February 2025 GLE

Great Lakes Energy Cooperative

February 2025

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

MIDWEST GRIT Kyle Ostwald’s ‘Survivor’ Journey

People Fund Fosters Future Stewards Of The Forest Discover The Power Of Consumer Analytics Meet Your Director: John LaForge

WATERFURNACE UNITS QUALIFY FOR A 30% FEDERAL TAX CREDIT

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MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

Contents countrylines.com

February 2025 Vol. 45, No. 2 /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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6 ADVENTURES THROUGH

MI CO-OP Community RECIPE CONTEST

See details on page 10. Mushrooms, due March 1; Summer Desserts, due April 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

AUTOMOTIVE HISTORY AT GILMORE CAR MUSEUM The largest auto museum in North America brings together history, artistry, and nostalgia.

10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN

Sauces & Marinades: The essentials for culinary creativity.

14 MIDWEST GRIT: KYLE

OSTWALD’S ‘SURVIVOR’ JOURNEY Cheboygan man draws upon his roots of resilience and resourcefulness to make his mark on reality TV.

18 GUEST COLUMN

A Homeworks member’s final opening day with his father was about much more than hunting.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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Balancing Reliability And Value In Your Electric Service

By Shaun Lamp, Great Lakes Energy President/CEO

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, 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 COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR: Brett Streby 231-487-1389 • bstreby@glenergy.com BOYNE CITY HEADQUARTERS 1323 Boyne Ave. Boyne City, MI 49712

At GLE, one of our top priorities is providing our members with the reliable electric service they depend on at a good value. To achieve this goal, we must regularly balance the investments we make in the maintenance and operation of our infrastructure to maintain reliability with the rates we need to charge to cover those investments.

The leading cause of power outages is falling trees or tree limbs that take down power lines or otherwise damage electrical distribution equipment. That’s why we have a robust vegetation management program that seeks to reduce these treerelated outages by regularly trimming or removing trees and/or tree limbs that could pose a threat to our lines if they fall during a storm or for some other reason.

Each year, we strategically target various locations across our 26-county service area for this work using specially trained contracted tree-trimming crews. This process, known as re-clearing, takes place on a rotating basis about once every seven years on all 11,000 miles of GLE’s overhead power line rights-of-way.

In 2025, we will invest significant resources to re-clear 1,250 miles of power line rights-of-way in 72 townships across 16 counties. That’s an increase of about 100 miles from last year.

But this year, we will be taking our vegetation management reliability enhancement efforts a step further. In 2025, we will expand our hazard tree mitigation program, which will target dead trees outside of the right-of-way. This additional work will prioritize areas that are most prone to tree-related outages. About $1.2 million of this expanded work will be paid for through Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Grid Resiliency Program grant funds.

Call center hours: 7 a.m.–5:30 p.m. M–F Phone: 888-485-2537 Email: glenergy@glenergy.com

Other critical investments that bolster our continued reliability include replacing aging equipment and infrastructure such as power lines, poles, transformers, switches, and meters. We are also making technological upgrades to make sure we are prepared to meet the current and future demands of our ever-evolving industry.

Additionally, we make regular investments in our fleet of vehicles to ensure our employees can quickly and safely respond to our members’ service needs.

TO REPORT AN OUTAGE: Call 888-485-2537 or login to your account at gtlakes.com or the GLE mobile app.

Reliability is not just a core value at GLE; it takes center stage in our vision statement, which reads, “We will empower and enrich our members’ lives with reliable service.”

Change of Address: 888-485-2537, ext. 8924 Great Lakes Energy is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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We all strive for balance in our lives, whether it’s between our work and personal lives, in our relationships with friends and family, or in our household budgets.

FEBRUARY 2025

These proactive reliability enhancement investments are critical both in our pursuit of this vision and in our quest to avoid more costly expenses in the long run.

Visit: gtlakes.com/general-information/#clearingtheway to watch a video about our vegetation management program. gtlakes.com

/greatlakesenergy

/jointruestream

Annual Vegetation Management Program Begins This winter, contracted tree-trimming crews will start removing trees and limbs near power lines throughout the Great Lakes Energy service area.

The work is part of the cooperative’s annual vegetation management program to improve electric service reliability and safety. In 2025, GLE will invest more than $12.1 million to re-clear trees along 1,250 miles of power line rights-of-way (ROW) in 16 counties and 72 townships. About $2.3 million of that total will be used to develop a more robust hazard tree program, which will target dead trees outside of the rights-ofway. This additional work will start in areas that typically have the most outages. About $1.2 million of this expanded work will be paid for through Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Grid Resiliency Program grant funds.

Great Lakes Energy members will be notified by postcard, email, and phone if ROW re-clearing work is scheduled in their area. Please be sure we have your current billing address, email address, and primary phone number for your service location.

You can verify and update this information by logging into your online account or by calling (888) 485-2537. This will help ensure we are able to reach you.

Tree-related power line damage is a major cause of outages.

Re-clearing of the co-op’s entire power line distribution system is performed on six- to seven-year cycles. The amount of trimming to maintain adequate power line clearance depends on the tree type, location and growth, and type of line voltage. In addition to weak and dying trees, healthy trees may need to be trimmed or removed if they pose a threat to your electric service. As always, we will address any trees, both in and out of the ROW, that pose an imminent threat to our lines as needed throughout the year.

If you have questions about our re-clearing program or concerns about a tree that may be a hazard to our lines, contact our vegetation management department at (888) 485-2537, ext. 8221 (all areas south of Cadillac) or ext. 1295 (all areas north of Cadillac).

Counties and Townships Scheduled for 2025 Re-clearing Allegan County: Gun Plain, Martin, Otsego, Watson Antrim County: Banks, Central Lake, Custer, Echo, Forest Home, Helena, Kearny, Mancelona Charlevoix County: Chandler, Hudson Cheboygan County: Wilmot Emmet County: Friendship, Readmond, West Traverse Kalkaska County: Cold Spring, Excelsior, Rapid River Kent County: Nelson, Solon, Tyrone Lake County: Chase, Dover, Ellsworth Mason County: Amber, Custer, East Grant, Freesoil, Hamlin, Pere Marquette, Sherman, Victory, West Grant Mecosta County: Aetna, Grant, Green Montmorency County: Vienna Muskegon County: Casnovia Newaygo County: Ashland, Barton, Big Prairie, Denver, Ensley, Everett, Garfield, Grant, Sherman, Troy Oceana County: Benona, Colfax, Golden, Hart, Leavitt, Newfield, Shelby Osceola County: Burdell, Hersey, LeRoy, Richmond, Sherman Otsego County: Bagley, Chester, Charlton, Corwith, Dover, Elmira, Hayes, Livingston

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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DISCOVERING MICHIGAN’S MAGIC Cassondra Wanders Adventure Series

Adventures Through Automotive History at Gilmore Car Museum Not only a haven for auto enthusiasts, Gilmore Car Museum offers a glimpse into the past. It’s an immersive experience and voyage through American automotive culture. It’s also a place where history, artistry, and nostalgia come together in a remarkable setting, tucked away in the countryside of Hickory Corners, Michigan.

Spanning over 90 landscaped acres, Gilmore Car Museum encompasses nearly 200,000 square feet of exhibit space, a sprawling historic campus housing over 400 vehicles, a dozen buildings, and several life-size reenactments.

The museum started as a hobby in the 1960s for its founder, Kalamazoo businessman Donald S. Gilmore. Today, it is a living testament to the innovation and evolution of the automotive industry, welcoming more than 112,000 visitors annually and drawing guests from all over the world. Gilmore Car Museum is considered the largest auto museum in North America.

The Beginnings of Gilmore Car Museum Donald S. Gilmore journeyed into the world of collecting vintage cars in 1963 with the purchase of a 1920 Pierce-Arrow. This ignited his passion for classic cars and paved the way for Gilmore Car Museum to be the significant landmark it is today. Gilmore bought an abandoned 19th-century farm property to hold his ever-growing car collection. He refurbished eight historic barns to create a blend of rustic charm that paired with the twinkle of polished chrome. With 35 cars on display, the Gilmore Car Museum opened its doors on July 31, 1966, as a nonprofit educational institution dedicated to preserving the heritage of automobiles in America.

Vehicles Across the Ages Gilmore Car Museum showcases a stunning lineup of historic machines and specialty exhibits, from horseless carriages to sleek modern roadsters. Motorcycles, bicycles, hood ornaments, and other symbolic artifacts all trace the progression of automobile design and engineering.

Vehicles from all eras are on display, from luxurious Duesenbergs to iconic DeLoreans. The museum’s oldest exhibit is an 1899 Locomobile Steam Car. Classic car enthusiasts appreciate early 20th-century models from brands like Cadillac, PierceArrow, and Packard, while fans of American muscle cars are thrilled by the Chevelles, Mustangs, and Corvettes. Sophisticated European names, like Aston Martin and RollsRoyce, represent global automakers.

Reimagined Spaces One of the most fascinating aspects of Gilmore Car Museum is its commitment to recreating the atmosphere of automotive history. It offers inviting spaces immersed in decades gone by. Transport back in time at the museum’s restored 1890s

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FEBRUARY 2025

train depot. Dine in a different era at George & Sally’s Blue Moon Diner, an authentic and fully operational 1941 diner serving classic American fare.

Imagine fueling up during the Great Depression at the 1930s Shell gas station, complete with original gas pumps and signage. Visit four unique auto dealerships (listed below), each designed to reflect a distinct period.

Every detail has been meticulously crafted, from tiled floors to neon lights, to evoke the essence of car shopping in mid-century America.

• • • •

The 1918-era Franklin dealership The 1928 Model A Ford dealership The 1930 Lincoln dealership The 1948 Cadillac dealership

Automobiles in Motion The Museum’s Checker Cab and London Double Decker bus can often be seen traveling along the paved roadways around campus.

Chauffeured vintage rides are free with your admission during summer and special events like Winter Wonderland.

Experience time travel and enjoy a thrilling three-mile ride behind the wheel of a 100-year-old Model T Ford.

Secure your seat in a hands-on driving class for the opportunity to take a “Tin Lizzie” for a spin alongside an experienced instructor.

The museum is a must-see pit stop in southwest Michigan, situated midway between Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, and Grand Rapids at 6865 Hickory Road, Hickory Corners, MI 49060

Museum Visits The Gilmore Car Museum is open yearround, though the outer buildings are closed during winter months. Refuel at two on-site restaurants: Pedal Car Cafe is open daily, and Blue Moon Diner is open from March through November.

gilmorecarmuseum.org /GilmoreCarMuseum /gilmorecarmuseum @gilmorecarmuseum7323 Scan the QR code to watch a video of our visit and vintage ride at Winter Wonderland.

Cassondra Scott is a content creator, writer, and social media influencer at Cassondra Wanders— sharing small businesses and sights to see all over the state of Michigan. /cassondrawanders

/cassondra.wanders

@cassondrawanders

@cassondrawanders

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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The Power Of Information Great Lakes Energy is committed to providing its members with power—both in the reliable, affordable electricity we provide and in many other services and programs we offer. For the past year, GLE members have had access to additional empowering information thanks to a suite of consumer analytics tools that presents a more detailed breakdown of their home’s monthly electric use that goes well beyond the basics.

This enhanced information is just a few taps or clicks away through GLE members’ online accounts or the GLE mobile app.

This system uses a process known as disaggregation to analyze the same power consumption data from your home’s meter that is used to calculate your electric bill. The system doesn’t directly detect which device, system, or appliance in your home is using power. Instead, it uses computer models to look for distinct “fingerprints” of power use that can be attributed to appliances, such as refrigerators, air conditioners, water heaters, and ovens. With the right software algorithms, the usage of specific appliances or home systems can be identified and estimated.

Here’s a summary of the tools available: • The energy detail will provide a breakdown of your home’s electric use by the type of device, appliance, or system. Types of use include refrigeration, heating, cooling, laundry, cooking, water heating, lighting, entertainment, and always-on.

• The similar home comparison will compare your home’s energy use with similar-sized, average, and energyefficient homes in your area. The tool offers tabs for total energy use, heating, cooling, and always-on energy use.

• The bill analysis will allow you to compare your home’s energy use across billing cycles.

• The bill projection will provide an estimate of what your next electric bill will be based on your recent usage patterns.

• B uild your home profile allows members to increase the accuracy of the estimates the consumer analytics tools provide by completing a short survey about their home and its systems.

• M y recommendations will include potential energy—and money-saving steps you can take based on your home and usage patterns.

Armed with the information provided through these tools, members can look for even more opportunities to cut their energy use and costs. * Members must have their GLE online account set up to access the consumer analytics tools.

To learn more about the power of GLE’s consumer analytics tools, visit: gtlakes.com/analytics/.

Reminder:

Rate Changes Take Effect With February Bills Great Lakes Energy members will notice changes in their electric bills starting with statements rendered in February.

The changes, which the Great Lakes Energy Board of Directors approved at a meeting in October, include an increase of $3.96 to the fixed monthly charge for residential and seasonal members. With the change, the new fixed monthly charge is $43.17. Changes for other rate classes were also approved at the October meeting and went into effect with February bills.

The increase, although small, will raise revenues to provide sufficient funding levels for maintaining reliable electric service, providing adequate margins, and ensuring members receive the service they need to power their homes and businesses. More information about the recent rate changes is available on GLE’s website at gtlakes.com/faq/.

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FEBRUARY 2025

GLE Photo Contest

MUSICAL MOMENTS MOST VOTES

1. MOST VOTES It’s never too early to learn, Carrie Crawford, Alanson 2. Serenade for a rat, Kate Caliri-Spiegel, Mancelona 3. Let the odyssey begin, Cindy Wendlowsky, White Cloud 4. Always teach the next generation, Bonnie Zuchowski, Free Soil 5. Wildcat wonder, Amanda Cook, Petoskey

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6. Grandkids’ band formation, Beth Pipe, Baldwin

Enter to win a $200 energy bill credit!

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Submit Your “Nighttime Narratives” Photos by Feb. 25!

Share your best photo for our February theme, Nighttime Narratives, and encourage friends to vote on Facebook!

The photo with the most votes will be featured in Country Lines, along with other favorites, in the April issue. Submit by Feb. 25!

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 2025 will be entered into a drawing to win a $200 bill credit in December 2025.

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MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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MI CO-OP Kitchen

SAUCES & MARINADES The Essentials for Culinary Creativity.

WINNING RECIPE!

MOM’S CHOCOLATE FUDGE SAUCE

Beth Pipe, Great Lakes Energy ½ cup cocoa 1 cup sugar ¹⁄8 teaspoon salt ½ cup water 1½ teaspoon vanilla Place cocoa and sugar in pan.

Remove lumps, add salt and water, and bring to a boil. Turn to medium heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Cool, then add vanilla. Serve warm over ice cream.

RECIPE CONTEST

Win a $100 energy bill credit!

Mushrooms, due March 1; Summer Desserts, due April 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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GREAT VERSATILE MARINADE FOR GRILLING Mary and Dan Card, Great Lakes Energy ³⁄4 cup vegetable oil ¼ cup soy sauce 3 tablespoons wine vinegar (white or red) 3 green onions, sliced thinly 2 teaspoons ground ginger 2 cloves garlic, chopped 3 tablespoons honey Combine ingredients in a large screw-top jar.

Place what you want to marinate (chicken, pork, tenderloin, shish kabob, beef, swordfish, shrimp) in a deep glass 13x9-inch pan. Pour marinade over top and cover with plastic wrap. Chill several hours or overnight, turning meat or fish once or twice. Drain and discard marinade. Grill the meat or fish until done.

JUICY JERK MARINADE Deb Finedell, Great Lakes Energy ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil ¼ cup soy sauce 3 garlic cloves, chopped 1 tablespoon brown sugar 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped 1 teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon ground black pepper Put all ingredients into a mason jar. Cover and shake well. Use immediately or store in refrigerator for up to 4 days before use. Works great on chicken, but it’s also tasty on any other meat or fish.

EASY THAI-PEANUT SAUCE Phil Ehardt, Great Lake Energy 1 (13.5-ounce) can coconut milk, light or regular 3–4 tablespoons red curry paste 1 cup natural unsweetened creamy peanut butter 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce ¼ cup sugar or honey 2 tablespoons white vinegar or rice vinegar ½ cup water ½ teaspoon sesame oil Whisk together all the ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring often so it doesn’t scorch, for 2–3 minutes.

Let the sauce cool slightly. Transfer it to a container or jar, cover, and keep in the refrigerator for up to several weeks before using.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 11

AmeriCorps worker Katherine Benedict leads a youth-focused educational program at the Pigeon River Discovery Center in October.

Discovering A Love Of Nature One of the best things about living in the parts of Michigan that Great Lakes Energy serves is the number of opportunities to enjoy nature.

grant helped pay for two new youth-focused educational programs and a new video projector and screen for use in many facets of the center’s programming.

Perhaps one of the best and biggest of these opportunities is in the Pigeon River Country State Forest. At roughly 12 miles wide, 20 miles long, and about 115,000 acres, it is the largest block of contiguous undeveloped land in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.

Rudi Edel, the center’s board chairman, said the grant, coupled with the hard work of conservationist and AmeriCorps worker Katherine Benedict, allowed the center to reach more than 300 youth between June and October.

Located just a few miles east of Vanderbilt, the forest offers hiking trails, camping, horseback riding, canoeing, fishing, elk viewing, sinkholes, and much more. The forest provides visitors a biologically rich retreat into the wilderness of northern Michigan, which serves as a reminder of the importance of healthy forests, high-quality watersheds, and thriving populations of plants and animals.

Nestled within the forest is the Pigeon River Discovery Center, which is dedicated to increasing visitors’ awareness and appreciation for the land, wildlife, and history of the Pigeon River Country and to fostering a new generation of forest stewards and protectors.

In 2024, the Pigeon River Country Association, the parent organization of the Pigeon River Discovery Center, received a $2,000 People Fund grant to help it achieve this goal. The

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Make it and take it One of the grant-supported educational programs consisted of seven family-focused events that provided children with nature education through hands-on projects. Each event had two parts: a lesson and a “make-and-take” activity.

Lessons were not only classroom-style instruction but also opportunities to learn about the natural world in an outdoor setting. Examples of lessons included guided nature walks showcasing different types of trees or games matching animals to their habitats. Children then made or built something related to what they’d learned, which they took home with them.

Featuring topics including mammals, birds, and plants, the program was tailored for children ages preschool through 8th grade and served families from both northern Michigan and visitors from other areas who were camping in the state forest campgrounds.

Rudi said the goal of this program is to foster appreciation and enjoyment of nature in general and the Pigeon River Country State Forest in particular.

“The format is meant to be fun, and not as intimidating as standard classroom instruction,” Rudi said. “While our annual Community Event Series always includes several family-friendly programs, few are specifically designed just for children. The ‘make-and-take’ program filled this gap.”

Ready, set, go!

The center is within an hour’s drive of 36 public elementary and middle schools. Since it opened in 2018, the center has offered customized educational programs at the request of area teachers. However, the center regularly gets requests from teachers for a selection of “off-the-shelf” or “readyto-go” programs that they can choose from.

Thanks to the People Fund grant, the center created a series of these programs, which are now available to school groups, scout groups, and others on short notice.

Program topics include elk, plants, mammals, birds, and forest fires. All of the programs include elements of nature journaling and compass and map-reading skills. Many of the programs include ideas and activities adapted from the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies’ Project WILD. Each program has an elementary and middle school version and, with the help of a Michigan Department of Natural Resources wildlife interpreter, is designed to correlate with state and national learning standards.

“These programs give teachers another tool to help expand the lessons they are teaching in the classroom through firsthand exposure to the concepts,” Rudi said.

Rudi said the youth-centered programs the People Fund grant supported are meaningful to him on a personal level.

“I’m a steward of the forest. I want to protect it. But the future stewards are the kids, and if we want this forest to remain an asset to the population in the future, we have to educate the kids about it,” he said.

Anyone interested in bringing a class or youth group to the center to take part in one of the classes should email info@ pigeonriverdiscoverycenter.org to make arrangements.

Teachers or group leaders should contact the center at least two weeks before the requested visit date.

The discovery center is funded entirely through grants and donations to its parent organization, the Pigeon River Country Association. The center is staffed exclusively by volunteers.

The Pigeon River Discovery Center is usually open from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. on Saturdays and noon–4 p.m. on Sundays from the last weekend in April until the last weekend in October.

To learn more about the Pigeon River Discovery Center or the Pigeon River Country Association— including how to donate or become a volunteer—visit: pigeonriverdiscoverycenter.org/

Since its inception in 1999, Great Lakes Energy’s People Fund has awarded more than $4.8 million in grants to nonprofit organizations that serve GLE’s 26-county service area. Grants are funded by participating GLE members who agree to have their monthly electric bill rounded up to the next whole dollar.

To learn more about the People Fund, including how to sign up, how nonprofit organizations can apply for a grant, and a list of recent grant recipients, visit gtlakes.com/people-fund.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 13

MIDWEST GRIT

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n the quaint town of Cheboygan, Michigan, nestled in the heart of the state’s rural landscape, Kyle Ostwald grew up surrounded by hardworking people who used their resourcefulness to create lives for themselves.

This Midwestern upbringing shaped the man who would go on to place 8th in the most recent season of “Survivor”— a CBS competitive reality television series. The show drops 18 strangers on the remote Mamanuca Islands in Fiji to fend for themselves for 26 days and strategically outlast the other contestants by forming alliances and winning immunity challenges. Known for his resilience, integrity, and scrappy determination, Kyle brought a unique perspective to the island—one born from his roots in northern Michigan.

A Leap of Faith for Family When asked why he applied to the 47th season of “Survivor,” Kyle’s answer was simple: family. “It was about creating a better future for the people I care about,” he explained.

The title of “Sole Survivor” comes with more than bragging rights; it offers a life-changing million-dollar reward. He hoped the prize money would provide financial relief, allowing him to spend less time working and more time with

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Kyle Ostwald’s ‘Survivor’ Journey

By Emily Haines Lloyd

his loved ones. “It’s a gamble,” he admitted, “but one worth taking for the chance to promote my family’s well-being.”

However, the decision wasn’t without sacrifices. His partner, Shania, stepped up to care for their young daughter, while pregnant with their second child, and keep things moving while he was away. “She was playing her own version of ‘Survivor’ back home,” said Kyle. “She’s the best teammate I had while on the show.”

A Midwestern Mindset Growing up in rural Michigan taught Kyle valuable lessons in resourcefulness and humility—skills that proved essential on the island.

“Where I’m from, people work hard for what little they have,” he said. “You learn to appreciate the basics and value what others take for granted.”

This mindset translated well into the game. Whether opening coconuts or making life on the island more comfortable, Kyle’s ability to “cut his own coconut” resonated with his tribemates and viewers. “Being

resourceful isn’t just about surviving,” he noted. “It’s about bringing others together and making life more comfortable.”

Resilience in the Face of Adversity Kyle’s resilience—shaped by personal challenges long before the island—was a cornerstone of his gameplay. “Life has a way of knocking you off your feet, but I’ve learned to refuse to stay down,” he said.

Whether enduring hunger, exhaustion, or the paranoia of the game, he drew strength from his ability to persevere. “Even when it felt like the universe was against me, I told myself, ‘Not today,’” he said.

Coming Home While Kyle didn’t win the title of “Sole Survivor,” his experience on the show has already integrated into his life back home. The game taught him he’s stronger than he thought—something Kyle says he’ll carry with him forever.

He also gained a new appreciation for vulnerability. “It’s okay to share the weight of life,” he said. “We’re not meant to carry it alone.” This lesson, he believes, is as important off the island as it was during the game.

Kyle offers simple but powerful advice for those facing their own struggles: “Play the game like you’ll lose. Whether it’s ‘Survivor’ or life, we only have one shot.”

“Play the game like you’ll lose.

Whether it’s ‘Survivor’ or life, we only have one shot.”

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 15

What Is 1 MW? First in a series

Exploding demand for electricity, lingering supply chain challenges, and short-sighted public policy aimed at rapidly eliminating fossil fuels from power generation have forced large portions of the United States to confront unprecedented power shortages and soaring costs. This series of infographics will look at the most critical elements at play in this time of transition for our industry and our society. This month, we examine the familiar measurement of 1 megawatt and how much power is needed to supply common facilities in our communities.

Big Box Store 1 MW will power a typical large retail store.

Factory Facilities with heavy machinery can draw 1 MW of power.

Office Building 1 MW can power several medium-sized office buildings.

Hospital 1 MW will power a small hospital.

Power Plant Typical outputs: Coal: 500 MW to 1 GW Gas: 50 MW to 1 GW Nuclear: 500 MW to 1.5 GW 1 MW is 1 million watts of power.

School 0.5 MW will power a medium-sized public school.

Source: NRECA; Design: Jerry Mosemak

EV Charging 1 MW would power about 138 Level 2 chargers simultaneously.

Data Center 1 MW will power one small data center.

Other facilities that can draw up to 1 MW of power: • High-speed rail • Large farms • Wastewater treatment • Stadiums

Residential 1 MW can power 750 to 1,000 homes.

Finding Rewards In Making A Difference John LaForge has done many things in his lifetime that he has found personally rewarding, but he said his role serving as the District 9 representative for members in Allegan, Barry, Kent, Montcalm, and Ottawa counties on the Great Lakes Energy Board of Directors is now at the top of that list.

John, who lives near the Barry County community of Delton, is nearing the end of his third three-year term on the board and plans to seek reelection later this year.

Much of John’s life has centered around fixing and building things. He is retired from a 35-year career at General Motors, where he was an electrical coordinator for dynamic vehicle tests. When a vehicle failed the test coming off the assembly line, his job was to work back up the line to figure out how to fix it.

John has also been a licensed builder and owned and operated an auto mechanic shop for several years. He and his wife Sara have also been active in the Civitan service organization. Additionally, John and his family also enjoy helping others in a more anonymous way—especially around the holidays.

Although he’s moved away from vehicle repair and construction work in recent years, he now stays busy serving the community through his work as the chairman of the Barry County Planning Commission and Barry County Parks and Recreation Commission.

John sees a lot of overlap between his service on these boards and his service on the GLE board. For example, the parks and recreation commission just completed a major update to its master plan. He said the process has many similarities to the strategic planning the GLE board and leadership do on a regular basis to ensure the long-term stability of the cooperative.

John LaForge, an experienced craftsman, stands on a handmade staircase in his home that took him hundreds of hours to build.

“ Serving on the GLE’s board for the last nine years, I’ve worked, made decisions, and spent time learning to help improve the quality of life for thousands of people.”

He’s especially excited about the progress GLE is making in its Truestream network construction. With the overall buildout having recently passed the halfway point he said the board is now planning for the upgrades and maintenance that will be needed to keep the system functioning at a top level long after the construction phase is complete.

John said one of the reasons he finds serving on the GLE Board of Directors and the Truestream board so rewarding is he can see first-hand the difference the cooperative is making in the lives of its members.

“When I worked on cars or homes, I’d finish the job and people appreciated the work, but I didn’t get to see much more than that. Serving on GLE’s board for the last nine years, I’ve worked, made decisions, and spent time learning to help improve the quality of life for thousands of people,” he said.

When he’s not busy with his GLE board responsibilities or with the county boards on which he serves, John enjoys hunting and fishing, traveling with Sara, and spending time with their grandchildren.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 17

MI CO-OP Guest Column

One Last Hunt Bob Smith, a HomeWorks Tri-County Cooperative member

Do you have one particular day each year you look forward to more than any other?

New Year’s, your birthday, Christmas?

The one day I look forward to the most is Nov. 15, an unofficial Michigan holiday and an official Smith Holiday—the opening day of the Michigan firearm deer season.

For the past 50 years, I have spent the opening day of deer season in the woods with Smith family members.

This great family tradition dates back to the late 1930s, when the Smith Deer Camp was established in northern Michigan. My dad and I counted over 75 people who had attended our deer camp at least once. Many have long since passed and are now only memories, but on Nov. 15, their spirit comes alive.

Nov. 15, 2003, is a day I will never forget. Even though my dad and I had hunted together for about 35 years, we had never shared a hunting shed. With my dad’s age and health going in opposite directions, we decided to share a shed for what I thought might be his one last hunt.

We arrived in the shed well before daylight and sat quietly, just taking it all in. Waiting for daylight was a great time to think about our traditions, memories of prior hunts, and the lessons Dad had taught me over the years. On a sadder note, I thought about what the future might bring as I contemplated how I would forge ahead without him if this were his one last hunt.

We saw several deer before 9 a.m., but none we felt we wanted to take. Then suddenly, the largest buck we had ever seen popped out of the woods close to our shed. I was the only one in a position to take the shot and quickly ran through the lessons I had learned from Dad: Take one look at the antlers and decide if you are going to shoot, then try your best to ignore them, be sure you have a clear and safe shot, slow your breathing, rest the gun on a solid surface if possible, and then finally squeeze the trigger.

As if a greater spirit were with us, all his lessons came into play perfectly, and we had that monster buck. He really did not say anything, but I could tell he was proud and happy.

He understood the Smith hunting tradition would go on, and his memory and legacy would continue as long as I could breathe the cool, clear November air.

18 FEBRUARY 2025

“Waiting for daylight was a great time to think about our traditions, memories of prior hunts, and the lessons Dad had taught me over the years.”

Another tradition was to stop at the local cemetery on the way home and show my mom the year’s harvest. She had passed away almost 20 years earlier. Now, I have two reasons to stop at the cemetery. I continue to hunt with his spirit, helping inspire and guide me thoroughly, knowing any hunt could be my one last hunt.

The purpose of my story is not to turn you into a hunter, but rather to encourage you to create some family traditions and memories.

GUEST COLUMN Win $200 for stories published!

Share your fondest memories and stories.

Win $200 for stories published. Visit countrylines.com/community to submit.

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SCAN HERE TO LEARN MORE

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Upgrade Your Digital Literacy.

Upcoming Community Events.

Tax Preparation Assistance Week KALKASKA COUNTY LIBRARY Monday, Feb. 10 – Saturday, Feb. 15 Tax-preparation aides will offer on-site tax preparation and e-filing services for eligible participants.

Internet Basics OTSEGO COUNTY LIBRARY Monday, March 3, 2025 6:00 – 7:30 PM Learn basic terminology, functionality, and how to navigate web browsers and search engines.

Introduction to iOS ELK RAPIDS DISTRICT LIBRARY Thursday, Feb. 20 4:00 – 5:30 PM Library staff will guide participants through a tour of iOS, the Apple mobile device environment, providing familiarity with the platform and allowing for a hands-on demonstration of the basic functions one needs to operate an iPhone or iPad.

LEARN MORE AT

truestreamfiber.com/digital-literacy/