September 2023 PIE&G

You may not realize it, but your home is sitting on a free and renewable supply of energy. A WaterFurnace geothermal comfort system taps into the stored solar energy in your own backyard to provide savings of up to 70% on heating, cooling and hot water. That’s money in the bank and a smart investment in your family’s comfort. Contact your local WaterFurnace dealer today to learn how to tap into your buried treasure.

LOCAL WATERFURNACE DEALERS

Allendale

Allendale Htg & Clg (800)327-1937

allendaleheating.com

Bad Axe/Ubly

Cutting Edge Htg & Clg (989)551-0986

Berrien Springs

Waterfurnace Michiana (269)473-5667 gogreenmichgeo thermal.com

Big Rapids Stratz Htg & Clg, Inc. (231)796-3717 stratzgeocomfort.com

Clifford Orton Refrig & Htg (989)761-7691

sanduskygeothermal.com

Hart Adams Htg & Clg (231)873-2665

adamsheating cooling.com

Indian River

M&M Plmb & Htg (231)238-7201 mm-plumbing.com

Lansing Candor Mechanical (517)920-0890 candormechanical.com

Lowell Arctic Inc. Htg. & Clg. (616)897-4213 heatingcoolingonline.com

Mancelona Top Notch Htg, Clg, & Geothermal (231)350-8052 Topnotchheatandair.com

Michigan Center Comfort 1/Air Serv of Southern Michigan (517)764-1500 airserv.com/southernmichigan/

Mt Pleasant Walton Htg & Clg (989)772-4822 waltonheating.com

Muskegon Adams Htg & Clg (231)873-2665 adamsheatingcooling.co

Portland ESI Htg & Clg (517)647-6906 esiheating.com

Sunfield Mark Woodman Plmb & Htg (517)886-1138 mwphonline.com

Traverse City D&W Mechanical (231)941-1251 dwmechanical.com

Geofurnace Htg & Clg (231)943-1000 geofurnace.com

and it isn’t just corn.

YOUR

Michigan’s Electric Cooperatives

EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Casey Clark

EDITOR: Christine Dorr

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Karreen Bird

RECIPE EDITOR: Christin McKamey

COPY EDITOR: Yvette Pecha

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Emily Haines Lloyd

PUBLISHER: Michigan Electric Cooperative Association

Michigan Country Lines, USPS-591-710, 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: Tom Sobeck, Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op, chairman; Gabe Schneider, Cherryland Electric Cooperative, vice chairman; Chris O’Neill, HomeWorks TriCounty 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 Country Lines, Your Communications Partner

For more than 40 years, our co-op members have received Michigan Country Lines because it is the most effective and economical way to share information. Michigan Country Lines keeps members up-to-date about everything going on within their electric co-op. Issues contain news about co-op services, director elections, member meetings, and management decisions that members need to know about as owners of the co-op. The magazine also includes legal notices that would otherwise have to be placed in local media at a substantial cost. Sending Michigan Country Lines helps the co-op fulfill one of its essential principles—to educate and communicate openly with its members. The board of directors authorizes the co-op to subscribe to Michigan Country Lines on behalf of each member at an average cost of $4.15 per year, paid as part of members’ electric bills. The current magazine cost is 52 cents per copy. Michigan Country Lines is published, at cost, by the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association in Lansing. As always, we welcome your comments at editor@meca.coop.

#micoopcommunity

Instagram contest winner Capturing Michigan’s beautiful beach treasures @frankfort_moments (Kathy Smith)

6 HARTWICK PINES STATE PARK: EVADING THE AXE Featuring majestic trees over 160 feet tall, the park is both an inspirational sanctuary and a testament to the transformative power of human industry.

10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN

Chocolate Desserts: decadent desserts that will satisfy any sweet tooth.

14 GREAT EDUCATION ON THE GREAT LAKES

The Great Lakes Maritime Academy, one of only six such schools in the country, prepares students for life at sea.

18 GUEST COLUMN Always Do the Right Thing: A GLE member shares his father’s words to live by.

MI Co-op Community

To enter contests, submit reader content & more, visit countrylines.com/community

Instagram Contest

Use #micoopcommunity for a chance to be featured here and on our Instagram account. Win $100 for photos published!

Recipe Contest

See details on page 10. Vegetarian due Nov. 1. Win a $100 bill credit!

Guest Column

Share your fondest memories and stories. Win $200 for stories published. Visit countrylines.com/community to submit. Win $200 for stories published!

Mystery Photo

See details on page 18. Win a $100 bill credit!

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Charles Arbour

23899 M32 S, Hillman MI 49746

989-657-4358 • Term Expires: 2023

Allan Berg, Vice-Chairman 8400 Lost Lake Rd., Hawks, MI 49743 989-734-0044 • Term Expires 2023

Sandy Borowicz, Secretary 5341 Carlson Rd.,Cheboygan, MI 49721

231-627-9220 • Term Expires 2024

John Brown, Chairman 21 W. Devereaux Lake Rd., Indian River, MI 49749

231-625-2099 • Term Expires 2023

Sally Knopf 1849 W. 638 Hwy., Rogers City, MI 49779

989-734-4196 • Term Expires 2024

Kurt Krajniak

7630 Wallace Rd., Alpena, MI 49707

989-884-3037 • Term Expires 2025

Brentt Lucas 15841 Carr Rd., Posen, MI 49776

989-766-3678 • Term Expires 2025

Daryl Peterson, Treasurer

P.O. Box 54, Hillman, MI 49746

989-742-3145 • Term Expires 2024

Raymond Wozniak

6737 State St., Posen, MI 49776

989-766-2498 • Term Expires 2025

President & CEO: Thomas J. Sobeck tsobeck@pieg.com

Communications Director/Co-op Editor: Mairè Chagnon-Hazelman

Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op 3149 Main Street (M-211) Onaway, MI 49765

Business Office & Billing: 989-733-8515

Toll-Free: 800-423-6634

Gas Emergency Toll-Free: 800-655-8565

2022 CEO Annual Compensation: $216,973

2022 Director Compensation Rate:

• $920 per regular meeting

• $270 per special meeting New memberships in 2022:

• Electric—1,326

• Natural Gas—192

Meet Your Candidates!

CHEBOYGAN DISTRICT

I would like to thank you for your past support and ask you to consider my re-election to represent you as a director on the PIE&G board. My wife and I are graduates of Cheboygan Area Schools and have raised three children on our fourth-generation farm and sawmill. We have been involved in soccer, football, and livestock programs while our children were in school. I have also been involved in township government, Cheboygan County Humane Society, Oak Hill Cemetery Board, and the Michigan Township Association. If elected, I will continue to do my best at representing you regarding your electric, natural gas, and fiber internet services, as well as environmental issues like solar and wind, while focusing to keep the lowest rates possible.

As PIE&G members for 26 years, my wife and I became fulltime residents near Indian River in 2018 upon my retirement. We have three children.

I am a board-certified family physician, with 30 years of clinical practice and a decade of leadership roles at a large teaching hospital (including chief medical officer and VP of medical affairs). I have degrees in microbiology (BS), medicine (MD), and business (MBA). I have served on multiple boards and am currently on the board of Primary Care Partners (physician organization).

With climate change looming, my passion for environmental protection, habitat and species diversity, and our children’s future has deepened. I pursue this board position enthusiastically, and am committed to sustainable, cleaner energy for our communities and for future generations.

MONTMORENCY DISTRICT

Revenue: ($236,261)

Growing up and living in northeastern Michigan, I have been able to raise a family, start and run a small business, and serve our community in the form of public service. I have found being a director representing Montmorency County for the past six years to be challenging, informative, and interesting. I believe with what I have learned during my time on the board, I will be able to continue to serve and help with current and ongoing items PIE&G is and will be facing.

I am very appreciative of the support I have received for the past six years of service and am hopeful I will be elected for another term of office. Thank you for your consideration.

Michael Schultz, M.D. Indian River

John Brown Cheboygan

Charles Arbour Hillman

See instructions on the cover wrap of this magazine for voting details.

MONTMORENCY DISTRICT (Continued)

I have been the Department of Public Works supervisor at the Village of Hillman for 46 years. I served on the Hillman Fire Department for over 20 years. I also served on the Brush Creek Mill board for three years. In 2016, I was elected to the Hillman Township board as a trustee and then elected as Hillman Township supervisor in 2000 and am still fulfilling my term of office.

I also enjoy hunting and fishing. I would faithfully serve the Montmorency district of PIE&G.

• Registration starts at 8:30 a.m.

• Lunch is provided

My name is Chris Nagel and I live in Lewiston. I have 37 years of experience working for public utilities and an independent power producer. I have held several roles in those organizations including quality assurance, engineering, purchasing, project management and construction management. Most recently, I served as director of construction management at Consumers Energy, responsible for managing all contracted construction in support of major projects company-wide. In 2019, I oversaw construction activities for projects totaling $970 million.

I believe my breadth of experience, most of which is directly related to what PIE&G does, can be an asset to the co-op and its members.

PRESQUE ISLE DISTRICT

I was elected to the PIE&G board in 2008 and am a lifelong resident of Presque Isle County. I receive residential electric and natural gas service from PIE&G. I believe availability and costs of energy are very important. I will ensure that management is making good, efficient decisions to combat rising costs and keep energy affordable for the citizens in our communities.

With a bachelor’s degree in accounting, a master’s degree in administration, and various professional licenses, I also bring over 20 years of professional experience, including running my own company with over 20 employees in the Presque Isle County area.

Together with my work experience and education, I will bring good leadership decisions to keep PIE&G innovative and will strive to deliver low-cost energy to the membership.

$100 prize drawing for voting by mail, with an additional $50 if you are present at the meeting!

Just like you, these candidates are member-owners of the co-op. Your vote is important!

See the back cover of this magazine and the ballot cover wrap for voting details.

John S. Burr Hillman

Chris Nagel Lewiston

Allan Berg Hawks

Hartwick Pines State Park

Evading the Axe

By Yvette Pecha

Featuring majestic trees over 160 feet tall, the park is both an inspirational sanctuary and a testament to the transformative power of human industry.

Before being known for automobiles, Michigan was a primary hub in the logging industry. In fact, it was the nation’s leading lumber-producing state from 1860 until 1910. Logging—particularly that of pine trees—played a vital role in developing the country, but it devastated the landscape. It is estimated that less than 1% of the old growth forests that were here when European settlers arrived remain in the eastern U.S. However, there are still places where you can go and see the forest as those settlers did—majestic, towering, and seemingly infinite—and one of them happens to be in Grayling.

Hartwick Pines State Park features roughly 49 acres of old growth forest, which is the largest stand in the Lower Peninsula. Hillary Pine, the park’s historian, says it consists primarily of white/red pine and eastern hemlock trees that are anywhere from 350 to 425 years old. With heights of over 160 feet, the trees are a historic spectacle that have been drawing sightseers for almost 100 years. “We have a lot of generational visitors,” Pine said. “People who used to come here with their grandparents are now bringing grandkids of their own.” A question Pine hears a lot is “Where’s the big tree?”—a reference to the once tallest tree in the forest, the Monarch, which was a 155-foottall white pine that people earnestly hugged for photo ops. Sadly, the Monarch perished after a windstorm, but there are plenty of other old, giant trees waiting to have their pictures taken—and they have Karen Hartwick to thank for it.

Hartwick bought 8,000 acres of property that included the grove of old growth in 1927. She then donated the land to the state with the stipulation that it be a memorial to her late husband, Edward Hartwick, a lumberman who died of illness in World War I. The contract also dictated that no more trees would be cut, there would be a road to the park, a structure would be built in Edward’s memory, and a logging museum would be established. The park opened in

1928 and, with time, met all of Karen’s wishes. There is a museum that depicts life in a late 1800s logging camp, and the Hartwick Pines Memorial Building, a rustic, lodge-style building, pays tribute to Edward.

Other buildings on the property include a chapel that can be rented out for weddings and the Visitor’s Center— which is where you’ll find longtime park interpreter Craig Kasmer, who leads presentations and trail tours. Kasmer, who—like his parents before him— once hugged the Monarch, echoes Pine’s statement that the park is about family connection. He says one of his favorite things is meeting visitors who tell him they remember him from a tour they took when they were kids—many of them particularly remember him saying that not everything is a pine cone. “All conifers have cones, but pine cones are only on pine trees. There are also hemlock cones, spruce cones, fir cones, etc.,” he said. Kasmer says it’s important to make this distinction and for people to know the proper names of things. “If you know the name of something, you care for it more. You learn the name of that flower, the name of that bird, and you like it more and want to know more about it.” he said.

The park also features a 21-mile network of all-season trails perfect for walking, biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Pine says the 1.25mile Old Growth Forest Trail, which is paved and fully accessible, is the most popular, as visitors get to see the old growth trees up close. Other popular activities include birding (the evening grosbeak is one rare bird that can be seen); viewing other wildlife such as bobcats, deer, turkeys, otters, minks, foxes, and the occasional bear; and fishing, canoeing, or kayaking in the four lakes onsite. The two biggest of which—Bright and Glory—are named after Karen Hartwick’s father’s loghauling oxen team. The grounds also house a 100-site seasonal campground.

Whatever you come to the park for, prepare to be awed. Pine, who has been employed at Hartwick Pines for seven years, says she’s still amazed. “As a historian—knowing the effect that the logging era had on Michigan’s forest and the widespread devastation from cutting and fire—the fact that this small section of old growth remained is truly remarkable,” she said. “It’s a wonderful pocket where you can go see what most of northern Michigan used to look like.”

Visitor Center hours: Memorial Day–Labor Day: open daily, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Sept.–Oct.: open daily, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

Nov.–April: weekends only, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

Logging Museum hours: Memorial Day–Labor Day: open daily, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

May, Sept.–Oct.: open daily, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

Nov.–April: CLOSED

For more information: /HartwickPinesStatePark/

michigan.gov/dnr/places/ v-centers/hartwick

“It’s a wonderful pocket where you can go see what most of northern Michigan used to look like.”

PRESQUE ISLE DISTRICT (Continued)

I met Jim Dymond while he worked for GM. We married in 1993 and moved back to his hometown in Onaway when he retired in 1995. I’ve resided here ever since. I have a BA degree in human resource management. I spent many years as a substitute teacher for most of the local school systems. In 2012, I began volunteering at the History Center of Cheboygan County, where I set up their research library and connected their website. I received their volunteer of the year award in 2014. I purchased and operated Cheboygan Sun Shop in 2015. I retired in 2021. Now I can devote my time to research and classes to enable our community to have the best options and most reliable service available.

Your Board In Action

At its most recent meetings, the PIE&G Board of Directors:

• Appointed members to the 2023 Election & Credentials committee.

• Approved PIE&G’s participation in the Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund (LIEAF) for the program year beginning Oct. 1, 2023.

• Approved the 2023 Annual Meeting Notice.

My name is Gregory Wayne Roznowski. I’m 33 years old and grew up in Posen. I graduated from Rogers City Area High School in 2009. I’m a homeowner in Hawks. I am interested in playing drums, smoking food, and playing pool—anything that involves skill and teamwork. I’ve been a business owner for over one year, which is a big accomplishment. We own The Smoking Pig Bar in Metz. With owning a bar, I’ve learned to make hard decisions. I also learned that active listening, communication, customer service, problem-solving, and leadership skills are important. With owning a business, being a homeowner, and skills that I have to offer, I believe I would make a great board candidate for the Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op.

• Rescinded the April 2023 resolution authorizing a Capital Credit retirement in the amount of $817,000.00 for 2023.

• Approved resolution 2023-09 acknowledging the retirement of Lineman Kevin Grulke after 32 years of service to the cooperative.

• Approved changes to the monthly fiber rates and the creation of two additional service levels. The cooperative now offers 100-MB, 250-MB, 500-MB, and 1-GIG plans.

• Accepted team reports.

Linda Dymond Onaway

Greg Roznowski Hawks

Enter to win up to a $50 energy bill credit!

Submit your best photo and encourage others to vote! The photo receiving the most votes in our photo contest will be printed in an issue of Country Lines, along with some of our other favorites. Our September theme is Celebrations. Photos can be submitted through Sept. 20 to be featured in our Nov./Dec. issue.

To enter the contest, visit pieg.com/photocontest. Enter your picture, cast your vote, and encourage others to vote for you as well. If your photo is printed in Country Lines during 2023, you will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of four $50 credits on your January 2024 bill.

2. Summer sunrise off the porch. Kiersten Waldie

3. A grand porch! Mackinac Island. Gloria Zalewski

4. The good life. Karen Karbowski

5. Our relaxing spot! James MacQueen

6. Endurance of time. Kayln Stokes

7. Porches can be flower gardens too. Randy Niederhouse

8. Porch pumpkins. Katie Duczkowski

1. Our resident porch bear! Kathy & Robert Clark

CHOCOLATE DESSERTS

Decadent desserts that will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Recipe Contest

Win a $100 energy bill credit!

Vegetarian due Nov. 1

Submit your favorite recipe for a chance to win a $100 bill credit and have your recipe featured in Country Lines with a photo and a video. Submit your recipe at micoopkitchen.com , or send it via email (include your full name and co-op) to recipes@countrylines.com

WINNING RECIPE!

MARSHMALLOW BROWNIES

Pamela Balcom, Great Lakes Energy

½ cup butter, melted

2 tablespoons cocoa powder

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup sugar

¾ cup flour

¼ teaspoon salt

½ bag mini marshmallows

1 cup nuts, optional

Frosting:

¼–¹/³ cup condensed or evaporated milk (can also use whole milk)

2 tablespoons butter

2 cups powdered sugar

¼ cup cocoa powder

¹/8 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla or mint extract (mint is our fave)

Preheat oven to 350 F. In a medium bowl, add ½ cup melted butter and blend in 2 tablespoons cocoa powder. In a small bowl, beat the eggs, vanilla, and sugar together. Add to the butter/cocoa mixture. Add the flour, salt, and nuts (if using) and mix together (do not add marshmallows).

Bake in greased (or lined with parchment paper)

8x8-inch pan for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and pour marshmallows on top and push down to melt them. To make the frosting, heat evaporated/ condensed milk and butter until melted. Remove from heat and add the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and vanilla/mint extract. Mix well. Pour over baked brownies and marshmallows. Allow to cool in the fridge for 30 minutes. Serve and watch them disappear!

Watch a video of this month’s winning recipe at micoopkitchen.com/recipe_ type/videos/

CHOCOLATE-PEANUT BUTTER CHIP FUDGE COOKIES

Leslie Brasure, Alger Delta

¾ cup chopped walnuts

½ cup, plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

½ cup sweetened flaked coconut, lightly toasted

½ teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature

6 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped

12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips, divided

4 teaspoons instant coffee crystals

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1½ cups sugar

4 large eggs

½ cup peanut butter chips (or butterscotch chips)

Preheat oven to 350 F. Line 2 largerimmed baking sheets with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Combine chopped walnuts, flour, toasted coconut,

baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl and stir until well blended. Combine butter, unsweetened chocolate, and half of the chocolate chips in a heavy medium saucepan. Stir over low heat until butter and chocolate are melted and smooth. Remove saucepan from heat. Whisk coffee crystals and vanilla extract in medium bowl until crystals dissolve. Add sugar and eggs. Using electric mixer, beat until mixture thickens, about 2 minutes. Beat in melted chocolate mixture, then chopped walnut mixture. Stir in remaining chocolate chips and peanut butter chips. Mound 2 tablespoons dough for each cookie onto prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Bake cookies until puffed and cracked but still soft in center, about 15 minutes. Let cool on sheets for 10 minutes. Using spatula, transfer cookies to rack and cool. Can be made 2 days ahead. Store in airtight container at room temperature. Makes 28 cookies.

CHOCOLATE GUINNESS CAKE

Linda Heintz, Great Lakes Energy

1 cup Guinness (dark beer)

½ cup butter, cubed

2 cups sugar

¾ cup baking cocoa

2 eggs, beaten

²/³ cup sour cream

3 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1½ teaspoons baking soda

Frosting:

1 (8-ounce) package cream

cheese, softened

1½ cups confectioner's (powdered)

sugar

½ cup heavy whipping cream

Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper; set aside. In a small saucepan, heat beer and butter until melted. Remove from heat; whisk

in sugar and cocoa until blended. In a separate bowl, combine the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla; whisk into beer mixture. In a medium bowl, combine the flour and baking soda; whisk into beer mixture until smooth. Pour batter into prepared 9-inch pan. Bake for 45–50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack, then remove sides of springform pan. To make the frosting, in a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until fluffy. Add confectioner’s sugar and cream; beat until smooth (do not overbeat). Remove cake from pan and place on a platter or cake stand. Add frosting to the top of cake so that it resembles a frothy pint of beer (frosting dripping over sides). Makes 12 servings. This is a beautiful cake that stays moist for several days. Refrigerate leftovers.

DOUBLE CHOCOLATE PIE

Kristine Brenner, Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op

2 (3.4-ounce) packages chocolate pudding (NOT instant)

3½ cups milk

½ cup chocolate chips

2 tablespoons butter

1 baked pie shell

8 ounces Cool Whip

• grated chocolate, for garnish

In a medium bowl, combine the pudding mixture, milk, and chocolate chips. Stir over medium heat until mixture comes to a full boil. Stir in butter. Cool 5 minutes, stirring twice. Pour into baked pie shell. Chill in refrigerator for 3 hours or more. Top with Cool Whip and garnish with grated chocolate before serving.

PERFECT FUDGE

Linda Roe, Alger Delta

1 (12-ounce) bag semisweet chocolate chips

1 (12-ounce) bag milk chocolate chips

1 (12-ounce) bag white chocolate chips

2 (14-ounce) cans sweetened condensed milk

2–3 cups coarsely chopped walnuts or pecans, optional

1 (10-ounce) bag miniature marshmallows

Pour all chips and sweetened condensed milk in a large, heavy pot. Melt on low heat. Add nuts (if using) and mix until evenly coated. Cool slightly. Add marshmallows and mix well. Pour into a 9x13-inch pan lined with parchment paper. Smooth out, then cool completely.

Your Co-op’s 2022 Annual Report

To Our Member-Owners:

2022 was a year in which the cooperative continued to achieve some historic milestones. We’ve continued deployment of smart grid technology, which involves the use of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI). So far, we have deployed AMI meters to 99% of our total active electric meters and we are working to deploy the same technology on our natural gas system over the coming months. When fully implemented, this system will provide increased operational efficiencies and enhanced benefits including member conveniences. Our natural gas operations continue to provide positive margins, though the annual analysis of our 2022 electric operations did result in an increase in distribution rates of 8.63% overall, which were effective June 1, 2023. Still, our electric rates remain very competitive with our cooperative peers in Michigan as well as our neighboring investor-owned utilities.

The board of directors remains committed to the cooperative business model by once again authorizing a return of patronage capital. In 2022, the cooperative returned approximately $1,437,000 in capital credit retirements to members.

Through PIE&G Connect, our fiber division, we continue construction of our Fiber-to-the-Home broadband project

Where Your Energy Dollar Goes:

in our service territory. We began offering high-speed internet access in July 2022 to members who receive electric service within Phase 1 of the project. We now have approximately 1,750 members subscribed to highspeed internet, and home installations are increasing by approximately 75 new services per week. This will usher in a new era at the cooperative, using our time-tested and member-focused business model.

The future holds exciting prospects and challenges for all of us, including the continued deployment of an Advanced Metering Infrastructure Smart Grid and providing highspeed internet access to northeast Michigan, all while doing our best to keep rates for all services affordable and maintaining service reliability. We’re elated about our progress, and we look forward to serving your needs now and well into the future!

On behalf of the board of directors, management, and employees, we thank you for your trust and support.

Respectfully,

John Brown, Chairman of the Board

Tom Sobeck, President & Chief Executive Officer

John Brown Thomas Sobeck

Treasurer’s Report

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS 2022 2021

Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op’s Statement of Operations and Balance Sheet for the years ending Dec. 31, 2021, and 2022 are included in this annual report. As indicated by these financial reports, the cooperative has experienced some challenges during 2022. Our natural gas operations results were such that no distribution rate increase was necessary, but unfortunately, our electric operations results were not as positive and required a rate increase that was implemented on June 1, 2023. Like all other segments of our economy, we have and continue to experience cost pressures. Despite this, it remains our goal to continue to provide competitive and reliable energy alternatives for our members.

Our independent auditing firm, Eide Bailly, has confirmed that the financial statements and records presented to them accurately reflect the financial position of the cooperative. The reports of the results of our operations are in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

It has been my distinguished pleasure to serve as treasurer for the past year.

Daryl Peterson, Treasurer

Daryl Peterson

The Great Lakes provide vital fresh water, a place to enjoy watersports or days lounging on the beach, gorgeous views, and a beautiful backdrop to family photos and selfies alike. However, the Great Lakes have an additional utility— as a classroom.

GREAT EDUCATION on the GREAT LAKES

By Emily Haines Lloyd

The Great Lakes Maritime Academy (GLMA), a part of Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) that is located on its Grand Traverse campus in Traverse City, is one of only six maritime academies in the country. The other five, located in California, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, and Texas, are all part of educational programming that prepares individuals for careers as mariners, who are needed to operate large ships that carry steel, stone, agricultural products, sand, salt, oil, and other cargo. Other types of boats they can operate include military ships, research vessels, municipal ferries, tugboats, and dinner cruise ships.

The Great Lakes Maritime Academy began in 1969. It currently enrolls just 60 new cadets each year into its fouryear bachelor’s degree program—36 in the deck program and 24 in the engineering program. The program requires the standard 120 credits to

graduate with a bachelor’s degree— the GLMA coursework includes 80 maritime-related credits and 40 in general education.

Cadets in the deck program take classes in cargo, navigation, and ship business to learn skills like navigating the waters via the stars, calculating the stability of the ship, properly loading a ship, and handling ballast. In the engineer program, cadets take classes in electricity, steam, and diesel power so they can maintain the engines powering the vessels.

“The GLMA program is unique in that our program is about half the size of the other academies, ensuring students get personalized training,” said Admiral Jerry Achenbach, superintendent of GLMA. “Plus the bonus of a cohort system at a community college that has an ethos of working with firstgeneration college students, which means there is a lot of support for our nontraditional students.”

With the benefit of smaller class sizes and less expensive credit hours, the four full-time faculty and two staff members who teach are able to facilitate coursework that prepares students for life at sea. GLMA is also unique because, in conjunction with NMC’s culinary school, it is able to offer a dedicated track that prepares culinary students for galley work on commercial vessels or trade ships. They also earn their Coast Guard credentials alongside the full-time maritime students.

“NMC’s culinary program makes it possible for us to educate a truly unique demographic and prepare them for culinary careers at sea,” said Achenbach. “We’ve gotten feedback from HR departments who say that the food is better, the galley is cleaner, and food costs go down when they hire our graduates. That’s something we’re very proud of.”

Additionally, Achenbach notes they are proud that many veterans join their program after their service. In part, this is a big reason behind recent legislation that was introduced by Sen. Gary Peters, along with senators from the other states that host

maritime academies. The legislation would extend the current age limit on the Student Incentive Payment (SIP) Program, which provides up to $32,000 in funding over four years to help offset the cost of tuition, uniforms, books, and living costs in exchange for enlistment in the U.S. Navy Reserve after students graduate.

“The SIP Program not only allows these great Americans to also serve as commissioned officers in the Navy's Strategic Sealift Officer Program upon graduation, but provides much-needed financial support. Senator Peters' initiative will allow nontraditional students from Michigan, as well as any state, to be eligible for this financial support,” Achenbach said. This legislation, known as the CADETS Act, was signed into law by President Biden earlier this summer.

Achenbach adds that sailing for a living does offer well-paying jobs and allows people a chance to see the world, but it’s not like other careers.

“It does have an element of adventure and is the furthest thing from a desk job,” said Achenbach. “But this is a lifestyle choice. It’s not for everyone.”

Achenbach acknowledges that many people don’t know about the academy’s existence and its impact on the maritime industry. That’s why he is always willing to speak with colleges or service organizations about both the program and the opportunities. Your organization can reach out to him at gachenbach@nmc.edu to learn more.

PIE&G Connect: Enhancing Your Internet Experience with New Service Options

Dear Valued Members,

We are thrilled to share the remarkable progress PIE&G Connect has achieved in the past 22 months during our fiber network deployment. As we recently reached the milestone of connecting over 1,700 members to our world-class, highspeed internet service and completed over 1,000 miles of construction, we are grateful for your continued support.

While we celebrate these accomplishments, we also acknowledge our challenges, particularly concerning the rapidly rising materials costs and interest rates, which are beyond our control. When we initially designed our pricing and packages, we used the best data and information available to us at the time. However, we’ve encountered evolving circumstances and data nearly two years into the project, prompting us to review our current pricing and service offerings.

This thorough review has presented us with some difficult realities, and regrettably, we must implement an increase in the monthly package charges. The new monthly package charges will appear on your bill in September for the October service month. The 100-MB monthly package charge will be adjusted by $5, from $59.95 to $64.95. The 1-GIG monthly package charge will also increase by $10, from $89.95 to $99.95.

We understand that no price increase is ideal. Still, we remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering exceptional service and fulfilling our construction plans to bring fiber internet to as many members as possible.

We have listened closely to your feedback as part of our dedication to enhancing your internet experience. To that end, we are pleased to introduce two new intermediate service levels between our existing 100-MB and 1-GIG

packages. Starting Oct. 1, you will now have the option to choose from 250-MB and 500-MB packages, providing you with more tailored choices to meet your specific needs.

The updated pricing for all four service levels are as follows:

• 100 MB: $64.95 per month

• 250 MB: $79.95 per month

• 500 MB: $89.95 per month

• 1 GIG: $99.95 per month

These prices do not include our $5 monthly discount after enrollment in Auto Pay. We’re pleased to continue offering this benefit to our valued members.

We sincerely appreciate your understanding and support as we continue to move forward and expand our service offerings. Rest assured, we are wholeheartedly committed to providing you with a top-notch internet experience as we pursue our construction goals.

Thank you for being an essential part of our PIE&G Connect community. If you have any questions or require further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact our Member Services team at 1-800-423-6634.

Sincerely,

Your PIE&G Board of Directors

Should I Change My Charging Habits?

Four things to know about extending rechargeable battery life

Many of us are so connected to our phones, tablets, and laptops that we panic when their batteries near the dreaded 0% mark. We want our device batteries to perform well for as long as possible. If you ever fret over your device’s power levels, here are tips on striking the right balance between battery health and how you work and play.

Keep your battery about 40% to 80% charged.

There’s a lot of reasonable advice around the internet to keep your phone charged between 20% and 80%, or between 40% and 80%. To understand those recommendations—and why you might want to either follow them or ignore them—it helps to understand how rechargeable batteries work.

Up until about 20 years ago, batteries benefitted from occasional “deep discharges”—running the battery down until the device shuts off. But because of the different materials used in batteries today, that’s not true anymore.

Rechargeable batteries contain two different materials that produce electricity when particles flow from one to the other. They flow in the other direction when being recharged. That process will degrade any battery over time. Keeping both sides of the battery in balance, with the device charged at about 50%, will put the least amount of stress on the battery and make it last longer.

But that’s unrealistic—no one’s going to keep their phone half-charged all the time. So, the experts try to make it easier by recommending 40% to 80% or 20% to 80%. Apple devices offer even more flexibility, with experts pointing out that modern rechargeable batteries are designed to last for years in the various ways you use them. They recommend that rather than worrying about the battery, you just focus on using and enjoying your device.

Overnight charging can add stress to some batteries.

Charging your device up to 100% or letting it drain to 0% until it shuts down does put extra stress on the battery and can shorten its life. That’s why it can make sense to charge your devices occasionally throughout the day rather than keeping them plugged in while you sleep. Newer electronics will actually stop charging at 100%. But then, each time the charge drops to 99%, charging will resume.

Keep it cool, but not cold.

One absolute in battery care is don’t let your device get warmer than 95 degrees. Keep it out of the sun, and never leave it in a hot vehicle. If the device does get hot, don’t go to the other extreme and put it in the freezer. Just place it in the shade or take the cover off for a while.

Use less power.

It sounds simple, but one of the easiest ways to put less stress on the battery is to use less power. You can close energy-draining apps and functions when you’re not using them, and you can activate energy-saving settings like putting the device to sleep sooner. Another easy way to reduce battery use is to activate the “airplane mode” button every now and then.

If you’re the kind of person who likes to turn in their electronics every couple of years for the latest versions, these recommendations likely won’t apply. But if you’re someone who wants your devices to last longer, these suggestions can help prolong battery life.

Mystery Photo

Win a $100 energy bill credit!

Where In Michigan Is This?

Identify the correct location of the photo above by Sept. 20 and be entered into a drawing to win a $100 electric bill credit. Enter your guess at countrylines.com/community

July/Aug. 2023

in Frankenmuth, Michigan.

Winners are announced in the following issues of Country Lines: January, March, May, July/ August, September, and November/December.

By David Van Horn, a Great Lakes Energy Cooperative member

M Always Do the Right Thing

y father, James Van Horn, was a very quiet man. I have no memory of ever having that one-on-one talk between father and son, as you see being depicted in the Hallmark-type movies. I do, however, have many memories of him setting the perfect example of what your fellow man should be doing on a daily basis.

On May 12, 1970, my grandfather, William Van Horn, died of a heart attack. I was 12 years old, the third in line of seven grandchildren. Dad was devastated at the loss of his father.

Two days later, May 14, Mom, Dad, and seven kids loaded up the station wagon and we were on the way to the funeral home when, two blocks away from our home, dad suddenly stopped the car. He got out of the car, walked to a newspaper box, put in a shiny dime, and took out one paper. He closed the box and repeated the process. We asked Mom what he was doing. She responded with, “I'm not sure, but whatever it is, it is important to him.” He did this seven more times, dropping a dime in the box each time. He came back to the car with nine newspapers.

Mom asked, “What are you going to do with all those newspapers?” He responded with, “I wanted you and each of the kids to have a copy of Dad’s obituary listed in the Indianapolis Star.“

I remember saying, “Why didn't you just drop one dime and take nine papers?” He responded with, “That box is part of a man's business. If I did that, I would be stealing from a man. Always do the right thing, because it's the right thing to do. If you live by this rule, the walk on the road of life will always be a much smoother one.”

I remember it like it was yesterday. Yes, I was only 12 years old, but it stuck, and it made a terrific impact on my life. Today, I am 65 years old and have always done my best to do the right thing, because it's the right thing to do.

I just finished my 28th year of teaching, 23 in Indianapolis and five in Walkerville, Michigan. For 28 years, my classroom motto has been those prophetic words that were spoken to me by my father 53 years ago, “Do the right thing, because it's the right thing to do.”

My father was a quiet man, but his actions always spoke louder than any words he could ever have spoken. James Van Horn was a great example to anyone who may have been watching.

Still today, students reach out to me, and make mention of the words I taught them years ago and say thank you for making the walk on the road of life a much more enjoyable one. I remind them to thank James Van Horn, my father.

About the author: David is an elementary teacher at Walkerville Public Schools. He taught for 23 years in Indianapolis, retired and moved to Bitely, Michigan. He got bored and went back to the classroom. He enjoys the outdoors——fishing, hunting, canoeing, kayaking, boating, riding his side by side, and much more. Spending time with his grandkids is the best.

Winner! Our Mystery Photo winner is Gloria Zalewski, a Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op member, who correctly identified the photo as the Holz-Brucke covered wooded bridge

HOW DOES THE SYSTEM WORK?

•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 or excavation is required.

All members have a vote.

Together, we work in harmony.

Every PIE&G member has a say in electing a board member. It’s up to you, the member, to vote or run for election. Power to the people, from the people. Doesn’t that sound good?

Learn more about your PIE&G Board of Directors and the election process at pieg.com/directors.