April 2025 Midwest

Midwest Energy & Communications

April 2025

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

Play Ball!

CELEBRATING BASEBALL’S RETURN AND ITS COMMUNITY IMPACT

Fiber Cup Sign-Ups Open Build Online Skills with MEC 30K Fiber Contest Winners

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

Holland G.H.P. Systems Inc. (616) 396-5833 ghpsystems-inc.com

Portage Bel Aire Htg & Clg 1-888-235-2473 belaire.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

Three Rivers Bel Aire Htg & Clg 1-888-235-2473 belaire.com

Big Rapids Stratz Htg & Clg, Inc. (231) 796-3717 stratzgeocomfort.com Filion/Bad Axe Air-O-Dynamic Htg & Clg (989) 582-0137 aod-hvac.com Grand Rapids Bel Aire Htg & Clg 1-888-235-2473 belaire.com Hart Adams Htg & Clg (231) 873-2665 adamsheatingcooling.com

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

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

visit us at waterfurnace.com/mi

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: up to $2,000

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 .

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

Contents countrylines.com

April 2025 Vol. 45, No. 4 /michigancountrylines

/michigancountrylines

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.

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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

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MI CO-OP Community RECIPE CONTEST

See details on page 10. Sandwiches and Wraps, due May 1; Best Potato Dishes, due July 1.

Win a $100 bill credit!

GUEST COLUMN

Share your fondest memories and stories.

Win $200 for stories published!

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

6 RESTORING POWER,

REBUILDING COMMUNITIES: THE STRENGTH OF MUTUAL AID Michigan lineworkers answered the call to provide hurricane relief after Milton and Helene.

10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN Smoothies & Shakes: Blend up these delicious and energizing concoctions.

14 PLAY BALL! CELEBRATING

BASEBALL’S RETURN AND ITS COMMUNITY IMPACT The Traverse City Pit Spitters come out swinging for a new season.

18 NO BARRIERS WARRIORS Applications now being accepted for No Barriers outdoor adventures.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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Some Hope for the Future of Our Grid VAN BUREN KALAMAZOO

CASS

LENAWEE

MONROE

ST JOSEPH

CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS AND CASSOPOLIS SOLUTIONS CENTER 60590 Decatur Road, Cassopolis, MI 49031 M–F 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

PAW PAW SOLUTIONS CENTER 59825 S. LaGrave Street, Paw Paw, MI 49079 M–F 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

TECUMSEH SOLUTIONS CENTER 5050 South Occidental Hwy., Tecumseh, MI 49286 M–F 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

CONTACT US Midwest Energy & Communications 800-492-5989 teammidwest.com Email: info@teammidwest.com BOARD OF DIRECTORS Clarence “Topper” Barth, Chairperson, Three Rivers 269-279-9233 Clarence.Barth@teammidwest.com Dan Bodette, Vice Chairperson, Wauseon 419-344-4015 Dan.Bodette@teammidwest.com Ron Armstrong, Secretary, Lawton 269-299-0443 Ron.Armstrong@teammidwest.com John Green, Treasurer, Dowagiac 269-470-2816 John.Green@teammidwest.com Gerry Bundle, Cassopolis 269-414-0164 Gerry.Bundle@teammidwest.com Erika Escue-Cadieux, Onsted 419-346-1088 Erika.Escue-Cadieux@teammidwest.com Fred Turk, Decatur 269-423-7762 Fred.Turk@teammidwest.com Jim Wiseley, Bloomingdale 269-760-4619 Jim.Wiseley@teammidwest.com Jeff Diehl, Union 574-274-6693 Jeffery.Diehl@teammidwest.com PRESIDENT/CEO: Terry Rubenthaler DIRECTOR, CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING: Amy Pales COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST: Grant Zamora Midwest Energy & Communications is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Please note: electric customers of MEC must adhere to our bylaws, which can be found at teammidwest.com/bylaws.

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By Terry Rubenthaler, President/CEO

APRIL 2025

Have you ever been to a Buc-ee’s gas station? If not, you’ve probably heard of it. It’s famous for the food and souvenirs they sell to road trippers, and the locations have become destinations in their own right.

energy front. On the first day of the Trump administration, they declared a national energy emergency. According to the declaration, “a precariously inadequate and intermittent energy supply, and an increasingly unreliable grid, require swift and decisive action.”

Regardless of who says this, it’s long overdue. Addressing our energy supply is important and necessary.

Personally, while I wish Buc-ee’s the best and I know many people who love Bucee’s, the stores aren’t for me. Whenever I go in, it feels like chaos with all the shoppers swirling around and moving in different directions.

I think we can all agree that we want clean air AND reliable electricity.

Renewables play a vital role in our generation mix because they help create a diverse, responsible energy portfolio.

However, the premature closing of traditional fossil fuel plants has placed the grid in a precarious state. It has put us all at risk of blackouts because there may not be enough supply to meet demand, particularly when temperatures are extreme and the need for electricity is growing rapidly. Unfortunately, wind and solar are weather dependent, and as a nation, we don’t yet have a means, such as battery storage, to compensate for that.

The last few months in the energy industry have felt a bit like being in a Buc-ee’s. Every day brings a new development, and at times, it’s hard to keep up. I know you’ve felt this too, especially when Canada threatened to shut off energy supplies to Michigan.

However, we don’t need to worry. While Michigan’s energy infrastructure is physically connected to Canada, our power supplier, Wolverine, does not directly import electricity or natural gas from Canada.

Additionally, our regional grid operators, MISO, and PJM, who manage electric supply and demand in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and beyond, do not believe there will be a shortage. PJM does not get any power from Canada, and MISO’s Canadian imports accounted for less than one percent of its total energy in 2024. That’s the equivalent of one power plant. Losing one power plant in its supply is a normal day for MISO. Grid operators are well versed in managing these types of changes without impacting reliability.

Beyond this, I have hope that we’re headed in the right direction on the teammidwest.com

Permitting and sighting are also major issues. It can take up to seven years to find a location for a new power plant and to secure the required permits before construction begins, even for a renewable project.

It’s well past the time that the national conversation around electricity acknowledges these issues. I am hopeful we can move towards a reliable, environmentally responsible electric supply.

No matter what happens though, rest assured that your MEC team is dedicated to keeping your lights on.

Hopefully by the time you read this, the chaos will have gone back to just being at Buc-ee’s.

/teammidwest

Board Election Results 2025 One of the guiding principles of cooperatives is democratic control. Midwest Energy & Communications is governed by a nine-member board of directors responsible for establishing corporate policy and strategic direction, hiring and evaluating the CEO, monitoring and evaluating organizational performance, and representing cooperative customers. Directors serve three-year terms and are elected by and represent customers living in their districts.

Jeff Diehl, District 6

Gerry Bundle, District 7

Dan Bodette, District 9

In 2025, Districts 6, 7, and 9 were up for election for threeyear terms. All three board members representing those districts ran unopposed for reelection.

In 2026, Districts 1, 2, and 5 will be up for election.

District 6 is represented by Jeff Diehl of Union. District 6 includes customers in the townships of Constantine, Florence, Mottville, Porter (Cass County), and White Pigeon in Michigan, as well as Washington and York in Indiana.

District 1 is represented by Fred Turk of Decatur. District 1 includes customers in the townships of Decatur, Hamilton (Van Buren County), Penn, Porter (Van Buren County), Marcellus, and Volinia.

District 7 is represented by Gerry Bundle of Cassopolis.

District 7 includes customers in the townships of Calvin, Jefferson, Mason, and Ontwa in Michigan, as well as Harris and Osolo in Indiana.

District 2 is represented by Jim Wiseley of Bloomingdale.

District 2 includes customers in the townships of Almena, Arlington, Bainbridge, Bangor (Van Buren County), Bloomingdale, Coloma, Covert, Hartford, Keeler, Lawrence, Paw Paw, Pipestone, Silver Creek, Watervliet, and Waverly.

District 9 is represented by Dan Bodette of Wauseon, Ohio.

District 9 includes customers in the townships of Adrian, Blissfield, Deerfield (Lenawee County), Dover, Fairfield, Hudson (Lenawee County), Madison, Medina, Ogden, Palmyra, Riga, Rollin, Rome, Seneca, and Whiteford in Michigan, as well as Amboy, Brady, Chesterfield, Dover (Fulton County), Franklin (Fulton County), German (Fulton County), Gorham, Mill Creek (Williams County), Pike (Fulton County), and Royalton in Ohio.

District 5 is represented by John Green of Dowagiac.

District 5 includes customers in the townships of Howard, LaGrange, Milton, Pokagon, and Wayne.

For more information about serving on the board of directors, please call us at 800-492-5989. We will share election information in the September issue of Michigan Country Lines.

CLOSED

Good Friday Notice

Scholarship Opportunity:

Our solutions centers will be closed for Good Friday on April 18. Make a payment or report an outage via SmartHub or by calling 800-492-5989.

Dropbox payments made at our solutions centers will be processed on Monday, April 21.

SMC-bound students can apply for our one-course scholarship to cover Intro to Computer Technology. Get full details at teammidwest.com/smcscholarship.

Southwest Michigan College

OUR MISSION: Delivering first-in-class innovations and solutions where others won’t OUR VISION: Creating vibrant, relevant, sustainable rural communities® MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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Restoring Power, Rebuilding Communities The Strength of Mutual Aid

By Emily Haines Lloyd

When disaster strikes, electric cooperatives strike back. Whether it’s a hurricane in the South, an ice storm in the Midwest, or wildfires in the West, co-ops across the country rely on one another to restore power and rebuild communities.

This system, known as “mutual aid,” is one of the most powerful examples of cooperation in action, ensuring that no co-op is left to face a crisis alone.

Why Mutual Aid Matters Electric cooperatives are memberowned and service-driven. They exist entirely to provide safe, reliable, and affordable power to the communities they serve. This commitment extends beyond day-to-day operations—when a disaster causes widespread outages, co-ops immediately step up to help each other.

Through mutual aid agreements, cooperatives across the country can quickly deploy crews, equipment, and resources to areas hit hardest by storms or other emergencies. This rapid response ensures that power is restored as quickly and safely as possible, minimizing hardship for affected communities. More importantly, it upholds the cooperative principle of Concern for Community, demonstrating that co-ops do more than provide electricity—they support the people who depend on it.

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APRIL 2025

Cooperation Among Cooperatives Mutual aid is a direct reflection of another cooperative principle— Cooperation Among Cooperatives.

Electric co-ops are relatively small compared to large investor-owned utilities, but by working together, they create a vast, nationwide support network capable of tackling even the most extreme challenges.

“When help is needed, co-ops don’t hesitate to answer the call,” said Michigan Electric Cooperative Association (MECA) Safety Director Joe McElroy. “It’s who we are.”

Mutual Aid in Action

Stronger Together

Last fall, when Hurricane Milton caused widespread destruction across Florida, nearly 30 Michigan co-op lineworkers answered the call, joining crews from over 15 states to restore power in the hardest-hit areas. Michigan co-op lineworkers also joined crews to help with the devastation in South Carolina caused

by Hurricane Helene.

The mutual aid system is one of the strongest examples of the cooperative difference. It’s not just about restoring power—it’s about restoring communities. When co-ops band together, they demonstrate that service, resilience, and teamwork can overcome even the most devastating challenges.

Residents in Florida and South Carolina expressed their appreciation by offering meals and a place to shower. Even retired lineworkers came out of retirement to lend a hand.

As we prepare for National Lineworker Appreciation Day on April 18, we recognize the dedication and sacrifice of the lineworkers who make mutual aid possible. Their commitment to helping co-ops near and far ensures that no community faces a crisis alone.

April 18 is National Lineworker Appreciation Day, a time to recognize the dedication and sacrifice of the men and women who keep the lights on in homes and businesses across America.

Lineworkers face immense challenges every day. Carrying heavy gear, they scale 40-foot poles near high-voltage power lines—often in extreme weather or in the aftermath of natural disasters. As the first responders of our electric distribution system, they work around the clock, braving dangerous conditions to ensure reliable service for our members.

Their commitment goes beyond the call of duty. Whether it’s responding to local outages or traveling hundreds of miles to assist fellow cooperatives in times of crisis, they exemplify the cooperative spirit of service and resilience.

Every day, lineworkers keep the lights on—on April 18, we shine a light on them.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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Insulate Your Home to Save Energy Ensuring your home is properly insulated can improve energy efficiency and make your home more comfortable.

Many older homes have less insulation than newer homes, but even newer homes may benefit from additional insulation. While it’s not the least expensive efficiency improvement, adding insulation and air sealing your home can provide one of the biggest bangs for your buck in energy savings and overall comfort.

It’s important to understand how insulation effectiveness is measured.

Insulation is rated in R-value, which measures the material’s resistance to conductive heat flow. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating

effectiveness. The R-value you’ll need depends on factors like climate, type of heating and cooling system, and which area of the home you plan to insulate.

The most common areas to insulate are attics, ceilings, crawlspaces or unconditioned basements, exterior and interior walls, floors, and ductwork located in unconditioned spaces.

Insulationinstitute.org offers helpful resources on what you need and where.

Bill Credit Opportunity:

Buy All/Sell All Become a renewable energy generator and sell the energy you produce to MEC.

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APRIL 2025

Insulation is offered in a wide range of materials from bulky fiberglass rolls to cellulose materials made from recycled paper products. If you’re considering installing additional insulation, talk to an expert who can offer guidance on the right materials for your budget, climate, and comfort needs.

Investing in proper insulation for your home not only enhances comfort but also reduces energy consumption.

THE PROGRAM: Install a solar or wind system on your property. We’ll install a meter on your system that tracks all the energy you produce.

WHAT YOU GET: We will purchase the energy your system generates at $0.06/kWh (additional engineering fees may apply).

This purchase will be reflected as a credit on your monthly electric bill.

HOW TO SIGN UP: Visit our website at teammidwest.com/buy-sell to read the full program details and fill out our application.

CLASS SCHEDULE March 27 Sturgis District Library Topic: Internet Safety & Cybersecurity Start Times: 3:30 p.m. / 5:30 p.m.

May 14 Cass District Library – Mason/Union Branch Topic: Internet Safety & Cybersecurity Start Times: 1 p.m. / 3 p.m.

June 17 Van Buren District Library – Covert Branch Topic: Internet Safety & Cybersecurity Start Time: 11 a.m.

Build Your Online Skills with MEC We’re partnering with some local libraries to hold digital skill-building classes where you can learn about important topics like online safety.

Each class will last one hour. When two class times are available, the same information will be presented in both classes.

Keep watching teammidwest.com/classes to get sign-up links as they become available.

July 16 Van Buren District Library – Decatur Branch Topic: Internet Safety & Cybersecurity Start Time: 5:30 p.m.

Date TBD Coloma Public Library Topic: TBD Date TBD Galien Township Public Library Topic: TBD

Compete in Rocket League and Win a Steam Deck SIGN UP TODAY FOR THE 2025 MEC X SMC FIBER CUP!

FORMAT

WHEN

WHERE

Double Elimination Bracket; Best of Three Matches

Saturday, Nov. 8

Southwestern Michigan College (Dowagiac, MI)

Up to 16 teams of three will compete in an all-ages Rocket League tournament, with the first-place winners taking home a Steam Deck for each teammate.

Second- and third-place winners will receive gift cards for each member. Any school teams that place in the top three will also win a donation to their school.

Just want to watch?

That’s cool too! We’ll have: • Smash Bros.

• Mario Kart • Small Giveaways All players and spectators must RSVP by Oct. 20. Maximum 16 teams. Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Space is limited. Priority will be given to school teams for competing and family/ friends for spectating.

RSVP BY OCT. 20 teammidwest.com/esports

MI CO-OP Kitchen

SMOOTHIES & SHAKES Blend up these delicious and energizing concoctions.

WINNING RECIPE!

PEANUT BUTTER BANANA BREAD SMOOTHIE

Cynthia Hodges, Ontonagon REA 2 bananas, peeled, sliced and frozen 1 cup skim milk ½ cup old-fashioned oats (uncooked) 1 container (5.3-ounce) plain nonfat Icelandic or Greek yogurt 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon • pinch of ground nutmeg • pinch of salt 1 teaspoon maple syrup 2 tablespoons peanut butter powder Add all ingredients to a blender and pulse until smooth. Garnish with bananas and peanuts, if desired.

Serve immediately.

Note: Many people these days are trying to get more protein and fiber in their diet. This smoothie features 7 g fiber and 21 g protein. Plus, it’s got a nutritious boost of calcium. Enjoy!

RECIPE CONTEST

Win a $100 energy bill credit!

Sandwiches and Wraps, due May 1; Best Potato Dishes, 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 2025

REFUELING SHAKE

Mary Kaminski, Ontonagon REA 1 cup almond milk 1 cup ice cubes • big dollop of peanut butter 1 banana, sliced Blend all ingredients till smooth and enjoy! You can make it thicker or thinner with more ice or almond milk, respectively. You can also add a squeeze of chocolate syrup to give it a new flavor.

Note: A great drink post-exercise as it is important to refuel after exercise to replenish calories and restore glycogen levels (as per Nancy Clark, sports nutritionist). It can also be enjoyed any time you need a boost of energy, quick calories, or a healthy treat.

FRUIT SMOOTHIE

David Gibson, Midwest Energy & Communications 1 cup Greek yogurt 1 cup spinach or kale 1½ cups frozen fruit (your choice) • Honey to taste 1 cup milk or juice Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.

MORNING SMOOTHIE

Rosemary Malbin, Great Lakes Energy 1 protein shake (any brand, flavor, and protein count of your choice) ¼ cup cottage cheese 1 avocado or banana ¼ cup your choice of nuts Add all ingredients in a blender and pulse until nuts are pulverized.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 11

MEC IN THE COMMUNITY Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library: In collaboration with the Lenawee Community Foundation, we donated to support the 15th anniversary celebration of the Lenawee County chapter of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

We also participated in a live radio broadcast with WLEN Radio 103.9 on March 19 to raise funds for the campaign and to promote the importance of reading and early literacy.

Career Fairs: In February, we presented at career fairs held by Blissfield Elementary School, Dowagiac Middle School, Van Buren Tech, and Madison High School.

MECers chatted with students about the many career paths available at MEC.

MEC Blood Drive: MEC employees and a few community members donated blood at MEC HQ on Feb. 20. We collected a total of 30 units, impacting up to 90 lives.

Youth Tour Delegate Selected: Jenna, a sophomore at Ross Beatty High School in Cassopolis, will represent MEC on this year’s NRECA Youth Tour educational trip to Washington, D.C. She’ll have the opportunity to visit national historical sites and learn with other students from electric cooperatives across the country.

Adrian Bicentennial: MEC is a proud sponsor of the City of Adrian’s Bicentennial celebration, which will take place from July 3 to July 6, 2025.

ArborCon: Safety Director Evan and Lineman Ryan braved the chilly February weather to present a hotline electrical safety demonstration to 45 attendees of this year’s ISA Michigan ArborCon in Lansing.

T.K. Lawless Memorial Fund The Social Justice Alliance of Cass County (SJACC) is raising money to purchase and install a granite memorial honoring Dr. Theodore Kenneth Lawless.

Born in 1892, Lawless was one of the first physicians to use radium in the treatment of skin cancers and other diseases, for which he won the Harmon Medical Award in 1929. He worked to find cures for leprosy and syphilis and was noted for his equal treatment of patients regardless of race or class.

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MEC proudly donated to honor the legacy of one of our local humanitarian heroes. If you would like to make your own donation, you can do so by mailing checks or money orders payable to: Social Justice Alliance of Cass County or SJACC P.O. Box 299, Cassopolis, MI, 49031

Meet the Winners

30K Fiber Customer Contest Thank you to everyone who took a photo or video to show us how much you love MEC fiber internet!

Read the full contest entries and watch our 3rd-place video at teammidwest.com/30k-winners.

1st Place: Ryan (Edwardsburg, MI) “Our living room now resonates with the melodies of family singalongs, lit up by the soft glow of smart lights controlled by our Google Home. The laughter and tears of joy are all thanks to seamless FaceTime calls with distant relatives, making our home feel like a global family hub.

Our little one, now 3, has leaped into learning with educational YouTube content, counting numbers, and reading words with newfound enthusiasm. Meanwhile, my bond with my brothers has reached new dimensions through virtual reality adventures, a luxury only possible with MEC’s lightning-fast connection.”

Ryan won a Roomba Combo® 10 Max Robot.

2nd Place: Carrie (Three Rivers, MI) “MEC fiber powers nearly every aspect of our lives. Our home security system runs seamlessly, giving us peace of mind. My Peloton workouts are uninterrupted, something I couldn’t imagine before. And believe it or not, our phone service is so poor in our area that we rely on Midwest Energy for Wi-Fi calling.

Even more importantly, it supports my son, who is a competitive bass fisherman. We use our Wi-Fi to update the graphs and software on our bass boat, ensuring he has the most accurate tools when he’s on the water.”

Carrie won a XGIMI MoGo 3 Pro Outdoor Projector.

3rd Place: Steve (White Pigeon, MI) “When our daughter and our son-in-law are working from home, they can now come visit us and we can spend time with our grandchildren. They are always on their devices and were all very impressed with the speed. Their internet service is very bad and only one person can use it at a time, so now this is another perk for coming down to the grandparents’ house.”

Steve won an Amazon Fire Max 11 Tablet w/ Keyboard Case and Stylus Pen.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 13

! l l a B y a l P CELEBRATING BASEBALL’S RETURN AND ITS COMMUNITY IMPACT

By Yvette Pecha

T

here are perhaps no two words in the English language that can evoke as much excitement and hope as “Play ball!”

Baseball season is around the corner, and folks all over the country are rejoicing in its return.

In Michigan and other states with long, cold winters, the return of baseball also signifies a return to spring and embracing the outdoors. Daffodils are starting to push through the soil and robin sightings are becoming more frequent, but for some, the season’s true arrival is marked by the crack of a bat.

Beyond the Big Leagues: the Traverse City Pit Spitters Many of us will pay close attention to the Detroit Tigers, who came out of nowhere last season to make it to the playoffs for the first time in 10 years.

But the allure of baseball is not limited to those in large city locales with professional teams.

“Here, baseball isn’t just about the sport itself,” said Traverse City Pit Spitters General Manager Jacqueline Holm. “The Pit Spitters are a community asset—they’re part of the fabric that makes Traverse City a great place to live and work.” The team is part of the Northwoods League, which serves as a career development hub for collegiate players once the college baseball season ends. The league also has five softball teams; their inaugural season was in 2024.

A Unique Fan Experience Holm says the small-scale operation brings a sense of belonging that might not be found in the big leagues.

“Accessibility is really unparalleled. If you’re at a Tigers game, you’re not ever going to get the chance to talk to the catcher,” she said. “At this level, you can get to know the usher in your section,

14 APRIL 2025

you can go to local entertainment events tied in to the team. And you could be seeing history in the making— many of these players have big-league potential and it’s just a matter of time before they get called up.” In fact, in recent years, more than 160 Northwoods League alumni have been drafted annually, and since 2019, 18 have come from the Pit Spitters’ roster.

Economic Impact and Community Support In addition to offering spectators an intimate experience, the Pit Spitters are a vital part of the Traverse City business community—creating jobs, stimulating local entertainment spending, and providing visibility for other small businesses. Holm says the team has a $1.5 to $2 million impact each year. Because Turtle Creek Stadium, a Cherryland Electric Cooperative member and the Pit Spitters’ home base, is privately owned and funded, local support is vital to the success of the team. “Every dollar we make, we reinvest into the facility and the fan experience,” said Holm. “We continue to create this long-term, sustainable partnership so we can stay around and continue to make a difference in the community.”

“The Pit Spitters are a community asset–they’re part of the fabric that makes Traverse City a great place to live and work.”

Giving Back: the Pit Spitters Community Foundation In keeping with the spirit of giving back, the Pit Spitters Community Foundation was established last year.

The foundation strives to support local philanthropic initiatives, help other nearby organizations thrive, and enrich the lives of local youth and their families. Part of these efforts include hosting two annual youth baseball clinics where players, coaching staff, and team managers work with the kids on technique and conditioning.

The foundation also hosts seven 50/50 raffles during Pit Spitters home games and oversees a jersey auction, with proceeds benefiting various community programs and initiatives.

The Power of Baseball The philanthropy and sense of community wouldn’t be possible, however, without the spirit of and love for the game. “Everyone really rallies around this sport,” said Holm.

“Baseball is one of the universal languages. Anyone can turn on a TV or go to a Little League game, and they’re going to understand what’s happening. Simply, it’s a great unifier, and I love what it does for those who live, work, and play in this area.”

Want to catch all the action and experience the

excitement of Pit Spitters baseball? Check out the 2025 schedule, grab your tickets, and get ready for an unforgettable season!

Turtle Creek Stadium 333 Stadium Drive, Traverse City, MI 49685 northwoodsleague.com/traverse-city-pit-spitters 231-943-0100 Follow the team on Facebook & Instagram: @tcpitspitters Don’t miss your chance to cheer on the team and be part of the Pit Spitters community!

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 15

16 APRIL 2025

How to Stream Detroit Sports Pistons, Tigers, and Red Wings, oh my!

Having trouble finding your Detroit sports teams lately? It’s not you, and it’s not your TV—something else is going on.

Fox Sports Detroit Is Now FanDuel Sports Network Detroit

The channel still isn’t available on these platforms even after the rebrand.

Yup! One reason you might not be finding Fox Sports Detroit is because it technically doesn’t exist anymore.

Wait—There’s Good News

While the channel itself is still active and providing the same content, Sinclair Broadcast Group reached a deal in 2021 with casino operator Bally’s Corporation to rebrand a number of its channels—one of which was Fox Sports Detroit.

In 2024, Bally Sports Detroit rebranded to FanDuel Sports Network Detroit.

And that’s not all, because…

Many Popular Platforms Dropped the Channels In 2019 and 2020, several major streaming TV providers like YouTube TV, Hulu Live TV, Dish Network, and Sling TV dropped regional Fox Sports channels.

Thankfully, you’re not out of luck.

While most streaming TV platforms don’t offer FanDuel Sports Network Detroit, some still do. Fubo is one of them—learn more at fubo.tv.

Not ready to switch providers?

FanDuel has its own streaming service which costs $19.99/month, $122.99/season, or $189.99/year.

The service gives you access to live games and on-demand games, highlights, and more for the Pistons, Tigers, and Red Wings. It’s available with the FanDuel Sports Network app on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, iOS and Android devices, and via web browser at fanduelsportsnetwork.com.

Visit fanduelsportsnetwork.com to learn more and sign up.

How About Those Lions?

Football fans have probably noticed something missing so far. If you’re looking for the Lions and only the Lions, you can disregard the information above. That’s because NFL games don’t rely on FanDuel, which gives you more options to stream Lions games.

Visit their websites for more information and pricing: • Stream the NFL on CBS via Paramount+ • NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV • NFL Network on Sling TV • NFL Network on Hulu Live TV • NFL Network on Fubo TV • NFL Plus (live game video available on phones and tablets only)

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 17

2025

NO BARRIERS

ADVENTURES FOR PEOPLE AFFECTED BY DISABILITIES—APPLY BY MAY 15 IN-PERSON EXPEDITIONS & EXPERIENCES TAKING PLACE JUNE-SEPTEMBER

No Barriers Programs Serve: • People with disabilities • Veterans with disabilities • Youth with disabilities & their families • Family caregivers Michigan electric cooperatives believe there should be “No Barriers” for people affected by disabilities.

That’s the name and idea behind CoBank’s No Barriers initiative. Michigan cooperatives are seeking affected adults, veterans*, youth, and caregivers from our local community to participate in No Barriers’ multi-day basecamp experiences and backcountry experiences, where participants will learn to overcome challenges and leave ready to elevate their lives and communities.

Full and partial scholarship opportunities for qualified applicants** *Must have VA disability rating to be eligible. **Fundraising required for those who do not qualify for a scholarship.

18 APRIL 2025

Apply by May 15 to be considered!

In-person programs run from June to September Learn more & apply: nobarriersusa.org Contact us: info@nobarriersusa.org 970-484-3633, ext. 201

Don’t miss this chance to embark on an unforgettable journey. Apply today!

Geothermal Made Affordable

The most affordable heating and cooling solution for rural homeowners.

Save big with hybrid geothermal.

I love the system.

It saved over 1,000 gallons of propane the first year.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

- Robert S, a MEC co-op member

Connect with Your Local Installer (989) 356-2113 wellconnectgeo.com

Add a Well-Connect to your furnace in one day.

TeamMidwest.com

Get 20% Off UP TO 2 TREES

We’re celebrating Arbor Day with a special deal!

Please note: Tree quantities are limited.

Offer is only valid for purchase of select tree varieties and does not apply to other products.

21765 M-60, CASSOPOLIS, MI 49031

Eligible varieties: Buckeye, Crabapple, Dappled Willow, Dogwood, Fruit Trees, Hydrangea, Japanese Maple, Lilac, Magnolia, Redbud, Smoke, Witch Hazel, White Cedar

BARRETT’S SHOWPLACE GARDENS & FLOWER SHOP 1033 W. BEECHER ST., ADRIAN, MI 49221

Eligible varieties: Black Gum, Carolina Silverbell, Cornelian Cherry, Crabapple, Dogwood, Emerald Green Arborvitae, Golden Rain, Hornbeam, Ivory Silk Lilac, Katsura, Kwanzan Flowering Cherry, Magnolia, Redbud, Serviceberry, Seven-Son Flower, Thundercloud Flowering Plum, Yoshino Flowering Cherry

GET 20% OFF Ask an associate for applicable tree varieties

Limit two trees per customer

NO-TREE ZONE Don’t plant within 30’ of power lines.

DUSSEL’S FARM MARKET & GREENHOUSES

BARRETT’S SHOWPLACE GARDENS & FLOWER SHOP

Valid 4/25 – 5/4

Valid 4/25 – 5/4

COUPON

Pick out up to two trees at Dussel’s or Barrett’s and provide the coupon below at checkout.

DUSSEL’S FARM MARKET & GREENHOUSES