2018 Annual Meeting
Business, Gratitude on Display at NCEC Annual Meeting
THERE ARE MANY REASONS NAVARRO COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE members are drawn to the co-op’s annual meeting year
after year. Some show up for the door prizes. Others come to hear the business of their cooperative. And many attend simply to catch up
with old friends and make new ones. For firsttime attendees like Kenneth Smallwood, it’s an opportunity to see the cooperative community
in action.
“I just wanted to see what it’s all about. I’ve never come before,” said Smallwood,
a recently retired postal carrier of 30 years. Though he’s been a Navarro County
EC member since 1999, his Saturday delivery shift in the Kerens and Richland
Chambers Lake areas consistently conflicted with the annual meeting.
“I always wanted to come,” he said, “but I wasn’t going to take a day off for it.”
Now that he’s retired, Smallwood was able to join more than 130 other members
May 5 for this year’s meeting at Navarro College’s Cook Center in Corsicana.
He took a seat at the back of the hall and waited for business to commence.
Meanwhile, other members continued to arrive, strolling into the sunlit foyer of the
Cook Center to register and collect attendance gifts.
Shortly before 10 a.m., NCEC Board President Ron Buckley called the meeting to order and introduced co-op attorney Philip Segrest, who
oversaw the business portion of the meeting. Read more»
THERE ARE MANY REASONS NAVARRO COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE members are drawn to the co-op’s annual meeting year
after year. Some show up for the door prizes. Others come to hear the business of their cooperative. And many attend simply to catch up
with old friends and make new ones. For firsttime attendees like Kenneth Smallwood, it’s an opportunity to see the cooperative community
in action.
“I just wanted to see what it’s all about. I’ve never come before,” said Smallwood,
a recently retired postal carrier of 30 years. Though he’s been a Navarro County
EC member since 1999, his Saturday delivery shift in the Kerens and Richland
Chambers Lake areas consistently conflicted with the annual meeting.
“I always wanted to come,” he said, “but I wasn’t going to take a day off for it.”
Now that he’s retired, Smallwood was able to join more than 130 other members
May 5 for this year’s meeting at Navarro College’s Cook Center in Corsicana.
He took a seat at the back of the hall and waited for business to commence.
Meanwhile, other members continued to arrive, strolling into the sunlit foyer of the
Cook Center to register and collect attendance gifts.
Shortly before 10 a.m., NCEC Board President Ron Buckley called the meeting to order and introduced co-op attorney Philip Segrest, who
oversaw the business portion of the meeting. Read more»
NCEC News
Copyright © 2003-2018 NCEC, Inc. All Rights Reserved
WE WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE
RICKY TRULL AND CHARlOTTE WEAVER for
a combined 75 years of no lost-time injuries
on the job. During Trull’s 40-year career in
line construction and Weaver’s 35 years in
member services, they have helped NCEC
provide affordable and reliable electric
service to its members. Employees like Trull
and Weaver help set the example for safety
that others should follow on and off the job.
RICKY TRULL AND CHARlOTTE WEAVER for
a combined 75 years of no lost-time injuries
on the job. During Trull’s 40-year career in
line construction and Weaver’s 35 years in
member services, they have helped NCEC
provide affordable and reliable electric
service to its members. Employees like Trull
and Weaver help set the example for safety
that others should follow on and off the job.
June 2018
ALFRED LEWIS MARTIN WAS BORN SEPTEMBER 15, 1923, IN PELHAM, NAVARRO COUNTY, to Lewis and Holly Caruthers Martin. After
finishing his formal education, Martin transferred to active military duty August 23, 1943. He trained at Kearns, Utah, assigned to the 3rd
Army then reassigned to the Army Air Force with the 2143rd Base Unit in Tuskegee, Alabama. He served as an Air Force mechanic for the
Tuskegee Airmen and as a troubleshooter and flight chief for radio communications in advanced training. He was awarded the Good Conduct
Medal, Medal for Outstanding Soldier in the 3rd Army in Europe and the Victory Medal. Martin was assigned to training combat units, pursuit
squadron. On February 22, 1946, he was honorably discharged as a first sergeant.
After moving to California, Martin purchased and operated a gas station. He returned home
to Pelham and was a farmer and rancher for more than 60 years. He served on various
agriculture committees and boards, including the Texas Seed and Grain Committee. He loved
Pelham and served as the chairman of the Pelham Community Association for many years.
He was instrumental in getting land donated to the Pelham Cemetery. Martin was named
Farmer of the Year in 1984 by the Corsicana Rotary Club. He served as vice president of
Texas Cotton Program and led the Navarro Pest Management Association.
Martin was elected to the Navarro County Electric Cooperative Board of Directors
in May 1996 and served nearly 22 years until his passing April 29, 2018. We will
miss his knowledge and wisdom as well as his wry sense of humor. When he took a
position, he never backed down, and we always knew where he stood on issues.
He will be missed.
finishing his formal education, Martin transferred to active military duty August 23, 1943. He trained at Kearns, Utah, assigned to the 3rd
Army then reassigned to the Army Air Force with the 2143rd Base Unit in Tuskegee, Alabama. He served as an Air Force mechanic for the
Tuskegee Airmen and as a troubleshooter and flight chief for radio communications in advanced training. He was awarded the Good Conduct
Medal, Medal for Outstanding Soldier in the 3rd Army in Europe and the Victory Medal. Martin was assigned to training combat units, pursuit
squadron. On February 22, 1946, he was honorably discharged as a first sergeant.
After moving to California, Martin purchased and operated a gas station. He returned home
to Pelham and was a farmer and rancher for more than 60 years. He served on various
agriculture committees and boards, including the Texas Seed and Grain Committee. He loved
Pelham and served as the chairman of the Pelham Community Association for many years.
He was instrumental in getting land donated to the Pelham Cemetery. Martin was named
Farmer of the Year in 1984 by the Corsicana Rotary Club. He served as vice president of
Texas Cotton Program and led the Navarro Pest Management Association.
Martin was elected to the Navarro County Electric Cooperative Board of Directors
in May 1996 and served nearly 22 years until his passing April 29, 2018. We will
miss his knowledge and wisdom as well as his wry sense of humor. When he took a
position, he never backed down, and we always knew where he stood on issues.
He will be missed.
IN MARCH, NAVARRO COUNTY ELECTRIC
COOPERATIVE GAVE a three-day, ands-on class on
working with energized conductors to three level-one
apprentices: Gilbert Medrano, Josh Boortz and Breezy
Elder. This class covers the safety of handling energized
conductors, how to correctly use the rubber cover-up
material, electric potential distance and minimum
approach distance. Congratulations to Medrano, Boortz
and Elder for passing this first hot line class. Keep up the
good work.
COOPERATIVE GAVE a three-day, ands-on class on
working with energized conductors to three level-one
apprentices: Gilbert Medrano, Josh Boortz and Breezy
Elder. This class covers the safety of handling energized
conductors, how to correctly use the rubber cover-up
material, electric potential distance and minimum
approach distance. Congratulations to Medrano, Boortz
and Elder for passing this first hot line class. Keep up the
good work.
WE CONGRATULATE GILBERT MEDRANO,
JOSH BOORTZ AND BREEZY ELDER for
completing the first level in NCEC’s Apprenticeship Program
as roundmen/apprentices. Completion of this level involves
on-the-job training and classroom studies, along with written
exams and field exercises.
They have worked on framing poles, climbing poles,
operating equipment, installing transformers, campleting pole-
top and bucket rescues, and have taken first aid, CPR and
AED classes, among other training.
JOSH BOORTZ AND BREEZY ELDER for
completing the first level in NCEC’s Apprenticeship Program
as roundmen/apprentices. Completion of this level involves
on-the-job training and classroom studies, along with written
exams and field exercises.
They have worked on framing poles, climbing poles,
operating equipment, installing transformers, campleting pole-
top and bucket rescues, and have taken first aid, CPR and
AED classes, among other training.
Congratulations, Apprentices!
JIMMY PUTMAN RETIRES WITH 40 YEARS
UNDER HIS LINEMAN’S BELT
Jimmy Putman came to work at Navarro County Electric Cooperative on June 26th,
1978. At first Jimmy worked on the construction crew, building overhead and underground
power lines, while advancing through the Lineman Apprenticeship program. Jimmy was a
dedicated lineman for 37 of those 40 years even though he would eventually move to the
position of Staking Technician.
And now in January 2018 Jimmy Putman has announced his retirement. Although, we will
miss him in the future, Jimmy now deserves time for family and personal interests. On
behalf of the Directors and Employees of NCEC we would like to wish Jimmy the best!
UNDER HIS LINEMAN’S BELT
Jimmy Putman came to work at Navarro County Electric Cooperative on June 26th,
1978. At first Jimmy worked on the construction crew, building overhead and underground
power lines, while advancing through the Lineman Apprenticeship program. Jimmy was a
dedicated lineman for 37 of those 40 years even though he would eventually move to the
position of Staking Technician.
And now in January 2018 Jimmy Putman has announced his retirement. Although, we will
miss him in the future, Jimmy now deserves time for family and personal interests. On
behalf of the Directors and Employees of NCEC we would like to wish Jimmy the best!
JESSE HUFFMAN ENTERED THE APPRENTICESHIP
PROGRAM IN 2014, AND ALEX MENDEZ
started in 2015. Through classroom and on-the-job training,
Huffman and Mendez have completed Level 3 training. The
training they received from our foreman and senior linemen will
better equip them to provide our members with reliable electric
service. Huffman and Mendez have one more level before
becoming linemen with NCEC.
PROGRAM IN 2014, AND ALEX MENDEZ
started in 2015. Through classroom and on-the-job training,
Huffman and Mendez have completed Level 3 training. The
training they received from our foreman and senior linemen will
better equip them to provide our members with reliable electric
service. Huffman and Mendez have one more level before
becoming linemen with NCEC.
Congratulations, Apprentices!
Left to right: Steve Stelwagen, 5 years; Tempi Briggs,
5 years; Ricky Trull, 40 years; Clowie
Lewis, 35 years; Charlotte Weaver, 35 years; and
Jared Taylor, 5 years. Not pictured: Director
George Smith, 30 years
5 years; Ricky Trull, 40 years; Clowie
Lewis, 35 years; Charlotte Weaver, 35 years; and
Jared Taylor, 5 years. Not pictured: Director
George Smith, 30 years
February 2018
Employees and Director
Honored for Service
Honored for Service
January 2018
In Rembrance of Director Alfred L. Martin
April 2018
May 2018
NAVARRO COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE FACES MANY CHALLENGES
each day, particularly when it comes to ensuring safety in the office, while
driving pickups and large bucket trucks, conducting service and construction
work, and reading meters—day and night and in all kinds of weather.
We are proud to report that, as of February 28, NCEC employees have worked
a combined 882,427.5 hours, or 2,517 days, without a lost-time injury. It is a
great acc a lost-time injury. We would like to thank all employees, management
and the board of directors for their dedication and hard work toward achieving
safety.
each day, particularly when it comes to ensuring safety in the office, while
driving pickups and large bucket trucks, conducting service and construction
work, and reading meters—day and night and in all kinds of weather.
We are proud to report that, as of February 28, NCEC employees have worked
a combined 882,427.5 hours, or 2,517 days, without a lost-time injury. It is a
great acc a lost-time injury. We would like to thank all employees, management
and the board of directors for their dedication and hard work toward achieving
safety.
WE WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE
Isaiah Solis for completing the first
phase of his five-year apprenticeship
program as a groundman/apprentice
lineman. Solis has worked with
Navarro County Electric Cooperative
foremen, senior linemen and the
fourth-year apprentice linemen
learning to frame poles, hook up
transformers, install members’ services
and carry out the work of the underground
crew.
Solis also has completed in-house apprentice classes and
field exercises. His next step will be working with secondary
voltages such as 120, 240 and 208 volts. Good job, Isaiah. Keep
up the good work.
Isaiah Solis for completing the first
phase of his five-year apprenticeship
program as a groundman/apprentice
lineman. Solis has worked with
Navarro County Electric Cooperative
foremen, senior linemen and the
fourth-year apprentice linemen
learning to frame poles, hook up
transformers, install members’ services
and carry out the work of the underground
crew.
Solis also has completed in-house apprentice classes and
field exercises. His next step will be working with secondary
voltages such as 120, 240 and 208 volts. Good job, Isaiah. Keep
up the good work.
CONGRATULATIONS TO NCEC'S NEWEST EMPLOYEES
NAVARRO COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE Jahaziel Luviano, Tye Barber, Shafter
Henley and Myles Patton for completing 90-day training periods. These men were hired in the first quarter of 2018 and have
been working in the construction department in both overhead and underground capacities. After meeting the 90-day
requirements, they were offered full-time positions with NCEC.
Barber joins the co-op as a lineman while the other three
new hires have entered the apprenticeship program as
groundmen. They have attended safety classes and received
on-the-job training on power line construction and the essential
requirements of safe work practices.
Also, Steve Phillips (far right) returned to NCEC in May as
a staking technician. He previously was employed by the
co-op as a lineman and staking technician from 1982 to 2006.
NAVARRO COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE Jahaziel Luviano, Tye Barber, Shafter
Henley and Myles Patton for completing 90-day training periods. These men were hired in the first quarter of 2018 and have
been working in the construction department in both overhead and underground capacities. After meeting the 90-day
requirements, they were offered full-time positions with NCEC.
Barber joins the co-op as a lineman while the other three
new hires have entered the apprenticeship program as
groundmen. They have attended safety classes and received
on-the-job training on power line construction and the essential
requirements of safe work practices.
Also, Steve Phillips (far right) returned to NCEC in May as
a staking technician. He previously was employed by the
co-op as a lineman and staking technician from 1982 to 2006.
September 2018
October 2018
LINEWORKERS COMPLETE TRAINING
WE WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE Jesse Huffman
AND Alex Mendez for completing Level 4 apprenticeships.
This step is the last in the apprenticeship program. Huffman
and Mendez soon will earn the position of lineman and
continue to help provide reliable and affordable electric
service to our members.
AND Alex Mendez for completing Level 4 apprenticeships.
This step is the last in the apprenticeship program. Huffman
and Mendez soon will earn the position of lineman and
continue to help provide reliable and affordable electric
service to our members.
SUPERVISOR TRAINING - NCEC congratulates Matt
Cunningham and Jerad Taylor for completing supervisor
training. We would also like to congratulate Taylor on being
promoted to the position of overhead line crew foreman.
Cunningham and Jerad Taylor for completing supervisor
training. We would also like to congratulate Taylor on being
promoted to the position of overhead line crew foreman.