MLEC Makes Donations to Local Emergency Crews

Creative submissions are welcome until Sept. 23 for grades K-5

(August 27, 2025– Centerville, TN) – Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative invites students in grades K-5 to showcase their creativity in the annual MLEC Poster Contest. This year’s theme is “Meriwether Lewis: Because every moment matters.”

Students are encouraged to illustrate how MLEC powers their homes, schools, and communities through electricity, broadband, and other cooperative services. Grades K-2 and grades 3-5 will be divided into two divisions with prizes awarded in every MLEC-served county.

The deadline for entering is September 23. Submissions must be turned in at the student’s school office by Noon or directly to your local MLEC office by 4:30 p.m. Entry forms are available at area schools and online at www.mlec.com/poster-contest. Home-school students are also eligible.

Contest Rules:

• “Meriwether Lewis: Because every moment matters,” MUST BE ON THE POSTER.

• Poster size is 11 inches tall x 14 inches wide and must be in landscape orientation.

• If materials are applied to the poster, it should be no thicker than 1 inch when laid flat.

• Student’s name, gender, parent/guardian names, address, phone number, grade, school, and teacher must be on the back of the poster.  Preprinted identification tags are available from schools and online.

Winners will be notified by mail and recognized at MLEC membership meetings in October. Prizes include $25 and a bicycle for first; $25 for second; $20 for third; and honorable mention winners receive $10. Additionally, all first-place winners compete for a $100 prize.

For more information, visit mlec.com/poster-contest, contact MLEC Member Services at 931-729-7232 or email vanessa.clayborn@mlec.com

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Perry County educator recognized for her service

(August 6, 2025 – Linden, TN) — Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative celebrated Perry County High School teacher Marlana Nyholt for being selected as the Perry County Teacher of the Year. MLEC District Manager Mike Hickerson (right) and Director of Schools Eric Lomax (left) presented Nyholt with a monetary award from MLEC and plaque from the school district for her accomplishment.

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Lewis County educator recognized for her service

(August 6, 2025 – Hohenwald, TN) — Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative celebrated Lewis County Intermediate School teacher Beth Howard for being selected as the Lewis County Teacher of the Year. MLEC Communications Coordinator Benjamin Armstrong (left) presented Howard (right) with a monetary award and gift from MLEC for her accomplishment.

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Humphreys County educator recognized for her service

(August 6, 2025 – Waverly, TN) — Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative celebrated McEwen High School teacher Tanya Tidwell for being selected as the Humphreys County Teacher of the Year. MLEC District Manager Junior Breeden (right) presented Tidwell (left) a monetary award and gift from MLEC for her accomplishment.

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Houston County educators recognized for their service

Pictured from left to right: MLEC District Manager Jeff Rye, Erin Elementary School’s David Brown, Tennessee Ridge Elementary School’s Emily Moore, Houston County Middle School’s Cameron Chadwick, Houston County High School’s Ronnie Kinkennon and MLEC Member Service Representative Gina Bush.

(August 7, 2025 – Erin, TN) — Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative celebrated Houston County High School’s Ronnie Kinkennon, Houston County Middle School’s Cameron Chadwick, Erin Elementary School’s David Brown and Tennessee Ridge Elementary School’s Emily Moore for being selected as the Houston County Teachers of the Year. MLEC District Manager Jeff Rye and Member Service Representative Gina Bush presented each teacher a monetary award and gift from MLEC for their accomplishment.

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Hickman County educator recognized for service

(August 6, 2025 – Centerville, TN) — Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative celebrated Hickman County Middle School teacher Christie Carter for being selected as the Hickman County Teacher of the Year. MLEC District Manager Matt Chessor (left) and Director of Schools John Mullins (right) presented Carter with a monetary award and gift from MLEC for her accomplishment.

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Trimming set to begin in Hickman County

(August 5, 2025 – Centerville, TN) – Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative will begin right-of -way trimming in Hickman County on August 11 as a part of its ongoing commitment to system reliability.

Two dedicated crews will be working across Hickman County. The first crew will start on Highway 100 from the Hilltop Substation. Their route includes areas such as Johnson Mine Road, Fantasy Drive, Brown Hollow Road, Highway 7, Primm Springs and Locust Creek. The second crew will start on Highway 230 and trim Hassell Creek, Totty’s Bend, Highway 50 and the Shady Grove area. Their work will continue into next year.

At the same time, right-of-way maintenance continues in Humphreys County until the end of the year. Once each crew completes their respective area, they will shift efforts to Perry County.

 “Vegetation management is critical to improving service and reducing outages for our members,” said MLEC President and CEO Keith Carnahan. “Every moment matters, and maintaining our system helps ensure safe, low-cost, reliable power.”

MLEC thanks members in advance for their patience as crews work safely and efficiently. Members may visit mlec.com or social media for updates.   

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MLEC shares August 29 Deadline

(August 1, 2025) — Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative is now accepting applications for its annual Adopt-A-School Grant program. Local educators have until August 29, 2025, to apply for a chance to receive a $1,000 classroom grant available in each MLEC-served county.

Open to kindergarten through 12th-grade teachers and principals, the grants can be used to support classroom needs, enhance lesson plans, or fund unique educational projects that directly benefit students. Applications are available at local schools and online at mlec.com/school-programs. Paper or digital copies should be submitted to MLEC Member Services by the August 29 deadline.

“Teachers shape our future members every single day, and MLEC is proud to stand beside them,” said MLEC President and CEO Keith Carnahan. “Through the Adopt-A-School Grant, we’re helping create brighter paths for students across our communities. It’s one more way MLEC lives our purpose of delivering access to a better tomorrow.”                                                                                                

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Hickman County Rescue Squad and Centerville VFD each receive $1500

Pictured above from left to right: Centerville Volunteer Firefighters Jonathan Dysinger, Ethan Shadowens, Matthew Wright, Ian Hammon, MLEC Board Director Johnnie Ruth Elrod, Board Director Wayne Qualls, Fire Chief Al Baltz, Board Director Zack Hutchens, Kyle Labore, Fire Captain Gregg Johnston, Greg Mobley, and Marvin Dorton.

(July 31, 2025) – At Meriwether Lewis, service goes beyond providing reliable power. It’s about empowering people and programs that make our communities stronger. That’s why MLEC has donated $1500 each to the Hickman County Rescue Squad and the Centerville Volunteer Fire Department to strengthen emergency readiness.

“In April, the MLEC Hilltop Substation caught fire, and our local emergency crews were first to arrive on scene, risking their safety to protect our employees and allowing us to restore service as quickly as possible,” MLEC President and CEO Keith Carnahan said.

“Their dedication is nothing short of heroic. Supporting the Hickman County Rescue Squad and Centerville Volunteer Fire Department is more than a donation. It is a way to say thank you for the countless hours they spend preparing for moments that matter most.”

Pictured above from left to right: MLEC Board Directors Johnnie Ruth Elrod, Zach Hutchens and Wayne Qualls with Hickman County Rescue Squad Chief David McMeen and Reporter Amy McMeen.

These individuals are more than volunteers. They are essential partners in community safety and emergency preparedness. Their commitment to training, maintaining equipment, and responding at a moment’s notice makes a measurable difference in critical situations.

Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative is proud to support the Centerville Volunteer Fire Department and Hickman Rescue Squad as they continue to protect and serve our communities with professionalism and dedication.

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