Flippin' the Switch

Send us Fan Mail A light switch feels ordinary until you stand in a place that has never had one. We sit down with journeyman lineman Joe Zernhild from Jones-Onslow EMC, who volunteered for a mission trip to Guatemala alongside 14 linemen from electric cooperatives across North Carolina. It is Joe’s first time out of the country, and he walks us through what it takes to say yes, get outside your c...

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of Flippin' the Switch, we sit down with Trisha Dyal and Carol Jameson to trace how a single handmade “daddy doll” became a nationwide resource for military families, powered by a tiny team of military spouses and volunteers who understand the stakes. April brings special urgency as the Month of the Military Child, and we dig into how local sponsors and busine...

Send us Fan Mail Career Day gets a lot more interesting when the kids take the mic. We’re at Clearview Elementary with students who tell us what they learned about Jones Onslow EMC, what electricity powers in their homes, and what they’d change if they could give “electric powers” to anything from a bed to a flying carpet. Subscribe to Flippin’ the Switch, share this with a parent or teacher, and...

Send us Fan Mail What does it take to turn a “passage to the beach” into a small-town destination? We sit down with Maysville’s town manager, Schumata Brown, to unpack a lifetime of roots, the courage to lead at home, and the practical playbook for rural revival: professional management, grant-first funding, and a community that sees itself with fresh eyes. Schumata shares how growing up where eve...

Send us Fan Mail Your winter bill doesn’t have to be a mystery. We sit down with Member Services representative Staci Berkner to unpack the hidden habits that raise costs, the simple tweaks that actually work, and the free tools that help you manage energy like a pro. From the 68-degree thermostat baseline to spotting when auxiliary heat kicks in, we walk through how to interpret your daily usage,...

Send us Fan Mail A ten-year-old with a big heart is changing the holidays for veterans. Tucker, the force behind In Tucker’s Mailbox , shows how handwritten cards can bring comfort to veterans living in VA homes—and how a simple idea can rally an entire community. We follow his journey from practicing his signature to organizing and hand-delivering thousands of Christmas cards to VA homes in Easte...

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of Flippin' the Switch, we highlight how United Way of Onslow County shows what happens when generosity works like infrastructure—steady, practical, and built to last. Raquel Painter joins us to share how small, consistent acts can have a real impact: students are fed through the CHEW program, families gain access to fresh produce, and neighbors move from cris...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when you take four high school students from small-town North Carolina and drop them into the heart of Washington, DC for a week? Magic, transformation, and lifelong connections. The Electric Cooperative Youth Tour has been sending students to our nation's capital for over 60 years. In this episode, we get a firsthand account from Giana Cadwallader, a Jacksonvill...

Send us Fan Mail Leadership born from experience stands at the heart of our latest Flippin' the Switch episode featuring Ricky Maready, Jones-Onslow EMC's new CEO who brings an extraordinary 37 years of cooperative service to his role. Ricky's journey from load management technician to chief executive offers a masterclass in understanding electric cooperative operations from the gro...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when you flip a switch and nothing happens? Behind every power outage is a team of dedicated professionals working around the clock to restore your service. At the center of this operation are dispatchers - the unsung heroes who coordinate everything from routine maintenance to emergency response. Amanda Wilson, Operations Center Supervisor at Jones-Onslow EMC, pulls...

Send us Fan Mail Grab your peanuts and Cracker Jacks! Summer in Jacksonville means baseball season is in full swing, and we're diving deep into the heart of our hometown team.  Ever wondered how a summer collegiate baseball team comes to life? Dylan Hughes, General Manager of the Jacksonville Ospreys, takes us behind the scenes of creating a baseball tradition from scratch. What began as a si...

Send us Fan Mail Electricity powers our lives, but respecting its potential dangers is crucial for keeping our families safe. In this eye-opening episode of Flippin' the Switch, we're joined by Timmy Hall, a job training and safety specialist from Jones-Onslow EMC, who shares critical electrical safety information every household should know. Whether you're a homeowner, parent, or j...

Send us Fan Mail In honor of Month of the Military Child , we’re spotlighting the power of storytelling to reflect the lives and resilience of military kids. In this heartwarming episode, we sit down with Quincy Martin—Jones-Onslow employee, US Marine veteran, and proud uncle—whose children’s book "Breezy’s World Adventure" draws deeply from his global travels and military service. The s...

Send us Fan Mail Each year, Jones-Onslow EMC holds its Annual Meeting of the Members on the last Friday in March. This meeting provides members with a robust review of the happenings at the cooperative in 2024, including achievements, future plans, and key initiatives for 2025. This year, the Annual Meeting is virtual, making it more accessible than ever! Members can join from anywhere to stay inf...

Send us Fan Mail Ready for warmer weather? Your home's energy needs are about to shift, and we've got you covered with essential tips to make the transition smooth and cost-effective. The winter-to-spring changeover in eastern North Carolina brings unique energy challenges. That's why we invited our energy services representative TJ Smith to share expert advice on preparing your hom...

Send us Fan Mail Join us as we continue our conversation surrounding Black History and minority-owned businesses with LaShea Cavers! Unlock the stories behind Jacksonville's thriving minority businesses and learn how these vibrant enterprises are shaping the community’s cultural and economic landscape. First, LeShae dives into the growing trail of historical sites celebrating African-American...

Send us Fan Mail Discover the incredible journey of LaShea Cavers, a trailblazer in business diversity and a beacon of inspiration for budding entrepreneurs. After two decades of serving in the Marine Corps, LaShea transitioned from a career in food service to higher education in psychology, ultimately carving her niche in business psychology. Her dedication to fostering minority entrepreneurship...

Send us Fan Mail Unlock the secrets to managing your energy bills with ease and flexibility as we kick off the new year. Our special guest, Jodi Florian, a seasoned member service representative from Jones-Onslow, guides us through innovative billing options like FlexPay and Budget Billing. Discover how FlexPay can alleviate hefty security deposits and provide daily energy usage updates, perfect f...

Send us Fan Mail Unlock the spirit of the season and learn how community kindness can light up lives through our latest inspiring conversation. Jennifer Rawls from Jones-Onslow’s Member Services Department shares moving stories about the Power Bucks program. Discover how you can contribute to easing the burden for those facing tough times by giving the gift of energy, whether to someone you know o...

Send us Fan Mail What does it take to restore power in the aftermath of a hurricane? Join us on a heartfelt journey with seasoned linemen Lawrence Rochelle and Eric Brown as they share their gripping experiences from the front lines of disaster recovery in Western North Carolina. With over 50 years of combined expertise, these linemen reveal the meticulous preparation and intense teamwork required...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for a heartwarming celebration of Co-op Month as we share the inspiring journey of Mary Ann Gurganus, who has devoted 54 years to Jones-Onslow EMC. Her story is a testament to the remarkable technological advancements and unwavering community spirit that define the cooperative experience. We also take a nostalgic look back at Jones-Onslow EMC’s 85-year history, spotlightin...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered if electric vehicles are really worth the hype? Join us as we explore the world of electric vehicle ownership in honor of Electric Vehicle Month. Guests Quincy Martin and Jody Horn bring you firsthand experiences on the pros and cons of driving an EV. Quincy, a Tesla Model S PD100 owner, shares his enthusiasm for the car’s sleek design, powerful performance, and impr...

Send us Fan Mail Curious about how cooperative principles can shape the future of our youth? In this episode of Flippin' the Switch, we take you on an enlightening journey with Carson Lee, a rising senior from Jacksonville High School, as well as Caleb Snyder and Corinne Renny, both students from Jones Senior High School. Carson shares heartfelt stories from his time at the North Carolina Coo...

Send us Fan Mail On this month's episode of Flippin' the Switch, we're celebrating National Agriculture Month and Grilling Month with two very special guests! Ever wondered how a family farm can thrive through generations and even a pandemic? Join us as we get to know local farmers Eric and Ashley Smith, owners of JS Lowland Cattle. You'll get an insider's look at the Smit...

Send us Fan Mail What does it take to keep our power lines clear and our homes well-lit? Join us on this captivating episode of "Flippin' the Switch" as we celebrate Right-of-Way Professionals Week with special guest, James Collins. As a dedicated right-of-way worker at Jones-Onslow for nearly eight years, James opens up about his journey into the world of vegetation management. Fro...