2024 April PIE&G

April 2024

MICHIGAN

COUNTRY LINES Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op

Rate Change Update National Lineworker Appreciation Day is April 18 Clearing the Path to Reliability

AMERICA’S FAVORITE HOUSEGUEST

How a small-town girl made reality TV history

WATERFURNACE UNITS QUALIFY FOR A 30% FEDERAL TAX CREDIT1

Conserving is believing.

Geothermal is leading the effort to provide a heating and cooling source that preserves Earth’s resources.

Geothermal is the greener alternative. The Department of Energy considers it a “vital, clean energy resource” that “emits little or no greenhouse gas—all while requiring a small environmental footprint to develop.” WaterFurnace geothermal units use Earth’s natural underground heat to keep your home comfortable, the sustainable way.

Geothermal is the only renewable that provides reliable operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

YOUR LOCAL WATERFURNACE DEALERS

CO-OP REBATE INCENTIVES

Allendale Allendale Htg & Clg (800) 327-1937 allendaleheating.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

Negaunee J-Goods Plmb. & Htg. (906) 869-2522 jgoodsplumbingand heating.com

Big Rapids Stratz Htg & Clg, Inc. (231) 796-3717 stratzgeocomfort.com Clifford Orton Refrig & Htg (989) 761-7691 sanduskygeothermal.com Filion/Bad Axe Air-O-Dynamic Htg. & Clg. (989) 582-0137 Hart Adams Htg & Clg (231) 873-2665 adamsheating cooling.com

Manistique Hoholik Enterprises (906) 341-5065 hoholikenterprises.com Marinette, WI GPS Htg. & Clg (715) 732-2111 gpsheatingcooling.com Michigan Center Comfort 1/Air Serv of Southern Michigan (517) 764-1500 airserv.com/southernmichigan/

Portland ESI Htg & Clg (517) 647-6906 esiheating.com Sunfield Mark Woodman Plmb & Htg (517) 886-1138 mwphonline.com

Alger Delta Electric: up to $2,000 Cherryland Electric: up to $2,500 Cloverland: up to $6,275 Great Lakes Energy: up to $5,000 Homeworks/Tri-County Electric: up to $4,750 Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op: up to $4,750 Thumb Electric: 5% financing available up to $22,500 for a 10-year term.

Traverse City D&W Mechanical (231) 941-1251 dwmechanical.com Geofurnace Htg & Clg (231) 943-1000 geofurnace.com

visit us at waterfurnace.com/mi

The Reliable Renewable is a trademark of WaterFurnace International, Inc 1. ENERGY START rated units qualify for 30% through 2030 and 26% through 2032 and 22% through 2033

Contents countrylines.com

/michigancountrylines

April 2024 Vol. 44, No. 4 /michigancountrylines

Michigan’s Electric Cooperatives

EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Casey Clark

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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, 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.

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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.

6 WHEELS OF CHANGE

Exploring the e-bike phenomenon in Michigan.

MI Co-op Community

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

10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN

Stir-Fries & Curries: Asian-inspired dishes full of flavor and fragrance.

14 AMERICA’S FAVORITE

HOUSEGUEST How small-town girl Nicole Franzel of Ubly, Michigan, made reality TV history.

18 NO BARRIERS 2024 PROGRAM

Adventures for rural veterans— apply by June 15. In-person expeditions will take place in July and August.

Recipe Contest

See details on page 10. Homemade Burgers due May 1; Casseroles due July 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!

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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A Little More On Rates

pieg.com

Tom Sobeck, President & CEO

/PIEGCooperative /PIEGCooperative

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Allan Berg, Chairman 8400 Lost Lake Rd., Hawks, MI 49743 989-734-0044 • Term Expires 2026 Sandy Borowicz, Secretary 5341 Carlson Rd., Cheboygan, MI 49721 231-627-9220 • Term Expires 2024 John Brown, Vice Chairman 21 W. Devereaux Lake Rd., Indian River, MI 49749 231-625-2099 • Term Expires 2026 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, Treasurer 15841 Carr Rd., Posen, MI 49776 989-766-3678 • Term Expires 2025 Chris Nagel 3842 N. Mielke Way, Lewiston, MI 49756 616-240-8727 • Term Expires: 2026 Daryl Peterson 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 Co-op Editor: Sommer Poquette spoquette@pieg.com

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

ast month, this column announced rate increases for both electric and natural gas services and gave some insight as to the cause. I’ve focused on the causes of the rate hikes over the past several months. Our new building, the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system, our investment in a Fiber to the Home network (PIE&G Connect), and increasing costs of operations all have had an impact on your energy rates. This month, I’d like to spend a little more time on how your energy rates are developed.

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On the surface, the process we use to develop new rates seems complicated, but it really isn’t. It boils down to the fact that we need to cover the cost of serving each account along with an additional amount to use for investments and future expansions.

So, as we record expenses and develop construction plans, we present the board with reports that outline those costs and their potential impact on energy rates. PIE&G staff reviews financial operations monthly with the board of directors and budgets are presented annually, which include the impact on future rates. This process is continuous and allows the board to stay abreast of developing trends and issues that impact the membership. Once the operating year is complete and our external auditors have reviewed our financial statements, PIE&G staff then determines whether there is a need for rate adjustments. The board of directors reviews and approves this analysis regardless of the need for an adjustment to rates but, if there is a need for adjustments, the board approves them at a scheduled meeting that is open to the membership.

This approval process is always open to the membership and your attendance is welcome—we only ask that you provide us notice. Natural gas rates are typically determined each year at our February board meeting and implemented on April 1.

Electric rates are determined in September or October for power supply costs and in February or March for distribution rates. The electric rate meetings are announced as special meetings but typically take place on our regularly scheduled board meeting date, which is the fourth Tuesday of each month. Our goal is to provide you with efficient, reliable, and affordable energy. Our process is designed to be transparent, and all are welcome to inquire about it directly with me at any time.

Last month’s magazine provided details on the electric rate increases. This month, natural gas rate increases are presented. You’ll note the increase in the availability charge for the residential and commercial rate classes along with a modest increase in the commodity or CCF charge. The natural gas availability charge has not been adjusted since April 1, 2012. Since weather has a significant impact on natural gas usage, the increase in the availability charge is necessary to ensure the cooperative collects enough revenue to cover costs in periods of unusually warm weather, which has been the case over the past few years. This also serves to keep the CCF charge lower, which provides relief to you when the weather is unusually cold.

PIE&G Natural Gas Rate Increase—Effective April 1, 2024 Current Availability Charge $/Month

April 1– New Availability Charge $/Month

Current Distribution Charge $/CCF

April 1– New Distribution Charge $/CCF

Current GCR Factor Charge $/CCF

April 1– New GCR Factor Charge $/CCF

April 1–New Total CCF Charge $/CCF

Residential

$12

$17

$0.48914

$0.50950

$0.49260

$0.49100

$1.00050

Commercial

$17

$21

$0.32273

$0.35630

$0.49260

$0.49100

$0.84730

Industrial

$188

$188

$0.27570

$0.31000

$0.49260

$0.49100

$0.80100

PIE&G natural gas rates and charges are not regulated by the Michigan Public Service Commission.

RATE CLASS Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

4 APRIL 2024

Communities First Fund Grant Recipients Thank you to our members for your contributions; they make a difference. Learn more about the Communities First Fund at pieg.com.

Your Board In Action At their most recent meetings, the PIE&G Board of Directors…

• Accepted the resignation of Corporate Counsel.

• Approved the attendance of Brentt Lucas, Chris Nagel, and Sandy Borowicz to the Wolverine Power Cooperative Demand Response webinar.

• Reviewed Cyber Security practices per Policy 308 – Cyber Security Policy.

In February, the Hillman Area Senior Citizens Board received a Communities First Fund check to support their senior center and programming. Dave Post, the chairman of the Communities First Fund (left), presented the check to Glenna Mulder, the treasurer of the Hillman Area Senior Citizens Board (right).

Across the back, from left to right, are members of the Hillman Area Senior Citizens Board: Joyce Taylor, Elaine Ableidinger, Bert LaFleche, Mike Krupp, Verna Stroschein, Sharon Vandevere, and Joe Vandevere.

The PIE&G Communities First Fund Board of Directors, at its Sept. 13 meeting, awarded a grant of $4,500 to the Alpena County Sheriff’s Office for the Identifying and Intercepting School Violence Through Cyber Investigations training project. From left to right, Undersheriff Cash Kroll, Detective Rich Wistocki (trainer), Communities First Fund Director Tammy Bates, Sheriff Eric Smith, and PIE&G CEO Tom Sobeck.

• Approved participation in the CoBank Sharing Success Program for 2024.

• Accepted Team Reports.

For updated contact info, call us at 800-423-6634. It’s crucial for power outage updates and emergencies!

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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Wheels of Change: Exploring the E-Bike Phenomenon in Michigan

By Emily Haines Lloyd

Former Executive Director of the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance Bob Wilson coordinated a legislative e-bike ride on the White Pine Trail in 2019.

Legislators participated in the ride, and it helped to provide the foundation for passage of laws regarding e-bikes.

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hen you think of the many human milestones, there are an interesting amount that revolve around mobility. A baby rolls over, crawls, and finally walks.

A teenager takes the car out for a spin for the first time.

The inaugural trip on a bus, train, or plane, watching the world become both bigger and smaller. These moments shape our connection to the world.

There’s a new and electrifying addition to these monumental experiences—a person’s first ride on an e-bike. Bikes are often a child’s first taste of freedom. Just like when the training wheels come off a bicycle, the experience of an e-bike can be not only fun but also liberating.

One E-Bike Is Not Like the Other There are three categories that most e-bikes fall into. With the first, pedal assist, riders are given a motorized boost, like an invisible hand is pushing them forward. The second, a throttle, allows the rider to zoom around at up to 20 miles per hour without pedaling; this is a common option for delivery drivers and couriers. And the last is a faster pedal assist, allowing speeds of at least 28 mph. Regardless of the category, e-bikes are bringing the delight of cycling to a larger audience.

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APRIL 2024

“My e-bike gets me out and makes me feel young,” said Great Lakes Energy member Beth Guntzviller. “I get a huge smile on my face when I hop on.”

A Greener Ride As a growing number of manufacturers roll out a diverse array of e-bikes, Michigan is experiencing a surge in the adoption of these eco-friendly transports. E-bikes have the ability to replace traditional cars for shorter commutes and errand running.

Within the e-bike movement is the profound impact it has on individuals, like Great Lakes Energy member Nancy Peterson, who attests to the transformative experience.

“My e-bike gets me to places on Beaver Island that I usually would not see, so I love it,” she said.

This highlights that, in addition to offering environmental responsibility, e-bikes serve as a catalyst for bringing people closer to nature, enabling them to explore and appreciate the outdoors in ways they might not have otherwise experienced.

“Our e-bikes have opened up a whole new world for us. They give us the mobility we could have never gotten out of a traditional bike.”

Inclusivity Redefined: E-Bikes for All Abilities Beyond their environmental benefits, e-bikes have emerged as a symbol of inclusivity, breaking down barriers for individuals with varying physical abilities.

Donna Robillard on her Charge Comfort e-bike.

“As seniors, we have a lot of medical issues—knee replacements, bad heart, arthritis, and a few extra pounds, just to mention a few,” said Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op member Debbie Artrip. “But our e-bikes have opened up a whole new world for us. They give us the mobility we could have never gotten out of a traditional bike.” Debbie and her partner Don got their e-bikes in 2023 and have already put more than 1,500 miles on them.

Unlike regular bikes, the electric assistance e-bikes provide makes cycling accessible to a broader demographic. This inclusivity is a game changer, allowing those who may face physical limitations to experience the joy and freedom of bike riding.

“Every pedal rotation gives me a boost, but when I get tired, or up a steep hill, I can use the thumb throttle and just sit back and enjoy,” said Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op member Donna Robillard, who has a heart condition.

“I do not have to worry about going too far and physically not being able to get back because I am too tired. I can be out enjoying the wind, air, and nature with happiness in my heart as I am free.”

Navigating the Challenges While e-bikes are a big hit, there are some bumps in the road, as policymakers determine just where e-bikes are allowed to go.

Great Lakes Energy member Bob Wilson was the executive director of the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance several years ago and helped promote legislation that enabled e-bike use in various locations. There are specific laws and regulations for each e-bike category, so it’s always a good idea to check guidelines before hitting your favorite trails.

As the electric wave continues to sweep across the state, e-bikes are not only providing a greener alternative but also ensuring that the joy and freedom of bike riding are accessible to all. The future holds exciting possibilities for a Michigan where e-bikes weave a tapestry of environmentally conscious and inclusively connected mobility.

Visit michigan.gov/dnr/things-to-do/hike-andbike/ebikes to learn more about riding e-bikes in Michigan.

Beth Guntzviller enjoys riding her e-bike and always makes sure to carry a small medical kit, cash, gloves and hat, jacket, and snacks.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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Earth Month Is Here! And Being “Green” Has Never Been Easier f you’re looking for an easy, free way to celebrate Earth Month—and even get a little extra cash on the side—don’t miss out on our Appliance Recycling program. As a Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op member, you’re eligible to receive cash back for your old, working-condition appliances. And we’ll even pick them up for free, too!

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Why recycle?

Some appliances require special care when it comes to disposal. For instance, the refrigerants from your home freezer or fridge are required by law to be removed!

Recycling your appliance also helps reduce the amount of waste in landfills and conserve resources (such as metal and other components in your appliance).

Schedule your FREE pickup to get up to $100!

We’ve taken the stress out of recycling your old appliances—simply schedule your pickup with one of our team members, and get $25 for each qualifying appliance.

Eligible appliances include functioning 10- to 30-cubic feet refrigerators and freezers. If a truck is coming to

your residence to retrieve one of these items, room air conditioners and dehumidifiers can also be sent for recycling as ride-along items. Members may recycle up to two primary appliances and two ride-along items per year.

Our team will take care of responsibly recycling your home appliance, and you’ll walk away with a little extra cash in your pocket (not to mention a head start on some spring cleaning!).

This is a seasonal program, so be sure to act fast! PIE&G offers appliance recycling from April through October. Give us a call at 877-296-4319 to schedule your appointment today.

Earn additional rebates on new appliance purchases!

Need to replace your recycled appliance? The Energy Optimization program also offers cash rebates on the purchase of qualifying new efficient appliances, including refrigerators, freezers, room dehumidifiers, room air conditioners, and more! Visit pieg.com/eo for a full list of appliance rebates.

Celebrate Earth month Schedule your free pickup and earn cash back with our appliance recycling program.

SCAN THE QR CODE TO FIND REBATES AVAILABLE FOR NEW, EFFICIENT APPLIANCES

V I S I T pieg.com/eo • C A L L 877-296-4319

Presque Isle Energy Optimization programs and rebates are applicable to Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op electric service locations only. Rebate applies to qualified items purchased and installed between Jan. 1, 2024 and Dec. 31, 2024.

Other restrictions may apply. For complete program details, visit pieg.com/eo.

Fishing

PHOTO CONTEST

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

Submit Your “Fairs & Festivals” Photos

By April 20!

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 April theme is Fairs & Festivals.

Photos can be submitted through April 20 to be featured in our June 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 2024, you will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of four $50 credits on your January 2025 bill.

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9 MOST VOTES 1. Sunset fishing on Ocqueoc Lake. Robert Kortman 2. Just a little crappie! Vickie Domke 3. Release after the catch! Jennie Lewandowski 4. Theo with his “HUGE” fish! First time out fishing! Chelsea Hillis 5. Our oldest son, Patrick, came home to visit and helped set up our little pond, and next thing I know, he has a lounge chair with a big fishing pole in the pond (no fish in there, lol). He had such a great sense of humor. He is in heaven now. Diane LaHaie 6. First catch. Meghan Marsh 7. Fishing fun at Tomahawk Lake. Jamie Price 8. Born to fish! Amanda Peplinski 9. Everyone loves to fish with PawPaw. Robin Styers 10.Fishing with Grandpa on the Pigeon River. Amie Schoolcraft MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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MI CO-OP Recipes

STIR-FRIES & CURRIES

Asian-inspired dishes full of flavor and fragrance

WINNING RECIPE! CHICKEN FRIED RICE Deborah Lull, Midwest Energy & Communications

¼ cup vegetable oil, divided 2 eggs, lightly beaten 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 cup cooked chicken, diced ½ large red bell pepper, finely chopped ½ large sweet onion, finely chopped ½ cup peas, frozen or fresh 3 cups cooked white rice (or brown) 1 teaspoon chili-garlic sauce ¼ cup soy sauce 4 green onions, chopped

Recipe Contest

In a large skillet or wok over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of the vegetable oil. Add eggs and cook 1 minute on each side. Remove and set aside. To the skillet/wok, add the remaining vegetable oil and sesame oil. Add chicken and stir-fry 1 minute. Add red pepper and onion.

Stir-fry 5 minutes or until onion is translucent.

Add peas, cooked rice, chili-garlic sauce, and soy sauce. Stir-fry 3–4 minutes. Add cooked eggs and stir until combined. Sprinkle in the green onions; stir. Serve immediately.

Win a $100 energy bill credit!

Homemade Burgers due May 1; Casseroles due July 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.

10 APRIL 2024

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

EASY INSTANT POT BEEF CURRY Deb Finedell, Great Lakes Energy

2 tablespoons canola oil, divided 1 red onion, sliced ¼-inch thick 1 large red bell pepper, sliced ½ teaspoon kosher salt, divided ½ teaspoon black pepper, divided 1 2-pound chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 3-inch pieces 1 (14.5-ounce) can coconut milk, well shaken 3 tablespoons Thai red curry paste • lime wedges, cilantro, red chiles • cooked rice Press “Sauté” on Instant Pot/pressure cooker and heat 1 tablespoon oil. Add onion and pepper, and season with ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black

pepper. Sauté until tender for 5 minutes; transfer to a bowl. Add remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Season beef with remaining ¼ teaspoon each salt and black pepper. Add beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut milk and curry paste; add to pot and scrape up any brown bits. Cover and lock lid, make sure it is set to “Sealing,” and cook on high pressure for 35 minutes.

Use the natural release method for 10 minutes, then release any remaining pressure manually. Using 2 forks, break up the meat into pieces, then toss with onion and red pepper. Serve over rice with lime wedges, cilantro, and red chiles, if desired. Enjoy!!

TAHITIAN CHICKEN STIR FRY Kristine Myslenski, Great Lakes Energy

1 (20-ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained, reserve juice ¹⁄ ³ cup Bragg® Liquid Aminos (or soy sauce) 1 tablespoon Schezwan sauce ½ teaspoon black pepper 3 tablespoons brown sugar 2 tablespoons cornstarch 4 teaspoons olive oil, divided 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1 cup diced onion 1½ cups sliced zucchini (or sub w/ broccoli, snap peas, frozen peas, or mushrooms) 1 cup chopped red bell pepper • cooked rice, for serving

In a small bowl, combine the pineapple juice (not chunks), Bragg® Liquid Aminos, Schezwan sauce, black pepper, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Set aside.

In a large skillet, add 2 teaspoons oil over medium heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and stir and cook until no longer pink. Remove chicken from skillet. To the skillet, add the remaining 2 teaspoons oil and all veggies. Cook approximately 3 minutes, stirring, until tender crisp. Add the chicken and sauce and cook until thickened, stirring occasionally. Stir in the pineapple chunks. Serve over rice.

CHICKEN CURRY W/ LEMONGRASS & POTATOES Ralph Krider, Great Lakes Energy

3 stalks lemongrass, chopped (use only the lower 3 inches of each stalk) 3 tablespoons fresh ginger 1 Vidalia onion, chopped 2 tablespoons canola oil 2 tablespoons curry powder ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper 2 pounds bone-in chicken thighs and/or drumsticks, skin removed 1 (14-ounce) can unsweetened full-fat coconut milk 1½ teaspoons sea salt ½ teaspoon black pepper 1 pound red potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh cilantro 1 lime, cut into wedges

Put the lemongrass, ginger, and onion into a food processor; process until well minced and very aromatic. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

When the pan is hot, put the contents from the food processor into the oil and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until lightly browned. Sprinkle in the curry powder and cayenne; stir well. Add the chicken and toss well to coat all the chicken with the spices in the pan. Shake the can of coconut milk well and add it to the pan along with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Cover and heat, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is half cooked, about 15 minutes. Add the potatoes and simmer, covered, until the potatoes are done and the chicken is cooked through, about 15 more minutes. Sprinkle cilantro over each dish and serve with a lime wedge.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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Powering Communities: The Unparalleled Commitment of Lineworkers

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lineworker understands the unique challenges and responsibilities that come with the job. From working near high-voltage electricity to braving extreme weather conditions, a lineworker’s commitment to ensuring reliable electricity for the community is unparalleled.

The Danger: Working with high-voltage electricity requires constant vigilance and focus. Every movement must be deliberate, as a split second of distraction can have deadly consequences. Lineworkers face these dangers head-on despite the inherent risks.

The Training: Becoming a lineworker is a task taken with seriousness. It involves years of rigorous training, starting from ground-level support to apprenticeship and finally achieving journeyman status. Lineworkers must continuously learn to stay updated on safety protocols and cutting-edge equipment.

The Physical Demand: The job’s physical demands are undeniable, from loading heavy materials to climbing poles and navigating challenging terrains.

A lineworker embraces these challenges with resilience, knowing their hard work directly contributes to keeping the lights on for the community.

The Sacrifices: As a lineworker, sacrifices are inevitable. Emergencies can arise at any moment, requiring them to be on the scene, often at the expense of personal time with family and friends. Despite the challenges, PIE&G’s community support makes it all worthwhile.

The Camaraderie: Within the lineworker community, camaraderie runs deep. Fellow lineworkers are more than just colleagues; they’re a second family.

Trust, teamwork, and a shared commitment to service define this brotherhood and sisterhood, ensuring everyone makes it home safely at the end of the day.

Thank You: Despite the long hours, risk, and unpredictable challenges, the PIE&G lineworkers know their efforts directly impact people’s lives. They are committed to ensuring their neighbors can count on reliable electricity.

Thank you to all of our lineworkers. You’re an integral part of the community you serve, and we appreciate you. PIE&G currently has 24 lineworkers and eight apprentice lineworkers.

12 APRIL 2024

To the Top! Training Stages for Electric Lineworkers

Known for their strength and agility, lineworkers are dedicated to ensuring our communities have reliable power. Safety is always top priority on the job, which is why lineworkers spend thousands of hours training as they advance their skills.

Here’s a look at the career progression of a lineworker.

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Crew Leader

A crew leader is an advanced position that requires supervising lineworkers on job sites, coordinating with contractors, and directing daily activities for crews.

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Journeyman Lineworker Post-apprenticeship and with roughly 7,000+ hours of training under the belt, journeyman lineworkers are fully trained in their field. They repair, update, and install overhead and underground power lines, as well as other electrical equipment.

Apprentice Lineworker

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Before reaching lineworker status, they are required to work as an apprentice. Apprentice lineworkers earn competitive wages while receiving hands-on training and experience in the field. They typically spend four years in their apprenticeship.

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Groundperson/Linehelper Many lineworkers begin their career as a groundperson, or linehelper. They assist line crews with tools, keeping job sites safe, and operating smaller equipment.

Regardless of stage, all lineworkers continue education and training throughout their career. Training and testing requirements vary from utility to utility.

“

Having moved from satellite to fiber optic, we are thrilled with the speed, uninterrupted service, lack of a data cap, and the ability to stream.”

James S.

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Every aspect of the installation was seamless, and all of the staff/ service personnel were professional and knowledgeable. I’ve had this network for a couple of months now and absolutely no problems.”

From Underserved to Connected: PIE&G Connect’s Impact on Northern Michigan

By Sommer Poquette

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IE&G Connect, powered by Presque Isle Electric and Gas Co-op since construction began in 2022, has now connected 3,500 members.

PIE&G Connect has led the charge in Northern Michigan’s fiber internet revolution, closing the digital gap by delivering dependable and highspeed internet to areas that were previously underserved. With a steadfast dedication to providing exceptional services and ensuring customer satisfaction, PIE&G Connect has established a robust reputation among both residents and businesses.

“Our team is dedicated to bringing lightning-fast fiber to our members’ doorsteps. PIE&G Connect is brought to you by your trusted local co-op,

and our service offers unparalleled reliability, round-the-clock support, and built-in network security for added peace of mind. We’re affordable, efficient, and proud to provide this service to our PIE&G electric members,” said Tom Sobeck, CEO of Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op.

So far, PIE&G Connect has built 1,177 miles of fiber in Onaway, Canada Creek, Black Lake, Tower, Fingerboard, Hammond Bay, Cheboygan, Indian River, Mullet Lake, and others. Expansion plans include Millersburg, Hawks, and Hagensville in the coming months.

Ready to join the PIE&G Connect family? Visit piegconnect.com or call 1-800-423-6634 for more information.

Gary S.

“

The dependability, the speed is simply AMAZING and the price is perfect!! I am THRILLED with my service!!“ Sheri L.

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This has been life-changing! I can work from home confidently, knowing my internet will not be iffy, and my wife can watch anything on the television that is accessed through the internet. Amazingly efficient.”

Patrick P.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 13

AMERICA’S FAVORITE HOUSEGUEST

How a small-town girl made reality TV history

By Yvette Pecha

“B

ig Brother” is one of the longest-running reality game shows of all time, having begun airing on CBS in 2000. Throughout the show’s tenure, there have been more than 300 “houseguests.” And while houseguests commonly compete in multiple seasons, only one of them has ever won the show twice: Nicole Franzel of Ubly, Michigan. She earned that distinction late last year with her victory on “Big Brother Reindeer Games”; her first win came in 2016. Having played for a total of four seasons of “Big Brother” and one season of “The Amazing Race,” Nicole spent “most of her 20s” appearing on television screens.

Becoming a reality show legend was not something Nicole (a Thumb Electric Cooperative member) could have envisioned when she applied to be on the show the first time in 2014.

She and her mom Jeni had been superfans of “Big Brother,” which features contestants living together under 24/7 surveillance in isolation and voting someone out each week, since she was 8.

But the first year Nicole was eligible to audition (the show’s age requirement is 21), she didn’t put much thought into doing so—“I thought there was no way I’d get in,” she said. She was also in the process of completing nursing school at Saginaw Valley State University. But Jeni,

14 APRIL 2024

who’d been encouraging her to try out, made one more push and called Nicole at school the day before the application deadline, urging her to come home and make an audition video.

Nicole did, and the day after submitting it, she got a call from the show’s casting department.

She went through a series of telephone and live interviews, and was ultimately chosen as one of 16 houseguests for season 16.

That first year, she came in seventh place. Nicole said that at the time, she was really glad to have had the experience, but she didn’t expect anything to come from it. She took and passed her nursing board exam and began working in a hospital rehab unit. But then, “California area codes started popping up” on her caller ID—the show’s producers liked Nicole and wanted her to come back. She returned to “Big Brother”

in 2016, and this time, as the last houseguest standing, she went home with $500,000. She got much more than clout and cash though—one of the other contestants on the show that year was Victor Arroyo. They didn’t have a “showmance,” but Victor pursued her after the season ended and they started dating a year later. Victor, who lived in Louisiana, moved to Ubly with Nicole, and they are now married and have a 2-year-old son named Arrow.

Nicole, Arrow, and Jeni.

These days, Nicole is a social media influencer and small-business owner. Nicole and Jeni operate Franny and the Fox, a clothing boutique featuring handmade, eco-friendly apparel.

Initially, it was an online store that exclusively featured clothes for children. But upon hosting pop-up shops in Port Austin and getting great feedback, Nicole and Jeni opened a storefront in Cass City and expanded their product line to include women and babies. “My mom and I love to shop, and we’ve always had a unique style,” Nicole said. She’s happy to have the opportunity to work from home and be with her son, but she keeps up her nursing license in case she decides to return to the profession one day.

As far as keeping her options open to television, Nicole announced she had retired from “Big Brother” upon starting her family. But when producers offered her the prospect of playing “Reindeer Games,” which was filmed in just six days, she couldn’t pass it up. “Saving Christmas” through a series of holiday-themed competitions, Nicole walked away with the $100,000 prize, which she plans to use to build a barn for a hobby farm. She is back into retirement—for now. “If the opportunity for the right show at the right time appears, I’ll consider it,” she said. “But I’m also super content with never going back.”

“I never expected to be in this position—but I can proudly say I’ve stayed true to myself through everything.”

Victor, Arrow, and Nicole.

If “Reindeer Games” is truly the end of Nicole’s reality TV career, she can retire with her head held high. “I never expected to be in this position—but I can proudly say I’ve stayed true to myself through everything,” she said.

She’s made great friendships through the show and says being watched for eight years of her life undoubtedly benefited her personal growth. “It was a great learning experience,” she said. “But the thing I learned the most is that no matter where I go, I always want to come back home.” instagram.com/coconuts_ facebook/nic.fran4 frannyandthefox.com

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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Clearing the Path to Reliability rees are essential for our environment and our well-being. Presque Isle Electric & Gas (PIE&G) understands the importance of maintaining the beauty of our surroundings while ensuring reliable electricity for our members. Regular tree trimming offers numerous benefits, including enhanced reliability, safety, and affordability.

T

Enhanced Reliability: Clearing power lines of overgrown vegetation significantly improves service reliability, as vegetation-related outages account for roughly half of all disruptions. Trained crews undertake scheduled trimming throughout the year to prevent fallen limbs during severe weather events, reducing outage risks. Utilizing drone technology enables cost-effective tree health monitoring and identification of potential issues.

Safety: Trees touching power lines pose severe risks to both families and lineworkers. Proactive trimming minimizes

16 APRIL 2024

these dangers by preventing fallen trees during storms and reducing the likelihood of contact with power lines.

Affordability: A strategic vegetation management program helps control costs for members. Unchecked vegetation can become overgrown and expensive, making proactive trimming a cost-effective solution.

Community Engagement: Members can contribute to vegetation management efforts by planting trees safely from power lines and contacting 811 before digging near underground lines. Reporting overgrown trees or branches near power lines enhances safety and reliability.

PIE&G is committed to maintaining service reliability while preserving our community’s natural beauty. Through proactive tree trimming and community engagement, we ensure a balanced vegetation management approach, safeguarding our environment and members’ electricity needs.

Practice Work Zone Safety

W

hen your power is out, our line crews are hard at work on restoration. Help keep our crews, and you, safe by following these tips around utility work zones:

• SLOW DOWN AND MOVE OVER. According to AAA’s Foundation for Traffic Safety, a person has a 50% chance of suffering severe injuries when struck by a vehicle going just 31 mph. Please slow your speed when passing our work zones and move over when possible.

• DO NOT DISTURB. If you see our linemen working, please leave them alone to do their jobs. Stopping them to ask questions delays restoration and could put the crew and you in danger. For updates on the status of an outage, please call us at 800-423-6634.

• RESPECT ROAD CLOSURES. Sometimes safe restoration work requires that we close a portion of a road. When you see road closure signs, please find an alternate route. Bypassing these signs is extremely dangerous.

Additionally, always avoid downed lines. Assume any line you see is energized and stay 50 feet away. Don’t drive over any lines, and please call us at 800-423-6634 to report the location.

UTILITY POLES ARE NOT BULLETIN BOARDS Think before you post that sign!

Staples, nails, and tacks used to hang signs and fliers create dangerous obstacles for electric lineworkers.

Their jobs are dangerous enough – help us keep them safe!

2024

NO BARRIERS

ADVENTURES FOR RURAL VETERANS—APPLY BY JUNE 15 IN-PERSON EXPEDITIONS WILL TAKE PLACE IN JULY AND AUGUST Michigan electric cooperatives believe there should be “No Barriers” for veterans with disabilities. That’s the name and idea behind CoBank’s No Barriers initiative. Michigan cooperatives are looking for qualified veterans* from our local community to participate.

No Barriers is a five-day, all-expenses-paid expedition in Colorado, designed to help veterans with disabilities transform their lives through curriculum-based experiences in challenging environments (climbing, rafting, and hiking).

If you are a disabled veteran or you know of a disabled veteran in our community who would like to participate in the No Barriers program, please apply directly at nobarriers.tfaforms.net.

If you have questions about the application process or need assistance filling out an application, please contact us at: warriors@nobarriersusa.org 970-484-3633 ext. 305 Learn more about No Barrier’s mission and programs at nobarriersusa.org. *Must have VA disability rating to be eligible.

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CELEBRATING

LINEWORKERS WE THANK YOU ALL!

LINEWORKER APPRECIATION DAY IS APRIL 18, 2024