That savings is being passed on to members. Our focus is strictly on them.

Obviously with all of the rate increases we're seeing statewide and across the country . . . this should be a welcome respite to our customers in Marion County.

We are hoping to maintain these prices, or, if possible, and in the future hopefully, pass on even more reductions to our members.

Add in the price of transportation to move these materials, especially coal, to area power plants and the disruption to fuel supplies in the Gulf by last year's storms, and it's been necessary to raise prices to our members.

All we can say is regardless of the AEIF vote, the company's focus remains on negotiating a new cost-competitive agreement by Feb. 28. Negotiations are continuing. AK Steel remains hopeful.

I think it's very important to emphasize that my immediate focus is to coach the 2005 football team and coach them to its fullest potential, ... The thing that I share with the players ... that I would guarantee them that they will have a great effort and great preparation and tremendous focus from myself and our entire staff. They deserve that because they've worked so hard in preparation for this season, and we will not let them down.