Porch Retains Board Director Seat

MLEC Hosts 85^th Annual Meeting and Humphreys County District Meeting

(October 7, 2024 – Waverly, TN) – Meriwether Lewis held its 85^th Annual Meeting and Humphreys County District Meeting on October 3 where members heard from board members, viewed MLEC’s annual report and received door prizes. Humphreys County Board Director Andy Porch, whose seat was up for reelection, ran unopposed. Therefore, no election was held with Porch retaining his seat.

MLEC Humphreys County Director Jessie Wallace called the district meeting to order, and Attorney John Lee Williams served as temporary chairman, who presided over the meeting held at Waverly Central High School. Hickman-Patterson American Legion Post 34 represented by Post Commander Louis Lomber and Veteran Services Officer Glen Hing presented colors for the Pledge of Allegiance. Pastor Daron Brown from Waverly Church of the Nazarene led the invocation.

Members saw MLEC’s 2024 Annual Report Video, which highlighted service commitments, progress over the past year, reliability upgrade plans, community involvement, and a Meriwether Lewis Connect update. MLEC CFO Blake Harper reported the electric cooperative’s most recent audit and healthy financial standing. Three Board Directors were also recognized for their years of service: Hickman County Board Director Johnnie Ruth Elrod (15 years), Lewis County Board Director Bill Webb (25 years) and Perry County Board Director Ronny Averett (10 years). TVA North Region Customer Relations Manager Lynn Huffstetler and Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association CEO Mike Knotts spoke and updated members about each of their organizations.  MLEC’s new brand and logo were also unveiled for the first time.

Students from our five-county service area were also recognized. Lewis County High School Senior Jaxon Fite and Perry County High School Senior Ellie Ulmer represented MLEC at the Youth Leadership Summit in Nashville last spring and received photo books highlighting their experience. The seven delegates of the Washington Youth Tour Short Story Contest were also recognized for their winning stories and accomplishments. Those include East Hickman High School Senior Sage Clendenion, Hickman County High School Senior Lilli Istre (Not Present), Lewis County High School Senior Jaxon Fite, Perry County High School Senior Kari Byrd, McEwen High School Senior Jacob Brown (not present), Waverly Central High School Senior Bailey Hickman and MLEC’s overall Short Story Contest Winner Houston County High School Senior Charlsie Strech (not present).

Door prize winners were Wanda Culp– one-year membership to the Nashville Zoo; Gail Rosson- bird feeder camera; Ralph Williams- drill set; Marilyn Lagan– Patio Heater; Glen Hing–turkey fryer; Joyce Carter– KitchenAid Mixer; and Dwight Corbitt- iPad donated by MLConnect. All meeting attendees received a tumbler decaled with the new MLEC logo.

“All of us at Meriwether Lewis thank the members for attending and participating in our 85^th Annual Meeting and Humphreys County District meeting,” said MLEC President and CEO Keith Carnahan. “It is an honor to serve you with power and broadband. Every day we strive to deliver the essential services that make your life more comfortable.”