MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
What Does It Take To Build A Fiber Network?
Get Connected With GLE Next
Meet Your Director: Janet Andersen
BLOOM WHERE YOU’RE PLANTED
The Journey of Kalin Sheick
Saving is believing.
Think you can’t afford a geothermal heat pump?
After a closer look, you may be surprised at its overall affordability. Tax rebates can quickly bring down the initial costs of purchase and installation. And a geothermal heat pump is much cheaper to run than the most efficient furnaces and air conditioners. In fact, your energy bills can be cut by as much as 70%. As a result, many geothermal homeowners see a return on investment of 10-20% over the life of their system. When you crunch the numbers, you’ll see WaterFurnace is the money-saving choice. To learn more, contact your local WaterFurnace dealer today.
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Allendale
Allendale Htg & Clg (800) 327-1937 allendaleheating.com
Berrien Springs WaterFurnace Michiana (269) 473-5667 gogreenmichgeo thermal.com
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Traverse City
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Alger
Electric: up to $2,000
C h erryland Electric: up to $2,500
Cloverland: up to $6,275
Great Lakes Energy: up to $5,000
H omeworks/Tri-County Electric: up to $4,750
Presque Isle Electric & G as Co-op: up to $4,750
Thumb Electric: up to $2,000
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Casey Clark
EDITOR: Christine Dorr
GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Karreen Bird
RECIPE EDITOR: Christin Russman
COPY EDITOR: Yvette Pecha
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Emily Haines Lloyd
PUBLISHER: Michigan Electric Cooperative Association
Michigan Country Lines, USPS591-710, is published monthly, except August and December, with periodicals postage paid at Lansing, Mich., and additional offices. It is the official publication of the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association, 201 Townsend St., Suite 900, Lansing, MI 48933.
Subscriptions are authorized for members of Alger Delta, Cherryland, Great Lakes, HomeWorks Tri-County, Midwest Energy & Communications, Ontonagon, Presque Isle, and Thumb electric cooperatives by their boards of directors.
POSTMASTER:
Send all UAA to CFS.
ASSOCIATION OFFICERS: Chris O’Neill, HomeWorks TriCounty Cooperative, chairman; Gabe Schneider, Cherryland Electric Cooperative, vice chairman; Shaun Lamp, Great Lakes Energy Cooperative, secretary-treasurer; Craig Borr, president and CEO.
CONTACT US/LETTERS TO EDITOR: Michigan Country Lines 201 Townsend St., Suite 900 Lansing, MI 48933 248-534-7358
editor@countrylines.com
CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Please notify your electric cooperative. See page 4 for contact information.
The appearance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised.
MICHIGAN’S ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES
Contents
MI CO-OP Community
RECIPE CONTEST
See details on page 10. Summer Desserts, due April 1; Sandwiches & Wraps, due May 1. Win a $100 bill credit!
GUEST COLUMN
See details on page 18. Share your fondest memories and stories. Win $200 for stories published!
MYSTERY PHOTO
See details on page 18. Win a $100 bill credit!
To enter contests, submit reader content & more, visit countrylines.com/community
6 CRAIG BORR: A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP & SERVICE
Borr’s unwavering advocacy for co-op members made MECA what it is today.
10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN
Best No Bake Recipes: Delicious desserts in no time.
14 BLOOM WHERE YOU’RE PLANTED: THE JOURNEY OF KALIN SHEICK
Sheick’s “why not” philosophy took her from TV journalism to founding a successful floral shop.
18 GUEST COLUMN
Farmyard Memories: A Great Lakes Energy member reflects on life with his father and their chickens.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Howard Bowersox, Chair, District 8 219-670-0977 hbowersox@glenergy.com
Janet Andersen, Vice Chair, District 6 231-690-4622 jandersen@glenergy.com
Paul Byl, Secretary, District 7 231-742-2643 pbyl@glenergy.com
Dale Farrier, Treasurer, District 5 231-564-0853 dfarrier@glenergy.com
Mark Carson, District 2 231-675-0561 mcarson@glenergy.com
David Coveyou, Director, District 1 231-347-4056 dcoveyou@glenergy.com
Richard Evans, Director, District 3 231-883-3146 revans@glenergy.com
John LaForge, Director, District 9 269-623-2284 jlaforge@glenergy.com
Mary O’Connell, Director, District 4 517-974-5797 moconnell@glenergy.com
PRESIDENT/CEO: Shaun Lamp 888-485-2537
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR: Brett Streby 231-487-1389 • bstreby@glenergy.com
BOYNE CITY HEADQUARTERS 1323 Boyne Ave. Boyne City, MI 49712
Call center hours: 7 a.m.–5:30 p.m. M–F Phone: 888-485-2537 Email: glenergy@glenergy.com
TO REPORT AN OUTAGE: Call 888-485-2537 or login to your account at gtlakes.com or the GLE mobile app.
Knowledge Is Power
By Shaun Lamp, Great Lakes Energy President/CEO
Few things in our lives are more routine than turning on a light in our homes. With just a flick of a switch or the push of a button, the light comes on.
Although you don’t have to be an electrician or electrical engineer to enjoy all the benefits of having reliable electric service at your fingertips, a little deeper understanding of what makes it happen can be illuminating in many ways.
That’s why we believe it’s important to regularly shine a light on what goes into bringing you reliable electric and internet services. Not only does this provide you with more context surrounding topics such as reliability, rates, and how we connect with the community, but it also helps you, as a member-owner, make informed choices both as a voter and a consumer.
Here are a few examples of ways we try to peel back some of these complex layers for our members:
• Consumer analytics: Although electric use shown on your monthly bill is straightforward, many systems, devices, and appliances account for the amount of electricity you use. Thanks to the consumer analytics tools that we offer through your GLE online account or the GLE mobile app, you can dig deeper into what’s driving your electric use, which may point you toward opportunities for savings.
• Michigan Country Lines magazine: This magazine is one of the top examples of the many ways we share important behind-the-scenes information with you. We regularly highlight topics such as board member profiles, board election information, industry trends that affect our operations, the costs that impact our rates, our community outreach efforts, and much more. We also use many other print and digital tools to communicate with you!
One topic we regularly try to demystify is the Truestream construction process.
We fully understand how important access to reliable high-speed internet service is for our members and how eager many of you are for Truestream to be available in your area.
However, as I’ve written in this space many times, building a fiber-to-the-home internet network that will eventually reach more than 130,000 service locations in portions of 26 counties is a complex process that requires considerable resources and time.
Last year, we created a short video to provide more insight on what it takes to bring Truestream to you. In the video, you’ll hear these details not only from me but from other staff members who play key roles in the Truestream construction process.
To watch the Truestream construction video, visit: truestreamfiber.com/newtruestreamer/#buildingfiber
We pursue all of these efforts with one goal in mind: Providing you with access to the information you need to be an informed member of your electric cooperative.
Great Lakes Energy is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
gtlakes.com /greatlakesenergy /jointruestream Change of Address: 888-485-2537, ext. 8924
Scholarship Application Deadline Is March 31
One of the many ways Great Lakes Energy fulfills the cooperative principle of “concern for community” is through supporting educational opportunities both in local classrooms and for those seeking education beyond high school.
That’s why we’re proud to continue two scholarship programs for the 2025-26 school year: one for people enrolled in a lineworker training program and one for those pursuing degrees in electrical engineering or information technology. The scholarship application submission deadline is March 31.
Through these two programs, 10 scholarship opportunities, ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 per school year or program year, are available.
The lineworker training scholarship program offers up to six $1,000 scholarships for students pursuing certification or a degree related to a pre-apprentice electrical lineworker program at an accredited institution in Michigan.
The degree-seeking program offers two scholarships worth up to $2,500 for students pursuing degrees related to electrical engineering and two for students pursuing
degrees related to information technology at any accredited college or university in the United States.
Scholarship eligibility requirements are included on the applications, which are available online at gtlakes.com/youth-programs/ or by contacting GLE’s organizational development manager at (888) 485-2537, ext. 8179, or via email at tmix@glenergy.com
In 2024, GLE awarded a total of $16,000 in scholarships between the two programs.
Statement of Nondiscrimination
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877- 8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_ filing_cust.html and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
1. mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
2. fax: (202) 690-7442; or
3. email: program.intake@usda.gov. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP & SERVICE
By Emily Haines Lloyd
In the heart of the electric cooperative industry, where service to members and communities is key, individuals like Craig Borr tend to stand out. With nearly 40 years of dedicated service, including 13 years as President and CEO of the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association (MECA), Borr has been a tireless advocate for Michigan’s electric cooperatives. So, it’s no small thing when a leader like Borr retires, and it’s defi nitely worth taking a moment to reflect on all he’s done to support our members in rural Michigan.
From Communications to Leadership
Craig’s journey began fresh out of college when he joined Wolverine Power Cooperative. Starting in communications, his passion for the cooperative movement quickly set him apart. Over the years, his focus on deeply understanding member needs and fostering connections propelled him to leadership roles, ultimately serving as Wolverine’s Executive Vice President and taking the helm at MECA in 2012.
“For over a decade and during times of tremendous transition in Michigan, we are deeply grateful for Craig’s sound leadership, strategic vision, and steady hand,” said MECA Board Chairman Chris O’Neill.
Building Bridges in Lansing and Washington
Throughout his career, Borr has been a critical voice for rural Michiganders, championing legislative efforts in both Lansing and Washington, D.C. His hard work has led to historic wins, including securing broadband funding, favorable provisions in Michigan’s Clean Energy packages and, most recently, bipartisan legislative support for a New ERA grant application
“The man never stops,” said Dawn Coon, Wolverine’s VP of Administration. “He has an uncanny ability to absorb information and turn it into action.”
Craig’s advocacy also extended to national issues, such as his instrumental role in passing the Cooperative and Small Employer Charity Pension Flexibility Act of 2014, which saved billions in pension costs.
A Legacy of Innovation
Under Craig’s leadership, MECA fostered a spirit of collaboration among Michigan’s electric cooperatives, culminating in a longterm membership agreement and updated dues structure. His innovative vision also led to the establishment of Wolverine Power Marketing Cooperative (WPMC), the nation’s fi rst retail choice cooperative serving large commercial and industrial members. As the founder and fi rst CEO of WPMC, he spearheaded the creation of a $100M organization that delivers the benefi ts of electric choice within a cooperative environment to several of Michigan’s leading corporations and universities.
“Craig gets excited about the art of the possible,” said Casey Clark, MECA Director of Communications and Marketing. “His energy and ideas have driven Wolverine and MECA to new heights.”
As Craig prepares to usher in a new era of leadership and growth for MECA, his legacy of innovation, advocacy, and unwavering service leaves a strong foundation for future growth.
“Craig has been a trusted business partner for nearly 40 years,” said Eric Baker, President & CEO of Wolverine Power Cooperative. “He is a relentless networker, a creative problem solver, and a proud advocate for the cooperative mission. His impact on our cooperatives and members is immeasurable and his contributions will resonate for decades.”
Craig Borr
POWERING PROGRESS
Reflections on 40 Years of Leadership with Michigan’s Electric Cooperatives
By Craig Borr
Michigan’s electric cooperatives have come a very long way since their inception in rural Michigan more than 80 years ago. For the past 40 years, I have been fortunate to have served in a number of electric cooperative leadership roles—the last 13 as President/CEO of the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association. In March, I will be retiring from that role.
I am proud to have served with so many great employees and directors over the years and have met thousands of electric cooperative members from Chassell to Posen and from Bad Axe to Cassopolis. They share one common trait—they are good people who are committed to improving the quality of life for our member-consumers who live in rural Michigan.
A few observations as I head towards retirement:
1. Be thankful that you are a member of a Michigan electric cooperative. They care about the communities they serve and are governed by a board of community leaders that you elect to represent your interests. It is the democratic process in action—and it still works.
2. Michigan’s electric cooperatives are leaders in competitiveness, reliability, and carbon-free electricity. The Michigan Public Service Commission sets a series of reliability metrics each year—and each year, electric cooperatives typically exceed those standards set by state regulators.
3. In a year or so, nearly all of the electricity sold by Michigan’s electric cooperatives is set to be “carbon free.” State law calls for Michigan utilities to be “carbon free” by 2040. We are leaders in that metric also and will be 15 years ahead of the state mandate! We were also a part of the state’s fi rst commercial wind farm in 2006 and the state’s fi rst community solar project in 2012. That’s leadership on reducing our carbon footprint—and doing so smartly and competitively!
Rural Michigan is “better” because of Michigan’s electric cooperatives. They brought electricity to rural areas when the large, for-profi t electric utilities in our state would not serve those areas. Many of Michigan’s electric cooperatives are now also bringing high-speed fi ber internet to many of those same rural and remote areas—again because the large telecommunications companies would not serve those areas.
Further, many rural Michigan consumers can now access high-speed fiber internet for monthly prices that are less than those in many urban areas of the United States. Michigan co-ops also do it with no data caps or contracts!
4. Electric cooperatives are signifi cant economic drivers in the local economies where they serve. They are signifi cant employers in Michigan and sizable property taxpayers in the communities they serve. In addition, they are leaders in local economic development initiatives in rural Michigan.
While I am proud of my simple contributions over the past four decades, I am prouder of the job that Michigan’s electric cooperatives do every day in rural Michigan. They lead in many rural and sparsely populated areas where no others are often willing to lead. Be thankful that you are a member of an electric cooperative. Your life is better as a result of their work and by being a member—not a customer.
“Rural Michigan is ‘better’ because of Michigan’s electric cooperatives.”
Get Connected With GLE NEXT
Since 2023, Great Lakes Energy has offered a program aimed at fostering relationships with community leaders in the areas the cooperative serves. The program, known as GLE Next, seeks to help these leaders have a better understanding of how GLE functions during a daylong visit to the cooperative’s offices.
Following a successful first event at our Boyne City headquarters in 2023, we expanded the program to include a second session at our Newaygo office in 2024. During these events, a total of 24 community leaders from area businesses and chambers of commerce participated in an immersive, daylong experience filled with information about GLE and the impact the local electric cooperative has in the community.
GLE Next 2025 dates
• April 24 at the Boyne City headquarters
• May 7 at the Newaygo office
Through the GLE Next program, participants will become well-versed in the language and inner workings of an electric cooperative and learn about topics including:
• The structure of GLE
• Electric generation and distribution
• Metering and reliability
• Renewable energy
• Electric vehicles
• Truestream fiber internet
• Board of directors’ roles and responsibilities
• Impact on the community
• Inner workings of a cooperative
• The people behind the process
If you are an established or aspiring local community or business leader interested in learning more about what makes GLE tick and becoming an important part of the cooperative’s community outreach and engagement efforts, please visit gtlakes.com/community-outreach/ to apply.
Contact Julie Bailey at (231) 487-1328 or via email at jbailey@glenergy.com for more information.
SUNRISE TO SUNSET
1. MOST VOTES Eevee the Galga Espanol, Michelle Pittman, Sand Lake
2. Morning snow, Stacy Soldano, Fife Lake
3. Red cotton candy, Mark Gunderson, Charlevoix
4. As I live the dream, Timothy Scovill, Hart
5. Double sunset, Teresa Mead, Shelby
6. Twilight tail, Felicia Turk, Fremont
Submit Your “Michigan’s Farmlands” Photos By March 25! Each month, members can submit photos on our website for our photo contest. The photo with the most votes is published here, along with other selections.
Our March theme is Michigan’s Farmlands. Photos can be submitted by March 25 to be featured in the May issue.
How To Enter: Enter the contest at gtlakes.com/photocontest/ Make sure to vote and encourage others to vote for you, too. The photo receiving the most votes will be printed in an issue of Michigan Country Lines along with other favorites. All photos printed in the magazine in 2025 will be entered into a drawing to win a $200 bill credit in December 2025.
BEST NO BAKE RECIPES
KEY LIME CHEESECAKES
Deb Mitteer, Great Lakes Energy
½ stick butter (melted)
1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
1 can sweetened condensed milk
¾ cup lime juice
8 ounces whipped topping
In cupcake pans, line 18 cups with paper cupcake liners. Mix melted butter with graham cracker crumbs. Divide evenly into cupcake liners. Pat down fi rmly. In a mixing bowl, add cream cheese and blend with mixer until smooth. Add sweetened condensed milk and lime juice, and mix until smooth. Fold in whipped topping. Divide evenly into the cupcake liners. Place in freezer and serve frozen.
NO BAKE BARS
Marie Mercier, Great Lakes Energy
4 cups Cheerios
2 cups Rice Krispies
2 cups dry roasted peanuts (I use unsalted)
2 cups M&Ms
1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup sugar
1½ cups creamy peanut butter
In a large bowl, combine Cheerios, Rice Krispies, peanuts, and M&Ms. Set aside. In a saucepan, bring corn syrup and sugar to a boil, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Stir in peanut butter. Pour over cereal mixture and toss to coat evenly. Spread into a greased 10x15x1-inch baking pan. Cool. Cut into bars.
DELUXE NO BAKE STRAWBERRY DESSERT
Deb Finedell, Great Lakes Energy
18 graham crackers, crushed
½ cup butter, melted
1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple
1 (21-ounce) can strawberry pie fi lling
4 cups mini marshmallows
1 (16-ounce) container whipped topping, thawed
2 cups frozen strawberries, partially thawed, chopped
Mix the graham cracker crumbs and butter until it has the consistency of wet sand. Spoon the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish; press the crumbs into an even layer. Chill the crust in the fridge for at least 15 minutes. Strain the excess juice from the pineapple and mix with pie fi lling. Add the marshmallows and stir until they are completely coated in the fruit. Spoon the whipped topping into the bowl and gently fold it into the fruit mixture until combined and it becomes pink in color. Fold in the partially thawed strawberries. Scoop the whipped topping and fruit mixture onto the chilled crust, gently smoothing it out until even. Cover the pan tightly and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours.
NO BAKE PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES
Rhonda Carlson, HomeWorks Tri-County Electric
1 stick margarine or butter
½ cup milk
1½ cups sugar
1 cup peanut butter
2 cups quick oats
Bring butter, milk, and sugar to a rolling boil for 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Add peanut butter and oats, and mix until well blended. Drop by spoonfuls on wax paper. Let cool, then enjoy.
Ever-Changing, Fast-Growing Demand For Electricity
How
the increasing need for power affects electric co-ops and their members
By Scott Flood
When rural electric cooperatives first strung power lines from farm to farm, across arroyos, and through remote forests less than a century ago, most members had but a handful of light bulbs to power. With time, they added appliances like refrigerators, but we’re sure they couldn’t begin to imagine the number and variety of electrical devices in today’s homes and garages.
Across the U.S., people use a growing amount of electricity at work, at home, and with the growth of electric vehicles (EVs), even on the road.
The demand for electricity increased by 2.5% in 2024 and is expected to grow by 3.2% this year. That was after co-ops saw a 4.8% increase in 2022. Through 2029, the nation’s peak demand is projected to grow by 38 gigawatts. That would be like adding another California-sized state to our nation’s power grid.
The rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) is driving the development of massive data center facilities, often placed in electric co-op service territories to take advantage of inexpensive land and fewer neighbors to complain. By 2022, these facilities accounted for 2.5% of the nation’s consumption of electricity—and by 2030, they’ll use 7.5% of all electric power.
Data centers and facilities like warehouses require a large, steady supply of electricity 24 hours a day. That means the electric co-ops supplying them can’t rely on intermittent sources of electricity such as solar or wind energy to handle the additional load. Instead, they need more of what’s known as baseload or always-available power, much of which is currently generated by burning fossil fuels. The more we depend on technology, the more we’ll need reliable baseload generation.
In Michigan, the challenge is further complicated by the state’s ambitious goal of achieving 100% carbon-free energy by 2040. Fortunately, GLE’s power supplier, Wolverine Power Cooperative, is well-equipped to help tackle this challenge. Wolverine has secured an agreement to source reliable, carbon-free baseload power from the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant once it restarts. This innovative solution will provide Wolverine and GLE with a consistent, competitively priced source of baseload generation for decades, supporting grid stability as electricity demand continues to rise. However, both Wolverine and GLE members are not immune to the broader challenges, as we share the grid and its power supply with other utilities.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration’s forecast expects coal-fired generation to drop to half of today’s levels by 2030. Renewable energy will capture a growing share of the supply, but as noted, much renewable energy is not reliable enough to provide baseload power.
As electricity powers a growing share of life’s tools and conveniences, overall demand is expected to continue its steady growth through 2050. A great example is the efficiency of electric heat pumps. Federal and other subsidies and tax advantages are powering significant growth in their share of the home heating market.
In other words, at the same time everyone is using more electricity than ever, the supply of the most reliable source is drying up. Add in the uncertainty created by public policy debates around energy and climate change, and you can begin to understand why 19 states face a high risk of rolling blackouts between now and 2028.
“As electricity powers a growing share of life’s tools and conveniences, overall demand is expected to continue its steady growth through 2050.”
The energy industry studies demand closely because construction of all types of generation is costly and lengthy—often longer than a decade from groundbreaking to entering service.
As renewables become more efficient and cheaper to produce, their share of the power mix will only continue to grow. Someday soon, battery technology may reach the point where large-scale storage of renewable generation becomes possible, but until then, we’ll need more of those alwaysavailable power sources.
One more factor plays a key role in the ability of co-ops and the rest of the nation’s power industry to keep up with demand. That’s the supply chain, in which many U.S. suppliers simply can’t keep up with the nation’s needs for power equipment. When a co-op orders new transformers, it may have to wait two years or more for delivery and pay a significantly higher price.
Expect to hear more about the challenges created by record demand for electricity in the coming years.
S oaring Demand
A er decades of flat or declining electricity demand, the United States is in the midst of a boom in power use. Recent government data shows that power consumption nationwide is set to increase by at least 38 gigawatts between now and 2028. This trend would ordinarily be great news for the power industry. But government policies aimed at shutting down fossil-fuel-based generation and years-long delays in permitting and siting for new transmission lines are turning this power boon into a capacity crisis. Here are the primary demand drivers:
Electrification
Electric vehicle adoption, electrification of home heating, and industrial electrification are expected to increase overall U.S. energy consumption by 1% per year through 2026.
Data Centers
Driven by explosions in artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency, and cloud computing, total U.S. data center load is projected to increase by 65% by 2050.
Residential power consumption is expected to increase by 14% to 22% through 2050 due to increases in population and steady economic growth. Economic
New, expanding, and “onshored/reshored” manufacturing capacity driven by federal incentives is expected to increase industrial demand by 13,000 GWh per year.
Total Demand
Analysts predicted in 2023 that U.S. peak demand will increase by at least 38 GW over the next five years, nearly double the growth rate predicted in 2022.
“Embrace your weird thing. It’s what makes you stand out from the rest.”
Kalin Sheick’s journey from TV journalist to the founder of Sweetwater Floral is rooted in what she calls “delusional confi dence”— a spark of self-belief that dares to ask, “Why not me?”
BLOOM
The Journey of Kalin Sheick
By Emily Haines Lloyd
This mindset, characterized by a fearless willingness to pursue unconventional dreams, propelled Sheick to build a flourishing business and inspire others to embrace life’s possibilities. Her philosophy, BLOOM— “building life out of moments”— encapsulates her belief that beauty and meaning can be created in the everyday.
Why Not Bring Joy to the World?
In 2014, Sheick, a Great Lakes Energy cooperative member, found herself at a crossroads. Newly married and questioning her future in TV journalism, she began to feel the
pull toward something different. She loved northern Michigan and wanted to stay rooted there, but her career in journalism didn’t align with her vision of a balanced, present life. Inspired by the small business owners she had covered as a reporter, Sheick asked herself: “Why not me? Why not build something here?”
“I had this gut feeling that I was playing safe and small,” said Sheick. “But at some point, you have to put all of yourself out there and you can’t be scared of what people will think.”
By 2015, she had turned her curiosity about entrepreneurship and her creativity with self-taught floral design into Sweetwater Floral. The village of Walloon Lake, where she had gotten married, became a symbolic cornerstone of her journey. Her confidence drove her to carve out
her unique space, offering designs for weddings and events, as well as hosting floral workshops that have garnered national interest.
Why Not Something More?
Sheick’s philosophy goes beyond arranging flowers; it’s about creating moments that matter. She wants her customers and workshop participants to feel inspired and capable, free from the pressure of perfection.
This message resonated on a larger scale when Sheick gave a TED Talk in 2019, framing fl owers as a life hack for joy and connection. The experience solidifi ed her belief that Sweetwater Floral helps people tap into their own uniqueness.
“Embrace your weird thing,” said Sheick. “It’s what makes you stand out from the rest.”
Why Not Dream Big?
Kalin’s “delusional confi dence” continues to push her to explore new ventures. She and her husband Matt launched the podcast “Lucky Girls Don’t Quit” to share the behind-thescenes journey of running Sweetwater Floral while raising a family.
“Why not a podcast?” she thought. “We love the idea of sharing our lives— as a refl ection of this exact moment in time and hoping it reached people who can relate.”
Looking to the future, Kalin can picture a return to television. Flowers are inherently visual, and she dreams of showcasing the beauty of northern Michigan alongside the heartfelt stories that inspire her work.
“Why not TV again?” she asks. “Why not share this beauty with the world?”
Why Not Begin to BLOOM?
Kalin Sheick’s story is a powerful reminder that sometimes the key to success is simply daring to believe in yourself. Her “delusional confi dence” has transformed Sweetwater Floral from a small-town business into a lifestyle brand that inspires people to build lives rich with beauty and connection. Through her BLOOM philosophy, Kalin continues to spark joy and remind us all to embrace the question: “Why not me?”
VISIT THE SHOP
Sweetwater Floral 4128 N. M-75, Walloon Lake, Michigan 49796
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST “Lucky Girls Don’t Quit” is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
What Does It Take To Build A Fiber Network?
Since we connected our first Truestreamer in 2018, more than 25,000 GLE members have begun enjoying the life-changing, reliable high-speed fiber internet service Truestream offers.
In late 2024, we eclipsed the halfway point in our overall Truestream network build-out. Although this is an exciting milestone, we remain committed to bringing Truestream to the rest of our service area.
Below is a more detailed look at what it takes to build a fiber network that will eventually reach more than 130,000 service locations through 14,000+ miles of lines in portions of 26 counties:
PHASE 1 – FUTURE AREA
During this phase, our team uses data our crews collect in the field to determine the infrastructure needs and the associated construction costs to bring Truestream service to an area. GLE’s board of directors uses this information to decide where network construction will take place next.
PHASE 2 – FIELD WORK AND REGISTRATION
Once approved, mainline fiber construction begins. Generally, fiber lines are installed overhead in areas with overhead electrical lines and underground in areas with underground electrical lines. While this work is taking place, we will reach out to members in the area, encouraging them to complete and return their Truestream registration paperwork.
Duration: About four months per service area
PHASE 3 – CONSTRUCTION TO THE HOME
During this phase, we design and construct the service line (known as a “drop”) to your home. A staff member will first visit your property to determine the best route to follow. For underground drops, this phase will include contacting MISS DIG to have utilities marked, installing an orange plastic conduit in the ground, installing the fiber line in the conduit, installing a gray box on your house, and verifying the network connection. For overhead drops, the first two steps are omitted.
Duration: Overhead, about three–four months; underground, about four–five months (pauses from December–April)
PHASE 4 – INSTALLATION AND ACTIVATION
Once your drop has been installed, a member of our team will contact you to schedule your in-home installation. During installation, our technician will determine the best location in your home to provide the best Wi-Fi coverage, run the line from the box on the outside of your home to that location, set up the Truestream equipment, and walk you through how to use your new service.
Duration: About one–two months
To watch a video about the Truestream construction process, scan the QR code or visit truestreamfiber.com/new-truestreamer/#buildingfiber
Community Leadership Across The Board
For Janet Andersen, hard work and serving the community have been a way of life since an early age.
Janet, who serves as the District 6 representative for Lake and Mason counties on the Great Lakes Energy Board of Directors, is nearing the end of her first three-year term on the board and has said she plans to seek reelection later this year.
A lifelong Ludington-area resident who was raised on the Mason County dairy farm that’s been in her family since 1878, Janet’s roots in the community—and with GLE— run deep.
Not only does she have fond memories of attending the cooperative’s annual meetings as a child, but she also recalls her father reminiscing about staying home from school on the day crews brought electric service to the family farm.
Following in her father’s footsteps, Janet has a long history of community involvement through serving on local governmental boards. She has served on the Mason County Board of Commissioners for the past 13 years and, in 2019, was named that board’s first-ever female chairperson—a role she continues in today. She also serves as the chairperson of the county finance committee and on the county planning commission and several other countyrelated boards and committees.
Janet’s deep roots in the community also stem from her 44-year career working at the Orchard Farm Market in Ludington. She retired from her position as manager of the market at the end of the 2022 season.
Even though she had extensive experience in policy, procedure, and regulation thanks to her involvement in county government, Janet said she enjoyed learning about GLE’s inner workings since joining the board of directors. She praised the thorough and streamlined board member education program GLE has in place. In August of 2024, Janet was chosen by her fellow board members to serve as the board’s vice chair.
“Board member education is important because we are making decisions that will affect our members now and
“Board member education is important because we are making decisions that will affect our members now and for decades to come.”
for decades to come,” she said. “The energy landscape changes almost daily, and everyone is concerned about reliability and affordability. We have to be poised to react to these changes.”
She pointed to the agreement GLE’s power supplier, Wolverine Power Cooperative, has to purchase power from the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant following its expected recommissioning later this year as a valuable long-term asset for GLE’s future stability.
She’s also excited about the continued growth of the Truestream network, not only because of how it is directly making a difference in GLE members’ lives, but also because of how the availability of reliable high-speed internet will allow for economic growth in the areas GLE serves.
When she isn’t busy with GLE and Mason County responsibilities, she and her husband Greg enjoy spending time outdoors, especially at their favorite lake.
Where In Michigan Is
This?
Farmyard Memories: The Chickens That Followed My Father
By Stanley Hagemeyer, a Great Lakes Energy cooperative member
MYSTERY PHOTO
Win a $100 energy bill credit!
Identify the correct location of the photo above by March 25 and be entered into a drawing to win a $100 electric bill credit. Enter your guess at countrylines.com/community
JANUARY 2025 WINNER!
Our Mystery Photo winner is Jerry Ullery, an Ontonagon REA cooperative member who correctly identified the photo as downtown Bellaire, Michigan.
Winners are announced in the following issues of Country Lines: January, March, May, July/August, September, and November/December.
When I was growing up, our family lived on a farm with four cows, about 20 pigs, and perhaps a hundred chickens. Until I was about 7, we had two old workhorses, too. By the time I was 12, my father had quit raising cows and pigs, but we had chickens that were housed in the big red barn.
The chickens were always free to wander around the yard to scavenge for food. Chickens were easy to care for and provided plenty of fresh eggs. Any extra eggs were taken into town to sell at the produce office. My father gave the chickens ground “layer” feed in the morning. In the afternoon, he always walked to the granary with a pail to get some oats for them. The chickens must have considered the oats a special treat. It was not long before those smart chickens learned that when Dad came to the barn to pick up the empty pail, he was going to get the oats. They would turn and follow him all the way to the granary like a row of eager pets.
When he came out with the full pail, he scattered the oats on the ground, and the chickens would gather all around to eat that treat. During 7th grade, I earned a camera at school by selling magazine subscriptions to all our relatives. One afternoon, I saw the chickens following Dad and snapped a picture of those smart chickens. Our terrier, Ginger, can be seen watching the parade, which occurred every day.
About the Author: Stanley is a retired Christian minister. He is the last of his generation of cousins and has written a historical novel describing the life of his Hagemeyer grandparents from their marriage in 1900 to their golden anniversary in 1950 (primarily for the enjoyment of their descendants).
GUEST COLUMN Win $200 for stories published! Share your fondest memories and stories. Win $200 for stories published. Visit countrylines.com/community to submit.
Attaches to your home’s existing heating system, it does not replace it.
Delivers 90% on average of your home’s heating needs and 100% of your home’s cooling needs.
If you have a well and are heating with propane, fuel oil, electric, or wood, your current heating and cooling cost is likely greater than it would be to fully finance and heat & cool with a Well-Connect.
Installs in one day, any time of year. No drilling required.
Upgrade Your Digital Know-How
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
OTSEGO COUNTY LIBRARY Mobile Device Basics: iOS
Monday, March 10
6:00 - 7:30 P.M.
Library staff will guide participants through a tour of iOS, the Apple mobile device environment, providing familiarity with the platform and allowing for a hands-on demonstration of the basic functions one needs to operate an iPhone or iPad.
ELK RAPIDS DISTRICT LIBRARY
Introduction to Online Accounts & Passwords
Thursday, March 20
4:00 - 5:30 P.M.
Perfect for anyone looking to understand and manage their digital life with confidence. Learn how email addresses are used for online accounts, how login credentials work, and tips for keeping everything organized and secure.
KALKASKA COUNTY LIBRARY Email Basics
Monday, March 24
6:00 - 7:30 P M
Join library staff for an easy-to-follow introduction to managing your email. Learn how to read, reply to, and organize your messages.
LEARN MORE AT truestreamfiber.com/ digital-literacy/
