Northeast Connection

COVER:This month we examine the finework of Rotarians, locally andbeyond, to collect and distributesurplus medical equipment foruse in developing countriesthrough the Medical SupplyNetwork International. Picturedis Grove Rotary Club memberJack Moseley.

INSIDE:All Around Green CountyStay current on upcomingevents throughout our area.2

It’s not too lateOpportunities still exist forlocal youth to participate incooperative youth programsin 2010.3

A world of goodRotary Club members helpredistribute surplus medicalequipment to those in need.4

Protect sensitive electronicsEffective whole-home surgeprotection is availablethrough your cooperative.5

Good yearsHelen Shackelford announcesretirement from the co-op.8

Meet your boardThe fifth installment of this9-part series focuses ontrustee Bill Kimbrell9

Pot o’ goldOur member & technicalsupport and facilties depart-ments’ recipes celebrate St.Patrick’s Day10

Don’t blow a fuse!Know your home’s breakerbox before an emergency12

All Around Green Country

Statement of Nondiscrimination

Northeast Oklahoma Electric Cooperative, Inc., is a member-owned, not-for-profit service organizationthat adheres to rules, regulations, and policies, which provide that no person on the basis of race, color,national origin, sex, age, religion, union affiliation, veteran’s status, or disability shall be excluded fromparticipation in, admission or access to, denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discriminationunder any of this organization’s programs or activities.

The person responsible for coordinating this organization’s nondiscrimination compliance efforts is theHuman Resources/Benefits Administrator. Any individual, or specific class of individuals, who feels that thisorganization has subjected them to discrimination may obtain further information about the regulations listedabove from and/or file a written complaint with this organization. Complaints must be filed within 180 daysafter the alleged discrimination. Confidentiality will be maintained to the extent possible.

Northeast Oklahoma Electric Cooperative, Inc.Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V/D

Events are published as space allows and must be submitted at least 60 days in advance. Include a telephone number for publication.Send information to Northeast Connection Events Calendar, P.O. Box 948, Vinita, OK 74301. Email: clint.branham@neelectric.com, orfax: 918-256-9380. Please call ahead to confirm dates and times.

MARCH 1 • GroveOpening dayHar-Ber Village918-786-6446

MARCH 3-6 • JayDelaware County Spring Livestock ShowDelaware County fairgrounds918-253-4332

MARCH 6 • VinitaCraig County Spring Livestock ShowCraig County fairgrounds918-256-6682

MARCH 6 • JayDelaware County premium saleDelaware County fairgrounds918-253-4332

MARCH 6 • MiamiAnnual Peoria Tribe stomp danceOttawa/Peoria Cultural Center918-540-2535

MARCH 12 • PryorDisabled American Veterans meeting & dinnerMayes County fairgrounds918-825-5085

MARCH 12-13 • ColcordBook fairTalbot Library & Museum918-326-4532

MARCH 12-14 • Grove13th Annual Grand Lake Boat & Travel ShowGrove Civic Center918-786-2289

MARCH 13 • GroveWal-Mart Bass Fishing League eventGrove city ramp918-786-9079

MARCH 15-18 • BerniceSpring BreakoutBernice State Park & Nature Center918-257-8330

MARCH 16 • MiamiAmerican Red Cross Blood DriveHigh Winds Casino918-541-9463

MARCH 19-21 • WyandotteO’Reilly 4 X 4 Rock StompD-Day Adventure Park918-666-341

MARCH 20 • Monkey IslandMardi Paws humane society benefitBig Shots918-786-5750

MARCH 26 • KetchumHarlem Ambassadors basketball gameKetchum High School gymnasium918-782-3214

MARCH 27 • VinitaCraig County premium saleCraig County fairgounds918-256-6682

MARCH 27 • GroveCowskin Prairie Book FestivalGrove Community Center918-542-4148

MARCH 27 • Monkey IslandMash Bash for the American Red CrossBig Shots918-257-5569

APRIL 4 • GroveEaster egg huntSports complex918-786-3248

March 2010

Northeast Connection is published monthlyas an effective means of communicatingnews, information and innovative thinkingthat enhances the profitability and qualityof life for members of Northeast OklahomaElectric Cooperative.

Please direct all editorial inquiries toCommunications Specialist Clint Branham at800-256-6405 ext. 9340 or emailclint.branham@neelectric.com.

Cooperative headquarters are located fourand a half miles east of Vinita at 443857 EastHighway 60. Offices in Grove are located at212 South Main. Business hours for bothlocations are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. until 5p.m. Offices are closed Saturday, Sundayand holidays.

A representative is available 24 hours totake calls regarding service issues at

1-800-256-6405If you experience an outage, please checkyour switch or circuit breaker in the house andon the meter pole to be sure the trouble is noton your side of the service. If you contact usto report service issues or discuss youraccount, please use the name as it appearson your bill, and have both your polenumber and account number ready.

Officers and Trustees of NEOEC, Inc.PresidentDandy Allan Risman District 5Vice PresidentHarold W. Robertson District 1Secretary-TreasurerBenny L. Seabourn District 2Asst. Secretary-TreasurerGerald “Buck” Gay District 6

Everett L. Johnston District 3MemberJohn L. Myers District 4MemberJames A. Wade District 7MemberBill R. Kimbrell District 8MemberJack Caudill District 9Member

NEOEC Management TeamRobert EchenrodeGeneral Manager

Larry Cisneros, P.E.Manager of Engineering

Susanne FrostManager of Office Services

Cindy HefnerManager of Public Relations

Lisa McMeenManager of Financial Services

Rick ShurtzManager of Operations

Limit the load for safer outlets

Upgrade outlets with GFCIs

ELECTRIC wires are designed to carry a certain amount ofpower. Overloading can cause wires, receptacles and appliances

to overheat, creating a fire hazard. Here are some things to watch for:• Too many plugs in a single outlet. You are asking for trouble

when you overload a circuit.• Sharing. It isn’t always a good thing. Major appliances such as

refrigerators and air conditioners should have separate circuits.• Doctored plugs.Three-pronged plugs ensure proper grounding

for appliances and power tools. Never remove the ground pin.• Outdated outlets. Ground-fault circuit interrupters are a great

line of defense against overload. They are designed to detectelectrical faults and shut off the power before trouble occurs. Considerhaving a licensed electrician upgrage your outlets.

Scholarship deadline March 24NORTHEAST Oklahoma’s next

generation of leaders have anopportunity to further their educa-

tion with college scholarships offered byNortheast Oklahoma Electric Cooperative.

Area high school seniors whose parentsor guardians are NEOEC members and wholive in a household served by NEOECelectric are encouraged to apply for one offour available $1,000 college scholarships.Deadline for application is noon on March24, 2010.

In 2009, Whitney Philpot of Oaks-Mission High School, Josie Stovall ofFairland High School, Brody Poppino ofAdair High School and Jessica Seigel ofWelch High Shool were each awarded$1000 to defray tuition expenses at theuniversity of their choice.

For a scholarship application or moreinformation, contact NEOEC Youth Pro-grams Coordinator Amy Claborn toll-free at1-800-256-6405 ext. 9392, or email:amy.claborn@neelectric.com.

Energy campAnother tremendous opportunity awaits

four lucky eighth-graders from NEOEC’sservice territory of Craig, Delaware, Mayes,Ottawa counties (and portions of RogersCounty). The 2010 YouthPower EnergyCamp is scheduled June 1-4 at CanyonCamp near beautiful Red Rock Canyon inHinton, Oklahoma.

A winning essay will earn four areaeighth-grade students a chance to take partin an opportunity for adventure that only

comes around once. Cooperative member-ship is not a requirement in order to partici-pate.

Qualifying essays must be 150 words ormore on the topic: “When Electricity Cameto Rural Oklahoma.” A cover sheet isrequired and must include the name of thestudent, names of both parents (or legalguardians), address, telephone number andname of school.

Complete essays must be received by thecontest deadline of Wednesday, March 17,2010. Submissions can be mailed to North-east Oklahoma Electric Cooperative, c/oAmy Claborn, P.O. Box 948, Vinita, OK74301. Visit www.neelectric.com for moreinformation.

Energy camp set June 1-4

A good time is guaranteed at Energy Camp.

4Northeast Connection

ELECTRIC by Miller wasestablished in Grove in 1996.President and owner Kathy

Miller gained valuable electricalknowledge while working four yearsas an apprentice.

That essential experience gaveMiller a strong graspof what is requiredby an electrician inthe field. She learnedthe classifications ofequipment thatelectricians use toperform their work and gained theknow-how to recognize names andapplications of key electrical compo-nents.

“When a customer calls, Iunderstand their requests,” Millersaid. “I’m able to answer questionsbecause I’ve been out there on the joband understand the requirements.”

After a long day on the job,Miller’s work was not finished. Shefound herself back at the office in theevenings, ordering parts and manag-ing the accounting side of the busi-ness. That is, until the companyincorporated in 2000. She then beganmanaging the office full time. In2003, she took over the companyexclusively and built a new officebuilding outside of Grove.

Electric by Miller currentlyemploys a staff of highly-trained,highly trusted, long-time employees.

“My employees possess integrityand are all of good character,” Millersaid. “Customers call and give me alot of great feedback. They are highlyrespected by our customers. I have agreat client base, and they are thereason for the company’s success.”

Electric by Miller is a licensed,bonded and insured company. Thecompany specializes in all things

All things electricGrove company serving electric needs of northeast Oklahoma since 1996.

electric, whether it be new homewiring, remodeling, industrial orcommercial wiring, home networking,automation, energy smart retrofits,home electrical improvements, serviceremodeling, new construction, electricmotor repairing, part orders or home

inspections.Miller says her

electricians caninstall new electricalcircuits and recep-tacles, distributionpanels and breakersand will take care of

any that need replaced. They installdata communication wiring, devicesand circuits, and can even hang flatscreen TVs on the wall. They run newcircuits for ceiling fans, receptacles,and new TV cable. Miller electricianswill repair just about anything.

“No job is too small,” said Miller.“We will even repair lamps andreplace wires and switches.”

Area lake residents will also beglad to know that Miller professionalsalso conduct dock inspections. Theycan wire or rewire boat docks to meetGRDA standards. They also offerlandscape and design lighting, andlighting going down dock walkways.They do marine repair and installshore power pedestals at marinas andprivate boat docks.

The folks at Electric by Milleralso repair motors or, if necessary,they will order a new motor for you.Just about any type motor can besecured. Bring the motor into the shopthey will handle the troubleshooting.Parts or new motors can be orderedand received quickly.

MarketingSpecialist

EarnestineHelmick

Give Kathy a call for all your home and commercial electric repair needs.

March 20105

In August of 2006, Electric by Miller added a genera-tor sales and service division. Kathy’s licensed electriciansreceived extensive training at the Generac generatorfacility in Whitewater, Wisconsin, to become certifiedservice and installation technicians. They now performwarranty work themselves and offer service after the sale.If the customer purchases the service maintenance con-tract, technicians change the oil filter and perform hundredpoint checks on each unit on a scheduled basis.

As soon as the electricians returned from their train-ing, Kathy purchased a generator and had it installed at theoffice. This new addition to the company proved to betimely—coming just before the 2006 ice storm—givingpeople not only a place to purchase a generator but to haveit installed safely and correctly.

In 2009, Kathy added both Briggs & Stratton andHonda generators to her newly-formed generator sales andservice division.

To ensure safe use, portable generators should have atransfer switch installed by a licensed electrician. Thisdevice is used to transfer service from the transformer tothe generator. The switch safely closes the utility line andsimultaneously opens a new power line from the genera-tor. By operating the transfer switch, the utility is lockedout and the load is transferred to the generator.

Shutting down the power on the utility side willprevent power from backfeeding and causing injury tolinemen working to restore service to homes and busi-nesses. This not only ensures the safety of the men work-ing on the line but also keeps home appliances, as well asthe generator itself, from being damaged when power doescome back online.

Automatic home standby generators monitor incomingpower from the electric line and must also be installed by

a licensed electrician. When a power outage occurs, thecontrol system in the generator automatically senses theloss of power and signals the generator to start automati-cally within 12 seconds of the power loss. Then, whenelectric service is restored, the generator shuts its self offautomatically.

Electric by Miller sells tri-fuel conversion kits socustomers can use natural gas or propane to run theirportable generators. These conversion kits provide a moreeconomical way to operate a generator than using gasolineor diesel.

Electric by Miller is also a service center for NorthernTool. Customers can order any brand of generator out ofits catalog and have it serviced by Electric By Millertechnicians.

Home and commercial automatic generators areavailable for sale at Electric by Miller, ranging from 8,000watts to 150,000 watts. Portable generators are availablefrom 100 watts to 17,500 watts.

Miller is a member of the Oklahoma Women OwnedBusiness Association, State of Missouri Women OwnedBusiness Enterprises, as well as the National Associationof Professional Women. She is very involved in commu-nity activities in and around Grove and recently donated aportable Generac generator for a silent auction to benefitthe House of Hope in Grove. She is active in the GrandLake Area Chamber of Commerce, Grove Chamber ofCommerce, Grand Lake Association and Grove Rotary.

Electric by Miller has been voted Best of the Best inGrove and Best of Grand in 2009 by area residents.

For any type of electrical service, give the folks atElectric by Miller a call. They can be reached by phone at918-786-9636 or you can visit the office three miles southof Honeycreek Bridge on Highway 59 outside of Grove.

They want to serve you.Their service territory extends up

to 200 miles from their location. Allwork will meet or exceed the NationalElectrical Code requirements

If you are a Northeast OklahomaElectric Cooperative member, remem-ber to bring your Co-op ConnectionsCard with you when you visit Electricby Miller. The business is a partici-pating member of the Co-op Connec-tions Card discount program andoffers customers a $50 discount onthe purchase of a Generac generatoras part of its involvement in theprogram.

Electric By Miller electrician MichaelFairman completes installation on aGenerac generator.

6Northeast Connection

A world of goodRotarians help redistribute surplus medical equipment to those in need.

EACH year, tons of surplusmedical equipment is declaredobsolete and discarded or

packed away into warehouses to makeway for the latest technology. Theshame is that impoverished parts ofour globe look upon this scrap astreasure.

If they could just get their handson it, imagine what a difference couldbe made.

Several years ago, Tulsabusinessman Jack Maxwell, alongtime Oklahoma Rotarian nowwith the Bixby Rotary Club,discovered the needs of developingcountries when he began recruitingphysical therapists from around theworld. During his travels, hediscovered that the medical equip-ment being used in these countrieswas severely outdated. He also metdoctors and nurses who werefrustrated because they did not

have the means at their disposal toprovide the kind of care they knewpatients needed.

Due to advancing technology, mostfacilities in the United States arecontinually upgrading their equipment.Therefore, surplus medical equipmentwith still many years of operating lifebecome available for developingcountries rather than sitting idle instorage. What is second-hand surplus

in the United States is state-of-the-artequipment ready to meet the healingneeds in the former Soviet RepublicStates, Central and South America,Mexico, South Africa and countlessother countries.

Committed to the ideals ofservice, Maxwell founded a project in1993 within the World CommunityService branch of the Rotary Club ofTulsa. This idea quickly evolved into

one of the club’s most popularprograms. From this the MedicalSupply Network was born. SoonRotarians throughout the districtwere supporting the project.The district boasts 5,000 mem-

bers in 78 clubs from the fourcorners of Oklahoma, Arkansas,Missouri and Kansas. MedicalSupply Network was later incorpo-rated and received status as a non-profit entity. Two warehouses

Grove Rotary Clubmembers recentlygathered donatedmedical equipmentand suppl ies forthe Medical SupplyNetwork, Inc.Grove RotariansBob Daggett(center) and JackMoseley (right)unloaded itemsat the MSNI ware-house in Tulsaalongside Directorof WarehouseOperations LarryBiron (left).

Photos byCraig Hendrickson

e

MSNI’s marvelous mission• Solicit donations of new or used medicalequipment and supplies.• Sort, repair, identify and store materialsin a central warehouse in Tulsa.• Match the inventory to the growingnumber of requests worldwide submittedby Rotarians from developing countries.• Arrange international shipping through avariety of free, government and/or non-profit sources. Pack and ship cargo tomedical facilities around the world.

(continued on next page)

March 20107

were purchased, and a board of directors made up of 14Rotarians from across the district now directs the opera-tions of MSNI.

Rotarians throughout the district utilize the network tolocate medical equipment and disposable supplies. Thesedonations arepackaged,inventoried,weighed andshipped todevelopingcountries freeof charge.

Thanks togenerousdonations ofmaterials,money, volun-teer time and transportation, thousands of lives are beingsaved by the efforts of MSNI. Seventy-three containershave been shipped to 21 different countries since January2003. Between July 2001 and June 2002, 15 shipmentsvalued at nearly $1.5 million were shipped by MSNI.

The Medical Supply Network also works to fill needsclose to home. In this area, the network has supplied anexam table for a nurse’s station at a new school in Dela-ware County, a special-needs wheelchair to an elementaryschool in Mayes County and mobility equipment to asenior citizens center, to name a few.

If you or your company has surplus medical equip-

Helping a world in needThe call is out to hospitals, doctors, medical groups,clinics, rehabilitation centers, pharmaceutical compa-nies, nursing homes, home health agencies, medicalsuppliers, and so many others.

Save storage space. Save landfills. Save littlecorners of the world by donating retired equipment orsurplus supplies that includes anything and everythingyou don’t use today that patients in need around theglobe can use, such as:

• Operating tables, examination tables, stretchers,lights, surgical instruments, gurneys, walkers,crutches, braces, sheets, patient and surgical gowns.

• Any kind of physical/occupational therapyequipment.

• Stationary and portable anesthesia equipment,sterilizers, suction machines, and surgical implementsfor remote-area missions.

• Gloves, masks, syringes, bandages, thermom-eters, stethoscopes, otoscopes, ophthalmoscopes,sphygmomanometers, test tubes, and beakers.

• Dental chairs, drills, tools, x-ray equipment.• Manual beds, mattresses, sheets, pillow cases,

blankets, surgery scrubs, patient gowns, surgerysheets.

ment or supplies, contact your local Rotary Club fordetails on how to donate and make this world a betterplace. Our part of northeast Oklahoma is well representedwith Rotary Clubs in Grove, Vinita, Miami, and Pryor.More information about the Medical Supply Network canbe found at www.msni.org or call 918-494-5074.

(continued from previous page)

Effective surge protection a phone call away

DID you know that the most effective means of surgeprotection for your home starts right at the meteritself? Sure, the plug-in strips are useful for corral-

ling transient voltage at the receptacle, but there is an evenbetter way to block damaging surges. You can prevent themfrom entering your home by way of electricalwiring altogether.

It isn’t available in stores, but the bestproduct for shielding your home fromtransient voltage is only a phone call away.Call 1-800-256-6405 and speak with one ofNortheast Oklahoma Electric Cooperative’smember services representatives aboutwhole-home surge protection.

For only $5.95 per month (a one-time chargeof $24.95 is required for installation), you can help ensuremaximum protection for your home and its vulnerableappliances and electronics with a meter base surge arrester.This device senses temporary overvoltage created by

lightning strikes—many of which travel power lines frommiles away. The arrester effectively clamps and dissipatesthe resulting current. It absorbs the heat and energy so yourvaluable possessions won’t have to.

This unique opportunity is available exclusively tocooperative members.

It is also advisable to boost your home’s protectionwith plug-in-type surge strips. These strips provide alast line of defense for surges created between themeter and your electronics and appliances. Thefragile, digital circuitry of many smaller electronicdevices is no match for even the slightest of surges.Data lines such as telephone and coax cables are

also a pathway for unwanted current to enter yourhome. Take extra measures to block stray surges fromtraveling these “backdoor” routes into your home.

Don’t risk the life of your appliances and electronics bywaiting another day to call. Your investment will be re-warded by an extended life for your connected equipment.

Northeast Connection

best understand Shackelford istransparent when it comes to herfaith. Her beliefs have guided hersince childhood.

“That’s all I’ve ever known isserving the Lord,” she said.

Shackelford now looks forwardto devoting more time to her faith andfamily. She certainly anticipatesgreater involvement in activities ather home church, First Assembly ofGod in Miami.

A sunny afternoon may find herin the garden.

“I love flowers and gardeningand, as the weather permits, Iwill be outside more than I willbe inside,” Shackelford said.

Shackelford and husbandDan have been married 41 years,

and have overcome obstaclesfrom the very start. Mere days

after they were wed Dan, wascalled to the battlefield.

“We were married onFriday night and he left forVietnam on Sunday,” Helenrecalls.

Dan spent a year inVietnam before an enemybullet cut short his serviceand sent him back home toHelen’s side with fourpurple hearts.

Son Steve and wifeMichelle have given Helenand Dan two grandchildren.

The Shackelfords live justoutside of Miami.

“It was a good 28years,” said Shackelford,reflecting on her serviceat the cooperative. “Ibonded with lots ofpeople and made lots offriends. They’ll alwaysbe my friends.”

8Helen Shackelford celebrates retirement with husband Dan.

Lasting impressionAffable Shackelford will be missed following recent retirement

IT seems like only yesterday thatHelen Shackelford walked throughthe doors at Northeast Oklahoma

Electric Cooperative for the first time.She joined the NEOEC familyNovember 16, 1981, and immediatelydemonstrated an unparalleled exuber-ance for her daily tasks. She wasknown best, perhaps, for developingstrong bonds with those around her—be they co-workers or co-op mem-bers.

Shackelford’s vibrant personalitywill be missed by all following herretirement on January 29, 2010, fromher post as a member records spe-cialist. Family and friends gathered atcooperative headquarters for asendoff the day before towish her well.

Shackelford arrived atthe cooperative havingfirst worked 17 years atthe Assembly of Godheadquarters in Spring-field, Missouri. Shestarted in the file roomat NEOEC workingalongside MildredReynolds under DeloresLee.

Within six months,Shackelford had provenherself capable of moreresponsibility and waspromoted to the front desk,where she performed duties asreceptionist and switchboardoperator. It was an assign-ment Shackelford dearlyloved. She treasured beingable to meet and greet andassist every member whocalled or walked throughthe door on a daily basis.Her gift of fellowship wasobvious and she never

missed an opportunity to minister inher own subtle way.

Even as a perennial door greeterat annual meeting, Shackelford simplynever met a stranger.

“Every morning when I get up Ipray I will be a blessing to someone,”said Shackelford. “I hope throughoutmy 28 years here I was a blessing toeveryone I met.”

Those who know her

March 20109

Meet your board: Part 5 of a 9-part series

SOME people spend theirentire lives feeling trappedin small towns, never

finding a way to escape.Bill Kimbrell is counted

among those who never got out.That is because he never wantedout.

The 78-year-old resident ofOaks has spent all but four yearsof his life in Oklahoma townsnot easily located on the statemap.

Kimbrell was born andraised in the tiny southwesternOklahoma community ofMoutain View. His version ofbig city “culture shock” came duringhis four years away at college. Heattended Oklahoma State Universityfrom 1950-54.

Even his college experiencewasn’t exactly subways and skyscrap-ers. Along with a handful of promis-ing ag students, Kimbrell’s collegequarters at OSU were located in thebeef barn. The beef barn presentedKimbell an opportunity to work hisway through school when he wasn’tattending classes.

Upon graduation from OklahomaState, it was back to small-town livingfor Kimbrell. He began what wouldbe a long and rewarding career as avo-ag teacher in the Nowata Countytown of Lenapah. A similar opportu-nity brought him to Oaks in 1966, andhe and wife Wanda have called thissouthern Delaware County commu-nity home ever since.

“People ask us why we stay hereand my answer is that we can’t affordto move anywere else,” laughedKimbrell. “We own our home andproperty here.”

Truth is, an exodus to the big citywas never an option for theKimbrells. They wouldn’t liveanywere else if they had the choice.The city simply has nothing to offer.

Kimbrell anchored by small-town roots

“I can’t see that it does,” Kimbrellreplied.

“Why live in the big city? Wehave everything we need here. If wedid need anything, there are a lot ofkids right here who would help us in amoment’s notice.”

Added Kimbrell: “Of course, as ateacher, you go where the opportuni-ties take you, but I’ve always been insmall towns. I really enjoy thepeople.”

Kimbrell retired from teaching atOaks-Mission Schools 19 years ago,but remains active with the DelawareCounty FFA and 4-H organizations.His involvement with these organiza-tions is foundational to his strongsense of community pride. And he’llbe the first to admit that the linesbetween family and community areblurred since he is considered bymany of his former students as afather figure. He stays in touch withmany to this day.

“I check on ‘em from time to timeto see how they’re doing,” Kimbrellsmiled.

FFA and 4-H, Kimbrell says “aremy life. I’ve been involved with themever since I was a freshman in highschool. They have meant everythingto me.”

The Kimbrells have donewell for themselves here.They’ve raised four childrenin Oaks, now scattered fromGeorgia to Texas—two remaincloser to home in Owasso andWyandotte—by the pursuits ofsuccessful careers.

Bill has a small cow/calfoperation where he maintainsa herd of about 50 head on 240acres.

“I have my cattle over atthe farm and go over thereevery day to feed and take careof them,” he said.

Wanda joins him companyon these excursions.

“Since I’ve had my health prob-lems, I don’t go by myself,” he said.

Kimbrell enters his 24th year onthe Northeast Oklahoma ElectricCooperative board of trustees. A co-opmember for two decades prior, hejoined the organization in a leadershipcapacity in 1986 as the District 8representative. He served as presidentof the NEOEC board from 2004-2009and as vice-president from 1998 to2003.

Kimbrell has also served aspresident and vice-president of thestatewide organization (OklahomaAssociation of Electric Cooperatives).He has spent a number of years invarious leadership roles for OAEC andis currently a member of the steeringcommittee.

Kimbrell travels to Oklahoma Citya few times each month to representthe cooperative and continues to speakon its behalf as chairman of thelegislative committee. He is alsoactive at the state capitol as a memberof the Oklahoma Association ofRetired Teachers.

His involvement in these andnumerous other organizations over theyears has earned Kimbrell muchrespect from his peers.

Bill Kimbrell heading out to the farm.

Northeast Connection10

March 201011

Don’t blow a fuseA ‘healthy’ breaker box can be one of your home’s best friends

TIME spent in front of yourhome’s breaker box—or fusebox, as the case may be—is

never time enjoyed. However, thistime quickly moves up your prioritylist when you suddenly find yourselfsurrounded by darkness and silencewhile watching the big game ontelevision or, worse, while your wifeis blow drying her hair.

Do you know what to do?Familiarize yourself with your

home’s breaker box and be preparedfor just such an occurrence. As youcan see, it’s best not to wait and learnabout fuse and breaker problems untilafter they happen.

Location, locationIt’s important to first know where

your breaker box is located. In manyhomes, it is outside of the mainhouse, usually in the garage. In olderhomes it is commonly found insidethe house. Once you locate it, youneed to determine what type of box itis: fuse or circuit. You can easily tellthe difference: if you see round, glasstopped shapes or small tubes withmetal ends, these are fuses; if thereare toggle-like switches, it is a circuitbreaker box.

Preparation pays offIf you have a fuse box, it is wise to

purchase additional fuses the nexttime you’re at the hardware store.Fuses are generally color coded andamperage varies, so be sure andcheck your box to see which ones youhave. The amperage is the amount ofelectrical current that an applianceuses.

Keep a flashlight placed at or nearyour fuse box—with fully chargedbatteries that work. There’s no useadding to your stress by having tofish out a flashlight or batteries in the

dark of night; and it’s usuallynighttime when these types ofincidents happen,since people tend touse more electricitythen.

Make sure theground and areaaround your fuse boxis free of water. Thisis especially importantif the box is locatedoutside. It’s alsohandy to have a pairof leather gloves thatyou can easily locateto wear when workingin your panel box. Take off anyjewelry, and be sure to wear rubber-soled shoes. If you must use a ladderto reach the panel, use a non-conductive wood or fiberglass ladder.

If it is difficult to read theamperage numbers, or if you do nothave color coded fuses, then get ablack felt marker and, in large letters,write the amperages next to each fusein the box. You might also want tomark the inside of the panel door withthe room or rooms that each circuitpowers, which makes it easier todetermine the problem area andperform the process of elimination.

What to do when a fuse blowsThe first thing to do is to unplug all

appliances on the overloaded circuit.For instance, if you were in yourbathroom with the hair dryer and itstopped working, unplug the hairdryerbefore replacing any fuses.

Next, be absolutely sure to turn themain breaker off within the box. Thisusually means toggling the main on/off switch into the “off” position.

To determine which fuse blew, youcan look inside the glass top and see ifeither the metal line is broken within

it, or if it is cloudy. Carefully unscrewany broken fuses and replace them

with the equivalentamperage.

Cartridge-typefuses can be removedvery easily by hand.Pull it out from theclips and replace itwith a new one.Check that all fusesare screwed in tightly.After you havereplaced the fuse, turnthe main power backon. If the fuse blowsagain, it may be a

good idea to contact a professional.

Circuit breakersMost modern homes are equipped

with circuit breakers, which are quiteadvanced compared to fuses. Insteadof replacing them, you simply need toreset them.

If you do trip a breaker, be sure tounplug all appliances on that circuit.You don’t need to turn off the mainpower switch. Open the circuit box,and find the trip switch on the breakerthat is out of line with the other, or notfully in the “on” position. Sometimes,tripped breakers have a little red flagon them.

When you locate the trippedswitch, turn it all the way off, and thenturn it back on. Many circuit breakerswill not reset if not turned completelyoff first.

Seeing the light againWith a little preparation and a few

minutes to learn what to do about ablown fuse or tripped circuit breaker,you can help keep yourself out of thedark. That leaves you time to tacklemore important items on your to-dolist: like watching the big game.

Northeast Connection

NNNNNORORORORORTHEASTTHEASTTHEASTTHEASTTHEAST O O O O OKLAHOMAKLAHOMAKLAHOMAKLAHOMAKLAHOMAEEEEELECTRICLECTRICLECTRICLECTRICLECTRIC C C C C COOPERAOOPERAOOPERAOOPERAOOPERATIVETIVETIVETIVETIVEP.O. Box 948, Vinita, OK 74301 • www. neelectric.com

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDTULSA, OKLA.

Permit 216

12

America is changing, and so is the census

ONE of the most significantchanges in modern censushistory will occur in 2010—

for the first time since 1930, alladdresses in the U.S. will receive acensus short form.

In recent censuses,most addressesreceived one of twoforms: either the shortform, which focused onthe population count anddemographics; or the longform, which included additionalquestions on socioeconomic andhousing characteristics. Nationwide,about one-in-six addresses in 2000received the long form. Together,the two parts of the decennialcensus showed not only thenumber of people living inAmerica but also the way we live:education, housing, jobs andmore. This information will stillbe part of the decennial census,but it will be collected on acontinuing basis as part of the

American Community Survey.Although the U.S. Census

Bureau’s Population EstimatesProgram provides estimates ofpopulation and housing in the years

between censuses, there were noupdates on the estimatesfor the long form’s

characteristics data. Ournation is not static,

however, and communitiesneed current data to makeinformed decisions.

After a decade of testing anddevelopment, the Census Bureaulaunched the American CommunitySurvey (ACS) in January 2005. The

About the Census BureauThe Census Bureau was establishedd in1902. Today, in addition to administeringthe census of population and housing, theCensus Bureau conducts more than 200annual surveys, including the AmericanCommunity Survey, the Current PopulationSurvey and economic censuses every fiveyears.

ACS is officially part of thedecennial census and includesessentially the same questions as thelong form. But rather than once adecade, the ACS is sent to a rolling

sample of addresses every month,every year, throughout the nation.

In 2010, the new survey willyield current annual data for allgeographic areas of the country inthe form of single- or multi-yearestimates.

For more information, visitthe Census Bureau webpage atwww.census.gov.

Census historyThe first national census took placein 1790 to determine the number ofseats each state would have in theU.S. House of Representatives. Thecensus was also created to gain abetter understanding of wherepeople lived and to establish pat-terns of settlement as the nationgrew.