May & June 2017Vol. 20 • No. 5 A

We invite you to attend your next

District Meeting— Details on Page 5 —

We Are Prepared for Summer StormsSpring is here, school is almost out,

and families are gearing up for a few months of fun and relaxation. While summer brings much fun in the sun, it can also bring the occasional severe storm. In the event of a power outage, you can trust that your electric cooperative is ready to respond.

The major cause of most power outages comes from damage to power lines due to falling trees and branches. We work year round — through right-of-way clearing — to ensure power lines in our service territory stand little risk of being damaged by trees, branches or other types of vegetation.

Despite our best efforts, during major storms, damage can occur to transmission stations, substations and power lines. When this happens, our first priority is to safely restore power to as many members as possible in the shortest amount of time.

We start by mobilizing our line crews and other critical staff. Every phone line available is utilized to take your outage report calls. The big problems, like damage to transmission lines, are handled first. These problems must be corrected before we can focus on other areas where more localized damage may have occurred.

Tri-County Electric Cooperative’s (TCEC) line crews inspect substations to determine if the problem starts there, or if there could be an issue down the line. If the root of the problem is at the substation, power can be restored to thousands of members.

Next, line crews check the service lines that deliver power into neighborhoods and communities. Line crews repair the damaged lines, restoring power to hundreds of people. If you continue to experience an outage, there may be damage to a tap line outside of your home

or business. Make sure you notify TCEC so crews can inspect these lines.

We will do our best to avoid power outages, but sometimes Mother Nature has other plans. Be sure to check tcec.com for outage information, follow us on Facebook, and enroll in TextPower from your mobile device for the latest updates during a power outage.

Julius Hackett, CEO

Medical Essential ServiceAt Tri-County Electric, we know that electric service is

important to our members. For those individuals with a medical condition that requires the use of life-sustaining equipment, reliable power is a vital necessity. That’s why we have the Medical Essential Service (MES) program to provide special consideration for their accounts.

This program is designed to provide our members with reasonable prior notice of pre-planned outages, which in turn, will allow them time to secure back-up power for their medical equipment.

MES accounts are also identified to serve as a reference for determining priorities in the effort to restore service in the event of widespread or prolonged outages affecting the Cooperative’s system. Once all high-voltage transmission lines, distribution substations, and main distribution lines are safely repaired, priority for service line repair to individual homes with MES can be assigned.

In the event of loss of power, members are still responsible for power back-up equipment and power supply.

If you are a TCEC member whose life-sustaining equipment is dependent on electrical service, you qualify for the MES program.

The MES application is available on our website, tcec.com, or through any of our Member Service Representatives. Simply fill out the application, have your physician complete the Physicians Statement of Certification, and return it to the Cooperative.

You must re-apply with a new, completed Medical Essential Service application form annually.

2862 West US 90 Madison, Florida 32340

850.973.2285 800.999.2285 Fax 850.973.1209

www.tcec.com

Application for Medical Essential Service

I certify that I have, or someone in my household has, a medical need for electricity. This condition is certified by a

licensed physician. I understand that it is my responsibility to pay any outstanding utility bill to the Cooperative and that

failure to do so will result in termination of utility services. I also understand that electricity served to my residence is

subject to unscheduled interruptions and that it is my responsibility to report them to the Cooperative.

Medical Essential Service accounts are so identified to serve as a reference for determining priorities in the effort to

restore service in the event of widespread or prolonged outages affecting the Cooperative’s system. The Cooperative

cannot and does not express or imply that it provides uninterrupted electrical power. The Cooperative advises the

patient or account holder to provide for an alternate source of care or electricity in the event electrical service to their

location is interrupted.

Member Name: _____________________________________________ Account # _________________

Service Address: _______________________________________________________________________

Primary Phone #: _________________________ Secondary Phone #: ___________________________

Text Alerts: Yes No E-Mail Alerts: Yes No E-mail Address: _______________________

Alternate Contact: ___________________________________Alternate Contact Phone # ____________

Member Signature: _______________________________________________ Date: _______________

By signing above the Member acknowledges responsibility to provide necessary accommodations during a service

interruption, either through an alternate power source or location. The member also acknowledges this form must be

resubmitted annually, the Cooperative must be notified if Medical Essential Service changes and the member has

reviewed Cooperative Policy 602 (attached).

Physicians Statement of Certification

This is to certify that _______________________________ has a medical need for electricity and could suffer

life threatening conditions if without electricity for more than ________ hours. The patient has been advised of

the effects of being without electricity as it pertains to their medical condition; alternate options for the patient

in the event of an extended interruption in power have been reviewed.

Physician’s Name: __________________________________ Physician’s Phone #: ________________________

Office Address: ______________________________________________ ________________________________

Physician’s License or Certification #________________________________

Physician’s Signature: __________________________________________________ Date: _________________

2 May & June 2017

Graphic by Funnel, Inc.

To Report Electrical Problems or Outages, Please Call:

850-973-2285 or 1-800-999-2285

May & June 2017 3

Sometimes going to work isn’t fun, unless you are one of the fortu-nate ones who truly loves what they do. Some people enjoy working in an office, in temperature-controlled environments where the only phys-ical element may involve walking from the parking lot into the office. Then there are those people who enjoy working outside, who enjoy more physically demanding work. Meet the Tri-County Electric Coopera-tive Right-of-Way Crew. These men aren’t afraid of a challenge; to them,

it’s all in a day’s work! Right-of-way (ROW) maintenance

is one way TCEC controls the delivery of safe and reliable electric service. Clearing limbs and trees away from power lines not only helps prevent outages and blinking lights, it also reduces many potential hazards.

The TCEC right-of-way crew performs the ROW clearing for new overhead construction by clearing the way for the line crews to come in and build new power lines. They also maintain groundwork and ROW

for the distribution and transmis-sion lines. After a storm, fallen trees and branches are a major cause of power outages, and that’s where the right-of-way crew comes in with their equipment to remove the debris. During widespread outages, the right-of-way crew works together with the line crews, helping restore power to our members as quickly and safely as possible. With over 3,000 miles of line, and new members coming on the lines each month, our right-of-way crew keeps busy.

DEPARTMENT SPOTLIGHT

Allen Welch, Journeyman Lineman/ROW SupervisorAllen is lifelong resident of Madison

County and a 30-year veteran of the Cooperative. Already having achieved the distinction of a journeyman lineman, Allen also supervises the TCEC right-of-way department and manages the open ROW work orders. His attention to detail and diverse skills, combined with his positive attitude, makes Allen a true asset to the

right-of-way crew and the Cooperative. When asked what is one of his favorite parts of the job, Allen is quick to tell you that it’s the people he works with. He has a lot of respect for his hardworking co-workers.

When not working, Allen appreciates the times he can spend with his wife on the water, fishing.

Whether the job is large or small, the TCEC right-of-way crew finds a way to get it done, and we appreciate the great job they do each day!

Welcome to the

RIGHT-OF-WAYDepartment

Willie Bell, Crew LeaderWillie has worked at the Cooperative for more than 26 years. He began

his career as a groundman on the right-of-way crew, working his way up to trimmer until being promoted to crew leader. Once you meet him, you won’t soon forget him. He’s hardworking — on the job and off.

Willie loves helping people. He is the founding member and president of the “Nu Luv Ridaz” motorcycle club in Madison, who each year, spends countless hours collecting toys for underprivileged children in our area to make sure they have presents to open on Christmas morning. When not riding his motorcycle, Willie enjoys fishing and spending time with his family. 4204003

Bryan McMullen, TrimmerBryan will celebrate his 10-year anniversary at the Cooperative this

year. He started out working in the maintenance department before transferring to the right-of-way crew, where he’s found his niche. He works tirelessly on the crew, committed to working hard and making sure the job gets done.

One of Bryan’s favorite things about his job is traveling to the different areas served by TCEC. He enjoys seeing the different terrain and discov-ering new things. Recently while working, he came upon a small spring that he never realized existed in the area.

Off the clock, Bryan enjoys nature and likes spending time on his dirt bike, riding the dirt roads near his home.

Clearing the way for powerBeing a member of the right-of-way crew requires precision and endurance. Sometimes their work

can be repetitive, all while holding onto heavy machinery, and in all types of weather. They are strong. They have to be able lift, carry, push and pull as much as 100 pounds of debris at times.

4 May & June 2017 May & June 2017 5

Hidden somewhere in this issue of Tri-County Rural Living are two member account numbers. Look carefully, one might be yours. If you find your account number exactly as it appears on your bill for electric service, we’ll credit your bill up to the amount of $150!* You have until June 30, 2017, to claim your credit by calling Carol Timmons at (850) 973-2285, Ext. 203, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. You must contact the TCEC representative before the deadline to collect your prize.

Congratulations to last issue’s winner: Jeremy L. King* Total credit on bill will not exceed $150.00. This one-time credit is valid only on the current balance. Any balance remaining after the $150.00 applied credit is the member’s responsibility.

Find Your Hidden Account Number & Get

a $150 Bill Credit!

TCEC Employees Compete in “Steppin’ Coast to Coast” Challenge We’ve all heard of the many benefits that walking each day can

do for you. Walking is a low impact way to get in shape and lose weight. It can help reduce stress, slow mental decline, improve your mood, and give you time to think. So, in September 2016, Tri-County Electric Cooperative registered with the Departments of Health in Madison and Jefferson counties to participate in their “Steppin’ Coast to Coast” Challenge. TCEC employees jumped at the chance to join in this friendly competition. Spouses were recruited and employees divided into six teams of 10 people each, all working together to reach enough steps to walk from Madison to Santa Monica, CA.

Kickoff began at 5:00 p.m. on Sept. 30 and lasted through Dec. 17. Within the first three weeks, TCEC employees had walked the combined equivalent of more than 6,000 miles! Groups were spotted walking before work, on their lunch breaks, and after work — all while making sure their fitness devices accurately counted each important step.

In the end, the 10-member TCEC team affectionally called “Sole Mates” took the grand prize after walking a stunning 11,443,934 steps — equal to 5,722 miles — in just 11 weeks. We congratulate the Sole Mates team and their commitment to getting those daily steps in! All in all, it was a fun and easy way to sneak in daily exercise.

Four members of the TCEC Sole Mates team are presented with their first place certificate by Jennifer Johnson, Florida Department of Health Madison County Administrator. L to R: Carol Timmons, Kisha Tolar, Antonio Richardson, Ms. Johnson and Mary Carter.

6 May & June 2017

Make Plans to Attend Your District MeetingAs a member of Tri-County Electric

Cooperative, you have a unique opportunity to take an active role in the business of your electric company — because you’re not just a customer, you’re a member-owner, too.

One responsibility you have is to elect a district trustee who will represent the

members at monthly board meetings. By attending a district meeting and nominating a member for district trustee, you have an opportunity to be involved in the decisions that will impact the future of TCEC. 87218001001

This year, district meetings are being held for Districts 7, 8 & 9. The purpose is

to nominate candidates for their respective district trustees, who will then be elected to the Board of Trustees at the annual meeting on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017. District meetings also provide members with an opportunity to meet the current trustees and staff from TCEC, as well as discuss cooperative-related business.

We welcome your input and hope to see you at your district meeting!

District Meeting Dates & Times

District meetings will be held in July for TCEC members living in Districts 7, 8 & 9. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. Business meetings begin at 6:00 p.m.

DISTRICT 8 MEETINGMonday, July 24

Lake Bird Methodist Church2960 Lake Bird Church Rd.

Perry, Fla.

DISTRICT 9 MEETINGTuesday, July 25

Blue Creek Baptist Church21028 Beach Rd.

Perry, Fla.

DISTRICT 7 MEETINGThusday, July 27

Shiloh AME ChurchHighway 257

Monticello, Fla.

Information on Becoming a Candidate for TrusteeIf you are a member

wanting to be nominated as a candidate for district trustee at your district meeting, you must notify the Cooperative in writing at its headquar-ters in Madison no less than 21 days before your district meeting. Trustee candi-dates must be members of Tri-County Electric Coopera-tive and they must live in the district represented.

Anyone interested in running for trustee should contact Eileen Herndon at 1-800-999-2285 or eherndon@tcec.com to get information regarding the election process and respon-sibility of being a trustee.

Legend

DIST. 1 - JUNIOR SMITH MADISON COUNTY

DIST. 2 - BOBBY DODD TAYLOR COUNTY

DIST. 3 - DONNIE WALDREP MADISON COUNTY

DIST. 4 - GEORGE WEBB MADISON COUNTY

DIST. 5 - CATHERINE BETHEA - SECRETARY - TREASURER TAYLOR COUNTY

DIST. 6 - GARY FULFORD - PRESIDENT JEFFERSON COUNTY

DIST. 7 - ALBERT THOMAS, JR - VICE PRESIDENT JEFFERSON COUNTY

DIST. 8 - MALCOLM PAGE TAYLOR COUNTY

DIST. 9 - ELMER COKER TAYLOR COUNTY

May & June 2017 7

2017 Ambassador Meetings Tri-County Electric staff and CEO Julius

Hackett have been on the road traveling throughout our service territory to meet with TCEC Ambassadors.

Ambassadors are an exclusive group of TCEC members with an interest in supporting not only the Cooperative, but the Cooperative programs available to all members. This year’s meetings began with dinner, followed by presentations from Community Relations Specialist Kaitlynn Culpepper and Mr. Hackett. Topics included Energizing Education, TCEC Scholarship, and Medical Essential Service.

Mr. Hackett spoke on Solar Energy and announced the kick-off of our Co-op Solar program. The discussion portion of every evening was filled with talk about the future of solar energy, giving TCEC staff and representatives from Seminole Electric Cooperative the opportunity to address any questions or concerns.

Before each evening concluded, a drawing for door prizes was held.

Ambassadors left informed and

energized to spread the word about the various programs available to our members.

Ambassador meetings are held every 18 months in Madison, Perry, Monticello and Steinhatchee. If you are interested in being a TCEC Ambassador, contact Kaitlynn

Culpepper, kculpepper@tcec.com. You can be a part of a program that helps your cooperative increase member satisfaction and member engagement by giving your cooperative a unique insight from our member’s perspective.

8 May & June 2017

Summary of the By-laws of Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. Pertaining to Membership, Annual

Meetings, Board Representation and Qualification, and Nomination and Election to the Board of Trustees

MEMBERSHIP 1. Any person, firm, association, corporation, or body politic or

subdivision thereof may become a member of the Cooperative by: a. Filing a written application for membership; b. Agreeing to purchase electrical energy from the Cooperative; c. Agreeing to comply with and be bound by the Articles of

Incorporation and By-Laws of the Cooperative, and any rules and regulations adopted by the Board of Trustees; and

d. Paying the membership fee provided by the By-Laws of the Cooperative, and being accepted for membership by the Board of Trustees or the members. No member may hold more than one (1) membership in the Cooperative, and no membership shall be transferrable.

2. A husband and wife may, if they desire, apply for a joint membership.

ANNUAL MEETINGS 1. The Annual Meeting of the members of the Cooperative is held on the

Third Saturday in September of each year, in either Madison, Jefferson or Taylor County, Florida. The place at which an Annual Meeting is to be held is designated in the Notice of such Annual Meeting given to the members of the Cooperative prior to each Annual Meeting.

BOARD REPRESENTATION1. The territory served by the Cooperative is divided into nine (9)

districts. Each district is represented by one (1) Trustee. The Trustees from the nine (9) districts constitute the Board of Trustees of the Cooperative.

2. The Board of Trustees manages the business and affairs of the Cooperative. The Board of Trustees exercises all the powers of the Cooperative except such powers as are conferred upon or reserved to the members by law, or the Articles of Incorporation or the By-Laws of the Cooperative.

QUALIFICATIONS OR ELIGIBILITY TO SERVE AS A TRUSTEE 1. To serve as a Trustee of the Cooperative, a person must:

a. Be a natural person; b. Is not a current employee and if a former employee who was not in

good standing at time employment ended, a minimum three years must have elapsed;

c. Has been subjected to a criminal background check and credit check;

d. Is a member in good standing of the cooperative without any disconnections for non-payment of utility services within last five years;

e. Be a bona fide full-time resident of the district which member plans to represent for at least 12 months preceding nomination;

f. Has the capacity to enter into legally binding contracts; g. Does not have a financial interest in or relationship with an outside

organization or individual having business dealings with the Cooperative if it would likely impair the ability of the trustee to serve the best interests of the cooperative; and annually complete and sign a conflict-of-interest certification and disclosure form;

h. Is not related to a current trustee as defined in the Conflict of Interest Board Policy;

i. Has not been previously removed as a trustee, or has not resigned as a trustee while a proceeding to remove member was pending;

j. Has not been convicted of or have pleaded guilty to a felony or first degree misdemeanor;

k. Attend at least two-thirds of all board meetings each year while a trustee.

NOMINATION AND ELECTION PROCEDURES FOR ELECTION TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES1. A person may be nominated as a candidate for Trustee at a District

Meeting of the members of a district or at the Annual Meeting of the members of the Cooperative.

2. Not less than thirty (30) days nor more than sixty (60) days before any meeting of the members of the Cooperative at which Trustees are to be elected, a separate meeting of the members of each district comprising a part of the territory served by the Cooperative shall be called at a suitable place in each district for the purpose of selecting two (2) persons as candidates for Trustee to represent the members located within such district.

3. Any member who intends to seek a nomination to be a candidate for trustee (including incumbent trustees) must notify the Cooperative in writing at its headquarters in Madison, Florida at least 21 days before the district meeting at which nominations for trustee are to be made. After receiving such written notice, the Cooperative will confirm that the member is a resident of the district for which he/she intends to be a candidate for trustee, and is otherwise qualified to be a trustee.

4. If more than one candidate is nominated, the two candidates receiving the highest number of votes shall be declared the official candidates of the district. The names of the candidates selected at the District Meeting as the official candidates for each district shall be placed in nomination for the office of Trustee of such district by the Secretary of the Cooperative at the next meeting of the members of the Cooperative at which Trustees are to be elected. At such meeting of the members, additional nominations for Trustee for a particular district may be made from the floor, provided that the person making such additional nomination must reside in the same voting district as the person whom the member desires to nominate as a candidate for Trustee; and provided further, that any member desiring to make an additional nomination for trustee from the floor must, at least fifteen (15) days prior to an Annual or Special Meeting of the members at which trustees are to be elected, file at the Main Headquarters Building of the Cooperative in Madison County, Florida, with the Secretary of the cooperative or a person designated in writing by the Secretary of the Cooperative, a written statement of the intention of such member to make such additional nomination from the floor and list in such written statement the name of the member he intends to nominate from the floor.

5. After all nominations are made, an election is held by printed or xeroxed ballots, with the names of the candidates arranged by districts. Each member of the Cooperative present at the meeting is entitled to vote for one (1) candidate from the district in which the member receives service. a.) No voting by mail or proxy is permitted; b.) Each member is entitled to only one (1) vote; c.) For a joint membership (allowed only for a husband and wife), the vote of either separately or both jointly shall constitute one (1) joint vote. d.) The candidate from each district receiving the highest number of votes is elected Trustee from such district.

May & June 2017 9

Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Board Meeting Notes for March 13, 2017

With all trustees, key Cooperative personnel, guests and the attorney present, the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. was held on Monday, March 13, 2017, in the Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. headquarters office building located in Madison, Fla. Reports to the Board included those of the NRECA Annual Meeting, Seminole Electric Cooperative Board meeting, Finance Committee, Policy Committee, Building and Land Committee, and the CEO. The Policy Committee recommended and the Board approved revised Policy 116, “Corporate Communications;” and Policy 117, “Whistleblower.” Proposed revised Policy 118, “Emergency Succession Plan,” and proposed revised Policy 201, “Transfer of Funds by Bank Wire,” were distributed for review for possible action at the April Board meeting. Action taken by the Board included the following: approval of the March 13, 2017, Board agenda; the Feb. 13, 2017, Board meeting minutes; authorization for the electric receivable accounts for the fourth quarter 2016, which appears to be uncollectible, for the appropriate accounting designation; and Consent Agenda items as written and recommended by the CEO, which included the WPCA for March 2017 as established by resolution; RUS Form 7 for January 2017; the list of new members for Jan. 17–Feb. 21, 2017; Safety and Accident Report for January 2017 along with the System Outage Report. Upcoming meetings and events were discussed.

Gary Fulford Catherine BetheaPresident Secretary-Treasurer

Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Board Meeting Notes for Feb. 13, 2017

With all trustees, key Cooperative personnel, guests and the attorney present, the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. was held on Monday, Feb. 13, 2017, in the Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. headquarters office building located in Madison, Fla. Reports to the Board included those of the Florida Electric Cooperatives Association Board meeting, Seminole Electric Cooperative Board meeting, Finance Committee, Policy Committee, Building and Land Committee, the CEO and Attorney. The Policy Committee recommended and the Board approved revised Policy 102, “Functions of the Board of Trustees;” Policy 105, “Conflict of Interest and Related Party Transactions;” Policy 107, “Fee Payment and Expense Reimbursement to Trustees for the Performance of Other Cooperative Business;” Policy 115, “Cooperative Redistricting;” and Policy 508, “Travel While on Cooperative Business.” Proposed revised Policy 116, “Corporate Communications,” and proposed revised Policy 117, “Whistleblower,” were distributed for review for possible action at the March Board meeting. Other action taken by the Board included the following: approval of the Feb. 13, 2017, Board agenda; the Jan. 9, 2017, Board meeting minutes; Work Order Inventories (RUS Forms 219) for January–September 2016; adoption of a resolution and accompanying Secretary’s Certificate authorizing the execution of all documents having to do with FFB/RUS loan; and Consent Agenda items as written and recommended by the CEO, which included the WPCA for February 2017 as established by resolution; RUS Form 7 for December 2016; the list of new members for Dec. 20, 2016–Jan. 16, 2017; Safety and Accident Report for December 2016 along with the System Outage Report. The attorney updated the Board on pending legal matters.

Gary Fulford Catherine BetheaPresident Secretary-Treasurer

BOARD MEETINGSThe regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of

Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. will be held the second Monday in each month at 3:00 p.m. in the central office building of the Cooperative located at 2862 West U.S. 90, approximately two miles west of the city of Madison.

This Publication’s Inspirational Moment“Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, ‘I am the light

of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.’”

John 8:12 (NLT)

HOLIDAY CLOSINGSAll Tri-County Electric Cooperative offices

will be closed Monday, May 29, 2017, in observance of Memorial Day and Tuesday, July 4, 2017, in observance of Independence Day. We will have standby crews available for power restoration if needed. Please see “To Report Electrical Problems or Outages” on Page 11 in this issue if you need to report an outage or other major electrical problem on these two days.

10 May & June 2017

To Report Electrical Problems or Outages

Please Call:

850-973-2285 or

1-800-999-228524-HOUR SERVICE

THANK YOU

Tri-County Rural LivingVol. XX No. VMay & June 2017

TRI-COUNTY RURAL LIVING, the voice of your member-owned, taxpaying electric utility, is published bimonthly — more if necessary — through the auspices of Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. as a service to its member-owners. Postage is paid at Blountstown, Fla.

BOARD OF TRUSTEESJunior Smith, CCD, BLC

D-1Bobby Dodd, CCD, BLC, DGC

D-2Donnie Waldrep

D-3George Webb, CCD

D-4Catherine Bethea, CCD, BLC, DGC

Secretary-Treasurer, D-5Gary Fulford, CCD

President, D-6Albert Thomas, Jr., CCD, BLC, DGC

Vice President, D-7Malcolm V. Page, CCD, BLC, DGC

D-8Elmer Coker, CCD, BLC, DGC

D-9

EDITORIAL OFFICES2862 West US 90

Madison, FL • (850) 973-2285PUBLICATION COMMITTEE

Julius HackettCEO

Eileen HerndonExecutive Assistant

Kaitlynn CulpepperCommunity Relations Specialist

Michael Curtis, Madison Media Group

WriterSTAFF

Jeff BrewerManager – Engineering

Stephanie CarrollManager – Corporate Services

Darrell TutenManager – OperationsWendell M. Williams

Manager – Finance

Send CHANGE OF ADDRESS NOTICES to:Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc.

2862 West US 90Madison, FL 32340

Keep warm summer air outside where it belongs! Add caulk and weatherstripping to seal air leaks around leaky doors and windows.

Source: U.S. Dept. of Energy

Caramel Chocolate CheesecakeIngredients

12 chocolate sandwich cookies, about 1 c., finely crushed

3 tbsp. butter, melted¾ c. caramel sauce3 (8 oz.) packages of cream cheese¾ c. sugar1 tbsp. vanilla3 eggs¼ c. dark chocolate or semi-sweet

chocolate chips, melted¼ c. chopped pecans, toasted if desired

Instructions1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Crush

the chocolate sandwich cookies in a large freezer-weight, resealable, plastic bag using a rolling pin. Combine the crumbs with the melted butter and press the mixture into the bottom of 9" or 10" spring-form pan. Pour ½ c. of the caramel

sauce over this crust, and spread it out lightly with a spatula.

2. Refrigerate the caramel-coated crust for 10 mins.

3. Beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed just until each one is blended. Pour this mixture over the refrigerated crust. Place the spring-form pan on a large foil-lined baking sheet prior to placing it in the oven.

4. Bake 65–70 mins, until the center is almost set. Run a knife around the edges of the pan while it is still warm. Let cool at room temperature and then refrigerate for 4 hrs or

overnight before removing the sides of the pan.

5. Once the sides of the pan have been removed, sprinkle the pecans across the top of the cheesecake and then drizzle with both the remaining caramel and the melted chocolate. Store remaining cheesecake in the refrigerator. Enjoy!

This turtle cheesecake is a dessert that gets talked about long after the plates are cleaned.

May & June 2017 11

Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc.2862 West US 90Madison, FL 32340

TCEC Right-of-Way CrewClearing the Way for Power