April 2026 Midwest

Midwest Energy & Communications

April 2026

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

A CASTLE MADE FOR STORIES:

Castle Farms hosts ‘Antiques Roadshow’ Arbor Day Tree Sale

Thank a Lineworker April 18

Update Auto Pay Via SmartHub

Geo so comfortable, all the bases want to be home.

Safe comfort with no combustion or flames.

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.

YOUR LOCAL WATERFURNACE DEALERS Three Rivers Bel Aire Htg & Clg 1 (888) 235-2473 belaire.com

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

Grand Rapids Bel Aire Htg & Clg 1 (888) 235-2473 belaire.com

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

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

Hart Adams Htg & Clg (231) 873-2665 adamsgeothermal-mi.com

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

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

Muskegon TMC Mechanical LLC (231) 865-1114 www.tmcmechanicalllc.com

Cadillac Wilder Htg & Clg (231) 645-4822 Wilderheatingandcooling.com

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

Filion/Bad Axe Air-O-Dynamic Htg & Clg (989) 582-0137 aod-hvac.com

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

Gaylord Family Plmb & Htg (989) 732-8099 familyplumbingandheating.com

Michigan Center Comfort 1/Aire Serv of Southern Michigan (517) 764-1500 airserv.com/southern-michigan

The Reliable Renewable is a trademark of WaterFurnace International, Inc.

Portage 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

Portland ESI Htg & Clg (517) 647-6906 esiheating.com Sparta West Michigan Geothermal (616) 887-1290 Westmigeothermal.com

$2,250 rebate available through your co-op.

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

visit us at waterfurnace.com/mi

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

Contents countrylines.com

April 2026 Vol. 46, 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; 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.

visit waterfurnace.com

MICHIGAN’S ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES

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MI CO-OP Community RECIPE CONTEST

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6 HOME FIRE SAFETY CHECKLIST Easy ways you can be prepared for fire and carbon monoxide emergencies.

See details on page 10. Chill Out! No-Cook, due May 1; Pizza, due June 1.

Win a $100 bill credit!

10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN

GUEST COLUMN

14 A CASTLE MADE FOR

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

Rice Dishes: Stirred, steamed, and savored.

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.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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When the Wind Doesn’t Blow

By Terry Rubenthaler, President/CEO 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.

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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APRIL 2026

My wife and I recently decided that we needed a new mattress, so we took off to Mishawaka to see what the latest trends were.

The sales lady was very convincing and even talked us into buying a “smart bed frame.” Like just about everything these days, it came with several bells and whistles: It is connected to the internet, it goes up and down, it plays soothing music or white noise, and it even has a phone charger in the frame. At the time, I thought that last feature was a little over the top. Turns out, it came in handy.

Normally, I leave my phone charging in the other room while I sleep. But thanks to my new modern bed, my phone was right next to me when I got a text at 5 a.m. on Jan. 24. Utilities throughout Michigan were being told to issue a public appeal to ask customers to cut back on power use.

It caught all utilities across the area off guard. While we had been preparing for the possibility of an appeal, it didn’t seem likely to happen on a quiet Saturday morning, when it wasn’t during the normal peak energy-usage hours.

So what happened? It wasn’t that the usage was way up; it was that the wind, unexpectedly, didn’t blow. Most of Michigan’s utility-scale turbines weren’t spinning, which meant there wasn’t enough generation to keep up with the demand.

Luckily, just as we were about to email impacted customers, we got word that it wouldn’t be necessary. Our grid operator* made emergency purchases from a neighboring operator. Crisis averted. But if that hadn’t worked, rolling blackouts across Michigan were a very real possibility. teammidwest.com

That morning was a real eye-opener for me and many others. It showed us just how quickly our electric system can be pushed to the edge. More than anything, it highlighted how reliant we’ve become on weather-dependent power sources.

It’s crazy to think that a few hours without wind can make the difference between having enough power or being left in the dark.

This isn’t political. It’s reality. Renewables certainly have an important role in creating a strong, diverse electric grid.

Yet, our haste to close traditional power generation sources, coupled with problematic permitting for new sources, has left us with few options when demand spikes.

You may recall that I wrote about this last year, and I bring it up again because if the day comes when we do issue an appeal, I don’t want you to be surprised.

We’re doing it because our regional grid operator requires utilities to do so, but more importantly, it’s likely due to a lack of “always-on” electricity sources. It’s also the last resort to avoid blackouts because, believe me, the last thing MEC wants to do is shut off your power because the grid can’t meet the demand.

This is why we will also continue to advocate for common-sense policy and permitting changes that will enable our industry to build a truly diverse, healthy fuel mix—one that includes both renewables and sources that don’t require Mother Nature’s cooperation.

I do look forward to the day when I can take this topic off my yearly list of things to write about. Until then, I’ll be keeping my phone plugged into my bed every night—because it’s going to take true policy change, not just a new mattress, to help us all sleep better. *Learn more about grid operators on page 5.

/teammidwest

How the U.S. Power Grid Works The U.S. power grid is complex and interconnected, with many players and checks and balances to help ensure reliability and supply.

Where We Get Your Power We don’t generate electricity. In today’s complicated markets and regulatory mandates, we don’t have enough customers or employees to do it effectively, and many electric co-ops and municipalities are in the same boat.

We rely on bigger organizations to make the electricity that we deliver to you. Our primary partner for this is Wolverine Power Cooperative, a Michigan-based generation and transmission company that serves Michigan cooperatives. They manage the fuel mix and ensure the consistent and reliable flow of electricity onto the grid.

We also purchase a small amount of power from Buckeye Power for our Ohio customers.

Learn more about Wolverine at wolverinepowercooperative.com.

Getting Power to You There are three major players in the electric grid: generators, distributors, and transmission grid operators.

Generators, like Wolverine Power Cooperative, create electricity from a wide range of fuel sources.

Distributors, like MEC, take that electricity from the grid and bring it to customers via their networks of power lines and substations.

Transmission grid operators are independent third parties between the generators and the distributors, and they are responsible for balancing the system. While they don’t own power plants or power lines, they work with generators like Wolverine to ensure there is enough electricity to meet customers’ demands.

Additionally, grid operators say when power plants should and should not run and are responsible for maintaining the health of the grid should supply issues arise. The grid operators are the ones who call on generators and power companies to implement rolling blackouts in emergencies. While inconvenient, these blackouts protect the grid from permanent damage.

We have two such operators that oversee our territory: PJM Interconnection and MISO. Together, they manage the flow of electricity for 1.12 million residences and businesses throughout multiple states.

We do not choose which grid operator(s) manage our territory, as that is determined purely by where we are located and the companies with which we are interconnected.

Part of our service territory is interconnected with American Electric Power (AEP) and First Energy, which are managed by PJM. We also have interconnections with Consumers Energy and Michigan Electric Transmission Company, which are managed by MISO. These companies own the very large transmission towers and high-voltage lines that deliver electricity from the generators to our substations.

Outages on their transmission lines can knock out power to our substations, and that ultimately means you lose power too. As you can see, we work with a lot of players to ensure you have safe and reliable power.

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

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.

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.

• 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.

Did You Know?

Safety Tip

If you are having any symptoms like: • Headache • Dizziness • Weakness • Upset stomach • Vomiting • Chest pain • Confusion Please call your local fire department to come evaluate your home CO level.

Most fire deaths happen overnight, and a closed bedroom door can slow the spread of flames and reduce smoke inhalation, potentially saving your life.

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APRIL 2026

FIRE SAFETY INFORMATION! Check out the MI Prevention fire safety information for more tips and videos on fire safety!

Scan the QR code or visit miprevention.org

 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 fits through all exits.

• Use a bedroom on ground floor 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?

PREPARE A GO BAG 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.

CALLING 911 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.

Source: miprevention.org

FIRE ESCAPE PLAN

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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Stay Safe Around Downed Power Lines!

Storm season is almost here—and unfortunately, that could mean dealing with fallen power lines and other hazards.

If a power line falls on your car while you’re inside, stay there if it’s safe to do so and call 9-1-1. Electricity looks for the easiest route to the ground, and your tires can protect you.

If you have to exit the vehicle due to a fire or other imminent danger, follow these steps: 1. Never touch your vehicle and the ground at the same time.

2. Keep your arms tucked at your sides.

3. Jump as far from your vehicle as possible. Do not throw your arms out as you may accidentally touch the line.

4. Land with your feet together.

5. Hop away with your feet and legs together. Alternatively, shuffle away using small movements.

Watch a full demonstration from Safety Ace Evan at teammidwest.com/escape-vehicle.

MORE TIPS: • STAY 50 FEET AWAY from power lines on the ground. This is about the length of a semitruck’s trailer.

• WARN OTHERS in the area to keep their distance.

• CALL 9-1-1 IMMEDIATELY to report a downed line. You can also call MEC at 800-492-5989.

• TAKE A DETOUR instead of trying to drive over or around a downed line.

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. Midwest Energy & Communications is offering rebates on qualifying room air purifiers. Visit teammidwest.com/energy-savings for more information on rebates.

Scan the QR code to view eligible rebates or visit teammidwest.com/energy-savings

Cleaner Air Starts at Home

Update Your Auto Pay Settings in SmartHub Need to sign up for automatic payments or update your payment info?

It’s easy to do in SmartHub!

DESKTOP

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1. Log in at teammidwest.com.

2. On the homepage, click Payment and Billing Options, followed by Auto Pay Program.

3. In the green drop-down menu, select the account that you plan to update, or choose Show All Accounts to view settings for every account.

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4. Check the box that says “I accept the Auto Pay Terms & Conditions.”

5. In the Auto Pay Enrollment column, click the button that says Enroll and choose to pay via credit/debit card or your bank account.

6. Fill out the required information and click Continue, then complete any remaining steps.

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7. Optional: If you have other accounts and would like to use the same payment method for all of them, click Copy To Other Accounts, then select the accounts you wish to enroll and click Save.

8. Optional: If you would like to change your payment method, click Update or Cancel. On the following page, click Reset and complete the remaining steps.

SMARTHUB MOBILE APP 1. Open your SmartHub mobile app and log in.

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2. N avigate to the menu, then tap Payment and Billing Options followed by Auto Pay Program.

3. S elect the account that you plan to update.

4. Tap Accept on the Terms & Conditions screen.

5. Tap Add New and choose to pay via credit/ debit card or your bank account.

6. F ill out the required information and tap Continue, then complete any remaining steps.

7. O ptional: If you would like to change your payment method, tap the account you wish to change. Select your current payment method to make a change, or tap Add New to replace your current payment method with a new one.

Complete the remaining steps.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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MI CO-OP Kitchen

WINNING RECIPE! ASPARAGUS & RICE SALAD W/ PINE NUTS Susan Cusick, Great Lakes Energy

RICE DISHES Stirred, Steamed, and Savored.

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 fluff 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.

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

RECIPE CONTEST

Win a $100 energy bill credit!

Chill Out! No-Cook, due May 1; Pizza, due June 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.

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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, finely chopped ¾ cup all-purpose flour 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 flour 1 onion, peeled and chopped 4 green onions, chopped 4 garlic cloves, minced 3 celery ribs, finely 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 flakes (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.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 11

MEC in the Community

MEC Blood Drive

Lawton Elementary STEM Night

MEC employees and local community members donated blood at our Cassopolis headquarters on Feb. 20. We collected a total of 32 units— surpassing our goal of 27 and impacting up to 96 lives according to our partner Versiti!

Around 320 children and parents explored hands-on science activities on Feb. 5. MECers Kelly, Steve, and Lori staffed a booth where kids got to build night lights, paper airplane motors, and even a circuit board for a transistor radio!

MEC proudly supports schools and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs. An early introduction to STEM activities could spark a lifelong interest that eventually leads to a full-time career—you never know who will be inspired.

We’ve Chosen Our Youth Tour Delegates After interviewing five excellent candidates for this year’s Youth Tour trip to Washington, D.C., we’ve made our decision!

Aiden of Ross Beatty High School and Grant from Clinton High School will have the opportunity to tour our nation’s capital this year. They’ll join students from across America to visit several historical sites, learn more about the history of American electric cooperatives, and potentially meet with representatives.

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Their Why Is Waiting at Home As you can imagine, staying safe as a lineman is a full-time job. It involves receiving ongoing training, following rigorous protocols, and wearing special gear. It takes a lot of effort but serves a very valuable purpose: It ensures our guys can return to their loved ones.

equipment every single day. From children’s drawings and faith-filled messages to hopes for the future, every glove bag is a powerful reminder that safety starts with love— and ends with coming home.

Recently, we challenged them, and their families, to get creative and share the reasons they prioritize safety by decorating their glove bags. As expected, they embraced this challenge with the same passion and vigor that they put into restoring power in a windstorm.

Each design tells a story of the people, beliefs, dreams, and even pets that motivate our guys to put on their protective

Thank a Lineman on April 18 This day marks National Lineworker Appreciation Day. We are grateful each and every day for their dedication and sacrifice. We give them a nod of thanks for braving the elements to keep your lights on.

MECers voted for their favorite glove bags. Here are our winners:

First Place: LINEMAN MIKE

Second Place: FOREMAN MATT

Third Place: FOREMAN TODD

Mike’s bag was painted with a vision of his past, present, and future: the mountains of Virginia, an MEC bucket truck, and the palm trees of the Chesapeake Bay.

Matt’s bag featured paint work by his family, including fingerprints and handprints for an extra special touch, as well as a reminder that “you are the piece that makes us whole.”

Todd’s bag was outfitted with photos of his family and pets as a reminder that everything he does each day is for them.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 13

A CASTLE MADE FOR STORIES:

Castle Farms hosts ‘Antiques Roadshow’

By Emily Haines Lloyd

Three days, thousands of objects—and stories more valuable than the price

F

or 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

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it would mean to see the castle’s halls filled with stories carried in by people from across the region.

When the opportunity finally 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 definitely 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 final 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.”

Wes Cowan (left) appraises an 1864 Lincoln & Johnson campaign flag in Charlevoix, Michigan. Photo by Meredith Nierman for GBH, © 2026 WGBH Educational Foundation.

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.”

Sean Delaney (left) appraises a John Bailey dwarf clock, ca. 1800, in Charlevoix, Michigan. Photo by Rob Thompson for GBH, © 2026 WGBH Educational Foundation.

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.

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 @castlefarms

• Castle Farms, Hour 3 Monday, April 13 at 8 p.m.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 15

Plant The Right Tree, in The Right Place For safety, plant taller trees away from overhead utility lines.

40 ft max

60 ft 30 ft No Tree Zone No trees within 30' of power lines

POWER LINE RIGHT-OF-WAY

Small & Medium Trees Such as redbud, dogwood, and golden rain tree should be 30' from lines

Large Trees Such as maple, oak, spruce, and pine should be 60' from lines

Dussel’s Farm Market & Greenhouses 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

UP TO 2 TREES We’re celebrating Arbor Day with a

special deal!

Madison Garden Center & Flower Shop 1033 W. Beecher St., Adrian, MI 49221

Please note: Tree quantities are limited. Offer is only valid for purchase of select tree varieties and does not apply to other products.

For eligible varieties at Madison Garden Center, check with a store associate during the dates of the promotion.

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

MADISON GARDEN CENTER & FLOWER SHOP

Valid 4/24 – 5/4

Valid 4/24 – 5/4

COUPON

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

Keep Our Linemen Safe—Beware of Backfeeding Backfeeding is what happens when electricity flows backwards. If an improperly installed generator re-energizes our lines, it can create a potentially deadly situation for crews restoring power.

To prevent dangerous backfeeding, purchase a GenerLink and we will install it for you. Visit shopgenerlink.com to get started. Otherwise, a qualified electrician must install a transfer switch.

If you own or recently installed a generator, please email us at info@teammidwest.com. We will add a note to your account that will make our crews aware of your equipment prior to making repairs.

Some other important safety tips: • Prevent carbon monoxide buildup. Always run a generator at least 20 feet away from your home with the exhaust pointed away. Never use one indoors.

• Electric safety rules apply. Never use a generator in the rain or on a wet surface, and make sure you use a grounded outlet with the proper extension cord.

• Read the instructions to make sure you’re following the manufacturer’s safety recommendations.

A Guide to Backup Power Sources If the lights go out, these backup power sources can keep your most important equipment functioning.

Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) A UPS, also called a battery backup, will stop important machines like oxygen tanks or computers from resetting when the power blinks or when voltage drops below an acceptable level. However, they won’t keep equipment running for an extended period of time.

Read our UPS guide at teammidwest.com/ups for details.

Portable Power Stations These are like giant rechargeable batteries. They can power a few small items like your phone or laptop, or a large appliance like your refrigerator.

Unlike generators, they’re very quiet and don’t produce fuel emissions, but they’re also not as powerful as other options, and there’s no way to recharge them without another source of power.

Home Standby Generators At their most powerful, they more than double the output of portable generators and can keep everything in your home running.

The main trade-off is cost—not only will you normally pay a few thousand dollars for the generator, but you’ll also have to pay for installation, which can double the base price.

Which One Is Right for You? Decide which devices or appliances you want to keep using if the power goes out, then check the wattage for each.

Add them up to get an idea of the output your generator needs. Don’t forget that some appliances use more power as they’re turning back on, which can be too much for your generator if you’re not careful.

Where to Shop Talk to an electrician for recommendations on wholehome generators. Search online retailers for other backup power sources.

Inverter Generators A small inverter has output similar to a portable power station, while midsize to large inverters can power your air conditioning in addition to your fridge and smaller items.

Inverters are quieter than most generators and produce fewer emissions, but usually cost more because of their complex and efficient engine.

Portable Generators Portable generators are usually both less expensive and less efficient than inverters, with a similar output to a large inverter.

They can keep your fridge and A/C on, potentially with a few other necessities like your well pump or an electric stovetop range.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 17

MI CO-OP Guest Column

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 fireplace that was the heart of the house. Hanging above the mantle was an enormous muskie that weighed over 57 pounds and measured five 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 outdoors enthusiasts who lived off the land. No matter the season,

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 figure 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—fishing and ice fishing 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.

GUEST COLUMN Win $200 for stories published!

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

18 APRIL 2026

Michigan seasons are unpredictable.

Your comfort and energy bills shouldn't be.

Upgrade your current furnace with a Well-Connect® heat pump and create the most efficient dual-fuel heating and cooling system available.

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