In this week’s safety video, Kentucky Electric Cooperatives Safety instructor, Tony Dempsey, explains the importance of a personal voltage detectors in the field. With their schedule of training and safety talks interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, our safety instructors are releasing weekly videos for local co-op personnel while adhering to social distancing guidelines. Be sure to subscribe to the statewide office’s YouTube channel. The safety team is also conducting live video conferences with local cooperatives by request.

Carol Leavell Barr, the wife of Kentucky Congressman Andy Barr, died unexpectedly at the family’s home in Lexington on Tuesday night, according to Barr’s office. She was 39.

“Congressman Andy Barr’s wife Carol passed away suddenly tonight at the family home in Lexington,” said Barr’s Chief of Staff Mary Rosado in a statement. “During this tragic time, we respectfully ask for privacy for Congressman Barr and his family to grieve Mrs. Barr being called home to heaven. Congressman Barr may release a more detailed statement at a later date, but right now is solely focused on being a father to his two beautiful daughters.”

Andy and Carol Barr married in 2009 and have two young daughters, Eleanor and Mary Clay.

“Kentucky’s electric cooperatives joins all of Kentucky in expressing deep sympathy to Congressman Barr, Andy and Carol’s children and their extended families upon this incredible loss. Our co-op family is praying for you,” said Chris Perry, president of Kentucky Electric Cooperatives.
Elected leaders and notable figures of all political backgrounds united in an outpouring of tributes and expressions of sympathy.

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell:
“Elaine and I are stunned and heartbroken at the news of Carol’s passing. Her warmth filled whatever room she entered and her contributions made Kentucky a better place for all of us. And to Eleanor and Mary Clay, Carol was a wonderful role model and source of constant love. We send our sincere condolences to Andy, their family and his staff at this terribly painful time.”

U.S. Sen. Rand Paul:
“Our hearts are heavy tonight. Kelley and I offer our deepest condolences to Rep. Andy Barr, his two daughters, family, and friends. Please join us in praying for them during this incredibly difficult time.”

Governor Andy Beshear:
“Britainy and I are heartbroken for U.S. Rep. Andy Barr and his family tonight at the sad news of the unexpected passing of the congressman’s wife, Carol. We are praying for the Barr family.”

Congressman Hal Rogers:
Cynthia & I extend our deepest condolences to our friend Rep. Andy Barr and his sweet daughters. Carol was always a joy to be around. She had a smile that lit up every room, radiating with the love she had for her family & our state. Unexpected tragedies of this measure are difficult to understand, but we pray for peace and strength for the entire Barr family.”

Congressman Brett Guthrie:
“Beth and I are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden death of Carol Barr. I have known Carol and her family for years, and I always enjoyed spending time with her and Andy. Carol was a devoted mother to their two daughters and a lifelong Kentuckian. Please join Beth and me in praying for the Barr family as they mourn this devastating loss.”

Congressman James Comer:
“TJ and I are devastated to learn of the passing of my friend and colleague Rep. Andy Barr’s wife, Carol. Our prayers go out to Andy and his beautiful daughters during this unimaginable time.”

Eli Capilouto, University of Kentucky President:
“Mary Lynne and I extend our deepest condolences to Congressman Andy Barr, his daughters and his family in the tragic loss of Carol. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers will be with them during this time.”

Attorney General Daniel Cameron:
“Heartbroken to learn of Carol Barr’s passing. Carol was a wonderful mother and wife, and she was beloved by all who knew her. She will be deeply missed. My heartfelt prayers are with Andy, their children, and their entire family as they mourn this unspeakable loss.”

Secretary of State Michael Adams:
“I remember the day years ago when my friend Andy Barr told me about the extraordinary woman he’d met, and how he thought she was the one. He was right on both. My heart breaks for Carol, Andy and their beautiful family.”

Treasurer Allison Ball:
“We are heartbroken by the passing of our friend Carol Barr, wife of Congressman Andy Barr. They attended our wedding. The memories I have of her are of kindness, warmth, understanding, & encouragement. She is deeply missed. Praying for Andy and their two precious, young daughters.”

Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Ryan Quarles:
“As a Scott County native, I have known Carol my entire life,” said Commissioner Quarles. “Carol was a valued member of our community, a wife, and, above all, a mother to two daughters. Every time I saw her, she had a smile on her face, which shined like the Kentucky sun. I mourn the loss of my friend and cannot imagine the level of grief Andy and his family are experiencing. My prayers are with Andy and his daughters during this time. I ask that all of Kentucky join me in praying for them.”

Auditor of Public Accounts Mike Harmon:
“My heart goes out to Andy on the sudden passing of his beautiful wife and wonderful mother to their two girls, Carol. My family and I ask all Kentuckians to extend your heartfelt sympathy to the Barr and Leavell families, not only now but in the days and weeks to come.
As written in Proverbs 18:22, ‘He who finds a wife finds a good thing. And obtains favor from the Lord.'”

U.S. Senate candidate Amy McGrath (who challenged Barr in 2018):
“My heart goes out to Andy and his two daughters over the tragic loss of Carol. They are in our prayers. While we were political competitors, we are Kentuckians first. I hope they feel the love of many and we wish him great strength during this very trying time.”

U.S. Senate candidate Mike Broihier:
“Lynn and I are sad to hear of the passing of Congressman Andy Barr’s wife, Carol. Rep. Barr, you and your young ones are in our hearts tonight, and you’re welcome on our farm any time.”

Josh Hicks, Democratic candidate for Congress:
“My prayers are with Rep. Andy Barr, his children, and his entire family. This is an unimaginable loss. While we may disagree politically, we’re both family men and I can’t fathom the pain he must be experiencing right now.”

Kentucky Secretary of Transportation Jim Gray, (former Lexington mayor):
“Carol Barr was loving, caring and compassionate. Her smile and spirit were irrepressible and her life represented devotion to family and friends and the broader community she embraced and touched each day. My sympathies to Rep. Andy Barr and their children and his full family.”

In this week’s safety video, Kentucky Electric Cooperatives Safety instructor, Tony Dempsey, helps you avoid sprains and strains in the workplace. With their schedule of training and safety talks interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, our safety instructors are releasing weekly videos for local co-op personnel while adhering to social distancing guidelines. Be sure to subscribe to the statewide office’s YouTube channel. The safety team is also conducting live video conferences with local cooperatives by request.

You hear a lot of calls for bipartisanship in Frankfort and in Washington, D.C., but what does that actually mean?

For some people, being bipartisan means coming around to their way of thinking. To others, it can mean putting party allegiances aside for the sake of a particular goal.

Kentucky Electric Cooperatives is a nonpartisan association that supports the 26 electric co-ops serving approximately 1.5 million people in 117 of Kentucky’s 120 counties. Because we are nonpartisan, we work with people from all political stripes to advance the interests of you, our local co-op consumer-members.

Gov. Andy Beshear said it well in his inaugural address: “Kentuckians have more in common—regardless of what party we belong to—than any national divisions that can pull us apart. We are on the same team.” I couldn’t agree more.

We are proud to partner with Beshear, a Democrat, on Beautify the Bluegrass (see page 10). This annual campaign to encourage homegrown improvement projects across the commonwealth was started by former Gov. Matt Bevin, a Republican.

Just as we partnered in 2016 with then-Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes, a Democrat, to launch our Co-ops Vote campaign, for the 2020 election, we are joining forces with newly elected Secretary of State Michael Adams, a Republican.

As you may have seen in the January issue of Kentucky Living, our 26 electric co-op leaders selected Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to receive the Distinguished Rural Kentuckian award in November for his significant contributions to rural Kentucky. Though our association does not track the party affiliations of everyone who has received this award, of the previous elected leaders who have been honored since the award started in 1982, nine have been Democrats and four, like McConnell, are Republicans.

Just as we published a candidate forum with both Beshear and Bevin for last year’s governor’s race, Kentucky Living plans to publish a preview in the October issue covering this fall’s election for president and U.S. Senate.

We understand this means that occasionally you may read about a public official you oppose for one reason or another. Please know that our nonpartisan commitment is to local electric co-ops, their members and the quality of life in Kentucky.

With the uncertainty of COVID-19 restrictions in Kentucky and in the interest of safety, Kentucky Electric Cooperatives decided on Wednesday to cancel the 2020 Kentucky Lineman’s Rodeo, originally scheduled for October 1-2 at Jackson Purchase Energy in Paducah. The statewide association board of directors discussed the decision on its virtual meeting.

Tentative plans for the 2021 rodeo call for Jackson Purchase Energy to host. The co-op is relocating to new headquarters in 2021.

“Our biggest concern is always safety,” said Tony Dempsey, Kentucky Electric Cooperatives safety instructor. “While the rodeo is a tremendous opportunity to share this safety commitment, the decision to cancel this year’s event also demonstrates the Kentucky co-op safety culture.”

“With the guidelines and restrictions we would be under, we felt that the rodeo would not meet the standards that Kentucky co-ops expect,” added safety instructor Randy Meredith.

Several co-ops had indicated they were unlikely to participate in the 2020 rodeo.

“The lessons learned at the rodeo continue to be important,” said Charlie Lewis, Kentucky Electric Cooperatives safety instructor. ”We pledge to work hard to communicate safety messages, support training and help JPEC make 2021 the best Kentucky Lineman’s Rodeo ever.”

In this week’s safety video, Kentucky Electric Cooperatives Safety instructor Charlie Lewis stresses the importance of reporting workplace injuries. With their schedule of training and safety talks interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, our safety instructors are releasing weekly videos for local co-op personnel while adhering to social distancing guidelines. Be sure to subscribe to the statewide office’s YouTube channel. The safety team is also conducting live video conferences with local cooperatives by request.

In this week’s safety video, Kentucky Electric Cooperatives Safety instructor Randy Meredith addresses the dangers of heat related illnesses. With their schedule of training and safety talks interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, our safety instructors are releasing weekly videos for local co-op personnel while adhering to social distancing guidelines. Be sure to subscribe to the statewide office’s YouTube channel. The safety team is also conducting live video conferences with local cooperatives by request.

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today Kentucky received $13,745,001 to support low-income households with home energy costs impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. These federal funds, distributed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, were made available by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Senator McConnell introduced the CARES Act, which became the largest economic rescue package in American history, and led it to enactment in about a week. “Across Kentucky, the coronavirus poses serious health and economic challenges for almost everyone. I’m proud the bold legislation I introduced is delivering much-needed assistance for vulnerable Kentucky families,” said Senator McConnell. “As families struggle to make ends meet during this crisis, these federal funds will help keep the lights on. My position as Senate Majority Leader helps give me the opportunity to take care of Kentucky, and I’m working to ensure our communities get the relief they need to beat this virus.” In addition to these federal funds, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act has had an $11 billion impact on Kentucky so far. Senator McConnell’s legislation has delivered $3.4 billion in relief to address urgent housing, transportation, healthcare, education and economic development priorities. His legislation also created the Paycheck Protection Program, which is helping nearly 44,000 Kentucky small businesses access over $5.3 billion in loans to keep their lights on and employees on payroll. Kentucky families have also received more than $3.2 billion in Economic Impact Payments from the U.S. Treasury.

Have you been a little stir-crazy? Have you been missing friends and family? How has school been going at home with your kids?

I have been struggling with the essential lockdown of our country. This is the time of year when I generally travel around the state to each of our 26 local electric cooperatives—from Paintsville to Paducah and from Gamaliel to Germantown—to attend annual meetings.

Many of those meetings in May and June have been rescheduled for later in the year, while some co-ops plan to hold virtual meetings and/or drive-thru registration instead. Thanks to all of you for your continued interest and participation as our co-ops adjust schedules.

Kentucky is beautiful and may be the best kept secret in the country. Our people are strong and resilient. Kentuckians are also kind. During this pandemic, I have seen this strength in our nurses and doctors. They have been quick to point out that this virus is dangerous and that we should heed the warnings.

I want to personally thank all the health care professionals and all the others who have been on the front lines during this war. These amazing Kentuckians prove how strong and kind we are.

It doesn’t matter where I am in the state, our citizens are warm, caring and willing to help in any way. Monthly in Kentucky Living, we introduce you to the unique characters and people who make our state special and we highlight interesting places and communities.

It’s also the time of year when I normally become sentimental over our state song with the Kentucky Derby, which usually takes place the first Saturday in May but has been moved to September this year.

My Old Kentucky Home is a wonderful song that makes me think of the warm, sunny days we yearn for at this time of year. I think back to times of sitting on the porch with my grandmother and preparing homegrown green beans, and waving at cars going by.

The sun will shine bright again on our Old Kentucky Home. I know that this spring has been difficult—as the song says, hard times come a knocking at the door. I can’t wait to drive down the parkway and see the corn and beans growing. I am going to look forward to the harvest once again.

May God bless and hold close each of you and your family and friends.

February started simply enough with electric co-op employees across Kentucky following the early advice of public health experts to increase handwashing and decrease physical contact with others.

As COVID-19 pandemic concerns intensified in March, cooperatives responded with characteristic discipline, setting into motion procedures and policies for the safety of consumer-members and employees.

Disasters are what electric-co-ops know well. Staffs are trained to respond quickly and safely to ensure consumer-members have electricity. 

Safety steps co-ops are taking

At Farmers RECC’s offices in Glasgow and Munfordville, the first steps included closing the lobbies and a regular deep cleaning of commonly touched surfaces.

“We have redeployed our workforce as much as possible, including alternating employee shifts and disbursing employees among different locations,” says Farmers President and CEO Bill Prather. “We want to assure our members that Farmers RECC has taken multiple steps to ensure continuous, normal business operations with a focus on serving our members with safe, reliable, affordable service, as always.”

In Paintsville, Big Sandy RECC implemented the highest level of its pandemic plan. With the exception of its billing department, employees are working from home. Customer service representatives work alternating shifts.

“Our CSRs wear latex gloves and disinfect payments and paperwork received in the drive-thru and the mail,” says Big Sandy RECC President Bruce Aaron Davis. “We are also practicing social distancing while in the office.”

Staggered shifts for line crews are also the new practice at Jackson Energy Cooperative in southeastern Kentucky. The co-op’s safety culture extends beyond the workday. All employees and their families have been encouraged to stay home when they are not working and on their personal time off.

“With the uncertainty created by the coronavirus pandemic, we know our members are facing many concerns,” says Carol Wright, president and CEO. “Jackson Energy is dedicated to finding the best solutions for our membership while ensuring the continued safety of our employees and our members during this difficult time.”

Electric co-ops critical and essential

Co-op employees and contractors are among the workers in critical infrastructure industries identified by the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency as essential to continued infrastructure viability.

“With so many cooperative members isolated at home, it is critically important that we maintain reliable electric service,” says Anthony “Tony” Campbell, president and CEO of East Kentucky Power Cooperative, Winchester, which provides power to 16 electric distribution co-ops in central and southeastern Kentucky.

In addition to such measures as teleconferencing, limiting travel and strict social distancing, EKPC is taking special care in its role as a major power supplier to co-ops serving consumer-members in 87 counties in Kentucky and to PJM Interconnection, the nation’s largest electrical grid. Some work areas have been isolated. Critical staff such as plant operators and line crews have been isolated, and shifts have been separated.

“EKPC is doing everything we can to keep our employees healthy and to prevent the spread of illness, so we can keep the power flowing,” Campbell says.

To help consumer-members to pay their electric bill safely, cooperatives are encouraging them to use electronic transactions via co-op websites and mobile apps. In addition, most drive-thrus remain open and night-deposit boxes can accept payments. (Please check with your local electric co-op or see the center section in this issue to confirm before going.)

“We understand the challenges and overwhelming circumstances that many of our consumer-members are facing,” says Greg Grissom, president and CEO of Jackson Purchase Energy Cooperative in Paducah. “JPEC will not disconnect consumer-members or charge late fees for a limited time. While this is not our normal procedure, we are sensitive to the unforeseen circumstances and financial burden being placed on many of our consumer-members.”

This is the case at many electric cooperatives, but consumer-members are encouraged to pay at least a portion of their bill as they are able. This will help avoid a large multi-month balance when the pandemic is over. Contact your co-op for payment options.