Intercounty Electric Cooperative will holds its 73rd annual meeting on Friday at Licking’s city park.
A nominating committee met April 8 and nominated candidates to be voted on at the annual membership meeting to fill the vacancies created by the expiring terms of Steve F. Raulston, Frank D. Steward and Merle D. Smith. Named were Raulston, Salem, North District; Steward, Licking, Central District; and Terry Turner, Summersville, South District.
In May, petitions from members of Intercounty Electric Cooperative were received and certified to nominate Keith Steelman, Salem, Central District, and Doyle E. Bradford, Summersville, South District, for three-year terms to be voted upon by the members of the cooperative at the annual membership meeting
Southern District Director Merle Smith of Summersville is retiring this year after 25 years of service. He is vice president. During his tenure he has served on every committee of the cooperative, as well as the Intercounty representative to related cooperative committees and boards such as director on the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives’ board in Jefferson City. Linda Smith, his wife, holds the position of secretary for Intercounty Board Auxiliary and has held previous positions in the statewide auxiliary organization.
While many enjoy the picnic and free barbecue, this event is a vital part of being a cooperative, officials said. The cooperative is locally owned and operated by the members it serves. Besides having a vote for representation, this is their business meeting to hear about the financial condition of the cooperative, the changes and improvements that have been made and future concerns.
Other attractions for the day are the 45 booth craft fair. Texas County Memorial Hospital, St. John’s Clinic, Rolla; Hometown Health and Wellness, Houston; and the Texas County Health Department will provide free health services – bone density, blood sugar, body fat and blood pressure at no cost. Twenty-five dollars will get you a multi-chem profile. Salem Green Forest 4-H will have breakfast available for those who fasted for their tests.
Food, prizes, attendance gifts, coloring contests and a bicycle contest for the kids will help fill the day. A new place to visit will be the PowerTown safety demonstration. Ken Roberts will provide entertainment at 9 a.m. and again at 1 p.m. with a Johnny Cash Tribute.
Officials said an important stop is the “Our Energy, Our Future” booth. By signing an “Our Energy, Our Future” card, members can share their support for rural electric cooperatives in light of the federal climate change legislation. All signed cards that are taken from page 9 of the registration book and received that day or are sent to the office before June 26 will be put in a drawing for a $100 cash prize.