Avoiding Utility Scams - information from Perennial Public Power District

Avoid Utility Scams

Recently there has been an increase in the number of phishing scams and scams involving callers claiming to represent utility companies. Perennial Public Power District will never send you an e-mail or call you with a request asking for your account number, password or other personal information.

Phishing scams find ways to redirect you to a page that looks like the login to a utility or financial institution website. Once you are on the fraudulent website, if you type in your login information, it will be sent to the “bad guys”, even though it looks like a site you trust. Always look at the Uniform Resource Locator (URL), which is the web pages full address. A fraudulent web site usually includes other sub-domain names listed in front of the original domain name.

How to avoid falling for scams?

·         Be wary of giving your personal information over the phone. Never provide your Social Security Number, credit card number or banking information to anyone requesting it over the phone or at your home unless you initiated the contact and feel confident with whom you are speaking.

·         Do your research. If you receive a call claiming to be your utility company and feel pressured for immediate payment or personal information, hang up the phone and call the customer service number on your bill.

·         Beware of the door-to-door sales approach. Never allow anyone into your home to check electrical wiring, natural gas pipes or appliances unless you scheduled an appointment or reported a problem to your utility. Always ask utility employees for proper identification.

·         Be proactive. If you already have provided information to someone claiming to offer this service, contact your bank immediately. Also contact the three national credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – and request a notation made on your account so that it doesn’t impact your credit rating.

·         Inform others. Share this information with friends and family so they do not become victims. The elderly are common victims of these types of scams, but anyone who pays a utility bill is a potential victim. Contact local law enforcement about any suspicious phone calls or emails.

Exeter-Milligan Update: Music News

Several members of the Exeter-Milligan 6th grade class sang the National Anthem at the February 11 basketball game. They also played with the JH/SH pep band that night. Those participating were (L-R) Jacy Schlueter, Eli Johnson, Nick Hayek, Caitlin Murphy, Kayla Geiger and Anna Sluka

Lil Wolves Cheer Camp

The Exeter-Milligan Cheerleaders held their annual Cheer Camp on Friday after school.  The clinicians taught the girls several cheers and a dance routine. They ate supper together and worked on some bracelet projects.  The girls performed during half-time at the Exeter-Milligan varsity boys game versus Dorchester.

Parent's Night at Exeter-Milligan

The Exeter-Milligan Boy's Basketball team held their parent's night on Friday night.  All the parents were recognized while the players were introduced.

 Alex Benorden with parents Mark and Starlene Benorden

 Jesse Hall with parents Roger and Susan Hall.

 Garrett Pribyl with parents Todd and Jodi Pribyl.

 Devin Sheffield with parents Paul and Karla Sheffield.

 James Sluka with parents Tom and Karen Sluka.

 Nolan White with parents Brad and Darcy White.

The Senior boys presented their parents with a rose.

Exeter-Milligan Elementary Holds Mini-Math Olympics

Let the Games Begin… Second graders at Exeter-Milligan Public Schools prepared for the Winter Olympics by creating a Mini-Math Olympics. A torch relay delivered notes about this event, inviting all kindergarten, first and second graders to participate for team U.S.A. On February 6, students paraded around the gym wearing patriotic colors and carrying U.S. flags. They watched as the final torch runner made a lap in the gym and ignited the Olympic torch. The Olympic oath and Olympic creed were read. Opening ceremonies also included watching a youtube video about the Olympics. These athletes participated in six events: cotton ball shot put, paper straw javelin throw, paper plate discus throw, marble grab, sponge squeeze and big foot. At each of these centers, students practiced estimating and measuring skills with metric units. High school students were available to assist the elementary students as they measured and recorded their results. Students learned facts about ancient and modern day Olympics, too. Patrons of the district were able to follow events via Twitter, #emwolves. A medal ceremony concluded the EM Mini- Math Winter Olympics.

Exeter-Milligan Jr. High Boys Team Season Wrap Up

The Exeter-Milligan junior high boys basketball team finished the 2013-14 season with a 6-4 record.  In December, E-M had a 3-2 record, finishing second at the Dorchester tournament the opening weekend of the season.  In January, the young Timberwolves went 2-1.  At the Exeter-Milligan tournament this past weekend, the boys finished in third place. 

Leading the scoring for E-M this season was Patrick Murphy, with 74 points.  Colton Bossaller scored 54 points.  Eric Olsen, Derek Axline, and Seth Maxson added 35, 33, and 32 points respectively.  Spencer Pribyl put in 25 points on the season.  Joey Bartu added 6 points and Wyatt Foutch scored 4 points.

Results:                      

EM  25 – 46  BDS              

EM  36 – 13  Meridian        * Dorchester Tournament

EM  22 – 28  Hampton       * Dorchester Tournament

EM  27 – 6    Dorchester

EM  32 – 11  Meridian

EM  40 – 30  McCool

EM  22 – 13  Cross County

EM  16 – 32  Friend

EM  22 – 40  Friend             *  E-M Tournament

EM  21 – 18  Meridian         *  E-M Tournament

The E-M boys B team finished the season with a record of 0-4.  The team lost to BDS 15-30, McCool 10-19, Cross County 7-26, and Friend 8-21.  Trever Zelenka led the B team in scoring with 11 points.  Johnny Babula, Theron Odvody, and Blake Steuben each scored 6 points.  Mitchell Manning added 5, Peytan Brandt 4, and James Becker 2 points.

Above: Exeter-Milligan Jr High Basketball A Team pictured after their third place win at the Exeter-Milligan Tournament.  They are pictured front row from left to right, Joey Bartu, Colton Bossaller, Seth Maxson, and Trever Zelenka.  Back row from the left Coach Brian Murphy, Patrick Murphy, Derek Axline, Spencer Pribyl and Eric Olsen.