FEBRUARY 2009

Gov. Mike Beebe outlines priorities

n Pendergrass Cattle Co. is award-winning operation n Planning for our energy future Inside this issue

Volume LXII, Number 4, February 2009

An official publication of Features Arkansas Electric Cooper atives, Inc. 6 Arkansas poised for growth

Gary C. Voigt, President/CEO 8 Even cowboys are changing Ouida H. Cox Editor 14 Geranium ‘Rozanne’ Rae Rinehart Administrative Assistant Dixie Rogers 16 Black bear in Arkansas Graphic Designer

Officers Chairman Larry Hellums Blytheville Vice Charles Burdine Chairman Vendor Secretary Ronald Moore Hamburg 26 Research is key to better cancer treatment Treasurer Jim Parrish Trumann 30 Convenient slow-cooker meals Photographic & Art Credits Cover Kirk Jordan 6 Kirk Jordan 31 Bottle tree 8-11 Greg Davis BEEF Magazine 38 Planning for 14 Perennial Plant Asso. 16 Extension Service our energy 30 Bush Beans future Departments 31 Gerald Klingman 38-40 NRECA 42 Ouida Cox Comments . . . . . 3

News briefs . . . . . 4 Contact Information Capitol Buzz . . . . Editorial & Advertising Offices: 18 One Cooperative Way Little Rock, AR Doug Rye Says . . . 20 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 510 Little Rock, AR 72203 Past-Time . . . . . 24 E-mail: [email protected] (501) 570-2200 Family favorites . . . 28 Periodicals postage paid at Little Rock, AR and at additional mailing offices. Reflections . . . . . Postmaster: Send address changes to: 32 Rural Arkansas P.O. Box 510, Little Rock, AR 72203 Crossword puzzle . . 34 Members: Please send name of your cooperative with mailing label. Calendar of events . .42 Subscription Price: $7.00 per year for non-members Member of The Cover Arkansas Press Association

Acceptance of advertising by Rural Arkansas does Gov. Mike Beebe recently visited with Rural Arkansas magazine about the not imply endorsement of the product or services advertised by the publisher or the Electric economy and the keys to Arkansas’ development. Cooperatives of Arkansas.

2 RURAL ARKANSAS comments

The Electric Cooperative Youth Tour to Washington A trip of a lifetime

In 1957, then Sen. Lyndon B. Johnson, D-Texas, urged including the World War II Memorial, the U.S. Capitol, directors and staff of the nation’s electric cooperatives to the White House, the various museums of the Smithsonian bring young people to the nation’s capital to get a first-hand Institution, the Newseum and the United States Holocaust look at how government works. Museum, among other sites. They also visit with members In Johnson’s home state, the electric cooperatives heeded of the Arkansas congressional delegation. his call by sending groups of young people to Washington The 2009 Youth Tour is set for June 10-18. The Electric to work during the summer in Johnson’s office. In 1958, Cooperatives of Arkansas urge eligible high school juniors to a rural electric cooperative in Iowa sponsored a week-long apply for this trip. Each year, a surprisingly low number of tour of the nation’s capital for a group of 34 students. Later entries are received by some cooperatives. Young people are that same year, another busload came to Washington from busier than ever and have many options for spending their Illinois. The idea soon caught on and other states began summers, but we are certain that there are few ways to spend sending groups of young people to Washington throughout it that will be more rewarding than the Electric Cooperative the summer. By 1959, the Youth Tour comprised 130 Youth Tour. For the delegates, the tour is life changing. students. Allyson Johnson of Pine Bluff, a 2007 delegate, called it the In 1964, the National Rural Electric Cooperative “best experience” she had ever had. Association (NRECA) began to coordinate joint activities “I learned more in those nine days than I have ever among the state delegations and suggested that cooperative learned in any classroom,” Johnson said. “I made some of representatives from each state arrange to be in Washington the closest friends I may ever have. I expected so much from during Youth Tour week. During the first year of the Youth Tour, but in reality it was so much more than I ever coordinated tour, cooperatives from 12 states sent about expected. … When I got home from this trip, all I could 400 young people to participate. Word of the program has talk about was how much fun I had and how it was truly a continued to spread. Today, about 1,500 young people and life-changing trip.” chaperones attend the Youth Tour each year. Katie Marie Cox of Star City echoed those sentiments. “I truly cannot express what the Youth Tour meant to me,” Cox said. “I can, though, tell you that I am a totally different person than I was before I left on this trip. I met so many great people and I saw so many places that I will never forget.” For Bartt Foster of Greenland, the trip gave him a greater appreciation of what it means to be an American. “Above all else, Arkansas’ electric cooperatives have sponsored the tour I hope I never forget what my country truly means to me for Arkansas youth annually since 1990. Between 40 and 44 and I hope that I always share the great honor of being an high school juniors and six chaperones attend the Electric American with my family and friends,” Foster said. Cooperatives of Arkansas’ Youth Tour yearly. Tour partici- To learn more about this trip of a lifetime, please contact pants are selected by the state’s 17 electric distribution your local electric cooperative or Sheila Yount, Arkansas’ cooperatives through essay contests and interviews. Youth Tour director, at 501-570-2293 or During the tour, the group visits historic sites such [email protected]. For more information visit as Monticello in Charlottesville, Va., Mount Vernon in www.ecark.org or www.youthtour.coop Alexandria, Va. and the many sites of Washington, D.C.,

FEBRUARY 2009 3 Give space heaters space

Electric space heaters can efficiently warm a small space. Use them safely so they don’t turn your comfortable room into a fire hazard. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that space heaters cause more than 25,000 house fires and 300 deaths every year. Here’s how to use your space heater safely: • Choose heaters that are rated as safe by Underwriters Laboratories. • Keep all bedding, drapes, pets and people at least three feet away from a space heater that’s turned on. • Buy a space heater with a thermostat to avoid overheating the room. • Get a heater that’s the right size for the room. Oversized heaters waste energy. It’s Valentine’s Day. Feeling green?

Move over, red. Green is the new color of news briefs of the month Valentine’s Day. Saving energy and the environment is newly romantic, and retailers are set to help you prove it this Feb. 14. Stores are stocking up with earth-friendly gifts. Still, it’s not about what you give, but how you celebrate, that can make your Valentine’s Day energy efficient. Here are some tips for an energy-conscious love-fest: • Save on gas and reduce emissions by staying home and cooking a meal for your sweetie on Valentine’s Day. • Buy local food for your home-cooked meal to support your neighbors and cut down on the energy wasting miles your food has to travel to reach you. • To save electricity and time, prepare your romantic dinner in a crock-pot. A slow-cooked meal makes a warm and delicious Valentine’s treat, and the smaller appliance uses less energy than an oven. • Or, experiment with dishes you can cook in the microwave or toaster oven. • If you opt to use the stovetop, choose pans to fit the burners, keep the lids on and turn the burners off shortly before the food is finished cooking. • Dim the lights and eat by candlelight A light that’s dimmed by 75 percent will use about 20 percent less energy than one burning at full brightness. And it will last about four times longer. • Give sustainable gifts, like greeting cards printed on recycled paper, or long-lasting potted plants rather than fresh-cut flowers.

Who is using CFLs?

You are not the only one who is switching from energy-inefficient incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent lights (CFL). More homeowners are saving energy and money on their electric bills by replacing their old bulbs with CFLs, which use about a third less energy and last up to 10 times longer. Want to know who is making the switch? Visit www.18seconds.org and type in your ZIP code. The site, which tracks CFL sales by state and city, will tell you where your area ranks in CFL use. It also will reveal how much money CFL users have saved and how many pounds of carbon dioxide they have kept out of the environment by choosing CFLs over fluorescents. It takes only 18 seconds to change a light bulb, the site says. Take 18 seconds today and switch at least one of your lights to a CFL.

4 RURAL ARKANSAS news briefs of the month the of briefs news

...... Tune up your home office

You might be working in a home office a little more often lately to save on gas. Make sure inefficient office equipment isn’t canceling out the energy Trivia savings...... Tune up your workspace to save energy, and maybe a little money on your electric bill, too. • Humorous valentines of the 19th • It’s tempting to leave your computer on all the time for quick access, but century were called “Vinegar Valentines” shut it down overnight. Like burning a light in an empty room, an operating or “Penny Dreadfuls.” Vinegar computer wastes energy if you won’t use it for more than two hours. Valentines were introduced in 1858 • Enable your computer’s power-management features. These are the by John McLaughin, a Scotsman with a features that automatically put your computer into a more efficient “standby” New York Publishing Business. Penny mode when it’s not in use. Dreadfuls with comic designs drawn in • Shut off printers, copiers, scanners and fax machines when you leave your 1870 by American cartoonist Charles home office. If you plug them into one power strip, you can turn them off Howard, who became known as Penny with the flick of a single switch. Some power strips come with timers that you Dreadfuls. can set to automatically turn equipment off each evening. • Buying new home-office equipment? Look for the Energy Star label on • One single perfect red rose framed computers, printers, copiers and fax machines. Energy Star appliances use less with baby’s breath is referred to some energy in standby mode. florists as a “signature rose,” and is the • If you spend most of the day in your home office, lower the thermostat preferred choice for many for giving on so you’re not keeping all of your other rooms unnecessarily warm. Keep your Valentine’s Day. office comfortable by using a space heater. • Replace your halogen torchiere lamp with a compact fluorescent torchiere. • Sir Alexander Fleming was a young It’s safer, uses less energy and costs less to operate. bacteriologist when an accidental discovery led to one of the great developments of modern medicine. Having left a plate of staphylococcus At 55, your pipes will survive bacteria uncovered, Fleming noticed that a mold that had fallen on the culture Think twice before you shut the heat off in a vacation home or even your had killed many of the bacteria. He own home’s attic or guest rooms. You might be trying to save money and identified the mold as penicillin notatum, conserve energy, but you could be setting yourself up for the wet mess caused similar to the kind found on bread. On by a burst plumbing pipe or sprinkler system. Feb. 14, 1929, Fleming introduced his When the water inside your pipes freezes, it puts great pressure on its mold by-product called penicillin to cure container, including metal and plastic pipes. When that happens, the pipes can bacterial infections. leak or explode and cause flooding and property damage. To keep your • Pearls melt in vinegar. pipes from freezing, • Some 45 percent of Chinese women don’t expose them to surveyed say they do not want to give freezing temperatures. up their careers to get married. Keep the thermostat at 55 degrees or higher in • The first Republican congressman from all areas of your home Arkansas after Reconstruction John Paul and vacation home. Hammerschmidt, was elected in 1966. In parts of your house without heat, such • Australian termites have been known as exterior walls and to build mounds twenty feet high and at attics, add insulation least 100 feet wide. around pipes to keep • Owls have eyeballs that are tubular them warm all winter in shape, because of this, they cannot long. move their eyes. • “He is a self-made man and worships his creator.” – John Bright

FEBRUARY 2009 5 Arkansas poised for growth Gov. Mike Beebe outlines priorities

By Sheila Yount

Although the nation’s economy is widely considered to be in the worst shape since the Great Depression, Gov. Mike Beebe said Arkansas is faring better than many other states. “The outlook across the country is bleak,” he said in an interview with Rural Arkansas prior to the 2009 legislative session, which began Jan. 12. “I mean, the recession is real. We’ve so far withstood most of it. We’ve actually had net job increases over the course of the period from January ’07 to August ’08. … On the whole, we are at least holding our own, if not gaining some, but that could change tomorrow because we are not immune from what happens, not just nationally, but globally.” Unlike some states, Arkansas does not have budget deficits that would require major program cuts. Beebe noted that the state prepared for the economic downturn by trimming the state’s budget by $107 million for 2009. He said his proposed budget is “pretty barebones” except for increased funding for public education and for the state’s Division of Children and Family Services. He said his top priorities when he entered office in 2007 – education and economic development – will remain his main focus. “Those two things go hand in hand; they are the top priorities,” Beebe said, adding that an educated workforce attracts good jobs. And good jobs bring money to the state, which means the state can provide services to its citizens. “It (economic development) allows you to pay for health care, it allows you to pay for social services, it allows you to pay for a criminal justice system,” Beebe said. “It allows you to provide all of the amenities or the needs and requirements that are dictated by the roles and responsibilities of state government.” One of the main responsibilities of state government is public education and Beebe has proposed additional per-student funds for school districts in the 2009 state budget. But he said his education focus goes beyond K-12. “Education is pre-K to the end of life,” he said. “Two-year colleges, four-year colleges, adult education and job retraining … everything that is in the gamut of education is a major priority because elevating the quality of the workforce, elevating the educational attainment and educational level of our people is, in and of itself, inextricably tied to economic development.” Arkansas recruits new business In the last two years, the state has had major economic development success stories and those successes have continued despite the economic downturn. Last summer, Hewlett-Packard announced it would bring 1,200 technology jobs to Conway. In January, Caterpillar announced it would bring 600 jobs and an investment of $140 million in a new plant in North Little

6 RURAL ARKANSAS Rock. In December, Cooper Tire decided to keep its 1,500 employees in Texarkana with plans to add up to 250 more this year. Also, wind energy manufacturers have set up shop in Little Rock. These projects, combined with others across the state, have added up to $2.7 billion in new investment and 19,000 new jobs for Arkansas. Beebe attributed these successes to the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC), led by Executive Director Maria Haley, and the state’s focus on workforce training and education. “We have emphasized the necessity to upgrade and be responsive to the needs of business and industry through our workforce training. So we no longer have a cookie-cutter approach,” Beebe said, adding that part of the state’s incentive package says that the state’s community colleges and technical schools will tailor fit training to meet a business’ needs. Another important tool, he said, is the Governor’s Quick Action Closing Fund, which has helped Arkansas recruit against other states and countries to lure business and industry. In his proposed budget, he has asked lawmakers to again provide $50 million for this important tool, which some other states also have. “It has been highly successful and the Legislature loves it so we have asked that it be continued,” Beebe said. Arkansas Works pushes local efforts In October, the governor hosted an economic development summit, called Arkansas Works. About 1,400 people attended the meeting. Beebe said the attendees were an “eclectic group” of mayors, city councilmen, county judges, legislators, educators and business leaders. Representatives from the state’s 75 counties attended, including leaders from Arkansas’ electric cooperatives. Beebe praised the summit, saying it was designed to encourage local communities to work hard for economic development, just as the state is doing. He said if they don’t, they “are missing the boat.” He added that the summit encouraged the attendees to compete hard for their own communities, but to also support regional economic development. “I tell them, I will fight the other 49 states and every country on the globe to get economic opportunities to Arkansas, or to keep them in Arkansas,” Beebe said. “And I don’t mind taking on any of them, but don’t ask me to choose one community over another community. It is like asking me to choose one child over another. You can’t do that.” Renewable energy is a major focus An important part of the state’s recent economic development efforts deals with renewable energy resources. The concern over climate change and carbon dioxide emissions has spurred interest in wind energy and other forms of renewable energy. And Arkansas has benefited from that as major wind energy companies have set up production here in the last two years. In 2007, LM Glasfiber, a wind turbine manufacturer, moved to Little Rock and last fall, Polymarin Composites, another wind turbine manufacturer, announced it would locate a new manufacturing facility in Little Rock. With these plant announcements, Arkansas is “carving out a niche” in the wind energy industry, even though the state isn’t a big wind energy producing state like Kansas or Texas. Arkansas’ central location, along with the economic development incentives that were provided, helped lure the wind energy industry, Beebe said. In addition to wind energy, Arkansas is investing in bio-fuels development, Beebe said, adding that the state set aside $20 million in the last budget to fund start-up businesses and research related to bio-fuels. Through the development of bio-fuels, Beebe said the state is providing value-added opportunities for Arkansas farmers. To create bio-fuels, waste products such as straw, stalks, rice hulls, tree tops and stumps are used. While economic development is a major reason for his administration’s focus on renewable energy, it isn’t the only one. He added that renewable energy resources are better for the environment than traditional hydrocarbon-based sources and they can help lessen the nation’s dependence on foreign oil. “If we are not depending on OPEC (Organization for Petroleum Exporting Countries) and foreign oil, then we are a safe people, it is a safe country, it is a safe world for us,” Beebe said, adding the OPEC’s recent decision to cut back on oil production in the wake of lower oil prices amounts to an antitrust violation. But, because OPEC is made up of sovereign counties, they are not bound by such laws. “I’d rather grow our own energy and put the money in the pockets of the American people, American farmers and the American timber industry,” he said. Arkansans will endure Although he was optimistic as he discussed the progress the state has made in the last two years, Beebe acknowledged that 2009 will be a hard one for Arkansas and the nation. He noted that many Arkansans have lost jobs because of plant closings and downsizings. Still, he said he is confident that the state’s citizens are resilient enough to withstand it. “We will get through the tough times,” Beebe said. “It may take some sacrifice and we all will suffer together, but we will get through it. Arkansans have always gotten through it and we will get through this working together.”

FEBRUARY 2009 7 Even cowboys are changing

“Change is inevitable. When you’re through changing ... you’re through.”

No one seems to know who first uttered that famous national recognition for its forward-thinking practices. The sentiment, but it has been used in some version or another for Pendergrass family was honored as the National Stocker many years. It possibly could have been coined by someone Award Winner from BEEF Magazine and Elanco Animal from western Arkansas named Pendergrass. Health. The prize winner is chosen by an independent John Frank Pendergrass and son John Paul figured out judging panel and given to the most outstanding stocker – the importance of change when it came to running their cattle operations and cattle backgrounders who excel through family ranch several years ago. To look around, it wouldn’t improved efficiencies, innovation and management. Simply seem that much different than it did when the senior John put, the family was recognized for being the best at raising took it over from his father a quarter century ago. They still quality beef. In addition, the family was also honored with ride horses, wear cowboy hats and well, there are cows, just the 2008 Stocker Award from the Arkansas Cattlemen’s like there have been on this land near Charleston for more Association. than a hundred years. In order to keep up with an industry So, what’s new in the business? Gone are the days of the that has been revolutionized more in the last fifteen years than local sale barn and livestock auction. Instead, you can find at any other time in history, Pendergrass Cattle Company John Paul or John Frank looking for stock on the Internet, definitely has made some transformations. Today’s operation DVD auctions or on a specialized cable television station. is something his great, great grandfather, who first settled this John Paul is quick to point out that they don’t have anything land after the Civil War, could have never imagined. against the local sales, but they greatly expand their options It would be safe to say the changes have made Pendergrass’ by looking at cattle from several states, including as far away operation an industry leader in the cattle business. as Florida. As proof, this six-decade family operation recently received Unlike many stocker operations, they do not buy high risk cattle. They look for cow-calf producers with solid management programs backed by reliable genetics. This strategy all but stopped the problem of a high-rate death

8 RURAL ARKANSAS Even cowboys are changing

By Greg Davis

John Frank Pendergrass sits atop his beautiful palomino horse.

loss and freed valuable resources previously devoted to healing sick calves. In essence, the philosophy is superior cattle bring superior profits. Father and son also expanded the operation several years ago to include a starter yard and a feed mill, which allows them to blend their own feed. The mill features a stainless steel mixing tank along with automatic measuring and dispensing equipment. It’s clean and organized, a theme that runs throughout. There are several other pieces of modern equipment that ultimately improve the health and quality of the cattle. “It’s all an investment and like any other investment will hopefully lead to a return,” said John Paul. Walk into the offices of Pendergrass Cattle Company and you will see something that is common to every other modern business. Computers allow them to keep detailed records on every head of cattle. They also play a role in helping Kaye Pendergrass, John Frank’s wife, track and manage costs more effectively. Something you won’t get at a Wall Street office that you will here is a tail-wagging greeting from Rusty, the family dog. Most days he reports to the office with the rest of the family, unless something else gets his attention on the way. Sooner or later he reports to work. The Pendergrass family has a deep sense of devotion to its land, a devotion that extends to the local community and beyond. The whole family is involved with the community in some way. Continued on next page

FEBRUARY 2009 9 John Frank is a past president of the Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association. He also brings his keen business skills to Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative, where he currently serves on the board of directors and previously functioned as president. He helped bring the same sense of innovation and positive change to the electric cooperatives of the state. He served as board president of Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc., which required him to travel to Little Rock many days of the year. When asked why he takes time out of a busy schedule to do these things, he will tell you, “People that grew up in rural areas always made time to take care of each other, that’s how I was raised.” So why electric co-ops? You drive around with John Frank and he points out where families lived and business thrived in this area long ago. He will also tell you how the people here tried to get the investor-owned utilities to bring electricity to them. They weren’t exactly interested unless the people were willing to pay a price that was far beyond their ability to pay. When they wouldn’t provide the power, many folks moved on to towns and cities. His father jumped onboard with the growing electric cooperative movement in the mid-1930s and helped bring power to this area. He still carries that same sense of obligation to bring reliable and affordable electricity to rural areas of the state. When it comes to the cattle business John Frank says, “you have to love it or you will never make it in this business. John Paul and Cissie It’s not just a living, it’s a life.” Pendergrass, Kaye and One industry expert John Frank Pendergrass. explained it like this, “The cattle business is among the most brutally competitive. Almost without exception,

10 RURAL ARKANSAS if you’re in the business, you’re in it because of your heart, not your head. Most people who leave this business don’t do so by choice. They simply get to the point where they can’t justify the costs relative to the payoff, or the banker tells them it’s time to quit.” Loving what you do has ensured survival in this tough business for Pendergrass Cattle Co. Spend a little time with the Pendergrass family and it won’t take long to figure out that despite all the computers and automated machinery, this business still requires a lot of hard physical work and daily dedication. Not only does it take a lot of physical work, but it is also mentally taxing. They have to analyze data, market trends and conditions in order to stay one step ahead in this aggressive industry. You also realize that this is a family heirloom, not unlike the piece of jewelry or fine china that is passed down through generations. It’s yours now, but you owe it to the next generation to preserve it. Even improve it if possible.

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FEBRUARY 2009 15 Black Bear in Arkansas

Recent increases in Arkansas’ black bear population are the result of a recovery effort spanning several decades, says Rebecca McPeake, Extension wildlife specialist. Meanwhile, hunters are reaching all-time highs in black bear harvests, which “suggest healthy and expanding populations in the Ozark Call Today For Your Free and Ouachita regions,” according Quote! to yearly figures recently released by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. In the early 1900s, however, much of the state’s forests were cleared for farmland, eliminating much of the bears’ habitat. Unregulated hunting further added WWW.BNBPOSTFRAME.COM to a decline in bear populations. McPeake says these harvests are a Offi ce Hours 8 am to 6 pm Monday through Saturday principle of wildlife management, and Located in the can be used as an indicator for the Arkansas River Valley entire population. 30 x 50 x 10 One Walk-in Door 1-877-203-8704 One Slider or Overhead FAX: 479-638-1200 C.J.’s Barn Builders SPECIAL 30 x 50 x 10 Includes all Material, Construction & Delivery Galvalume metal put on with screws One pre-hung door One 10’ or 12’ sliding door 6 skylites, factory trusses One year warranty on labor and materials Color and other sizes available Call and ask for our brochure 1-877-710-7297 8:00 to 5:00 Mon. - Fri.

16 RURAL ARKANSAS DELUXE SUBURBAN POLE shown w/ optional wainscot. 30' X 40' BUILDING PACKAGES 1 800 66-BARNS! OTHER MATERIAL PACKAGE INCLUDES: OPTIONS • Engineered design truss system for interior AVAILABLE space uninterrupted by poles • 36" pre-hung steel walk door • Treated splashboard & poles • National® manufacturing door hardware • 10' sliding doors • painted metal siding • Skylights • weather vane • bird blocking • Complete plans SIZE YOU BUILD WE BUILD 18' x 30' 555900* 717900 10' sidewall 4288189 24' x 30' 636900* 852900 10' sidewall 4288825 18' X 30' 24' X 30' shown w/optional wainscot. 30' x 40' 913900* 1273900 10'4-1/2" sidewall 7164734 30' x 50' 1058900* 1508900 10'4-1/2" sidewall 7188832 40' x 60' 1716900* 2436900 10' sidewall 4676201 30' X 40' DELUXE SUBURBAN

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SIZE YOU BUILD WE BUILD 00* 00 MATERIAL 18' x 30' 5499 7119 * 4121364 PACKAGE INCLUDES: 24' x 30' 694900* 910900 • 36" walk door • 9' x 7' steel TRADITIONAL FARMLAND * 4121521 insulated garage door(s) 00* 00 30' x 40' 8929 12529 • 10’ 4 1/4” side walls BUILDING PACKAGES 7190127 * 10’ sidewalls SIZE YOU BUILD WE BUILD DELUXE CIMARRON 18' x 30' 261900* 423900 3635109 GARAGE PACKAGES 24' x 30' 345900* 561900 3645579 MATERIAL PACKAGE INCLUDES: 30' x 40' 549900* 909900 • Galvanized metal siding. 3646197 PACKAGE 00* 00 • 8' sidewalls (10', 12' & 14' also available). 30' x 50' 6149 10649 INCLUDES: 3647567 Other Options • Vinyl siding FREE ESTIMATES for custom pole barn sizes! • Fiberglass Available! shingles for more information dial 1 800 66-BARNS! • Studs 16" o.c. • 12" Overhang on Prices Good thru Feb 28, ‘09 SIZE YOU BUILD WE BUILD sides 00* 00 12' x 20' 3519 4719 • Aluminum windows 6678114 Benton 1209 Military Rd. • 9' x 7' Steel insulated 14' x 24' 424900* 592900 garage door(s) 6678197 Ft. Smith 1801 South Zero • 36" Prehung steel 24' x 24' 613900* 901900 entry door Hot Springs 1831 Albert Pike 6678353 • Treated sill plate 24' x 30' 705900* 1065900 • Complete plans *Building package prices are approximate and may vary due to daily changes in commodity market conditions. 6678437 Free estimates on complete or partial building packages are available. Customers should check local building 00* 00 codes before starting building projects. The building packages illustrated are suggested designs and plans are 24' x 36' 7639 11959 available at Sutherlands store locations. 6678031 FEBRUARY 2009 17 History in the making

On Jan. 20, America inaugurated a new president and nevertheless, intertwined into this nation’s overall health so we’ve begun a new chapter in our nation’s history. and vitality. It is somehow ironic and fitting that Barrack Obama’s These things include the breadbasket of America, where transition to president and commander-in-chief occurred the food and fiber that make our way of life possible is on the day after our only federal holiday that honors an produced. It takes schools and roads and energy to make African-American, Dr. Martin Luther King. Change is rural America tick. Throw in small businesses and health in the wind and the next 100 days are likely to define that care. Rural America can expect the Obama administra- change in a major way. After all, every president gets tion to lay down some specifics in the coming weeks, only one “first hundred” days. and what gets left unsaid may be as important as what is During his campaign for the presidency, President said. But hope, mixed with “change,” can be a powerful Obama had a ‘Real Leadership for Rural America’ agenda agent and I think most Americans are willing to give a posted on his Web site. Some of his goals included 1) president facing such enormous challenges a chance to bringing more doctors, nurses and other health-care succeed. It’s in our interests that he do so. professionals to rural America, 2) helping community On other Washington fronts, Sen. Mark Pryor, colleges to fulfill their mission in rural America, 3) D-Ark., has made a move to the Senate Committee on developing the next generation of bio-fuels, 4) investing Appropriations, which gives Arkansas a powerful role in energy efficiency, including setting a bold national in the process that divides up the monies. With U.S. goal of reducing the energy intensity of our economy by Rep. Marion Berry, D-Ark., sitting on the House of 50 percent by 2030, 5) helping small businesses afford Representatives Committee on Appropriations, Arkansas health care, and 6) promoting fairness in Medicare and is in an enviable position. Pryor had to give up his seat Medicaid reimbursement so that rural areas won’t be on Senate Armed Services, a committee that he loves, penalized and lose doctors because of historically lower but his ability to help his home state with appropriations reimbursements. weighed heavily on his decision. The new president has selected former Iowa governor, Sen. Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark., continues to move up in Tom Vilsack, to be his new secretary of agriculture. seniority on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Certainly there aren’t many states more rural than Iowa Committee and will play a critical role in the development so one would think that Vilsack has some background of the nation’s energy policy, which the new president in rural issues. Goals and strategies to reach those goals has said he wants to tackle early. The pressure to make are the starting points. It’s where we end up that is the America energy independent, to make our energy supply important part of the equation. Everyone in America secure and affordable, while addressing the issue of knows that the national economic crisis that we face and climate change, is the hard part of her job. We wish her the two wars we are fighting will take precedence over well. everything. Yet, it is important that we not lose sight of some things that may not be at the top of the list, but are, Stay tuned. There’s much more to come.

If you have an issue that you would like Carmie to address, mail it to: P.O. Box 194208, Little Rock, AR 72219-4208 or e-mail [email protected]

18 RURAL ARKANSAS DO YOU NEED MONEY... Because your health or your child’s health is in such poor condition that you are unable to work SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY may be your answer if a physical or mental condi- tion prevents you from working. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the financial and medical assistance available to them through the Social Security Disability Program. For a FREE phone consultation and informative brochure, call 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK 1-888-350-1247 A S S O C I A T I O N O F DISABILITY ADVOCATES, INC.

FEBRUARY 2009 19 Doug Rye says ...

Energy Efficiency Commandment No. 3: “Thou shalt invest in an energy-efficient water heater”

As we continue with the asked, “What is so special about these water heaters?” 10 Commandments of And he said they are guaranteed to never leak or Energy Efficiency, we will keep our focus on making rust and are 91 to 95 percent energy efficient. I didn’t cut your utility bills wise investments. This month, I am encouraging you necessarily believe him but I knew that if it were true, to invest in a specific item that will make a world a lot of my listeners would want to have one. of difference in your utility bill. And in the coming Later, when I got proof that it was true, I started months, I plan to continue to remind you that using telling about the Marathon water heater in my your money for energy efficiency is probably the best seminars and on my radio show. Folks just like you investment you can make. started asking where they could get a Marathon. For Have you ever thought much about your water months, I had to say, “I don’t know.” But that didn’t heater? Are you aware that about 20 percent of your last for long because the Electric Cooperatives of utility bill goes toward the heating of water? Have you Arkansas saw what a great product it was and began ever had to replace your water heater? Nearly every offering them to their members. And I know for a fact one of you said “Yes.” Now, why did you replace it? that hundreds of you have already purchased one. If Was it the wrong color? Well, of course not. You you understand the facts, the rest of you will do the replaced it because it quit working or had started same. The facts are simple. It is the last water heater leaking. At some point, we all need to replace a water that you will ever need at a particular location. It heater. Now wouldn’t it be great if we could install won’t rust or leak because the tank has no metal. And a replacement guaranteed to never leak or rust? And the Marathon is so well insulated with “envirofoam,” wouldn’t it be great if the new water heater was super that it has practically zero standby loss regardless of energy efficient? Well, such a product is available and I the location. It does not warm your cold garage in the will tell you how I learned about it. winter and it does not heat your house in the summer. About 10 years ago I was attending a really big Now, consider this: The average gas water heater is home show in the Astrodome in Houston. It less than 58 percent efficient, which means that about takes several days to see everything in that show, 40 percent of the natural gas you buy goes up the which is sponsored by the National Association of flue into the sky. On the other hand, the all-electric Homebuilders. I actually did an energy presentation Marathons average 91-plus percent efficiency. That’s there and had about four extra hours to look around. a no-brainer in my book. So, my advice to you is I was practically running through the aisles looking at this: When you need a water heater for your new or every display as fast as possible. At one point, I looked existing house, contact your local electric co-op and to my left and saw some strange looking objects that ask about the Marathon water heater. Remember were shaped like a 44-caliber pistol bullet only they – your co-op values you, the member, and it cares. were about five feet tall. I hollered over to the fellow That’s why your co-op is doing all it can to help you and asked, “What are these?” And he said, “Water save money on your electric bill by sponsoring this heaters.” I said, “Commercial?” and he said, “No, column, my show, my seminars, by conducting energy mostly residential.” I turned and walked his way and audits and much more.

Doug Rye, a licensed architect living in Saline County and the popular host of the “Home Remedies” radio show, works as a consultant for the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas to promote energy efficiency to cooperative members statewide. To order Doug’s video, or for more information, call 1-888-Doug-Rye. More energy efficiency tips can also be found at www.ecark.org

20 RURAL ARKANSAS Mobile Home Owners: Roof King

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FEBRUARY 2009 21

FEBRUARY 2009 Past-Time Historical notes from the files of Rural Arkansas 20 years ago v February 1989

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FEBRUARY 2009 25 Health notes GRAVETTE RED IRON SHOP ALL STEEL Research is key to better METAL SALES 40 x 50 x 12 Steel Building Supplies and Components $13,835 cancer treatment Hay Barns • Commercial Buildings • Large Shops Other sizes available Custom Steel BUildings & Building Special If you’ve lived in Arkansas for I Beam Trusses Available 32 x 40 x 10 any length of time, chances are good $4,750 steel truss that you know someone who has received care at the Winthrop P. 30x75x16 all steel Rockefeller Cancer Institute. As a “Red Iron Hay clear span center of excellence at the University Barn Special” truss of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), the Cancer Institute serves All Steel I-Beam 24 x 30 x 8 Construction $5,600 patients from across Arkansas, the 26 Ga. Metal United States and the world for • Residential & conditions ranging from common Commercial Roofing $8,960 plus tax, delivery types of skin cancer to rare cancers • Mini Storage Units FREE ESTIMATES! such as multiple myeloma. 2 miles south of Gravette, AR • Right on Hwy 59 • Insulation As new treatments are developed 479-787-5784 • gravettemetalsales.com • Doors in Stock and patients live longer, more 1-800-297-3157 productive lives, our patient volume MASTER • Steel Purlings VISA M - F 8-5 • Sat. by appointment CARD continues to grow. In 2004, our *Prices may change without notice clinics had 100,000 patient visits. Just three years later that number had risen to about 120,000. It’ll Be Your Little Secret! But patient care is only one aspect of the work that goes on at •Nearly Invisible the Cancer Institute. We are proud to have more than 150 scientists •Most Natural Sound searching daily for new clues into the causes, treatment and possible cures •Have More Fun Socially for cancer. Some of our researchers •Hear Better in Crowds focus their efforts on the basic cellular level, while others work to move •Digital Technology research findings from the lab to the clinic, which is called translational Better INVISA-FIT Open-Fit Hearing Aid...... research. $1,195 In 2008, two of our scientists Free Hearing Exam with Appointment received highly competitive grants Basic Full Shell Hearing Aid...... $195 from the U.S. Department of MID-AMERICA HEARING CENTER Defense Breast Cancer Research 1050 W. Hayward Dr. ● Mt. Vernon, MO 65712 Program. Jerry Ware, Ph.D., and Highway - 800-354-1905 Loop - 800-372-4554 Tom Kelly, Ph.D., are using their grant funds to study how cancer cells Branson, MO - 800-649-6242 Liberty, MO - 877-631-5115 are transferred from their original site Check us out at www.midamericahearing.com in the body to other sites, causing a OUR BEST...FOR LESS...IN A DAY particularly deadly condition known as metastasis. Another scientist, Amanda THE PHONE CONNECTION Charlesworth, Ph.D., has focused • Been Disconnected? • Owe a Big bill? her research on examining how • No Credit Check! • No Deposit Required! cells form tumors, while Meenakshi $39.95 per month / unlimited local calls Upreti, Ph.D., is looking at how FREE 100 minutes long distance chemotherapy can be made more each month. tolerable and effective. 1-877-375-2255 Many of our research findings are Licensed by Arkansas/Oklahoma/Florida/Missouri Public Service Commission already benefiting patients, including

26 RURAL ARKANSAS an innovative procedure developed by V. Suzanne Klimberg, M.D., to reduce or eliminate the arm swelling seen in many breast cancer patients and the hugely successful multiple myeloma research by Bart Barlogie, M.D., Ph.D., that has made UAMS a world leader in treatment of this blood cancer. This is just a snapshot of the many research programs under way at the Cancer Institute. I hope you share my enthusiasm for the high quality of cancer research going on right here H & H in Arkansas. What we discover today Construction & Supply will truly affect the lives of our state’s 1- 479-754-4999 Fax: 1-479-754-4899 people now and for years to come. Peter Emanuel, M.D., is director of 1-800-607-4999 the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). Peter Emanuel, M.D., Director of the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

Cutting calories Of all the diet strategies out there, losing weight still comes down to the calorie. If you eat more calories than you burn, you gain weight. If you do the opposite, you lose weight. Just look at the math: 3,500 calories equals about 1 pound of fat. You need to burn 3,500 calories more CARING CASKETS than you take in to lose 1 pound. So, if you cut 500 calories from your typical diet each day of the Sky-blue $885 week, you’d lose about 1 pound a $35/Mo w.a.c. week (500 calories x 7 days = 3,500 0 down calories) Although this may sound tough, SAVING YOU MONEY it doesn’t have to be. Cutting out ON CASKETS, URNS and MONUMENTS a morning latte or afternoon soda Delivering to all funeral homes • Prepurchase plans can save you about 150 calories. Entering our 11th year of Business Having an extra serving of vegetables 1-888-443-6414 • Call for brochure at dinner instead of an extra serving Caskets made in the U.S.A. of meat also can bring down your www.caringcaskets.com calorie count. Daily exercise also can 28 S. College, Suite 17, Fayetteville, AR 72701 contribute to creating a calorie deficit. ASK ABOUT A FAMILY FUNERAL PLANNING GUIDE PACKET FEBRUARY 2009 27 Recipes from Karen’s kitchen A native of Glenwood, Karen Kirkpatrick has been married to Dwight for 43 years. They live in Arkadelphia where they own and operate Williams Saw Company. Karen also owns Karen’s Cakes and Catering. They have four children—Lynnette Strickland (B.R) of Bethel, Alaska; Leah Wright (Wesley) of Friendship; Lance Kirkpatrick (Jeanie) of Ft. Smith, and Lee Kirkpatrick of Ozark. There are six grandchildren. Active members at Grace Fellowship Free Will Baptist Church and Clark County Farm Bureau, she has been secretary-treasurer of Clark County Fair for 32 years. Karen is a new board member of South Central Electric Cooperative. family favorites

EASY CREAMY FUDGE minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees. Top hash brown crust 1 tub chocolate cake frosting 2 cups crunchy peanut butter with cheese and sausage. Beat milk, eggs and salt together and pour over mixture in crust. Bake 35 minutes. Put into microwave safe dish for 30 seconds. Mix well and pour into 9” pan. Cut into slices when cooled. SOUTHWESTERN PINWHEELS 3/4 cup finely diced pepperoni 4 oz. can diced green chilies, ALMOND JOY TORTE or summer sausage drained 1 envelope unflavored gelatin 1 cup toasted chopped 1 1/2 cups sour cream (16 oz. 1 pkg. ranch style dressing 1 1/4 cups cold water, divided almonds container) mix 3 cups cooked rice 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate 8 oz. cream cheese, softened 10 flour tortillas, (10 inch) 14 oz. can sweetened chips condensed milk 3 tablespoons butter or In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients, except flour tortillas, until well 1 1/4 cups flaked coconut margarine, softened combined. Spread mixture on flour tortillas and roll up tightly. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate several hours or overnight. Cut into 1-inch In small bowl, combine 1/4 cup cold water and gelatin; set aside. slices discarding ends from each roll. Makes approximately 60 pinwheels. Combine 1 cup water, rice and sweetened condensed milk in 2-quart You could leave out the meat in the cream cheese mixture, spread it onto saucepan. Cook over medium heat until thick and creamy 5 to 7 minutes, the tortillas and place thin sliced deli meats on top before rolling it up. It stirring frequently; stir in gelatin. Remove from heat; stir in coconut and would be faster than dicing the meat. almonds. Pour rice mixture into a 9-inch springform pan; smooth top. Combine chocolate chips and butter in small saucepan. Cook over low MOZZARELLA DIP heat until blended; stir constantly. Spread chocolate over rice mixture. 1 small carton sour cream 1 teaspoon garlic salt Chill until firm about 2 hours. To serve, run knife around sides of pan; 1 pint Hellman’s mayonnaise 1 teaspoon sugar remove sides. Makes 12 servings. 12 oz. shredded mozzarella 2 tablespoons minced onion 1 teaspoon Accent flakes CREAMY BAKED POTATO SOUP 1 teaspoon celery salt 1 tablespoon parsley flakes 12 slices bacon 4 green onions, chopped 2/3 cup margarine 1 1/4 cups shredded cheddar Mix well and refrigerate 24 hours. (I used finely shredded mozzarella) 2/3 cup all-purpose flour cheese 7 cups milk 1 cup sour cream HONEY BARS 4 lg. baked potatoes, peeled 1 teaspoon salt and cubed 1 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 cup honey 1 cup sugar 3/4 cup vegetable oil 1 egg Place bacon in a large deep skillet. Cook over medium heat until browned. Beat above ingredients together. Combine 2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon soda, Drain, crumble and set aside. In a stock pot or Dutch oven, melt the 1 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir into the wet ingredients. margarine over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually stir Add 1 cup chopped pecans and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Bake 350 degrees for in milk, whisking constantly until thickened. Stir in potatoes and onions. 20 minutes in a 13x9 pan sprayed with nonstick spray. Cool briefly, glaze Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes. while warm, cut while warm. Mix in bacon, cheese, sour cream, salt and pepper. Continue cooking stirring frequently until cheese is melted. Serves about 10. Glaze 1 cup powdered sugar 1 tablespoon milk or more if 2 tablespoons margarine, needed HONEY PECAN CRUSTED PORK softened 1 1/4 lbs. boneless pork loin, Salt and pepper to taste pounded thin 4 tablespoons margarine PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE BARS 1/2 cup all purpose flour for 1/4 cup honey coating 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans Crust: 1 lb. cake mix 1 egg 2 tablespoons margarine 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie In zip bag, mix together flour, salt and pepper. Dredge pork cutlets in the melted spice mixture. In a large skillet, melt margarine over medium high heat. Add chops and brown both sides, approximately 3 minutes per side. Be careful Combine all above ingredients and press into 15x10 pan to not over cook or they will dry out. Move to a warm plate. Mix honey and pecans into the pan drippings; heat thoroughly on low heat stirring Filling: constantly. Do not over cook or honey and pecan mixture will harden. 8 oz. cream cheese 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie Pour over pork on warming plate and serve. 15 oz. can sweetened spice condensed milk 1/2 teaspoon salt HASH BROWN QUICHE 2 eggs 1/2 cup chopped pecans 16 oz. can plain pumpkin 3 cups hash browns, thawed 12 oz. cooked sausage 1/4 cup melted butter 1/2 cup milk 2 cups shredded jalapeno jack 2 large eggs In bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Add milk, eggs, pumpkin, pumpkin cheese 1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt pie spice and salt. Mix well and pour over crust. Sprinkle with nuts. Bake for 30-35 minutes at 350 degrees until set. Cool and chill; cut into small Preheat oven 425 degrees. Prepare a 9 inch pie pan with vegetable spray. bars and store in refrigerator. Press hash browns into pan to form crust. Brush with butter, bake for 25

28 RURAL ARKANSAS LIME CONFETTI CHICKEN 3 cups cooked rice 1/2 med. red onion, chopped 1 med. carrot, chopped 1 rib celery, chopped 1 med. red pepper, chopped 1 cup cashew halves, salted 1/2 cup sliced black olives 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/2 cup lime vinaigrette 1 lb. chicken tenderloins

Grill chicken and set aside to cool. Combine rice, onion, carrot, celery, pepper, cashews, olives, salt and pepper. Pour dressing over vegetable mixture; toss to combine. Add chicken and gently toss again. Refrigerate covered 1 to 2 hours or overnight. To serve, place salad on top of lettuce leaves.

MEXICAN RICE AND BEAN SALAD 11 oz. pkg. Mexican rice mix, prepared and cooled 15 oz. can pinto beans, drained 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1/4 cup bottled Italian salad dressing Lettuce leaves or crisp corn tortilla shells, cup shaped Sour cream for garnish Avocado chunks for garnish

Combine rice, beans and cheese in large mixing bowl. Pour dressing over rice mixture; toss lightly. Serve on lettuce leaves or crisp tortilla shells; garnish with sour cream and avocado.

GRAPE SALAD 1 lb. red or green grapes (I never measure, just enough for them to be good and covered.) 1 pkg. light cream cheese 8 oz. light sour cream 1/2 cup Splenda Brown sugar Splenda Pecans

Wash grapes and let drain. Mix cream cheese, sour cream and Splenda together. I add a little water to the mixture because it seems a little dry. Fold in grapes and pour into a bowl. Cover the top with Brown Sugar Splenda and pecans.

PEANUT CLUSTERS

16 oz. jar salted peanuts 16 oz. jar unsalted peanuts 4 oz. bar German chocolate 3 lbs. white almond bark 16 oz. bag chocolate chips

Place all of the above ingredients in a crock pot on low for 3 hours or until all is melted. Spoon onto wax paper. Let set until ready to serve.

FEBRUARY 2009 29 Convenient Slow Cooker Meals

6. Cover and cook all ingredients on low for 8-10 hours. 7. When ready to serve, boil a large pot of water. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions. Drain. Place a portion of spaghetti on each plate, top with sauce, meatballs, and grated parmesan cheese. Serves: 6 to 8 Winter White Bean Chili 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil Red, White and Bean Slow Cooker Spaghetti 1 cup chopped onion Minestrone and Meatballs 1 cup chopped celery 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons minced garlic For Meatballs: 1/4 cup Italian turkey sausage, in small 1 cup chopped carrots pieces 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 1 pound chicken breasts, shredded, 2 tablespoons tomato paste 1 cup finely diced onion boneless, skinless 1 cup chopped onion 1 cup finely diced celery 2 cups chopped zucchini 1 cup chopped celery 1/2 cup finely diced carrots 1/2 cup brown rice (not instant) 2 tablespoons minced garlic 2 tablespoons minced garlic 2 1/2 cups low sodium chicken stock 1 slice whole wheat bread torn into pieces 2 cans (4 oz) mild Mexican green 1 cup chopped carrots chiles, drained 1 each egg, lightly beaten 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1/4 teaspoon cumin 1/4 cup non-fat milk 1 can (16 oz) chopped canned tomatoes 2 cans (15.8 oz) great northern beans with 5 cups chicken stock 1 pound lean ground turkey liquid 1 can (15.5 oz) cannellini beans with 3/4 pound reduced fat, Italian turkey 1 tablespoon chopped oregano sausage, casings removed liquid 1 tablespoon chopped parsley salt and black pepper, to taste 1/2 can (16 oz) red kidney beans, drained salt and black pepper, to taste For Sauce: 2 cups zucchini cut into 1/2-inch pieces Monterey and Colby cheese, to taste 4 cups baby spinach, washed 2 cups baby spinach green salsa verde, to taste 1 1/2 cups cooked bowtie pasta 2 cans (14.5 oz) unsalted, diced tomatoes with liquid 2 tablespoons pre-packaged pesto 1. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a medium 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste sauté pan. Add onions, celery, and garlic. Cook until 2 tablespoons fresh grated parmesan cheese 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil garlic is aromatic, approximately 5 minutes. 1. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a medium 1 can (16 oz) garbanzo beans with liquid 2. Place carrots in bottom of slow cooker. Top with sauté pan. Add sausage, brown well. 1 pound whole wheat spaghetti chicken, onions, celery and garlic mixture. 2. Add tomato paste, cook 5 minutes until brown. grated parmesan cheese, as needed 3. Add zucchini, rice, chicken stock, chiles, cumin 3. Add onions, celery, garlic, carrots and oregano. and beans. Cook until garlic is aromatic, approximately 5 1. For the Meatballs: Heat olive oil over medium 4. Cook in 4-quart slow cooker on high setting for 4 minutes. heat in a medium sauté pan. Add onions, celery, hours or until vegetables and chicken are tender. carrots, and garlic. Cook until vegetables are soft 4. Pour into a 4-quart slow cooker. Add tomatoes 5. Add oregano and parsley. Cook for 5 minutes. and chicken stock. and garlic is aromatic, approximately 15 minutes, let cool. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with desired 5. Cook on low setting for 6–7 hours or until the amount of cheese and green salsa verde on top. vegetables are tender. 2. Combine bread, egg, and milk in a large bowl. Add onion mixture, ground turkey, and turkey Serves: 7 to 9 6. Stir in beans, zucchini, spinach and cooked pasta. sausage. Mix well. Season with salt and pepper. Cook on high setting for 8 minutes or until beans and pasta are warmed through and spinach has 3. Pre-heat the oven at 375°F. Form mixture into wilted. 2 1/2-inch balls. Place on a lightly oiled baking sheet, do not let touch. Bake for 20 minutes or until 7. To Serve: Pour the soup into a bowl. Top with a cooked through. little pesto and fresh grated parmesan cheese. 4. For the Sauce: Put the spinach in the bottom of a Serves: 7 to 9 4-quart slow cooker. 5. Pour both cans of tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, garbanzo beans and cooked meatballs into the slow cooker.

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FEBRUARY 2009 31 Far left: Gus and Loopie discussing the matter—Peggy Mahar, Holly Springs

Near left: Paiton and Olivia Higgs, Brianna Koettel on a snowy afternoon in Evening Shade—Laura Underwood

Far left: Here’s a double rainbow after the rain stopped near Benton—Rhonda Brannon

Near left: Winter snow scene—Mary Jones, Brockwell

Below: Cool cardinal hanging out in a backyard at Paragould— Amber Boggs Reflections February scenes in Rural Arkansas

Far left: Best buddies Lex and Tyson Masters complete a picture window— Crystal Raney, Pocahontas

Near left: McKenzie Rogers playing in the snow at Wesley

Far left: Old Jack Frost on a bush near Big Creek—Allene Parnell, Norfork

Near left: Jack Nicholas Coleman just finished the morning news—Mel Coleman

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FEBRUARY 2009 37 Planning for our energy future Co-ops working to keep electric bills affordable

By Scott Gates Electricity powers us through every day, from when our meet, this is no time to enact hasty energy policy that will alarm clock wakes us up in the morning to when we turn push electric bills higher.” off lights at night. While it’s easy to take electric power for Relatively high costs for construction materials and granted, that may not always be the case. Today’s economic uncertainty about climate change goals, which could place crisis makes it all the more critical that work begin soon to strict limits on carbon dioxide emitted by power plants, have address growing issues in the energy industry. Otherwise, stalled development of new baseload generation: the large, electricity could quickly become less of an affordable staple efficient stations that provide dependable and affordable and more of a pricey luxury. electric power year-round. In recent years, the collision of several factors – increasing New nuclear power plants – sources of clean baseload demand for electricity, rising fuel and construction costs, and generation – are stymied by high costs and local political climate change – has created what’s been called the energy resistance in many areas. As a result, the last new reactor to industry’s “perfect storm.” The U.S. Energy Information become operational was a Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Administration (EIA) forecasts that the need for electricity plant in 1996, according to the Nuclear Energy Institute. will climb by 30 percent between now and 2030. Since then, only one other, older reactor was refurbished, also To meet this growth, the U.S. Department of Agriculture by TVA in 2007. projects that electric co-ops must double generation capacity Unless new, thoughtful public policy streamlines the over the next 11 years. Yet building new power plants will process, that trend could continue, English warns. be expensive, so electric co-ops must turn to both cutting- In years past, the burden of meeting electric demand would edge and time-tested solutions to “keeping the lights on” typically fall to coal-fired plants, which provide about half – from advanced power generation technology still under of the nation’s electricity. But with plans for new coal plants development to proven energy efficiency programs. hitting snags, utilities are being forced to turn to a more “Without advancing technology, our options are limited,” expensive fuel: natural gas. In 2007, generation and transmis- says Glenn English, CEO of the National Rural Electric sion co-ops planned on using natural gas for a quarter of their Cooperative Association (NRECA), the Arlington, Va.-based new power plants; in just one year that number has climbed service arm of the nation’s 900-plus consumer-owned electric to 53 percent. co-ops. “But whatever solutions we come to in addressing “The main challenge we’re facing now is that it’s hard this energy crisis must keep consumers in mind. With many to build new baseload generation in general, but even electric co-op members already working hard to make ends tougher for units that don’t burn natural gas,” remarks Paul

38 RURAL ARKANSAS McCurley, NRECA chief engineer. “The lower up-front costs utility-sponsored consortium whose members include electric but higher operating costs of natural gas generation tradition- co-ops. With heavy focus on research and development, an ally made it a good fuel source for peaking power – used array of yet-to-be-developed and existing technologies could when demand for electricity is at its highest – but not for keep affordable electricity flowing between now and 2030 baseload power plants that generate electricity around the while significantly reducing carbon dioxide emissions. clock.” Steps to achieving that diverse solution include investing in “There’s no doubt it is going to be difficult to build new renewable energy; building advanced, clean coal-fired power coal-fired and nuclear power plants in coming years, two key plants; expanding nuclear power capacity; stringing new sources of baseload generation,” English says. “The resulting transmission lines; and improving energy efficiency across the reliance on natural gas increases the risk of higher electric bills board. to consumers and lowers overall reliability due to decreasing Fortunately, electric co-ops have a long tradition of fuel diversity. Unfortunately, the question no longer is promoting energy efficiency. “The vast majority of electric whether electric bills will increase, but just how high they will co-ops, a full 92 percent, already sponsor energy efficiency go.” education programs, and 77 percent offer residential energy In an effort to broaden limited options and make bills audits to their consumers,” explains Ed Torrero, executive more affordable, electric co-ops have come to embrace the director of NRECA’s Cooperative Research Network. “Just concept of a multi-pronged solution spelled out by the under half provide financial incentives for residential energy Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), a non-profit, efficiency upgrades.” Continued on next page

FEBRUARY 2009 39 Electric co-ops are also pioneers in load management programs, which allow them to reduce power consumption by managing when and how electricity gets used. Consumers, who volunteer for the programs, typically don’t even notice when “load control” happens. For example, Palmetto Electric Cooperative in Hardeeville, S.C., controls 33,000 residential electric water heaters, about half of those in its service territory. As families come home at the end of every day and turn on lights, ovens, and dishwashers, electricity use spikes. This requires additional power – generally from the most expensive and least efficient generators available – to be dispatched to avoid brownouts or blackouts. But through load management, Palmetto Electric and other electric co-ops with similar programs reduce these demand peaks by switching off water heaters by the thousands. “Load control saves us about $2 million a year in power costs, based on our current demand charge,” says Jimmy Baker, Palmetto Electric vice president of marketing & public relations. Noting that load management acts like “a power plant in reverse,” Torrero indicates that roughly 37 percent of all co-ops can directly control appliances, chiefly water heaters and air conditioners. “Few realize how well electric cooperatives have done in this area.” Between energy efficiency and load management efforts, local electric co-ops reduced demand by 2,200 MW in 2006 – roughly the equivalent of three large coal-fired power plants, according to Palmetto Electric Cooperative Senior Marketing Technician Travis EIA. That added up to $50 million in fuel cost Malphrus installs a load control switch on an electric water heater for savings and offset more than 2,000 tons of carbon its H2O Select program at a member’s home. The co-op can turn off the dioxide emissions, equal to what 700 cars put out in appliance during times of peak electricity consumption to lower its power a year. bill. — Source: Palmetto Electric Cooperative, Inc. That kind of proactive planning has partially reduced pressure on the electric utility industry as a whole, but more work remains. As soon as next year, some understands and can help meet the needs of cooperative parts of the country could experience a very real shortage members,” English explains. “Though co-ops are taking steps of power unless more power plants are built, according to a to deal with this impending crisis through energy efficiency late 2008 report by the North American Electric Reliability and demand-response programs, serious policy decisions are Corporation, a Princeton, N.J.-based non-profit organization ahead of us – the root problems are certainly not going away.” charged with monitoring America’s power system reliability. As the “perfect storm’s” thunderheads continue to build, Sources: National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, electric cooperatives are working hard to keep electricity safe, Cooperative Research Network, North American Electric reliable, and affordable. Reliability Corporation, U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. English points to the electric co-op grassroots awareness Department of Agriculture, Nuclear Energy Institute, Palmetto campaign Our Energy, Our Future™ as an important part of Electric Cooperative. solving the nation’s energy crisis, and encourages consumers to visit www.ourenergy.coop to continue the effort. Scott Gates writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the “By creating a dialogue between consumers and elected National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the Arlington, officials about our collective energy future, we build the Va.-based service arm of the nation’s 900-plus consumer-owned, foundation for a working partnership in which government not-for-profit electric cooperatives.

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Grasp the wild spirit of the wolf in your hands

A Native American style craft inspired by age-old belief

Features a cutaway design on the resin blade and colorful sculpture, feathers and bead- work on the handle

From earliest times, the wolf has been a creature of mystery and great power to the Shown smaller than actual height of Native American people. As a show of 12 inches. respect, they decorate their most prized ©Al Agnew 2008. artifacts—ceremonial tomahawks— Al Agnew © is a registered trademark with the likeness of the wolf. That endur- of The Al Agnew Collection Trust. ing tradition now inspires a new replica collectible tomahawk which extends a full RESERVATION APPLICATION THE BRADFORD EXCHANGE 12 inches in length and features a cut- ______out design on the sculptural blade. Al 9345 Milwaukee Avenue · Niles, IL 60714-1393 Agnew’s vivid wolf art, real feathers, and more handcast, handpainted sculptures YES. Please reserve the “Sign of the Wolf” replica tomahawk for me as described in this flow down the handle in totem pole fashion. announcement. Limit: one per order. Please Respond Promptly An exceptional value…limited to ONE per order! Signature ______Strong demand is expected for this limited edi- Mr. Mrs. Ms.______tion crafted in the Native American style. Act Name (Please Print Clearly) now to acquire your “Sign of the Wolf” at the Address ______$39.95* issue price, payable in two installments of $19.97 each, and backed by our 365-day City ______money-back guarantee. Send no money now. Just State ______Zip ______mail the Reservation Application today! 01-04692-001-E02491

*Plus a total of $7.99 shipping and service. A limited-edition presentation restricted to 295 cast- ing days. Please allow 4-8 weeks after initial payment for shipment. All sales are subject to prod- ©2008 BGE 01-04692-001-BIR uct availability and order acceptance.

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01_B_I_V = Live Area: 7 x 10, 7x10 Magazine Master, 1 Page, Installment, Verticle 4 4 4 4 ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ 8 8 1 3 1 3 8 7 8 7 8 8 8 8 ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ 8 ⁄ 8 8 8 ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ 1 3 5 7 5 1 3 7 8 8 7 7 7 8 8 7 Calendar of Events

Mar 1: “Kiss Me Kate,” a musical, Rogers, Mar 21: Animal Birthday Party, Little Rock, 479-925-1743 501-661-7203 Mar 1-30: Wye Mtn. Daffodil Festival, Mar 21: Music in the Mountains Show, 501-330-2403 Horseshoe Bend, 870-373-3303 Mar 3-7: Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming, Mar 21: Bluegrass Music Show, Clinton, Searcy, 501-368-0111 501-412-3999 Mar 5-8: SEC Women’s Basketball Tournaments, Mar 21: Kite Festival, Eureka Springs, NLR, 501-758-1424 470-253-3790 Mar 6: Music Shows Opening Night, Eureka Mar 21: Spring Llama Show, Ft. Smith, Springs, 866-947-4387 479-643-2899 Mar 6: Gallery Walk, Hot Springs, Mar 22: Kite Flying Competition, Little Rock, 501-321-2277 501-868-5806 Mar 6-7: STFM Quilt Festival, Tyronza, Mar 23-Apr 12: Tulip Extravaganza, Hot Springs, 870-487-2909 501-262-9300 Mar 6-7: Camden Daffodil Festival, 870-836-0023 Mar 25: National Symphony Orchestra Mar 6-7: Miller-Bowie Quilt Show, Texarkana, Warfield Concerts, Helena-W. Helena, 903-276-0030 870-572-1123 Mar 6-8: Gardening on the Frontier, Fort Smith, Mar 25-29: Ozark Foothills FilmFest, Batesville, 479-462-1713 870-251-1189 Mar 7: Mulberry River Clean Up Day, Ozark, Mar 26: National Symphony Orchestra, Forrest 479-667-2525 City, 870-633-4480 Mar 7: Boss Hawg Bass Tournament, Mar 27-28: FNBC Home, Garden & Sports Show, Ashdown, 870-898-2758 Ash Flat, 870-994-2311 Mar 7: Delta Visual Arts Event, Newport, Mar 27-28: Governor Conway Days, Bradley, 310-922-7178 870-894-3554 Mar 7-8: Lawn & Garden Show, Ft. Smith, Mar 28: Paws & Claws, Huntsville, 479-471-7428 479-738-1505 Mar 8: Jungle Boaters Canoe Race at Turner Mar 28: Antique Power Show, El Dorado, Bend, Ozark, 479-667-2525 870-863-6113 Mar 12-13: Mountain View Bluegrass Festival, Mar 28: Pine Bluff Symphony Orchestra, 870-269-8068 870-536-7666 Mar 13-15: Spring ATV Rally, Ozark, 479-667-2525 Mar 28: Bluegrass on the Border, Fort Smith, 479-785-4677 Mar 13-29: The Foreigner, The Rep, Little Rock, 501-378-0445 Mar 28: Pioneer Craft Festival, Rison, 870-325-7289 Mar 14-Apr 26: Exit the Body, Imperial Dinner Theatre, Pocahontas, 870-892-0030 Mar 28: Junior Fishing Contest, Star City, 870-628-4714 Mar 19-22: Arkansas Fiddler’s Convention, Harrison, 870-429-6174 Mar 28-29: Spring Gun & Knife Show, Hardy, 870-856-3571 Mar 19-22: “Nothin’ But Net” Basketball Tournament, Hot Springs, 501-321-1441 Mar 31: “Barber of Cactus Canyon” Warfield Concerts, Helena-W. Helena, Mar 20-21: Spring Antique Show, Eureka Springs, 870-572-1123 470-253-7551

42 RURAL ARKANSAS YOUR SAVE $ CHOICE Of 2 5-PC. SEtS OVER ONLY 10 0 $ Two great styles that work in any bedroom -- 548 master, guest or children’s!

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MEtRO 5-PIECE BEDROOM GROUP This simply styled contemporary set includes dresser, mirror and A 3-pc. queen bed -- all for one low price! #50161 Was $665 C B CHESt #39782 $229 NIGHtStAND #39781 $99 YOUR CHOICE Of tHREE StYLES $ $ 5x8 299 | 8x11 PAYMENTS 699 A. LS-RM35 5x8 #51085 8x11 #51086 B. LS-RM3 5x8 #59923 & INTEREST 8x11 #59942 0 * C. LS-RJ8 5x8 #59907 8x11 #59975 UNTIL FEBRUARY 100% LONG FIBER WOOL HAND-TUFTED RUGS MADE EXCLUSIVELY FOR NATIONAL HOME CENTERS! ZERO 2010 Months No Payment & No Interest* 12 FINANCING FOR UP TO 60 MONTHS AT COMPETITIVE RATES. * ON ANY NATIONAL CARD PURCHASE IF PAID WITHIN 12 MONTHS. SEE STORE FOR DETAILS. APPLY TODAY - USE IT TODAY. Not all items are stocked in all locations, but any item may be purchased at any of our stores. Allow 5-7 days for intercompany delivery. Availability subject to quantities on hand.

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FEBRUARY 2009 43 It’s tIme to come together and change It’s tIme to come It’sour tIme future. to come togethertogether We have an energy challenge, America.

andWhen it comes to finding solutions,change we must meet climate change goals andwhile keeping costs down andchange electricity available. America needs a plan. Immediately. Because we all know that our energy needs keep ouron growing—every day. future. ourNow is the time to have a candidfuture. conversation with your elected officials. Together, we can find answers and take action.

Start the conversation today at www.ourenergy.coop. We have an energy challenge, America. We have an energy challenge, America. When it comes to finding solutions, we must meet climate change goals Whenwhile keepingit comes coststo finding down solutions, and electricity we must available. meet climate America change needs goals whilea plan. keeping Immediately. costs down Because and electricitywe all know available. that our America energy needs keep aon plan. growing—every Immediately. Becauseday. we all know that our energy needs keep on growing—every day. Now is the time to have a candid conversation with your elected officials.

NowTogether, is the wetime can to findhave aanswers candid conversationand take action. with your elected officials. Together, we can find answers and take action. Start the conversation today at www.ourenergy.coop.

Start the conversation today at www.ourenergy.coop.