MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
Geothermal so comfortable, all the bases want to be home.
WaterFurnace geothermal home heating & cooling systems provide reliable operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year—rain or shine, day or night, windy or not. They use the stored solar energy in the ground to provide your family luxurious comfort and incredible savings. In fact, it’s the only HVAC system that pays you back. Plus, many state, local, and utility programs offer incentives to lower installation costs. Be safe at home—contact your local WaterFurnace dealer to make geothermal your go-to for home comfort.
LOCAL WATERFURNACE DEALERS
Allendale
Allendale Htg & Clg (800) 327-1937 allendaleheating.com
Berrien Springs
WaterFurnace Michiana (269) 473-5667 gogreenmichgeothermal.com
Big Rapids Stratz Htg & Clg, Inc. (231) 796-3717 stratzgeocomfort.com
Cadillac Wilder Htg & Clg (231) 645-4822 Wilderheatingandcooling.com
Filion/Bad Axe
Air-O-Dynamic Htg & Clg (989) 582-0137 aod-hvac.com
Gaylord Family Plmb & Htg (989) 732-8099 familyplumbingandheating.com
Grand Rapids
Bel Aire Htg & Clg 1 (888) 235-2473 belaire.com
Hart
Adams Htg & Clg (231) 873-2665 adamsgeothermal-mi.com
Holland G.H.P. Systems Inc. (616) 396-5833 ghpsystems-inc.com
Indian River
M&M Plmb & Htg (231) 238-7201 mm-plumbing.com
Lansing Candor Mechanical (517) 920-0890 candormechanical.com
Michigan Center
Comfort 1/Aire Serv of Southern Michigan (517) 764-1500 airserv.com/southern-michigan
Mt Pleasant
Walton Htg & Clg (989)772-4822 waltonheating.com
Muskegon
TMC Mechanical LLC (231)865-1114 www.tmcmechanicalllc.com
Portage
Bel Aire Htg & Clg 1 (888) 235-2473 belaire.com
Portland
ESI Htg & Clg (517) 647-6906 esiheating.com
Sparta
West Michigan Geothermal (616) 887-1290 Westmigeothermal.com
Sunfield
Mark Woodman Plmb & Htg (517) 886-1138 mwphonline.com
Three Rivers
Bel Aire Htg & Clg 1 (888) 235-2473 belaire.com
Traverse City Geofurnace Htg & Clg (231) 943-1000 geofurnace.com
ELECTRIC CO-OP REBATE INCENTIVES
$2,250 rebate available through your co-op.
EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Casey Clark
EDITOR: Christine Dorr
GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Karreen Bird
RECIPE EDITOR: Christin Russman
COPY EDITOR: Yvette Pecha
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Emily Haines Lloyd
PUBLISHER: Michigan Electric Cooperative Association
Michigan Country Lines, USPS591-710, is published monthly, except August and December, with periodicals postage paid at Lansing, Mich., and additional offices. It is the official publication of the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association, 201 Townsend St., Suite 900, Lansing, MI 48933.
Subscriptions are authorized for members of Alger Delta, Cherryland, Great Lakes, HomeWorks Tri-County, Midwest Energy & Communications, Ontonagon, Presque Isle, and Thumb electric cooperatives by their boards of directors.
POSTMASTER:
Send all UAA to CFS.
ASSOCIATION OFFICERS: Chris O’Neill, HomeWorks TriCounty Cooperative, chairman; Gabe Schneider, Cherryland Electric Cooperative, vice chairman; Shaun Lamp, Great Lakes Energy Cooperative, secretary-treasurer; John Kran, 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 MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
visit waterfurnace.com
MI CO-OP Community
RECIPE CONTEST
See details on page 10. Chill Out! No-Cook, due May 1; Pizza, due June 1. Win a $100 bill credit!
GUEST COLUMN
See details on page 18. Share your fondest memories and stories. Win $200 for stories published!
To enter contests, submit reader content & more, visit countrylines.com/community
6
Easy ways you can be prepared for fire and carbon monoxide emergencies.
10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN
Rice Dishes: Stirred, steamed, and savored.
14 A CASTLE MADE FOR STORIES: CASTLE FARMS HOSTS ‘ANTIQUES ROADSHOW’
For three days, history was shared, celebrated, and brought to life.
18 GUEST COLUMN
A North Woods Matriarch: A HomeWorks member honors her great-grandmother—a true “up north” pioneer.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Howard Bowersox, Chair, District 8 219-670-0977 hbowersox@glenergy.com
Janet Andersen, Vice Chair, District 6 231-690-4622 jandersen@glenergy.com
Paul Byl, Secretary, District 7 231-742-2643 pbyl@glenergy.com
Dale Farrier, Treasurer, District 5 231-564-0853 dfarrier@glenergy.com
Mark Carson, Director, District 2 231-675-0561 mcarson@glenergy.com
David Coveyou, Director, District 1 231-347-4056 dcoveyou@glenergy.com
Richard Evans, Director, District 3 231-883-3146 revans@glenergy.com
John LaForge, Director, District 9 269-623-2284 jlaforge@glenergy.com
Mary O’Connell, Director, District 4 517-974-5797 moconnell@glenergy.com
PRESIDENT/CEO: Shaun Lamp 888-485-2537
BOYNE CITY HEADQUARTERS 1323 Boyne Ave. Boyne City, MI 49712
Call center hours: 7 a.m.–5:30 p.m. M–F Phone: 888-485-2537 Email: glenergy@glenergy.com
TO REPORT AN OUTAGE: Call 888-485-2537 or login to your account at gtlakes.com or the GLE mobile app.
Change of Address: 888-485-2537, ext. 8924
Great Lakes Energy is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Honoring Those Who Keep You Connected
By Shaun Lamp, Great Lakes Energy President/CEO
Every year, Lineworker Appreciation Day gives us a moment to pause and recognize the remarkable individuals who build, maintain, and restore the electric service our members rely on. At Great Lakes Energy, April 18 is more than a date on the calendar; it’s a reminder of the grit, professionalism, and dedication that define our lineworkers and our organization.
Lineworkers are often the most visible ambassadors of our cooperative. They are the ones climbing poles in bad weather, working long hours after storms, responding at a moment’s notice whenever an outage occurs. Their work is physically demanding, highly technical, and carries real risk. Yet they perform it with skill, courage, and a quiet sense of purpose. They understand that every repair restores comfort, safety, and peace of mind to the members we serve.
Becoming a lineworker at GLE requires a unique blend of commitment, resilience, and expertise. It means being willing to make personal sacrifices, such as time away from family, and being prepared to take on technically and physically demanding work with an unwavering focus on safety.
That’s why the path to becoming a journeyman lineworker is not an easy one.
Although not required, some lineworkers begin their path to earning their journeyman certification through a pre-apprenticeship program such as those offered at Alpena Community College, Lansing Community College, or Northern Michigan University. GLE is proud to support aspiring lineworkers who choose this step in their career path through our scholarship program.
Once hired by GLE, an apprentice lineworker must complete 7,000 on-the-job learning hours under the guidance of a journeyman. They must also complete 320 hours of classroom, technical, and safety training and obtain a Class A commercial driver’s license.
GLE lineworkers also take part in regular training to keep their skills sharp. Some examples include annual refreshers on emergency procedures such as making mayday radio calls and pole-top rescue techniques, reviewing proper lock-out/ tag-out safety procedures, and reviewing proper care, use, and inspection of their personal safety equipment.
Lineworker Appreciation Day is an opportunity for all of us to express gratitude, not just for the long hours worked or the storms weathered, but for the way in which GLE’s lineworkers reflect the spirit of service that defines this entire organization. I am proud of our lineworkers and of the employees who support them. Their dedication ensures that Great Lakes Energy remains strong, reliable, and rooted in our mission to serve.
To our members, I want to extend our thanks for your continued support and for trusting us to keep your homes, businesses, and communities powered and connected.
Three Openings On GLE Board
Nominating petitions are available in three districts for Great Lakes Energy (GLE) members who wish to seek election to the cooperative’s board of directors.
Three board positions, each for three years, will need to be filled. Qualifying GLE members who reside in districts 3, 4, or 5 can seek election to the board.
Counties by district are:
District 3 – Antrim County
District 4 – Crawford, Montmorency, Oscoda, and Otsego counties
District 5 – Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Manistee, Missaukee, and Wexford counties
The terms of directors Ric Evans of Ellsworth (District 3), Mary O’Connell of Gaylord (District 4), and Dale Farrier of Kalkaska (District 5) expire this year. The three incumbents plan to seek reelection.
When Do We Vote?
Great Lakes Energy members elect a candidate from within their district to the cooperative’s board of directors once every three years.
Find the district in which you reside below to determine when you will receive a mail-in ballot that will accompany the annual election issue of Michigan Country Lines in July. The ballots also include instructions on how members can take advantage of an online voting option. Election results will be announced at the cooperative’s annual business meeting on Aug. 26.
2026 Election
District 3 – Antrim County
District 4 – Crawford, Montmorency, Oscoda, and Otsego counties
District 5 – Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Manistee, Missaukee, and Wexford counties
2027 Election
District 1 – Emmet County
District 2 – Charlevoix and Cheboygan counties
District 7 – Muskegon and Oceana counties
2028 Election
District 6 – Lake and Mason counties
District 8 – Clare, Mecosta, Newaygo, and Osceola counties
District 9 – Allegan, Barry, Kent, Montcalm, and Ottawa counties
To get a name on the ballot, qualifying member-owners of the electric cooperative who maintain a primary residence within its service area must file a nominating petition.
Petitions must be signed by at least 50 active GLE members within the candidate’s district. Completed petitions are due by noon on June 12, 2026, at the GLE office in Boyne City. Visit gtlakes.com/board-of-directors to request a petition or learn more.
Ric Evans District 3
Mary O’Connell District 4 Dale Farrier District 5
HOME FIRE SAFETY CHECKLIST
For Residents/Citizens
SMOKE ALARMS
Have Smoke Alarms — Install one in every bedroom or sleeping area and one on every level of your home.
Have the Correct Smoke Alarms
• Standard — Photoelectric or ionization smoke alarms.
• Bed Shakers — For hearing impaired, deaf, elderly.
• Strobe Lights — For hearing impaired, deaf, elderly. Plugs directly into the wall. Industrial strobe.
• Nest — Smoke/CO combo that alerts your phone when it goes off.
Test Your Alarms — Press the smoke alarm test button once a month to assure your alarms work.
Change Batteries — For 9-volt battery smoke alarms, change batteries once a year or when alarm chirps.
CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS (CO)
Have CO Alarms — Install a working CO alarm on every level of your home.
Best Placement — CO alarms are best near kitchens, garages, utility rooms, appliances.
Change CO Alarms — Install new CO alarms every 6 to 8 years.
Safety Tip
If you are having any symptoms like:
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Upset stomach
• Vomiting
• Chest pain
• Confusion
Please call your local fi re department to come evaluate your home CO level.
Did You Know?
Most fire deaths happen overnight, and a closed bedroom door can slow the spread of flames and reduce smoke inhalation, potentially saving your life.
Plan Your Escape — Have a plan designed around your abilities.
Things to Consider
• Can you get out on your own without equipment or assistance?
• If you need equipment, be sure it is accessible at all times.
• If you need someone to assist you and answer the who, what, when, where, and how.
• Make sure your equipment fi ts through all exits.
• Use a bedroom on ground fl oor close to an exit if possible.
• Install exit ramps or widen door to make escape easier.
Know Two Ways Out — Include family, neighbors, friends, or a building manager in practicing your escape plan.
Windows and Doors — Practice opening locked windows and doors.
Service Animals — Be sure to include any service animals in your plan.
Need Extra Help? — Call your local fire department’s nonemergency number if you need help with your escape planning.
Did You Know?
SAFETY INFORMATION!
Check out the MI Prevention fi re safety information for more tips and videos on fi re safety! Scan the QR code or visit miprevention.org
In a fire, you have very little time to escape. Be prepared by having essential items in a bag that you or first responders can easily grab.
Seven (7)-day supply of necessary medications.
Emergency contact information.
Contact information for equipment replacements.
Necessary medical supplies/refills.
When contacting 911, be sure to tell dispatcher:
Full name.
Nature of disability.
Your exact location within home.
Any necessary/life-saving equipment needed (e.g., wheelchairs, medication, oxygen).
Careless smoking is the leading cause of fire fatalities. For your safety:
• Never smoke in bed.
• Never smoke when tired.
• Never smoke when under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Never smoke while on medical oxygen.
Cleaner Air Starts at Home This Earth Day
According to earthday.org, the theme for Earth Day 2026 is “Our Power, Our Planet,” and it reflects on the fundamental truth that environmental progress is sustained by daily actions of communities, educators, workers, and families protecting where they live and work.
While we often think about protecting outdoor spaces, the air inside our homes matters just as much. In fact, indoor air can contain dust, pollen, pet dander, smoke particles, and other pollutants that affect comfort and overall well-being.
For many families, especially during allergy season or in the colder months when windows stay closed, indoor air quality can make a noticeable difference. That’s where energy-efficient air purifiers can help.
Modern air purifiers are designed to capture fine airborne particles you may not even see. By reducing common irritants and improving air circulation, they help create a fresher, more comfortable living environment year-round. Whether you’re managing seasonal allergies, lingering cooking odors, or everyday dust, an air purifier can be a practical step toward cleaner indoor air.
BREATHE EASIER THIS EARTH DAY
Celebrate Earth Day with healthier indoor air! Why Use an Air Purifier?
• Reduces allergens like pollen and dust
• Improves indoor air quality year-round
• Supports healthier breathing and better sleep
An ENERGY STAR® qualified air purifier helps create a healthier home while supporting energy smart living. Great Lakes Energy is offering rebates on qualifying room air purifiers. Visit gtlakes.com/energy-wise/ for more information on rebates.
This Earth Day, consider how small improvements inside your home can support a healthier household while using energy wisely. Many newer air purifier models are built with efficiency in mind, helping you maintain better air quality without significantly increasing energy use.
As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting energyefficient choices, Great Lakes Energy offers rebates on qualifying air purifiers. These rebates are designed to make it more affordable for members to invest in equipment that improves comfort and supports efficient energy use.
Small changes like choosing ENERGY STAR products are one way we can work together to care for both our homes and the environment. This Earth Day, take a moment to consider simple upgrades that can make a lasting difference where you live and breathe every day.
Visit gtlakes.com/energy-wise/ to learn more about air purifier rebates and other rebates and energy-savings incentives Great Lakes Energy is offering.
Scan the QR code to view eligible rebates or visit gtlakes.com/energy-wise/
Starts at Home
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
1. MOST VOTES Leaves, leaves, everywhere!, Lynne Jutila, Stanwood
2. Success on the trout stream, Joanne Sutherland, Reed City
3. Looking for blue ice at Mackinaw, Julie Christiansen, Charlevoix
4. Canyonlands National Park hike! Logan DeVries, Wayland
5. Snowshoe adventure, Kelsey Harris, Charlevoix
6. Bronco bully, Beth Pipe, Baldwin
Enter to win a $200 energy bill credit!
Submit Your “Fresh from the Garden” Photos by April 25! Each month, members can submit photos on our website for our photo contest. The photo with the most votes is published here, along with other selections.
How To Enter: Enter the contest at gtlakes.com/ photocontest/. Make sure to vote and encourage others to vote for you, too. The photo receiving the most votes will be printed in an issue of Michigan Country Lines along with other favorites. All photos printed in the magazine in 2026 will be entered into a drawing to win a $200 bill credit in December 2026.
RICE DISHES
ASPARAGUS & RICE
SALAD W/ PINE NUTS
Susan Cusick, Great Lakes Energy
1 cup white long-grain rice, uncooked
¼ cup + 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 pound asparagus, washed, trimmed, and cut into 1-inch pieces
¼ cup pine nuts (can be pre-toasted)
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ cup chopped green onions
¼ cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, for topping
Cook the rice according to package directions until tender, then remove from heat. Let stand uncovered to cool, and fl uff with a fork. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil over mediumhigh heat. Sauté the asparagus, stirring occasionally, until crisp-tender. Transfer to a bowl of cold water and drain; set aside. In a small dry skillet, toast the pine nuts (if untoasted) over medium heat until golden and fragrant, stirring often and watching closely to prevent burning. In a large bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, remaining ¼ cup olive oil, salt, and black pepper until well blended. Add the cooled rice, asparagus, and green onions; toss gently to combine. Taste and adjust spices. Transfer the mixture to a shallow serving dish. Top with the toasted pine nuts and Parmesan cheese, and serve at room temperature.
WILD RICE SOUP
Jessica Arnold, Great Lakes Energy
1 (6-ounce) box wild rice mix
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 medium onion, peeled and chopped
2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
2 stalks celery, fi nely chopped
¾ cup all-purpose fl our
2 quarts chicken broth/stock
2 cups cooked and shredded boneless chicken
8 ounces baby bella mushrooms, sliced
¼ teaspoon salt, or more to taste
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup half and half
2 tablespoons dried parsley
1 cup Velveeta cheese, cubed
JAMBALAYA
Leah Ollanketo, Ontonagon REA
1 tablespoon oil
1½ pounds chicken breast, cut into bite-size cubes
1 pound andouille sausage, thinly sliced
12 ounces frozen cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose fl our
1 onion, peeled and chopped
4 green onions, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
3 celery ribs, fi nely chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1½ teaspoons dried basil
1½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
2½ cups chicken broth
1¼ cups long-grain white rice
BAKED CHICKEN AND RICE
Terry LaCost, Great Lakes Energy
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
¼ cup butter or margarine (½ stick)
2 cups boiling water
3 chicken bouillon cubes
1 teaspoon dried onion fl akes (or fresh chopped onion, to taste)
1 cup uncooked rice
• paprika, for sprinkling
Prepare the wild rice according to the package directions and set aside. In a large pot over medium heat, add the vegetable oil and sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened, about 3 minutes. Sprinkle in the fl our and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 to 3 minutes to form a roux. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps, and continue cooking until the mixture begins to thicken slightly. Add the cooked chicken, mushrooms, salt, and black pepper and stir. Reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in the cooked wild rice, half and half, dried parsley, and cubed Velveeta cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is smooth, then serve warm and enjoy.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the oil and cook the chicken until browned and the internal temperature reaches 165 F, then remove from the skillet and set aside. Add the andouille sausage to the same skillet and cook until browned, then remove and set aside with the chicken. Thaw the shrimp under cold running water and set aside. Reduce the heat to medium, add the butter and flour to the skillet, and stir continuously while scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan to form a roux. Add the onion, green onions, garlic, celery, and bell pepper and sauté for about 3 minutes, until softened. Stir in the basil, Cajun seasoning, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and diced tomatoes. Then add the chicken broth and rice and bring the mixture to a boil. Return the chicken, sausage, and shrimp to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and let rest, covered, for 10 minutes, then fluff with a fork and let stand for an additional 5 minutes before serving.
Preheat the oven to 400 F. On a plate or cutting board, season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place the butter in a shallow 2-quart baking dish (a 9x13-inch dish works well) and melt it in the hot oven. Carefully add the chicken to the dish and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the dish from the oven, transfer the chicken to a plate, and to the melted butter, add the boiling water, chicken bouillon cubes, onion, and uncooked rice until well combined. Transfer the chicken back in the dish and cover with the rice mixture. Then return the dish back to the oven to bake for 40 minutes longer, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked. Sprinkle with paprika just before serving.
Going Green Is Easy With Paperless Billing
When Earth Day rolls around on April 22 every year, for many people it serves as a good reminder to look for changes they can make in their daily lives to help the environment. Although some steps are easier to take than others, Great Lakes Energy offers an easy way to help save time, money, and the environment all at the same time: paperless billing.
When you sign up for paperless billing, you’ll no longer receive a paper bill in the mail each month. Instead, you’ll receive an email when a new statement is available. You can then log in to your online account or the GLE mobile app to review and pay your bill.
Members who choose paperless billing are not only helping save trees, but they are also saving themselves time, the cost of postage and checks, and reducing clutter around the house. Paperless billing also cuts postage, printing, and processing costs for your co-op.
You can enjoy additional convenience and peace of mind by enrolling in automatic bill payment as well. With this service enabled, your bill will be paid automatically on the due date every month. You can pay with a debit or credit card, but the preferred option is to have payments automatically deducted from your bank account, eliminating the hassle of card expiration dates.
Enrolling in paperless billing is easy.
Just log in to your online account or the GLE mobile app and select “Paperless Billing” under the “Settings” menu.
Don’t have an online account? Setting one up is easy!
• Visit gtlakes.com and select the red “Login to Your Account” link. On the next page, click on the “Register Now” link and follow the prompts. OR
• Download the GLE mobile app, select the “Register now” link, and follow the prompts.
All it takes is a few minutes and a few clicks, keystrokes, or taps, and you’ll be on your way to joining thousands of other GLE members who are enjoying the convenience, costsavings, and environmental conservation that paperless billing offers. When it comes to helping the planet, small changes made by many people can make a big difference.
More information on all of the many services available through your online account and the GLE mobile app is available at gtlakes.com/account-information
Is Your Meter On A Pole?
A Few Small Steps Can Help Prevent Big Problems
For members who have their electric meter mounted on a pole instead of directly attached to a building, a little routine attention can go a long way toward ensuring the reliability of your electric service. While it’s easy to forget about the equipment that’s quietly doing its job day after day, the meter pole is the responsibility of the property owner, and keeping it in good shape helps avoid inconvenient outages, additional delays in restoration, unexpected expenses, and potential safety hazards.
Why Meter Pole Maintenance Matters
Over time, weather, age, insects, and normal wear can weaken a meter pole. A pole that leans, cracks, or shows signs of rot may eventually fail, and when it does, it often happens suddenly or unexpectedly. That kind of failure typically leads to:
• A sudden, unexpected power outage
• Emergency electrician fees— which are often higher
• A longer disruption to service while repairs are made
In most cases, proactively repairing or replacing a meter pole costs less than dealing with a pole that fails unexpectedly.
A Little Prevention Goes a Long Way
Regular meter pole checks only take a few minutes, but they can prevent unexpected outages and costly repair bills. Consider adding it to your seasonal home maintenance checklist. It’s a simple habit that protects your home, your budget, and your peace of mind.
Quick Meter Pole Visual Inspection Checklist
FOR YOUR SAFETY: Do not touch any energized electrical components during your inspection or any other time. Here’s what to watch for:
POLE CONDITION
Is the pole leaning, bending, or tilting?
Are there visible cracks or splits in the wood?
Are there soft spots, rot, or decay—especially near the base?
Do you see signs of insect damage (wood dust, holes, or burrowing)?
For metal poles: Is there rust, corrosion, or flaking?
GROUND-LEVEL STABILITY
Is the soil eroded or washed out around the base?
Is the pole loose or shifting if lightly pushed (without putting yourself at risk)?
Is vegetation growing too close to the base, hiding potential problems?
EQUIPMENT & HARDWARE
Is the meter base securely attached?
Are conduits and wires firmly connected and not being pulled or strained?
Are brackets, straps, and bolts tight and unbroken?
Are there any signs of burning, melting, or heat damage?
If any element of your inspection gives you pause, or if something “just doesn’t look right,” it’s a smart move to call a licensed electrician for a closer look.
BONUS CHECK : Is there anything, such as vehicles, vegetation, debris, or a locked gate, that would prevent GLE crews from accessing the pole and meter if necessary?
Castle Farms hosts ‘Antiques Roadshow’
By Emily Haines Lloyd
Three days, thousands of objects—and stories more valuable than the price
For a few summer days in Charlevoix, Castle Farms became something more than a historic landmark. For three days, its stone walls, manicured grounds, and grand halls were the backdrop for thousands of personal histories as “Antiques Roadshow” rolled into Northern Michigan.
For Castle Farms owner, Linda Mueller, hosting “Antiques Roadshow” was more than a successful event. It was the realization of a long-held dream. A lifelong collector and steward of history, Mueller kept the show on her bucket list for years, imagining what
it would mean to see the castle’s halls filled with stories carried in by people from across the region.
When the opportunity fi nally aligned, it wasn’t just a milestone for the property, but a deeply personal moment for the woman who has spent decades preserving the past and inviting others to connect with it.
THE EMAIL THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING
“We had reached out years ago,” said Kristin Frazho, Castle Farms’ general manager. “When we emailed again in 2023, a producer responded within a day. Suddenly, after years of imagining it, it was really happening.”
That response kicked off more than a year of planning. Producers, crew members, and logistics teams walked the property, mapping everything from
parking and power needs to filming locations and crowd flow. The details were extensive, but Castle Farms was uniquely prepared.
With indoor and outdoor spaces, established infrastructure, and a staff accustomed to large-scale weddings and community events, the venue was defi nitely ready for its close-up.
“When the crew walked away, they told us Castle Farms set a new precedent for the show,” Frazho said. “To hear that during the show’s 30th season, and as their fi nal stop of the year, was incredibly meaningful.”
ORGANIZED CHAOS, PERFECTLY ORCHESTRATED
For Director of Guest Experiences Jessica Anderson, the goal was always balance.
“We want events that enhance the community, not overwhelm it,” she said. “‘Antiques Roadshow’ brought people to Charlevoix in a way that felt thoughtful and intentional.”
During filming, roughly 4,500 guests passed through the castle, many arriving with wagons, boxes, and carefully wrapped heirlooms. Guests checked in, followed time slots, boarded trams, and moved through triage stations before meeting appraisers in the main filming areas.
“There was so much excitement,” Anderson said. “Even people who knew their item might not be valuable were grateful to be there, to have someone listen to their story.”
WHERE OBJECTS BECOME STORIES
That focus on storytelling over dollar signs mirrors Castle Farms’ own mission. The property’s restoration and vision have been guided by Mueller, whose extensive antique collections are displayed throughout the castle as tools for learning and connection.
“Linda teaches history through objects,” Anderson said. “Each item carries a story, which aligns perfectly with what ‘Antiques Roadshow’ does.”
During filming, that connection came full circle. Mueller recognized several appraisers from past interactions with her own collection, and watching her interviews unfold was a powerful moment for the staff.
“To see Linda glow, to watch her live out a dream she’s worked toward for more than a decade, was overwhelming,” Anderson said.
A PRICELESS APPRAISAL
If the experience itself were up for appraisal, both Frazho and Anderson agree its value can’t be measured.
“It’s priceless,” Frazho said. “For the town, for our team, for Linda, and for every guest who walked through the gates carrying a piece of their family’s history.”
As the episodes air this spring on PBS, viewers nationwide will see what unfolded at Castle Farms. History was not just appraised. It was shared, celebrated, and brought to life—one story at a time. This fulfilled a long-held dream and the castle’s very purpose.
Tune in to PBS for the Michigan episodes (subject to change) at pbs.org/wgbh/roadshow/schedule/.
• Castle Farms, Hour 1
Monday, March 30 at 8 p.m.
• Castle Farms, Hour 2
Monday, April 6 at 8 p.m.
• Castle Farms, Hour 3
Monday, April 13 at 8 p.m.
Plan Your Visit
Castle Farms is one of Northern Michigan’s most unique destinations. Open seasonally with special events throughout the year, Castle Farms offers something for every age.
castlefarms.com
5052 M-66 North, Charlevoix, MI 49720 (231) 237-0884
Wes Cowan (left) appraises an 1864 Lincoln & Johnson campaign flag in Charlevoix, Michigan. Photo by Meredith Nierman for GBH, © 2026 WGBH Educational Foundation.
Sean Delaney (left) appraises a John Bailey dwarf clock, ca. 1800, in Charlevoix, Michigan. Photo by Rob Thompson for GBH, © 2026 WGBH Educational Foundation.
Charlevoix Elementary School kindergarten teacher Ericka Mitchell shows students some of the library’s materials following the recent ribbon-cutting event.
Shelf Help: New Library Boosts Kids’ Social Emotional Literacy
Students at Charlevoix Elementary School now have a new centralized source of tools to help them learn, self-regulate, and explore their emotions, thanks to the recently completed social emotional learning library, made possible through a partnership between Charlevoix Public Schools and the Kiwanis Club of Charlevoix.
In October 2024, Great Lakes Energy’s People Fund awarded a $1,000 grant to the Kiwanis Club of Charlevoix to help fund the project, which also received financial support from the Charlevoix County Community Foundation and the Kiwanis Children’s Fund International.
The newly opened library is designed to support students’ emotional well-being and help them build essential life skills such as selfawareness, self-management, empathy, and responsible decisionmaking. To accomplish this, the library incorporates a wide range of resources that go far beyond what might typically be found on traditional library bookshelves. Inside, students will find carefully selected books, digital tools, sensory swings, body socks, flexible seating options, fidget tools, reflection journals, and restorative practice materials.
Rita Moore, who serves not only as secretary for the Kiwanis Club of Charlevoix but also on the committee that helped the school develop the library, said the club’s support for the project grew out of its longstanding mission to support children’s literacy in the community.
Rita said that as the club reached out to school staff about their book needs, a clear trend emerged: a need for materials that support children’s emotional needs. In collaboration with school staff, these discussions gave rise to the idea of creating a central location where these books and other tools could be stored, cataloged, and checked out.
Charlevoix Elementary School Kindergarten Teacher Ericka Mitchell, who is a member of the school’s behavioral intervention team, said the library’s inventory was heavily influenced by teacher input on
trends they are seeing in student behavioral needs and the tools they are using in their classrooms to support those needs.
Alecia Ahles-Moore, the school’s psychologist and a fellow school intervention team member, said the library is aimed at a whole-child approach in supporting students who are struggling with behavior or engagement issues.
Some of the topics the books cover include: emotional regulation, anxiety and coping skills, friendship and social skills, focus and attention, big feelings and behavior support, and unique life situations.
“Many of the books focus on helping students understand their emotions and teaching them the skills to regulate them in a developmentally appropriate way,” Alecia said. “We are seeing a lot of success when we align the right tool with a student’s specific needs.”
Ericka added that, in practice, the program will provide teachers or parents with a “try-before-youbuy” opportunity. They’ll be able to check out a book or tool tailored to a student’s specific need. If the checkedout item is successful, the school has money in place to purchase one for the student. If the item isn’t successful, it will be returned to the library, and other options can be explored.
Although the school marked the library’s official opening with a special ribbon-cutting event on March 5, Ericka said teachers have been using some of the books and tools for several months.
“Having these resources in one place allows us to quickly match the right support to the right child, and we’re already seeing how powerful that can be in helping students regulate, reconnect, and return to learning.”
The social emotional learning library isn’t the first time the People Fund has supported the Kiwanis Club of Charlevoix’s efforts to enhance literacy at Charlevoix Elementary
School. The club used another People Fund grant in 2022 to help bring a book vending machine to the school. The vending machine allows students to redeem tokens awarded by school staff for anything from earning good grades to demonstrating good behavior for a book of their choosing.
Founded in 1934, the Kiwanis Club of Charlevoix is active in many community-building activities. On
The Kiwanis Club of Charlevoix is just one of the many nonprofit organizations the People Fund has supported since it was established in 1999. In that time, the People Fund has awarded more than $5 million in grants to support organizations making a meaningful difference in the communities we serve. The grants are entirely funded by GLE members who agree to have their monthly electric bills rounded up to the next whole dollar. For an average monthly contribution of about $0.50, GLE members can work together to make a positive impact in their communities.
average, club members provide nearly 400 hours of community service work per month.
To learn more about the club and its many activities, visit:
/charlevoixkiwanis/
Charlevoixkiwanis.com
If you aren’t already a People Fund participant, enrolling is easy!
• Log in to your GLE online account or the GLE mobile app and select “People Fund” under the “Bill and Pay” menu.
• Visit gtlakes.com/peoplefund, select the “Sign Up Now” button, and complete the online form.
• Call (888) 485-2537 and speak to a member of our member services team.
For more information about the People Fund, including a list of recent grant recipients and information about the grant application process, visit gtlakes.com/people-fund
A North Woods Matriarch
By Janet Horricks, a HomeWorks Tri-County Cooperative member
My great-grandmother and greatgrandfather, Leatha and Charles Malinowski, lived in Sigma, Michigan, a small abandoned logging town near Kalkaska, in a small cottage across from the old, abandoned Sigma Hotel.
Their cozy home featured a massive stone fi replace that was the heart of the house. Hanging above the mantle was an enormous muskie that weighed over 57 pounds and measured fi ve feet long. This remarkable fish was speared by my great-grandmother while ice fishing on Torch Lake.
I regret that I do not have a photograph of the muskie, but I have a picture of my grandmother with another impressive catch of the day. She was also featured in the local Kalkaska newspaper, highlighting my grandparents’ ice fishing expertise.
My grandparents were true Michigan
they were outside—fishing and ice fishing on the many local lakes and streams. They made full use of Michigan’s beautiful forests by deer and rabbit hunting, or simply by walking the woods to gather berries for my grandmother’s jams and jellies, mushrooms, and other natural resources they relied on in their daily lives.
Most of my treasured memories are of my greatgrandmother, as my great-grandfather passed away when I was young. She was an incredible woman and a true fi gure of “up north” Michigan history.
To supplement their income, my grandmother sold her jams and jellies, which became favorites throughout both Michigan peninsulas. Her many talents were celebrated at local fairs, where she earned recognition for her jams and jellies, baked goods, and most memorably, her Fairy Forests.
She created mini forests made from fungus that grew on the sides of trees, which she gathered during walks through local woods. These were lined with moss from the forest floor and filled with
“
My grandparents were true Michigan outdoors enthusiasts who lived off the land. No matter the season, they were outside—fi shing and ice fi shing on the many local lakes and streams.”
tiny ceramic animals, miniature trees, and mirrored lakes.
I am incredibly fortunate to carry these people in my memories, and I am deeply proud that they were such a meaningful part of Michigan’s outdoor heritage.
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When the lights go out, lineworkers are ready to answer the call, day or night, to safely restore power and keep our communities moving forward. They take pride in powering the places we call home. Today and every day, we thank lineworkers for their service and commitment.
Lineworker Appreciation Day April 18, 2026
Ready When itMattersMost
