This letter was faxed to the various Empire District Electric
Company offices on the morning of Monday, January 29, 2001
by about 12:00 noon (CST).
________________________________________________________

Monday, January 29, 2001

Marie O'Hara
Bolivar, MO 65613

Glen Blake
Empire District Electric Company
Ozark, Missouri

Dear Glen Blake,

I have been advised that until such time as more is definitively
known regarding the disposition of the Ashcroft nomination,
it would be judicious and beneficial for all involved parties
to avert any needless complications.

I will, therefore, ask your indulgence as I postpone mailing
you my extensive letter detailing my concerns and organizing
arbitrations with respect to these issues until Monday,
February 5, 2001.

Regardless of this delay, I wish, nonetheless, to reiterate that --
as my representative indicated in the discussion of January 18,
2001 with your Customer Service Representative, June --
I am thoroughly committed to initiating and participating in
the discussions with representatives of the Missouri Baptist
Convention and the Southwest Baptist University Trustees
during the regular SBU Trustee meeting scheduled in two
weeks (February 12 and 13, 2001) pertaining to this and
variety of other subjects.

At that time, I will welcome discussions and, hopefully,
some negotiated resolution of these situations.

Please notify Travis Jones of the Bolivar office of these
developments.

Your forbearance in the facilitation of this process is gratefully
appreciated.

Sincerest Regards,

Marie O'Hara

cc Glen Blake,
Empire District Electric Company,
Ozark, Missouri
Fax: (417)-582-1317

cc Customer Service Representative, June
Empire District Electric,
Ozark, Missouri
Fax: (417)-581-7560

cc Customer Service Representative,
Empire District Electric Company,
Joplin, Missouri
Fax: (417)-625-5144