not be a Close Relative of an employee of the Cooperative. For purposes of these

Bylaws, a “Close Relative” shall include a spouse, cohabitant, parent, brother, sister, child, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughterin-law, sister-in-law, grandparent, grandchild, immediate family member, or other individual residing in the same household in a relationship functionally equivalent to a spouse. (vi). Such person shall not be in any way employed by or financially interested in a competing enterprise or a business selling electric energy or supplies to the Cooperative. (vii). Except as otherwise provided by the Board for good cause, such person shall receive a Credentialed Cooperative Director designation, Directors Certificate, or similar designation or certification from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association during the first term of their directorship. (viii). While a Director, and during the three years immediately before becoming a Director, such person shall not knowingly communicate to Members or Employees any false, misleading, defamatory, or improper information regarding or involving the Director, a former, current, or prospective Cooperative Official, the Board, another Director, the Cooperative, or the Cooperative’s former, current, or prospectives activities and affairs. (ix). While a Director, and during the three years immediately before becoming a Director, such person must not harass, intimidate, threaten, disparage, defame, or injure the Cooperative, another Director, or a Cooperative Official.

(x). While a Director, and during the five years immediately before becoming a Director, such person shall not make or present, or cause to be made or presented, a legal claim, defense, or other contention involving the Cooperative for an improper purpose, based upon a frivolous legal argument, or without factual support. (xi). Except as otherwise provided by the Board for good cause, such person shall (1) attend at least two-thirds of all Board meetings during each calendar year and (2) not be absent from three (3) consecutive regular Board meetings. (xii).While a Director, such person shall not breach or otherwise violate any appliable policies, laws, rules, or regulations with respect to confidential information, including but not limited to rules governing and/or associated with meeting in executive session. SECTION 4.04. TENURE Directors elected pursuant to the terms of these Bylaws shall serve in such position for a term of three (3) years. These Bylaws affirm and acknowledge that: (i) Directors for Voting District Nos. 4, 5 and 6 are currently serving four-year terms beginning in the year 2022; (ii) the Directors for Voting District Nos. 1, 2 and 3 are currently serving four-year terms beginning in the year 2024, (iii) the Directors for Voting District Nos. 7, 8 and 9 are currently serving four-year terms beginning in the year 2025. For the purpose of implementing a three-year staggered election cycle, pursuant to La. R.S. 12:409, at the annual meeting in the year 2026, the Directors from Voting

SLECA Districts 4, 5 and 6 shall be elected to serve for a period of four (4) years, expiring in 2030. No Directors shall be elected or up for reelection in 2027. Beginning with the annual meeting in the year 2028, Directors shall be elected to serve three-year terms, such that, (i) at the annual meeting in the year 2028, the Directors for Voting District Nos. 1, 2 and 3 will be elected to serve for a period of three (3) years, expiring in 2031; (ii) at the annual meeting for the year 2029, the Directors for Voting District Nos. 7, 8 and 9 will be elected to serve for a period of three (3) years, expiring in 2032; and (iii) at the annual meeting for the year 2030, Directors for Voting District Nos. 4, 5 and 6 will be elected to serve for a period of three (3) years, expiring 2033. Thereafter, upon their election, Directors shall, subject to the provisions of these Bylaws with respect to the removal of Directors, serve until the annual meeting of the members of the year in which their terms expire or until their successors shall have been elected and shall have qualified. If for any reason an election of Directors shall not be held at an annual meeting of the members duly fixed and called pursuant to these Bylaws, such election may be held at an adjournment of such meeting or at a subsequently held special meeting, or the next annual meeting, of the members. Failure of an election for a given year shall allow an incumbent whose directorship would have been voted upon to hold over only until the next member meeting at which a quorum is present and until his successor shall have been elected and shall have qualified. At any time during his term, a Director may resign from his directorship position by giving written notice to the Board. SECTION 4.05. NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF DIRECTORS: DISTRICT MEETING. (A). Qualifying Papers. Prior to the Qualifying Period (as defined herein) in each year, qualifying papers for any directorship position to be elected in the given year shall be made available at the Cooperative’s main office in Houma, Louisiana, along with written instructions and deadlines for submission of qualifying papers. Any person seeking a directorship position must obtain and complete the qualifying papers in-person at the Cooperative’s main office during the first three (3) business days of February in the year in which a Director for such Voting District shall be elected (the “Qualifying Period”). Any person who has qualified as a candidate shall be automatically nominated by the Board

for the directorship position. Within five (5) business days of the close of the Qualifying Period, the Cooperative’s legal counsel shall notify all persons who have submitted qualifying papers whether they have qualified as a candidate for a directorship position. Upon request, the Board will provide written reasons for any rejection of a person’s qualifying papers. (B). District Meetings; Notice. At least twenty (20) days, but not more than forty-five (45) days, prior to the annual meeting in a year in which the Director for a Voting District shall be elected, a meeting of the members of each Voting Director for which a Director shall be elected in that year (a “District Meeting”) shall be held. Written or printed notice (a “District Meeting Notice”) of the place, day and hour of the District Meeting shall be delivered to each member located within such Voting District, at least ten (10), but not more than twenty-five (25), days before the date of the District Meeting, either personally or by U.S. Mail, by or at the direction of the Secretary. Any such notice delivered by mail may be included with member service billings. The District Meeting Notice shall state the names of persons that have qualified and been nominated for the directorship position for such Voting District. (C). District Meeting Procedure. The District Meeting shall be called to order by the current Director representing the Voting District, or, if there is a vacancy in the directorship for such Voting District, by another designated representative of the Board, or in the absence of such designated representative, by any member residing within the Voting District. The Elections Administrator (as defined herein) shall determine the existence of a quorum at the District Meeting. The presence of at least forty (40) or five percent (5%), whichever is less, of the members residing in the Voting District shall constitute a quorum. A member must be physically present to be counted toward a quorum and to vote at a District Meeting. In the event that no quorum exists at a District Meeting, the election of the Director from that Voting District shall be held at the next annual meeting of the members; provided, however, only members residing in the Voting District shall be allowed to vote for the Director of such Voting District at the annual meeting; provided, further, it shall not be necessary for there to be a quorum at the annual meeting, as provided in Section 3.04, in order to conduct a Voting District election, as long as there is quorum of at least forty (40) or five percent (5%), whichever is less,

Qualifying for SLECA’s Board of Directors Qualifying for SLECA’s Board of Directors for Districts 4, 5 and 6 gets under way in February. Members interested in seeking election must file applications from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 2 through Wednesday, Feb. 4 at SLECA’s main office, 2028 Coteau Road, Houma. Only members who meet the qualifications outlined in the Article IV bylaws are eligible to run for director. of the members residing in such Voting District present at the annual meeting. (D). Procedure for Director Elections. (i). The Board is authorized and directed to enact policies to insure and protect the sanctity of the ballot at all elections for Directors. All elections of Directors at District Meetings shall be conducted and administered by an independent third-party election administrator (the “Elections Administrator”) engaged by the Cooperative, with the oversight of the Cooperative’s legal counsel. The third-party administrator shall be responsible for ballot distribution, collection, counting, and certification of election results. (ii). In the election of Directors, each member residing in a Voting District shall be entitled to vote for one (1) nominee for the directorship representing such Voting District. Members shall cast their votes for a Director in person at a District Meeting by secret ballot. (iii). After all members physically present at the District Meeting have submitted their ballots, the Elections Administrator shall be tasked with counting and certifying the ballots in a Director election. (iv). The candidate receiving a plurality of the votes submitted shall be declared as the elected Director from the Voting District. In the event there are more than two candidates, and the top two candidates receive the same number of votes, there shall be a second election between the top two candidates conducted immediately at the same District Meeting. The procedure provided in Section 4.05(d)(i) -(iii) above, and the quorum requirements for a District Meeting, as provided in Section 4.05(c), shall apply to any District Meeting at which a second election is to take place. In the event that the two candidates in a second election receive the same number of votes, the Board shall select one of the two candidates as the Director representing the Voting District, which selection shall take place at a special meeting of the Board prior to the next annual meeting immediately

following the District Meeting. The new Director selected by the Board shall be sworn in at the next annual meeting immediately following such special meeting of the Board. (v). In the event that only one candidate qualifies for election of a Director in a Voting District, there shall be no requirement to hold a District Meeting pursuant to this Section 4.05 and such unopposed candidate shall be appointed to such directorship at the next annual meeting. (vi). In the event that no candidates, including the current Director representing the Voting District, qualify for a directorship position, the procedures set forth in Section 4.09 shall apply. (vii). Persons elected for a directorship position at District Meetings shall take office and be sworn in at the next annual meeting immediately following such District Meeting. SECTION 4.06. PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF VOTING PROCEDURES. Any employee of this Cooperative who violates any of the election procedures established by these bylaws and by the Board of Directors shall be discharged from his employment. Any member of this Cooperative who violates any of the election procedures established by these bylaws and by the Board of Directors may be terminated in his membership after a hearing concerning the charges against him before the Board of Directors. Any member may bring charges against another member for violation of election rules. Thereafter the accused member shall be informed in writing of the charges at least ten days prior to the hearing before the Board of Directors at which the charges are to be considered and shall have an opportunity to be heard in person or by counsel and to present evidence in his own behalf. Amended and restated bylaws of South Louisiana Electric Cooperative Association held at a special board meeting on Oct. 15, 2025. JA N UA RY / F E B R UA RY 20 2 6

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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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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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