Feb 2026 PIE&G

Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op

February 2026

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES Wade Rouse & Viola Shipman:

LAKE MICHIGAN’S STORYTELLERS

Working Together to Lower Demand Prevent Power Surges PIE&G Connect Update

Geothermal isn’t just about comfort. It’s about energy independence, grid resilience, and good jobs.

Geothermal heating and cooling doesn’t just make homes more comfortable and efficient—they’re powered by a domestic, underground energy source that’s available 24/7, rain or shine.

Made in the USA: Our geothermal systems are built right here in America, supporting advanced manufacturing jobs.

Grid-friendly: While AI, EVs, and data centers push power demand to new heights, geothermal helps reduce peak load—easing the burden on our utilities.

Job-creating: From HVAC contractors and well drillers or trenchers to engineers and architects, geothermal supports a wide network of high-paying, skilled jobs in every community it touches.

Geothermal isn’t just smart for homeowners. It’s smart for the country.

YOUR LOCAL WATERFURNACE DEALERS 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sparta West Michigan Geothermal (616) 887-1290 Westmigeothermal.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/

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

WaterFurnace is a registered trademark of WaterFurnace International, Inc.

CO-OP REBATE INCENTIVES $2,250 rebate available through your co-op.

visit us at waterfurnace.com/mi

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

Contents countrylines.com

February 2026 Vol. 46, 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; 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

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MI CO-OP Community RECIPE CONTEST

See details on page 10. Salads with a Twist, due March 1; Grilled to Perfection, 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

A LEGACY: THE STORY OF DEAN OSWALD’S BEAR RANCH How Dean’s Childhood Encounter Sparked a Lifelong Passion.

10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN Chocolate Reimagined: a New Way to Indulge.

14 WADE ROUSE & VIOLA

SHIPMAN: LAKE MICHIGAN’S STORYTELLERS Bestselling Author Writes About the Everyday People Who Make Life Meaningful.

18 GUEST COLUMN

The Poet: How a GLE Member’s Grandfather Mesmerized His Family with Stories from the Gold Rush.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS Sandy Borowicz, Chairperson 231-627-9220 • Term Expires 2027 Daryl Peterson, Vice Chairperson 989-742-3145 • Term Expires 2027 Gerald Smigelski, Secretary 989-306-3750 • Term Expires 2026 Brentt Lucas, Treasurer 989-766-3678 • Term Expires 2028 John Brown 231-625-2099 • Term Expires 2026 Kurt Krajniak 989-884-3037 • Term Expires 2028 Sally Knopf 989-734-4196 • Term Expires 2027 Chris Nagel 616-240-8727 • Term Expires: 2026 Michael Libby 989-306-1730 • Term Expires 2028 President & CEO: Allan Berg aberg@pieg.com Chief Marketing Officer: David Eiben deiben@pieg.com Co-op Editor: Sommer Poquette spoquette@pieg.com Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op 3149 Main Street (M-211) Onaway, MI 49765 Business Office & Billing: 989-733-8515 Toll-Free: 800-423-6634 Gas Emergency Toll-Free: 800-655-8565 PIE&G natural gas rates and charges are not regulated by the Michigan Public Service Commission.

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

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Building Strong Communities and a Strong Co-op in 2026

By Allan Berg, President & CEO

As your member-owned co-op, providing electricity, gas and fiber, our mission is simple: to provide the services that support and improve the quality of life for our members. It’s a straightforward goal, but behind every light switch, every warm home, and every business is a complex system that requires constant attention. Reliable electricity and strong communities don’t happen by accident; they require ongoing investment in system maintenance and upgrades, as well as a united team working together to ensure your cooperative achieves its goals.

That is why PIE&G has established a new set of strategic pillars to guide our work moving forward: Reliability, Safety, Member Trust, People, and Financial Stewardship. Together, these pillars will focus our collective efforts, unite our team, and position your cooperative for long-term success as we work to improve electric reliability and expand high-speed fiber internet service throughout our region.

While nothing could have prepared us for the devastation of the March 2025 ice storm, we are using the lessons learned to make strategic improvements throughout our system. This includes upgrades to our electric infrastructure and equipment, as well as to our internal systems and teams, so that we can shorten restoration times when disruptions do occur and build a stronger backbone of electric infrastructure by ensuring safe and reliable poles, transformers, lines, and other equipment.

While this focus on reliability requires thoughtful planning and financial investment, the return is significant. A stronger grid supports economic growth, improves service quality, and ensures safety for our crews and community. Most importantly, this ensures that the essential power you rely on daily is available when you need it.

Another way we’re focused on returning value to our members is through PIE&G Connect. This high-speed fiber internet service is built for our community by our community. We are just now wrapping up Phase 3 of our buildout and starting the final Phase 4. Every mile of fiber we complete brings reliable, locally developed internet to areas largely underserved by traditional broadband providers, connecting our members to remote work and educational opportunities, telehealth visits, streaming services, and more.

We know that powering our community means preparing for the future, not just maintaining the present. By investing in grid reliability and quality internet connectivity today, we are building the foundation for a brighter, more resilient tomorrow.

pieg.com

/PIEGCooperative

/PIEGCooperative

Notice to Members of Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op Special Member Regulation Meeting Set for Feb. 24, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at the cooperative’s Onaway Office.

The board of directors will consider changes to the cooperatives’ rates and tariffs at its special meeting on Feb. 24, 2026, at 3149 Main Street, Onaway, Michigan. The meeting starts at 9:30 a.m. and is open to all Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op members.

The session will begin with an opportunity for members to provide direct input to the board of directors. Members will be asked to call the cooperative one week before the meeting if they wish to attend. Time constraints on each member’s comments will be at the discretion of the board chairman; however, members are asked to keep their comments to less than five minutes.

The following will be discussed: 1. Reconciliation of the 2025 Power Supply Cost Recovery collections 2. Distributed Renewable Energy Program Phase 3 3. Schedule changes: Large Power Time of Day (LPTOD) & Primary Service (PSDS) – Maximum Demand 4. Minimum charge, Rate Book, C-10, Section II, G, 1/a/1 5. Remove language for annual billing (i.e., D-6.01, minimum charge) Notice of changes or additions to the cooperative’s rates or service rules shall be sent to all members, as required by P.A. 167, by first-class mail or by publication in Michigan Country Lines at least 30 days before their effective date.

Participation: Any interested member may attend and participate by contacting Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op at 800-423-6634 at least one week in advance. Comments may also be made before the meeting date by calling CEO Allan Berg at 800-423-6634 or by email at aberg@pieg.com.

Member Notice: As of Dec. 31, all meter readings collected automatically through AMI are now posted at the end of each month, regardless of billing cycle. This update helps streamline our processes, allowing for more efficient and consistent handling of meter data.

Community First Fund Update Your Board in Action At December’s meeting, the PIE&G Board of Directors...

• Set the spring member regulation meeting date for Feb. 24, 2026, at 9:30 am • Adopted Board Resolution 2025-22 recognizing former board member Ray Wozniak’s many years of service on the board • Accepted Team Reports • Approved the 2026 Capital, Work Plan, and Operations Budgets • Approved participation in the CoBank Sharing Success Program in 2026

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the PIE&G Communities First Fund! Your generosity enables us to make a meaningful impact on our communities.

We’re proud to announce that at a recent meeting, the PIE&G Communities First Fund Board of Directors approved $6,500 in grants to the following recipients: • OTSEGO: The Refuge in Otsego County—$2,500 for their Housing for All project, which provides temporary housing for families and individuals experiencing homelessness.

• PRESQUE ISLE: Posen Consolidated School District—$4,000 towards their Great Lakes Plastic Pollution Research Trip, helping students tackle the Great Lakes plastic pollution problem.

Together, we can continue to support our communities! Have you enrolled?

Sign up today at pieg.com/communities-first or call 1-800-423-6634.

Remember, small donations can make a BIG difference—over $1.5 million has been returned to support our communities!

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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Dean Oswald with his wife Jewel and son Monty, who help carry on the family’s passion for providing rescued bears with a safe, enriching habitat in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

A Cub, A Dream, A Legacy

The Story of Dean Oswald’s Bear Ranch

By Allie Brawley | Photos by Abby Moran

This article was originally published in Cloverland Connections, September/October 2025.

When Dean Oswald was 6 years old, he and his family would vacation near Newberry, Michigan, where one of the highlights was watching wild bears forage at the local landfill. When Dean spotted a cub at the side of the road, he pleaded with his dad to pet the little creature. His dad cautioned that the protective mother bear would be nearby—and she soon appeared and nudged the cub back into the woods. Then she turned to the vehicle where Dean and his family watched and stood on her hind legs, a sign of threatening protection, and disappeared back into the woods with her cub.

“I was fascinated by that cub,” Dean recalled. “And I thought, someday I’ll have a bear cub.”

That childhood dream stayed with Dean throughout his life.

Even as he served in the Marines, worked as a police officer and firefighter in Bay City, and raised four children with his wife Jewel, the dream of having a bear never left him. After retiring, Dean and Jewel bought an 80-acre property near Newberry in 1983 and moved north to begin building Dean’s childhood dream.

Shortly afterward, someone contacted Dean with a bear cub that needed a home—and his dream finally came true.

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Dean remodeled their cabin, cleared the overgrown wood, and built the first bear enclosure by the lake. As he bonded with his first bear and then raised a second cub, word spread. Curious visitors started showing up to see the bears, photograph them, and sometimes even feed them.

Recognizing the growing interest, Dean and Jewel began collecting food donations from local restaurants and grocery stores. That support continues to this day—fivegallon buckets filled with produce, freezer-burned meat, and sweets arrive regularly.

“We buy granola by the ton—20 tons at a time,” Dean laughs.

With growing public interest and appetites, Oswald’s Bear Ranch quickly became known for more than just bear sightings. When the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) closed landfills to spectators, a popular, low-cost way to view wildlife disappeared. As a result, the ranch emerged as a prime and meaningful opportunity to observe bears up close in a natural setting.

What began with just five bears has since grown to a thriving community of 50, divided among three expansive habitats for yearlings, males, and females. One enclosure spans an entire mile. Today, the ranch covers 250 acres and features pools

“ The best part about the ranch is that you’re with family and friends all day.” for the young bears to cool off, elevated viewing platforms for visitors, and hibernation dens—some hand-built by Dean and others instinctively dug by the bears themselves.

To meet federal and state regulations, the Oswalds were required to build a 10-foot-high wire mesh fence with a fourfoot-high perimeter fence. The cost strained the ranch’s operating budget. To help subsidize increasing operational costs, the Oswalds opened a gift shop selling hats, t-shirts, and bear gifts.

Today, Dean is recognized across the state as a bear rescuer. The DNR regularly contacts him when orphaned cubs need a home. Of the 50 bears at Oswald’s Bear Ranch, 48 were bottle-fed by Dean himself.

“When we started, we thought five or six cars a day would help us pay the bills,” he said. “Now we’ve had visitors from Australia, New Zealand, Germany, France, South Africa, and Newfoundland—all in one day.”

What began as a dream is now a beloved destination, operated with the help of Dean and Jewel’s family. Their son Monty helps during the season, and Monty’s son runs the gift shop and manages finances. Neighbors help cut apples and direct traffic. A local artist designed the entrance sign and a fellow bear enthusiast created the information board of frequently asked questions. Local specialized contractors installed fences, water lines, and electrical systems to safely support the bears.

Cloverland Electric Cooperative’s communications team, Allie Brawley and Abby Moran, feed a cub ice cream. The photo booth is one of the most memorable parts of a visit for guests of all ages.

“The best part about the ranch is that you’re with family and friends all day,” Monty says.

The ranch runs on simple pricing—$30 per vehicle—and offers the unique chance to get a photo with a bear cub.

Many visitors seek out Dean himself to thank him, snap a photo, or meet his chipmunk companion “Chippy,” who eats sunflower seeds right from Dean’s hand.

Dean often sits near the habitat, smiling as visitors walk up to say, “Thanks for sharing your bears,” and fellow Marines pass by exclaiming, “Semper Fi.” When asked what he’s most proud of, Dean doesn’t hesitate: “Just the fact that I accomplished a passion.”

Learn more at oswaldsbearranch.com.

A sign at the entrance answers frequently asked questions and shares stories of Tyson, Patton, and Zac—just a few of the bears who’ve called the ranch home.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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Heat Pumps Comfort and Savings Year-Round Space heating, space cooling, and water heating are some of the largest energy expenses in any home.* Investing in a highly efficient HVAC system is therefore extremely important. Thanks to advances in technology, heat pumps are a smart alternative to electric baseboard heating or an electric or gas-powered furnace.

What Is a Heat Pump?

You may not realize that refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioning units are heat pumps. Heat pumps use a substance called refrigerant to move heat energy from one place to another. It is important to note that heat pumps only move heat; they do not make heat. That’s why they are an extremely efficient HVAC option for nearly any type of home.

Heat Pumps Can Heat and Cool Your Home During the winter, heat pumps move heat from the outdoors to warm your home. That’s right—even when it feels cold outside, heat energy is still present. In the summer, a heat pump moves the heat from inside your home to the outdoors.

Heat Pump Benefits • Use considerably less energy for heating and cooling • Eliminate or reduce your reliance on propane (no filling tanks or fuel price shifts) • More consistent temperatures equals increased comfort • Superior indoor air quality and dehumidification *energy.gov/heating-cooling

ONE SYSTEM. EVERY SEASON. MORE SAVINGS. Show your home some love with a new heat pump system!

With a new heat pump system, you’ll experience: • • •

Significant energy savings Increased comfort Reliable performance in cold climates

Presque Isle Gas & Electric Cooperative is offering rebates on heat pump systems. Visit pieg.com/energy-optimization-rebates/ for more information on rebates and to view all available energy-saving incentives!

Love the Comfort.

Love the Savings.

Scan the QR code to view eligible rebates or visit pieg.com/energy-optimization-rebates/

MI CO-OP Photo Contest

FAVORITE HOBBY MOST VOTES

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1. MOST VOTES My new hobby, picking fresh berries to make jams and jellies. Robin Styers 2. Painting (by numbers)!

Julie Stacks 3. “Babies” that were loved through the ages. Kathryn Scoon 4. Nature hikes in any weather.

Katie Duczkowski 5. My lifelong passion is photography.

Image taken of semi-truck crossing the Mackinac Bridge, full moon rising. Pamela Teachout 6. My over-50 women’s hockey league. Sandra Dunham 7. Chasing spectacular views: Jordan Pond-Acadia National Park, Maine.

Charlotte Helman 8. Hummingbird on sunflower.

Jackie Riddell 9. Long Lake, this is our happy place.

My husband loves to create large art pieces from steel, welding is one of his many hobbies. Lisa Hill 10. Making greeting cards is a relaxing and fun hobby.

Berta Reinhardt

Enter to win a $50 energy bill credit!

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Submit your “Outdoor Adventures” photos by Feb. 25 for the April issue! Submit your best photo and encourage others to vote! The photo receiving the most votes in our photo contest will be printed in an issue of Country Lines, along with some of our other favorites.

To enter the contest, visit pieg.com/photocontest. Enter your picture, cast your vote, and encourage others to vote for you as well. If your photo is printed in Country Lines during 2026, you will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of four $50 credits on your January 2027 bill.

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MI CO-OP Kitchen

CHOCOLATE REIMAGINED A new way to indulge. A fun spin on a favorite.

WINNING RECIPE!

CANDIED BACONWRAPPED DATES Cynthia Hodges, Ontonagon REA

1 12-ounce package bacon strips (12 slices) 24 medjool dates, pitted (soak in water for 15 minutes if firm, then drain) ¼ cup cream cheese, softened ¼ cup packed brown sugar 1 tablespoon cocoa powder 1 tablespoon chili powder 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Preheat the oven to 425 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut the bacon strips in half crosswise. Split each date in half and fill with about ½ teaspoon cream cheese. Wrap each stuffed date tightly with a half strip of bacon and set aside. On a small plate or shallow bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cocoa, chili powder, and cinnamon, then roll each bacon-wrapped date in the sugar mixture to coat both sides.

Secure each piece with a toothpick or small skewer and place on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 to 30 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp (thicker bacon may require more time). Enjoy warm!

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

RECIPE CONTEST

Win a $100 energy bill credit!

Salads with a Twist, due March 1; Grilled to Perfection, 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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DECADENT CHOCOLATE AVOCADO EDAMAME ZUCCHINI MOUSSE Janet Ruggles, Cherryland Electric Cooperative ¼ cup soft steamed zucchini, packed and well-drained 20 shelled edamame beans (about 10 pods), steamed or microwaved 4 ounces 70%–92% cacao dark chocolate 2 very ripe avocados

¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder 6 tablespoons maple syrup ⅓ cup almond milk ½ teaspoon vanilla extract ¼ teaspoon cinnamon ⅛ teaspoon sea salt 30 raspberries

Cut the zucchini into chunks and steam until soft (use leftover zucchini for dinner if desired). Measure ¼ cup, packed and well-drained. Separately, steam about 10 edamame pods (or more, as needed) and remove 20 beans. Melt chocolate in microwave, stirring every 20–30 seconds to prevent burning. In a food processor or blender, combine all ingredients except raspberries. Purée until creamy and silky. Add a little more almond milk if needed for a smoother texture. Spoon the mousse into 6 small dessert cups (about ½ cup each). Chill for at least 1 hour. Top each cup with 5 raspberries before serving.

GARBAGE COOKIES Emily Binard, Great Lakes Energy 1 unsalted stick butter, softened ½ cup brown sugar ½ cup granulated sugar ½ teaspoon vanilla extract ½ teaspoon coarse kosher salt 1 large egg 1 cup + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon baking soda

½–¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips ¼–½ cup chopped Heath or Skor toffee bars 10 Kraft caramels, cut into quarters ½ cup mini marshmallows (or chopped marshmallow peeps) ¼ cup chopped mini pretzels/mini pretzel rods ¼ cup chopped Oreo cookies

Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, mix the butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Beat in the egg. Add the flour and baking soda and stir until combined. Fold in the chocolate chips, toffee, caramels, marshmallows, pretzels, and Oreos. Scoop dough into 1-tablespoon portions and place on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 11–13 minutes, or until lightly browned. Cool on the sheet or serve warm.

CHOCOLATE-KISSED CHICKEN THIGHS Katie Schneider, Midwest Energy & Communications Chicken: 6–8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs • olive oil • sea salt • black pepper Chocolate BBQ Sauce: 2 tablespoons butter 8 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup tomato sauce 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cumin ½ teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon onion powder ½ teaspoon chili pepper (more if desired) 4 ounces 62% semisweet dark chocolate, chopped 4 tablespoons chopped cilantro • sea salt • black pepper

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Pat the chicken thighs dry, rub them with olive oil, and season generously with sea salt and black pepper. Arrange the thighs skin-side up on a baking sheet or in a cast-iron skillet. Roast for 25 minutes, or until the skin begins to crisp. While the chicken roasts, make the sauce: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, cumin, cinnamon, onion powder, and chili pepper, then simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove the pan from the heat and add the dark chocolate, stirring until smooth, then mix in the chopped cilantro and season with salt and pepper to taste. When the chicken has roasted for 25 minutes, remove it from the oven, brush the thighs generously with the chocolate BBQ sauce, and return them to the oven for another 10–15 minutes, until the glaze caramelizes and the chicken is fully cooked. Serve with extra sauce spooned over the top.

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Working Together to Lower Demand When winter settles in, electricity use naturally increases.

Colder temperatures drive more activity indoors, where heating systems, lighting, and household appliances work harder to keep homes and businesses comfortable. These seasonal patterns are well understood, and your electric cooperative plans for them long before the first snowfall.

Presque Isle Electric & Gas (PIE&G) works closely with Wolverine Power Cooperative, our power supplier, to anticipate winter conditions and ensure reliable power every day of the year. Together, we engage in detailed resource planning, infrastructure investment, and operational coordination to make certain electricity is available whenever you need it, no matter the season.

That planning is especially important because our local electric system is part of a much larger regional grid that extends from Canada to Louisiana. During extreme winter weather, such as prolonged cold snaps, ice storms, or unexpected equipment issues, electric demand across the region can spike at the same time generation resources are under stress. In rare circumstances, the regional grid operator may direct utilities to take temporary, controlled steps to protect the broader system. These measures, sometimes called rolling outages, are designed to prevent widespread or prolonged disruptions and are used only as a last resort.

Before any such measures are taken, utilities are typically asked to reduce demand wherever possible. In those situations, PIE&G may ask members to temporarily reduce electricity use for a short period of time. Even modest, short-term reductions across the community can significantly lower overall demand and, in many cases, help avoid the need for controlled outages altogether.

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If such a situation were ever to occur, PIE&G would communicate clearly and promptly with members, sharing what actions may help, what to expect, and how long any impacts may last.

Year-round, PIE&G and Wolverine continue to strengthen system reliability through proactive investments and maintenance. This includes routine inspections, vegetation management, system upgrades, and emergency preparedness planning.

These efforts help ensure our portion of the grid remains strong and resilient, even under challenging conditions.

While the system is built to meet everyday needs, there may be rare moments during extreme regional events when the grid is under unusual stress. In those limited situations, shortterm, voluntary actions by members, if they are able, can play a meaningful role in supporting system stability and keeping power flowing for the greatest number of people.

Reliable power does not happen by chance. It is the result of careful planning, long-term investment, and strong partnerships working behind the scenes every day. PIE&G remains committed to keeping the lights on, homes warm, and our community powered this winter and in every season.

“ Reliable power does not happen by chance. It is the result of careful planning, long-term investment, and strong partnerships working behind the scenes every day.”

PIE&G Connect Fiber Update for Members

Winter Tree Trimming We trim trees year-round. Trees that grow too close to power lines can cause power outages. We balance preserving nature with delivering reliable electricity.

Here is why tree trimming matters: • Tree trimming helps prevent outages caused by fallen limbs during storms.

Overgrown vegetation is responsible for about half of all power disruptions.

• Trees near power lines can pose serious risks. We trim to reduce the danger of arcing and prevent accidents.

• Tree trimming helps keep costs lower for everyone. If you spot an overgrown tree, let us know!

Four years ago, we began a mission to build a lightning-fast, 100% fiber network with no hidden fees, straightforward pricing, and white-glove local support available 24/7. It’s built for our community, by our community, because our members deserve it.

As of January 2026, we have completed 2,011 miles of fiber construction. Phases 1 and 2 are now 100% complete, and Phase 3 is 79% complete. To date, more than 7,300 fiber and voice services are active across our system.

Now that HN3 is open as of Jan. 6, 2026, interested members can submit their applications.

HN4 and the first part of AV1 will be opening soon. Please monitor communications for updates on your area’s opening. When a feeder opens, members are notified by email, social media, postcard mailings, and phone calls. Be sure to follow us on social media for the latest updates.

Check availability and get directions on how to find your zone information on your bill at piegconnect.com.

LIFE IS EASY WITH AUTOPAY Sign up today!

Use the free MYPIE&G mobile app Call our automated phone system at 855-939-3541 Visit us in person at 3149 Main Street, Onaway, MI 49765 pieg.com/payment-option

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 13

Wade Rouse & Viola Shipman:

LAKE MICHIGAN’S STORYTELLERS

By Emily Haines Lloyd

B

efore Wade Rouse ever knew he would become a bestselling author, he knew the gentle weight of his grandmother Viola’s charm bracelet as she held his hand in church. He knew the sound of her recipe box opening like a treasure chest. He remembered sitting with her at the beauty parlor, listening to women share everyday heartbreaks and triumphs, and somehow knowing—these stories matter.

Those simple, unpolished moments would become the heartbeat of the fiction he would one day write. But it was not until he faced some of the hardest chapters of his own life that Rouse understood their deeper purpose. Standing in his childhood attic after losing his mother and watching his father succumb to dementia, he found Grandma Viola’s charm bracelet tucked in a box of keepsakes. Holding it, he realized the stories she passed down were not meant to fade. They were meant to be shared. That moment sparked the beginning of his decision to write under her name: Viola Shipman.

“So many of our mothers and grandmothers sacrificed so much so we would not have to endure what they did. And they did it with such grace.”

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From Loss to Legacy That act of remembrance grew into a body of fiction that honors the everyday people who hold families and communities together with quiet resilience.

“So many of our mothers and grandmothers sacrificed so much so we would not have to endure what they did,” he said. “And they did it with such grace.”

Rouse’s novels celebrate friendship, hope, and the strength of ordinary lives. His characters reflect the same small-town values that shaped his youth in the Ozarks.

“As a writer, I see myself as a vault for those voices,” he explains. “We live in a world obsessed with perfection, but that is not real. I write about the real people who make life meaningful.”

Finding Belonging in Michigan That sense of authenticity Rouse carried from his Ozark childhood eventually found a new home along the Lake Michigan shoreline. About 20 years ago, after a summer trip to Saugatuck, Rouse and his husband, Gary, traded the bustle of St. Louis for a knotty pine cottage tucked near the dunes. It was in that cabin, a purchase made with equal parts hope and recklessness, that Rouse began writing full time.

Michigan did more than spark his creativity. It echoed the feeling he once had sitting beside his grandmother Viola, surrounded by stories and love.

“Rural Missouri will always have a piece of my heart, but Michigan feels like home now,” he says. “The community is so generous and Lake Michigan has been both calming and centering. I love knowing that 100 years from now, it will still be there, unchanged.”

Stories Rooted in Simplicity and Strength Through the voice of Viola Shipman, Rouse writes about the small, steady

things that make a life whole: a warm meal, a quiet lake, the comfort of friends and neighbors.

“Michigan recentered me,” he says.

“It took me back to those summers with my grandparents, to a time when we bathed in the creek and I thought I had everything I needed.”

In many ways, that is the thread that ties his life together: the joy he found in the Ozarks, the belonging he built in Michigan, and the legacy he continues to carry forward through Viola’s name. The stories he tells now are rooted in both places, shaped by the people who showed him what home and love look like.

Full Circle Now, when Rouse sits at his desk, he often finds himself reaching instinctively for the memory of his grandmother’s hand in his, the steady comfort of her charm bracelet, the murmured gossip of the beauty parlor, and the warm clatter of her recipe cards on an Ozarks afternoon.

Those simple moments built him.

They shaped his voice. And in every novel he writes as Viola Shipman, he is still holding her hand, still listening, still honoring the woman who taught him that home is not a place. It is the people and moments we hold dear and the love we carry forward.

Rouse’s latest book “That’s What Friends Are For” releases March 3, 2026—inspired by the television show “The Golden Girls,” which is celebrating its 40th anniversary. violashipman.com /authorviolashipman /viola_shipman/

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 15

Power Surges During Storms and Outages:

What You Should Know

Power surges are sudden increases in electrical voltage that can happen during storms or power outages. While these surges are brief, they can cause significant damage to your electronics and appliances if you’re not prepared. So what causes a power surge?

1. Storms and lightning are common causes of power surges. When lightning strikes a power line or electrical system nearby, extra energy can travel into your home’s wiring. During heavy storms, it’s a good idea to unplug any electronics you’re not using, such as computers, TVs, and gaming systems, to help keep them safe.

2. Power outages and the subsequent process of electricity restoration are another common cause of surges. When power is restored after an outage, a brief spike in voltage can occur as electricity flows back into your home. To reduce the risk of damage, unplug sensitive devices during an outage and wait until the power is fully restored and stable before plugging them back in.

3. Plugging too many devices into one outlet or extension cord can also trigger surges. If you notice this happening frequently, it may be a sign that your home’s electrical system needs to be checked by a licensed electrician.

4. Old or damaged wiring can also increase the risk of power surges.

Watch for warning signs, such as buzzing outlets, burn marks on plugs, or circuit breakers that trip frequently. If you spot any of these issues, it’s best to call a qualified professional for an inspection.

How to Protect Your Electronics • Unplugging your devices during storms or outages is a simple way to protect them, but using extra layers of protection can be even more effective.

• Surge protectors, such as surge-rated power strips, can help shield your electronics from smaller surges. Make sure the product is clearly labeled as a surge protector, and try not to overload it with too many devices.

• For added protection, some individuals opt for whole-home surge protectors.

These devices are installed at your home’s main electrical panel and can help guard against larger surges, especially during storms or after a power outage. Wholehome surge protectors should always be installed by a licensed electrician.

Although power surges can’t always be prevented, taking a few simple steps can go a long way in protecting your electronics. By staying prepared during storms and outages, you can help keep your home safe and ensure your devices continue to work smoothly.

SURGE PROTECTION Keep your electronic equipment safe.

A power surge is typically caused by lightning, changes in electrical loads, faulty wiring, or damaged power lines.

Install power strips with surge protection to protect sensitive equipment.

• Easy to use (just plug them in) • Protect electronics plugged into the device • Must be replaced over time or after a major surge event REMEMBER: Not all power strips offer surge protection.

Carefully read the packaging labels when purchasing.

WANT TO HELP YOUR COMMUNITY BUT DON’T HAVE TIME TO VOLUNTEER? The PIE&G Communities First Fund has supported local organizations since 1998, funding vital projects for emergency responders, youth programs, and more.

You can help by rounding your utility or fiber internet bill—a few cents a month can change lives! On average, members contribute only about 50 cents monthly, totaling around $6 each year, and every donation is tax-deductible.

Together, we can make a BIG difference—over $1.5 million has already been returned to northeast Michigan!

ENROLL TODAY! pieg.com/communities-first 800-423-6634

MI CO-OP Guest Column

The Poet

By David Clapp, a Great Lakes Energy Cooperative member

My grandfather, Francis Merton Clapp, was born in 1897 in Genesee County, Michigan. He served in the United States Navy in World War I, owned a furniture store, was a gardener, wine maker, and a genius woodworker. He made his own woodworking machines, and built a log cabin on the shore of Higgins Lake when it was still mostly pine forests and empty shorelines.

What most people, other than those closest to him, probably didn’t know about him was that he loved to recite poetry. And he did it from memory.

Thinking back to when my sister and I were kids, the poems we remember (and loved) best are those of Robert Service, the Scotch-Canadian poet who spun tales of the Gold Rush days of western North America in the middle 1800s. They are beautiful stories, but I think we loved them because they involved danger, wild animals, death, and gold.

It was usually around the holidays, after a big Thanksgiving or Christmas meal. The adults savored after-dinner drinks, while the kids angled for one more of Grandma’s chocolate chip cookies. The last rays of daylight streamed through the big plate glass window overlooking Grandpa’s garden and workshop. A grandfather clock that he had made stood in the corner—most times the swinging pendulum made a loud “tick-tock,” but as we settled in, it seemed to grow quiet, as if it knew something more important was about to happen.

At the urging of some of the older relatives, Grandpa Fran would stand up, take a sip of something to wet his lips, clear his throat, and the words would begin to pour forth…

There are strange things done in the midnight sun By the men who moil for gold; The Arctic trails have their secret tales That would make your blood run cold…* As kids, we didn’t realize how significant this was, or how special. We just knew that it was different…and it certainly held our attention. We were magically transported from a living room in Grand Blanc, Michigan, to a land of ice and snow and dog sleds and bad guys. And how could Grandpa remember it all? These weren’t haikus, or short sonnets…

18 FEBRUARY 2026

they were epics! As he continued, we were rapt…forgetting about cookies, games, our cousins, or ever going home.

Fran died in 1985. I was a young adult, in college at the time, but still didn’t truly appreciate the unique man that he was.

Over the ensuing 40 years, I’ve come to that realization. And, to this day, I still remember clearly the magic spell of the Yukon.

David was the director of MDNR Fisheries Research Station in Charlevoix for 23 years. He is a semi-retired fisheries biologist, and enjoys hiking, backpacking, woodworking, reading, and fishing. *The Cremation of Sam McGee—from “The Spell of the Yukon and Other Verses,” Robert Service, 1907

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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SCHOLARSHIPS FOR GRADUATING SENIORS

The Presque Isle Electric & Gas Communities First Fund is offering scholarships for graduating seniors who are dependents of PIE&G members. Scholarships available: - $1,000 Community First Fund - $1,000 Nathan W. Douglas Mechanical/Vocational - $1,000 Murville & Caroline Douglas Musical - $750 Peterson Vocational - $500 A.B. Travis Eligibility: Graduating seniors attending an accredited Michigan college full-time. Apply between January 1 and March 1!

For details, visit pieg.com/communities-first.