Rural Missouri Magazine began in 1948 as a way for co-ops to communicate with their members about electrical safety and news. Now with 570,000 readers, Rural Missouri showcases entertaining and informative features about Missouri's fascinating people and businesses.
Every month, Central Missouri Electric Cooperative's manager, Brian Jacobi, writes an insightful article that is featured in CMEC's pages in Rural Missouri magazine. Jacobi updates members on what is happening at their co-op and staff share important news and information about CMEC.
February 2025
See what makes the cooperative family so unique. CMEC writes of the lasting impact former General Manager Harold Ream had on CMEC.
January 2025
Linemen share their experience working in Georgia for Hurricane Helene relief. Also, see what is coming up for your weather this winter with La Nina!
December 2024
Merry Christmas! See what your cooperative employee's favorite Christmas traditions are. Learn more about Youth Tour and holiday energy efficiency.
November 2024
Honoring those who serve. Learn about the history of Veteran's Day. See what continued education opportunities are offered by CMEC for teachers.
October 2024
Jacobi writes about "passing the torch" and good memories. Celebrate Cooperative Month and learn about cybersecurity safety. Remember your Halloween safety tips!
September 2024
Did you miss your Annual Meeting? Read about it in this issue. Learn why it's important to teach kids about electrical safety. See what tax incentives or rebates you could qualify for.
August 2024
See your 2021 unclaimed funds. Learn more about the Cooperative Youth Tour and see what Billing Coordinator Katie Persinger gets up to outside of the office.
July 2024
Learn about the 2024 Annual Meeting, 2024 board candidates, and your 2023 operating statistics. CMEC Board President Ron Bledsoe gives his annual message.
May 2024
Manager Jacobi talks about special days we all experience. See how CMEC is improving our communities through tree grants. Take a look back on your 1940 annual meeting.
May 2024
What is the cooperative difference? What makes working at one so special? Learn about your 2024 nominating committee and your 2024 Annual Meeting.
April 2024
We all have flashbacks, learn about your CEO's! How can you be prepared this storm season? This month your co-op celebrates Lineman Appreciation Day.
March 2024
Learn about the demand charge and what demand is. Wondering what the charges on your electric bill really mean? We're here to explain it!
February 2024
Get an update on rate changes coming Spring 2024. Learn more about CMEC's Christmas float and help us say "See you later" to a good co-op friend.
January 2024
Jacobi gives a thorough update on what's going on your co-op including broadband, revenue, rates, and grants. Also get a weather update.
December 2023
See an important rate update from Jacobi. Read about Cooper "the co-op pup's" story. Learn how to set your energy efficiency priorities this winter.
November 2023
There's a lot for us all to be thankful for this year. Take a look back on some of your co-op's Rural Missouri issues from the past.
October 2023
Learn about the educational opportunities your co-op offers for both teachers and students. Also, learn some cybersecurity tips from your co-op's IT Manager.
September 2023
Hear from your Board of Director's President in this year's Annual Meeting message. Learn about the upcoming Annual Meeting and your power generation.
August 2023
Get a new update on broadband from General Manager Jacobi. Learn about the "trip of a lifetime for high school juniors" and see your 2020 unclaimed funds.
July 2023
Read a summary of the 2023 Annual Meeting of the Membership and about farm safety for this harvest season. The 2023 scholarship winners are recognized.
June 2023
Learn about the safety measures CMEC linemen take when out working. Also, read about how CMEC came to win a state-wide safety contest.
May 2023
Jacobi gives a broadband update to keep members updated. Learn about your employees and director.
April 2023
Doing yard work this summer? CMEC reminds you to call before you dig. Learn more about CMEC's new vegetation management program and be reminded of the cost that comes with service.
March 2023
"The journey is the destination." General Manager Jacobi reminds us to appreciate the little things in life. Learn about the Spring 2023 rate increase and how you can save energy.
February 2023
CMEC says "see you later" to a longtime employee and friend. See how 2023 supply rates impacted policies from AECI CEO David J. Tudor. Read about the important safety steps to take with your generators.
January 2023
Get prepared for winter storms with tips from Warehouseman Don Hutcheson. Learn more about your CMEC employees and be reminded to look for silver linings from General Manager Jacobi.
December 2022
General Manager Jacobi talks about the importance of using love languages to show love to others. Wondering what's coming up in the forecast for the winter? MSR Noah Hardy will let you know!
November 2022
What does a Radarange Microwave have to do with the coming holidays? General Manager Jacobi will tell you in his monthly message. Members can also read about CMEC rebates and find out more about their Board of Directors President Ron Bledsoe.
October 2022
Happy National Cooperative Month! Find out more about Assistant General Manager Rance Walters. Looking for more ways to save energy? Watch out for 'Energy Vampires' and don't let them drain your wallet! Also, learn how to protect your personal data.
September 2022
"I can still remember when the lights came on." Read about one CMEC member's memories of when electricity came to his childhood farm. Wondering what CMEC was up to this summer? Get the lowdown on the 2022 Annual Meeting and CYCLE program.
August 2022
What is the cooperative's Youth Tour? Learn what went on at the 59th Annual Missouri Youth Tour. Jacobi shares some insights on the importance of history in our lives and the cooperative. Members can also read about their Board Director Ronald Eickhoff.
July 2022
Learn everything you need to know about the 2022 Annual Meeting of the Membership! Read your board president's message, your current CMEC board, the 2022 board candidates, last year's meeting, the 2021 financials and more!
June 2022
It's Annual Meeting time! Learn about Central Missouri Electric Cooperative's Annual Meeting of the Membership which is returning to an in-person format this year! Read about ways to stay safe around water and how to help beat the heat this summer.
May 2022
Get excited for the 2022 Annual Meeting of the Membership which is returning to in-person this year. Learn about the nominating committee, some delicious strawberry recipes, respecting electricity and how to stay cool this summer.
April 2022
"What Grandpa Taught Me." Jacobi writes about a lesson his grandfather taught him. Read about surge protection to prepare for the upcoming storm season. Learn more about what linemen do and Board Director Jennifer Boatright.
March 2022
Are you considering buying solar panels? Jacobi answers some tough questions members may have about solar panels. Learn more about CMEC's rate increase, ways to save money and energy, and a scholarship opportunity for high school seniors.
February 2022
"I remember when Daddy had to agree with everyone else in the area to go together and get power from the electric cooperative." Read about some electric cooperative history as well as energy efficiency tips for the cold winter months.
January 2022
Learn more about CMEC delaying rate increases through the winter to help members. Also featured is a winter weather forecast from CMEC staff and the winners of the 2022 Missouri Snapshots Photo Contest inside the January issue of Rural Missouri.
December 2021
Read about three Christmas stories in the Central Missouri Electric Cooperative family. The December issue of Rural Missouri is full of holiday spirit with stories on traditions, shopping locally, "A Trip to Toyland" and cookie recipes.
November 2021
Jacobi highlights the importance of proper planning in electric cooperatives and CMEC Assistant Manager Rance Walters shares some Acts of Random Kindness he has experienced in the past year. Readers can also learn about CMEC lineworkers providing aid in Louisiana after Hurricane Ida and rebates.
October 2021
"Who is trusting you, and how does that feel? Who do you trust? Do you know there is someone you can trust no matter what?" Jacobi contemplates trust in our daily lives and on the trust members put into their electric cooperatives. Also, make sure to read about how to "Be Cyber Smart."
September 2021
The September Manager's Monthly Meeting features a look back on the past year at CMEC and on the cooperative's 82nd Annual Meeting. See what CMEC linemen have been up to with a feature on their annual pole top rescue training and information on National Farm Safety Week.
August 2021
"Sold in a weekend, validated over a year." See what brought Jacobi to the CMEC community. Avoid utility scams, see what CMEC's Youth Tour Delegates got up to at the 58th Annual Missouri Electric Youth Tour and view unclaimed funds from 2018.
July 2021
What is an annual meeting? What do you do at it? What happens? Get your questions answered in the July 2021 issue of Rural Missouri. Read about the 2021 candidates, proposed bylaw amendments, and a message from the CMEC Board of Directors President Ron Bledsoe.
June 2021
Four easy questions and one hard answer. Jacobi explains the difficult topic of tree clearing in right-of-ways: its importance, why CMEC does it, and why it can be hard for CMEC staff and members alike. Staff also write about net metering and storm preparation.
May 2021
Broadband infrastructure is a big and important topic to many living in rural Missouri. Learn more about CMEC's past and continuing efforts with broadband. Read more about a CMEC member's ranch near Mora, featured in May's Rural Missouri.
April 2021
"We kept the power on, now what?" Jacobi explains the February 2021 Texas energy crisis, how it affects CMEC members and how the CMEC team is learning from it. Also featured is an explanation on what exactly a kilowatt-hour (kWh) is.
March 2021
March's Rural Missouri gives members a general update on what has been going on at their Central Missouri Electric Cooperative. A photo gallery features the January 2021 Central Missouri ice storm and staff answer, "Why do my lights blink, dim, or flicker?"
February 2021
Scams are a very real threat in today's age. Learn how you can best avoid "phishing" scams. Continuing with the safety theme, staff explain how to share safety lessons on electricity with children, how to tune in for peak alerts.
January 2021
Read about why CMEC decided to change its office operating hours, how to plan for savings, and how to connect with CMEC. CMEC Right of Way Coordinator John Randall and other CMEC staff are featured in this month's Rural Missouri.
December 2020
How can we make positive impacts on others? What are our responsibilities? A few days before the 2020 Presidential Election, Jacobi reflects on these questions and shares how one CMEC staff member made a positive impact with one simple act of service.
November 2020
"Cooperating even when it's hard." Cooperation among cooperatives is one of the seven primary principles cooperatives operate under. But how can they do this in a world of social distancing, quarantining, working from home and a time of picking sides instead of finding common ground?
October 2020
Learn about how CMEC is contributing to your community through education. Staff explain how to not get scammed, what SmartHub is, and efficiency tips for renters. Other features include the restoration of a steam engine, an ice cream factory in Eldon and the joys of mountain biking.
September 2020
"You are us and we are you." Jacobi reminisces on CMEC's first drive-thru annual meeting and asks: Did you know CMEC is owned by and run by the very people with the purchasing power? Did you know a majority of CMEC employees are also members? What does this cooperative value?