January/February 2019
MICHIGAN
COUNTRY LINES Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op JAKE INGLE:
Building Dreams OUT OF SNOW
PIE&G Director Elections
PIE&G Deploys EV Charging Stations
Communities First Fund Grants Awarded
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In This Issue January 2019 || Vol. 39, No. 1
Michigan’s Electric Cooperatives
countrylines.com facebook.com/ michigancountrylines
Executive Editor: Casey Clark Editor: Christine Dorr Copy Editor: Heidi Spencer Design and Production: Karreen Bird Publisher: Michigan Electric Cooperative Association Michigan Country Lines, USPS-591710, is published monthly, except August and December, with periodicals postage paid at Lansing, Mich., and additional offices. It is the official publication of the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association, 201 Townsend St., Suite 900, Lansing, MI 48933. Subscriptions are authorized for members of Alger Delta, Cherryland, Great Lakes, HomeWorks Tri-County, Midwest Energy & Communications, Ontonagon, Presque Isle, and Thumb electric cooperatives by their boards of directors. POSTMASTER: SEND ALL UAA TO CFS. Association officers are Robert Kran, Great Lakes Energy, chairman; Mark Kappler, HomeWorks Tri-County Electric, vice chairman; and Eric Baker, Wolverine Power Cooperative, secretary-treasurer. Craig Borr is 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 countrylines.com
CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Please notify your electric cooperative. See page 4 for contact information.
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MEMBER GUEST COLUMN:
A Multitude Of Experiences
Rick Fowler, Great Lakes Energy member
7 SAFETY Portable Generator Safety Tips 10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN Tasty And Filling Pasta Recipes Christin McKamey & Our Readers
Enjoy our featured Jubilee Bean Turkey Chili, compliments of Bill Van Gilder, an FIS technical halfpipe delegate and an owner of Van Gilder’s Jubilee Restaurant in the Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania. Enter Our Recipe Contest And Win A $50 Bill Credit!
14 FEATURE Jake Ingle: Building Dreams Out Of Snow Emily Haines Lloyd
18 MI CO-OP COMMUNITY MEMBER GUEST COLUMN:
Oliver And My Father Karen Reilly, Midwest Energy & Communications member
The appearance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised.
Guess Our New Mystery Photo And Win A $50 Bill Credit!
ON THE COVER Petoskey resident Jake Ingle is the brain and brawn behind many of the famous snowboarding half-pipes and super-pipes across the world, including this one (pictured above and on the cover) at Colorado’s Copper Mountain and the highly-praised half-pipe at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea. Learn more on page 14.
Win $150 for stories published!
Guest Column Country Lines invites members to submit their fond memories and stories. Guidelines 1. Approximately 350 words 2. Digital photos must be at least 600 KB 3. Submit your guest column at countrylines.com under the MI Co-op Community tab
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
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CHEBOYGAN PRESQUE ISLE
OTSEGO
MONTMORENCY
ALPENA
OSCODA
ALCONA
Board Of Directors Charles Arbour
23899 M32 S, Hillman MI 49746 989-657-4358 • Term Expires: 2020
Allan Berg, Vice-Chairman
1117 E. Heythaler Hwy., Rogers City, MI 49779 989-734-0044 • Term Expires 2020
Sandy Borowicz, Secretary
5341 Carlson Rd.,Cheboygan, MI 49721 231-627-9220 • Term Expires 2018
John Brown, Chairman
21 W. Devereaux Lake Rd., Indian River, MI 49749 231-625-2099 • Term Expires 2020
Sally Knopf
1849 W. 638 Hwy., Rogers City, MI 49779 989-734-4196 • Term Expires 2018
Kurt Krajniak
7630 Wallace Rd., Alpena, MI 49707 989-884-3037 • Term Expires 2019
Brentt Lucas
15841 Carr Rd., Posen, MI 49776 989-379-4694 • Term Expires 2019
Daryl Peterson, Treasurer
P.O. Box 54, Hillman, MI 49746 989-742-3145 • Term Expires 2018
Raymond Wozniak
6737 State St., Posen, MI 49776 989-766-2498 • Term Expires 2019
President & CEO: Tom Sobeck tsobeck@pieg.com
Communications Director/Co-op Editor: Maire Chagnon-Hazelman
Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op 19831 M-68 Hwy., P.O. Box 308 Onaway, 49765
Business Office & Billing: 989-733-8515 Toll-Free: 800-423-6634 Gas Emergency Toll-Free: 800-655-8565
pieg.com Join us on Facebook. facebook.com/PIEGCooperative
Most 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.
Exciting Challenges Ahead
In the New Year Tom Sobeck, President & CEO
Last January, my article “Taking Stock—With Much Appreciation” reflected on our past accomplishments. This year, I’m looking ahead to a future that is certain to be challenging, exciting and very busy! In 2019, we face a number of momentous strategic business decisions including proceeding with a new headquarters building, a potential fiber-to-the-home project and a possible major technological upgrade to our metering infrastructure (Automated Metering Infrastructure or AMI). In our “spare time,” we must still perform our daily core functions of improving reliability through plant investment and maintenance activities. Design work and consideration of potential site locations for a new building continues as we look for ways to improve our level of service while creating a safe and efficient work environment for our employees, proper garaging facilities for vehicles and equipment, and adequate warehousing space. The pre-feasibility portion of the fiber-to-the-home study is nearing conclusion and we’ll review the next steps in the coming months. We’re excited about the potential positive impact on our region. Clearly, our success depends on the success and prosperity of the people living in the communities we serve. We believe that providing high-speed internet access to northeast Michigan can have immeasurable social and economic benefits. As for Automated Metering Infrastructure, PIE&G is one of the last remaining utilities in the U.S. that does not employ automated metering. We’ve heard from industry experts and also from several members expressing sentiment on the issue. Some are concerned with the possible impacts of “smart meters,” while others are intrigued by the advantages and opportunities AMI presents for energy efficiency and cost savings. We believe it’s time to look at and learn about our options and begin the conversation. One item of note in the Your Board in Action section (page 5), is the approval of the 2019 Utility Plant Budget in the amount of $4,584,200. This investment is designed to maintain and update our electric and natural gas distribution system to improve the reliability of service. Most of this work will be done by our own PIE&G employees. While not as exciting or intriguing to talk about as the other issues we face, our daily work devoted to improving reliability—safely and at a reasonable cost—is our primary focus and no small task either. As we begin the new year, we have lots of weighty decisions to contemplate. It’s important too that we maintain your trust and confidence. We believe the best way to ensure this is by explaining our decision-making process as we move into the exciting challenges ahead for our cooperative.
Best wishes to all for a very happy and prosperous New Year! 4 JANUARY 2019
Director Election Results Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op held its 81st Annual Membership Meeting at the Onaway High School on Friday, October 26, with approximately 400 people attending. The following candidates were elected to three-year terms: Sandy Borowicz (incumbent, Cheboygan District), Daryl Peterson (incumbent, Montmorency District) and Sally Knopf (incumbent, At-Large District). The number of votes that each candidate received is listed below. Cheboygan District: Montmorency District:
At-Large District:
Sandy Borowicz
1,408
Luanne Thomas
372
Daryl Peterson
948
Donald Edwards
574
Curtis Render
309
Sally Knopf
742
Michael Grohowski
465
Peter Redmond
428
David Wagner
281
Immediately following the meeting, the board of directors held their election of officers as follows: Chairman—John Brown; Vice-Chairman—Allan Berg; Secretary—Sandy Borowicz; and Treasurer—Charles Arbour. The winner of the $100 prize raffle for voting by mail was James R. Stoddard of Hillman. Members heard reports from the cooperative’s auditor and Thomas Sobeck, CEO.
Your Board In Action At their recent meetings, the PIE&G Board of Directors: • Approved the 2019 Work Plan (utility plant capital budget) consisting of $3,790,000 for electric plant construction and $794,200 for natural gas plant construction for a projected total of $4,584,200. • Reviewed and accepted the 2019 Operating Plan as a useful business planning tool and a reasonable forecast for the 2018 fiscal year. • Reviewed annual disclosure statements per board policy on conflicts of interest. • Approved revisions to the cooperative’s Management Compensation Plan. • Set the 2019 annual membership meeting for 10 a.m. on Friday, October 25, 2019, at Onaway High School.
Sandy Borowicz
Daryl Peterson
Sally Knopf
Notice to Members of Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op Data Privacy Policy The Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op Board of Directors has adopted a policy governing the collection, use and disclosure of member account information and usage data. A full copy of the Data Privacy Policy can be found at:
• Authorized the CEO to solicit interest in the possible transfer of the Onaway Airport property from the Presque Isle County Board of Commissioners as a potential site for a new headquarters building. • Reviewed proposed new headquarters building design concepts presented by architecture firm Sidock Group, Inc.
https://mipsc.force.com/sfc/servlet.shepherd/version/ download/068t0000002SR8CAAW If you would like a hard copy of the Data Privacy Policy, call our office at 800-423-6634 or visit our website at pieg.com.
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
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GUEST COLUMN
MI CO-OP Community
A Multitude Of Experiences Can Be Fulfilled Within 20 Minutes By Rick Fowler, Great Lakes Energy member
Russian-born comedian Yakov Smirnoff’s shtick includes his catchphrase, “America, what a country!” As a life-long resident of Michigan if I ever find my way onto the outdoor speaking venue my shtick would be along the lines, “Northwest Michigan, what a beautiful piece of America!” Why wouldn’t I want to brag about this little area of our country? Within 20 minutes of stepping out my door, I can fish for lake trout, brook trout, brown trout, walleye, pike and panfish. Within 20 minutes I can ply the woods for deer, bear and grouse. Plus, I am only a few minutes away from paddling on exceptional kayak and canoe waters or hopping on a boat and going through a lock. Essentially, I have the ability to travel anywhere in the world on the waters which touch the shores of nearby lakes and rivers. A few miles down the road from where I live, I can get lost on a two-track road. It’s not a panicky lost, but an exhilarating lost. Knowing that the little-used road will eventually lead me somewhere makes me want to keep advancing and not turn around just from the fear of being lost. I go slowly because if I go faster the sound is not the
same. With additional speed, this venture would be more like a ride. I don’t just want a ride, I want an adventure. This is magical! THAT’S WHAT WE ALL CAN DO within minutes of our homes—seek the magic that waits in northern Michigan. Within 20 minutes of my home, I can awaken all of my senses. It might just be the smell of wild grape hidden amongst the tag alder and aspen, decaying moss, leaves and grass or the essence of wildflowers wafting in the air. It might be the crash of some creature ambling through the woods, the sight of flocks of birds, rolling hills and the Windex blue of any of the lakes only minutes away. Beautiful scenery, bountiful opportunities and a slate that can be filled every day without too much effort. How could anyone who lives in this two peninsula state ever utter the word boring?
Rick taught high school English in Boyne City for 34 years. For the past 25 years, he has been an outdoor freelance writer.
NO BARRIERS ADVENTURES FOR RURAL VETERANS—APPLY BY FEB. 28 Michigan electric cooperatives believe there should be “No Barriers” for veterans with disabilities. That’s the name and idea behind CoBank’s No Barriers initiative. Michigan cooperatives are looking for qualified veterans* from our local community to participate. No Barriers is a five-day, all-expenses-paid, expedition in Colorado, designed to help veterans with disabilities transform their lives through curriculum-based experience in challenging environments (climbing, rafting and hiking). If you are a disabled veteran, or you know of a disabled veteran in our community who would like to participate in the No Barriers program, please complete the form on our website:
countrylines.com/nobarriers *Must have VA disability rating to be eligible.
Portable Generator
SAFETY TIPS Carbon Monoxide And Ventilation
• Using a generator indoors can kill you in minutes. Exhaust contains carbon monoxide, a deadly, poisonous gas you cannot see or smell. • NEVER run a generator indoors or in partly-enclosed areas, such as garages. • ONLY use outdoors and far from windows, doors, vents, and crawl spaces, and in an area where adequate ventilation is available and deadly exhaust gas cannot accumulate. • Using a fan or opening doors and windows will not provide sufficient ventilation. • It is recommended that you install battery operated carbon monoxide alarms/detectors indoors according to manufacturer’s instructions/recommendations.
Gasoline, Fueling And Burn Safety
Always read the owner’s manual and instructions for your generator. Do NOT cut corners when it comes to safety. These tips are merely supplemental and are not intended as a substitute for reading the owner’s manual.
• Do not overfill the fuel tank. Always allow room for fuel expansion. • If the tank is over-filled, fuel can overflow onto a hot engine and cause fire or explosion. • Never add fuel while the unit is running or hot. Allow the generator and engine to cool entirely before adding fuel. • Never store a generator with fuel in the tank where gasoline vapors might reach an open flame, spark or pilot light. • Many generator parts are hot enough to burn you during operation and while the generator is cooling after turning off. Avoid coming into contact with a hot generator.
• Use the proper power cords. Plug individual appliances into the generator using heavy-duty, outdoor-rated cords with a wire gauge adequate for the appliance load. Overloaded cords can cause fires or equipment damage. Do not use extension cords with exposed wires or worn shielding. • Do not operate the generator in wet conditions such as rain or snow. • The generator must be properly grounded. If the generator is not grounded, you run the risk of electrocution. Check and adhere to all applicable federal, state and local regulations related to grounding.
Electrocution Hazard And Electrical Shock Hazards
• Allow at least five feet of clearance on all sides of the generator when operating. • Generators can be used during a wide variety of weather temperatures, but should be protected from the elements when not in use to prevent shorting and rusting. • Operate the generator only on level surfaces and where it will not be exposed to excessive moisture, dirt, dust or corrosive vapors. • Inspect the generator regularly. • Always disconnect the spark plug wire and place the wire where it cannot contact the spark plug to prevent accidental starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or making repairs to the generator.
• Do not connect your generator directly to your home’s wiring or into a regular household outlet. • Connecting a portable electric generator directly to your household wiring can be deadly to you and others. A generator that is directly connected to your home’s wiring can “back feed” onto the power lines connected to your home and injure neighbors or utility workers. • Only start or stop the generator when no electrical loads are connected. • Overloading your generator can seriously damage your valuable appliances and electronics. Do not overload the generator. Prioritize your needs; do not operate more appliances and equipment than the output rating of the generator. A portable electric generator should be used only when necessary and only to power essential equipment.
Generator Placement And Operation
Source: American Red Cross with technical advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Fire Protection Association (publisher of the National Electric Code®) and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
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Agribusinesses:
Prioritize Energy Efficiency In 2019
Tired of high energy bills? Now is the time to take action! Getting started is easy with the Energy Optimization program. Cash incentives are available to help offset the upfront cost of energy-efficient equipment—which can help you save energy and money for years to come. A few of the energy-saving opportunities currently available include:
FREE Farm Energy Assessment:
To begin understanding more about your farm’s energy usage, take advantage of our free assessment. The complimentary assessment will help identify where and how to implement practical, energy-saving alternatives to outdated, inefficient equipment.
Incentives For Energy-Efficient Products And Equipment: Receive cash back when you purchase and install energyefficient measures such as: • • • • • • • •
Low-energy livestock waterers Fans and controls Milk-handling equipment Variable speed pumps and controllers Dairy refrigeration tune-ups Irrigation system upgrades LED grow lights and poultry lights Long-day lighting systems
Incentives For Custom Projects:
Have an energy efficiency project in mind, but don’t see it on our list? The Energy Optimization program will work with you to provide incentives for innovative and unique energy efficiency projects designed to meet specific needs. Contact us to discuss your ideas!
Learn More Read about how your neighbors have utilized Energy Optimization program incentives to improve the energy efficiency of their agribusinesses at michigan-energy.org/testimonials. Relevant articles include: • “Coulter Farms Harvest Big Savings” • “Coveyou Scenic Farm Market Flourishes with Energy Savings” • “Award-winning Labor Housing Reaps Great Savings for Friske Orchards” • “Sklarczyk Seed Farm Shines Bright with LED Grow Lights” Get started today. View all farm services incentives at michigan-energy.org or call 877.296.4319 for details.
ENERGY SAVINGS ARE ON THE HORIZON The Energy Optimization program provides Michigan farmers with energy-saving incentives and solutions that can improve your bottom line: • FREE energy assessment • Cash incentives for energy-saving lighting, fans, pumps, and more • Custom rebates for large or complex projects
michigan-energy.org P H O N E : 877.296.4319 ONLINE:
Energy Optimization programs and incentives are applicable to Michigan electric service locations only. Other restrictions may apply. For a complete list of participating utilities, visit michigan-energy.org.
Most votes on Facebook!
Photo Contest Cutest Kids 1. Some pumpkins are large and some are small, some pumpkins are short and some are tall, some are orange and some are green, my grandma said I am the most perfect pumpkin she has ever seen!——Karen Stevens, Hillman 2. Grandma’s Little Man——Rosemary Neuman, Cheboygan 3. It’s hard being a diamond in a rhinestone world!——Jill Wells, Cheboygan 4. Just soaking up that end of summer sun!——Valerie Cordes, Hillman 5. Dressed in my Sunday best!——Chelsea Hentkowski, Hillman 6. There is no place like Michigan. I love my state!——Suzanne Aidif, Millersburg
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7. Little Red Riding Hood——Henry Skiba, Presque Isle
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4
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Submit Your Favorite “Food And Drinks” Photos! Submit your best photo and encourage your friends to vote! The photo receiving the most votes from our Facebook contest will be printed in an issue of Country Lines along with some of our other favorites.
Enter to win up to a
$200
energy bill credit!
Our January theme is Food and Drinks. Photos can be submitted through January 31 to be featured in our March issue.
Enter Your Photos And Win A Bill Credit!
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To enter the contest visit facebook.com/PIEGCooperative and click “Photo Contest” from the menu tabs. If you’re not on Facebook, that’s okay. You can also enter the contest at pieg.com/content/photo-contest. Enter your picture, cast your vote, and encourage others to vote for you as well. If your photo is printed in Country Lines during 2019, you will be entered to win a credit of up to $200 on your December 2019 bill.
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
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Pasta Perfect Quick, tasty and filling pasta recipes. Photos—Robert Bruce Photography
Winning Recipe!
Gigi’s Famous Farfalle And Sausage Pasta Gigi Bozzano, Midwest Energy & Communications
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 pound Italian sausages (sweet or spicy), casings removed before cooking ¼ to ¾ teaspoon dried crushed red pepper (optional according to taste) ½ small onion (red or white), finely chopped 2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced (optional) 1 can (28-ounces) crushed tomatoes (with puree) ¾ cup heavy whipping cream 1 pound farfalle (DeCecco brand works well) • salt for pasta water: 1 tablespoon table salt or 1.5 tablespoons kosher salt ½ cup packed fresh basil, chiffonade right before serving • grated pecorino Romano or Parmigiano-Reggiano Heat olive oil on medium heat in a large (12-inch) heavy skillet. When simmering, add Italian sausage and crushed red pepper. Sauté sausage until no longer pink, breaking it up with a wooden spoon while it cooks for about 5–6 minutes. Add chopped onion and garlic; reduce heat. Cook until soft but don’t let brown, 3–4 minutes. Add tomatoes and cream and reduce heat to a simmer (so the cream doesn’t curdle). After about 5 minutes, taste. If the sauce is a little acidic, add ½ teaspoon sugar. Meanwhile, fill a large pot with water. Add salt and bring to a boil. When boiling vigorously, add pasta and cook until it still has a 10 JANUARY 2019
“bite;” undercook it by about 3 minutes, as it will finish cooking in the sauce in the skillet. When the pasta is ready, reserve and set aside 1 cup pasta water. Drain pasta or remove with a large slotted spoon and add to sauce/sausage. Toss pasta and sauce over medium-low heat and toss until all the sauce coats the pasta. Add pasta water by ¼ cups to ensure the sauce stays creamy and coats everything. The dish usually requires at least ½ cup of pasta water. After 2–3 minutes, taste pasta for doneness, and if it’s “al dente,” remove from burner. Taste for seasoning. If you think it needs salt, remember that cheese adds salt. Transfer to a large serving dish and chiffonade* and add fresh basil. Toss pasta with basil. Serve the grated cheese on the side. Gigi’s Tip: Basil chiffonade Pile basil leaves on top of one another and gently roll into a cigar shape. With a sharp knife, cut basil into thin strips. I’ve been making this for 30 years and it’s my most requested dish. Buon appetito a tutti! (Enjoy your meal!)
Watch a video of this month’s winning recipe at micoopkitchen.com/videos
Pasta Salad With Lemon Vinaigrette
FEATURED GUEST CHEF
Laura Burke, Great Lakes Energy 8 1 2 1 ¼ 3 1
ounces uncooked small shell pasta pint grape tomatoes, halved cups coarsely chopped fresh spinach yellow bell pepper, chopped cup red onion, chopped tablespoons chopped fresh dill package (4 ounces) crumbled feta cheese
Lemon Vinaigrette ¼ cup fresh lemon juice 1 teaspoon dijon mustard 1 large clove garlic, minced ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper ½ cup vegetable oil
Cook pasta according to directions; drain. Toss pasta with remaining ingredients. For dressing, whisk together first five ingredients. Gradually add oil in a steady stream, whisking until blended. Toss pasta salad with dressing. Serve immediately or cover and chill up to 8 hours. Enjoy.
Jake Ingle knows it takes a team to create a successful snowboard half-pipe and it helps when a member of that team knows how to warm everyone up with something hot and delicious at the end of a day. Bill Van Gilder is an FIS technical delegate at half-pipe Grand Prix events. His family owns a restaurant in the Pocono Mountains——Van Gilder’s Jubilee Restaurant. So, when Bill is cooking up something——everyone knows it’s a meal that is not to be missed.
Mostaccioli Bake Susan Miner, Cherryland 8 1½ ½ 1 1 1 1 ½ 1 1 1 ¹⁄8 1 2 ½
ounces uncooked mostaccioli pounds hamburger cup chopped onion clove garlic can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes can (8 ounces) tomato sauce can (6 ounces) tomato paste cup water teaspoon salt teaspoon sugar teaspoon basil teaspoon pepper bay leaf cups shredded mozzarella cheese cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
Preheat oven to 350 F. Cook mostaccioli. In a saucepan, cook beef and onion until done.
Jubilee Bean Turkey Chili
Add garlic; cook 1 minute and drain. Stir in tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, salt, sugar, basil and pepper. Add bay leaf and bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, uncovered for 30 minutes. Remove bay leaf; stir in mostaccioli. Spoon half of the meat mixture into a 9x13 pan and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese; layer with remaining meat mixture. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Cover and bake 30–35 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes.
Appetizers and Snacks: due February 1 Breakfast and Brunch: due March 1 Submit your favorite recipe for a chance to win a $50 bill credit and have your recipe featured in Country Lines with a photo and a video. Go to micoopkitchen.com for more information and to register.
Enter to win a
$50
energy bill credit!
1 1 3 ½ ½ 28 28 14 14 14 14 14 2 1 1 • • •
lb. ground turkey medium onion cloves of garlic yellow pepper orange pepper ounces crushed tomatoes, undrained ounces diced tomatoes, undrained ounces black beans, drained ounces kidney beans, drained ounces pink beans, drained ounces Northern beans, drained ounces black-eyed peas, drained tablespoons chili powder tablespoon coriander tablespoon cumin dash of cayenne pepper salt and pepper to taste olive oil
Heat oil in pan on stove top. Sauté the garlic, chopped onions, and peppers until they begin to sweat. Add ground turkey until cooked through and mix. Move mixture to large pot. Rinse and drain all beans and add all ingredients to the pot, including the beans. Mix thoroughly. Simmer on low heat for 1.5 hours, mixing lightly as needed. Salt and pepper to taste. Chili can be frozen as well. It’s always better the next day! Read the full story about Jake Ingle and his half-pipe expertise on page 14 and visit micoopkitchen.com to find this recipe and others. MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
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PIE&G Leads Way For Electric Vehicle Adoption In Northeast Michigan
P
resque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op is leading the way to support electric vehicle adoption in northeast Michigan with plans to deploy six electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in its service territory. Last October, PIE&G energized its first EV charging station at Tom’s Family Market in Onaway. Two more were energized last November at Briley Township Park in Atlanta and in Albert Township Park in Lewiston. According to Wesley Repke, systems engineer at PIE&G, the final three will be located along U.S. 23 and will be energized in summer 2019 at the Hammond Bay State Harbor, P.H. Hoeft State Park north of Rogers City, and Presque Isle State Harbor. Each station is capable of charging two electric vehicles simultaneously. The service at the stations will be provided free of charge as a courtesy from PIE&G to the general public. Since most owners charge their EVs privately at home or work across the country, PIE&G hopes to recoup its investment as the EV market continues to develop and grow.
12 JANUARY 2019
High Banks
Operational Planned for 2019
23 Huron Beach Rogers City
23
Onaway
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Did you know?
• The entire portfolio of electric drive vehicles provides an opportunity to improve air quality by increasing fuel economy while reducing, or eliminating, tail-pipe emissions. The EPA has consistently rated hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles as the most efficient vehicles available—— and fuel cell vehicles emit only water vapor. • California ranks first in the country for states with the highest PEV adoption and more than 13,000 PEVs have been sold in Michigan. In 2018, there were 263,077 plug-in electric vehicles sold and 1,015,890 PEVs sold in the U.S. between 2010 and October 2018. • EVs today have much greater travel ranges than those that were available in 2010. The 2019 Chevy Bolt is rated at 238 miles from a single charge and starts at $36,620. The Tesla Model 3 is rated at between 220 and 310 miles from a single charge depending on which options are selected and could be as low as $35,000. • Existing federal tax credits range from $2,500 to $7,500, based on the battery capacity of the vehicle. Although the government recently voted to continue providing credits, some of the biggest names in the segment may soon see their incentives eliminated. Once a company sells more than 200,000 qualified vehicles (including all-electric models and plug-in hybrids), the phase-out process of the federal incentive begins. Tesla has now hit that mark and General Motors is fast approaching it.
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Atlanta
• There are more than 40 models of battery plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) or hybrid models available for purchase in the U.S. today. The electric drive portfolio includes Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs).
Harbor View
Alpena
23
33 Lewiston
PIE&G EV Charging Stations
PIE&G has three active EV charging stations. Three additional EV stations are proposed along US 23 for completion during 2019.
• PIE&G’s “Level 2” stations can charge at a rate of up to 80 amps maximum, which allows for about 60 miles of charge per hour of charging. However, few vehicles are currently able to take full advantage of this, except for Tesla vehicles equipped with a specific add-on feature and some commercial EVs such as buses. • All EVs manufactured in North America are compatible with PIE&G’s stations. Tesla vehicles require an adapter which is provided when the vehicle is purchased. • Usage statistics for stations currently in operation (as of Nov. 15, 2018): −− Onaway. . . . . . . . . 57 kWh −− Atlanta. . . . . . . . 184 kWh −− Lewiston. . . . . . 107 kWh
• • • • • •
Resources
http://www.plugincars.com/cars https://autoalliance.org/in-your-state/MI/ http://electricdrive.org/index.php?ht=d/sp/i/20952/pid/20952 http://www.chevrolet.com/bolt-ev-electric-vehicle https://www.tesla.com/model3/ https://news.energysage.com/how-much-does-a-tesla-cost/ MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 13
JAKE INGLE:
Building Dreams OUT OF SNOW
By Emily Haines Lloyd Photos courtesy of Tripp Fay
The Zaugg pipe monster is the machine used to rough carve the super-pipe at Colorado's Copper Mountain.
L
ike all sculptures, creating a masterpiece begins with an artist’s vision. Then the artist expertly makes use of the tools he or she has learned to use, and cuts, chips, and scrapes away at the material until beauty is revealed. For artists like Petoskey resident Jake Ingle, his material of choice is snow, his tools are anything from a giant snowcat dozer to a handheld shovel, and the result is an enviable living work of art called the half-pipe.
Jake Ingle uses the Red Number 9 to help build a legendary half-pipe for Olympic athletes. This machine was “the best snowcat” in South Korea, Jake attests.
“You live for these moments. To give these folks an amazing ride. For me, it was the perfect experience.” — JAKE INGLE
Skiing and snowboarding half-pipes, like the ones Ingle creates, are expertly-crafted, snow-made ramps with a U-shaped cross-section. This shape allows winter-loving athletes to perform remarkable aerial jumps and maneuvers that defy the general public’s imaginations. The journey to creating and building these massive canvases started in a much smaller way for Ingle. It began with a love of outdoor and winter sports that Ingle shared with his whole family, as well as a mentality to “thrive, not just survive” the cold Appleton, Wis., winters. It eventually meant heading off to college at Gogebic Community College in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to study ski area management. That led to an internship at Copper Mountain in Colorado, which led to building some of the most enviable half-pipes in the country and, as they say, things snowballed from there. “I just loved to snowboard and thought I’d go be a ski bum after high school,” said Ingle. “It would have been impossible then to imagine what I’d be doing now.” His half-pipe-building work got national attention when the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association approached him, Ingle said. From there, Ingle
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Top left: A view from the finish-line area of Jake and his team's super-pipe and boarder-cross venues at the 2018 Olympics in South Korea. Top Right: A spectator views the Mammoth Mountain Grand Prix Olympic Qualifier super-pipe all lit up and in its glory. Left: Jake Ingle and his wife, Clare, prepare to watch one of the fruits of Jake’s labor——the Grand Prix super-pipe event in Snowmass, Co.
started working on U.S. Grand Prix and FIS World Cup events—building massive half-pipes, as well as a reputation for himself. Working on these large competitive events eventually led to a recommendation from Roberto Moresi, the World Cup race director, to build the half pipe for the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea. Along with Ingle’s partner Mark Pevny and Austria-based colleague Alli Zehetner, the trio set out to create a work of art for the largest sporting stage in the world. “There were definitely some nerves. The half-pipes at both the Vancouver and Sochi Olympics had gotten a lot of negative feedback,” said Ingle. “The weather was brutal and made building and maintaining the pipe so hard. You really feel for those guys who worked on those pipes when there’s so much out of your control. ”Ingle and his team began their plans well in advance with site visits, measurements, drawings and a picture in mind they hoped would live up to the reality. The building of the pipe itself is half construction site, half science experience. The team of 70 used huge construction dozers, taking days to build the first wall alone, followed by half-pipe cutter machines, and huge snow blowers. Following these massive tools, Ingle and crew pulled out the shovels and more than a few specialty tools that he has developed as a result of his experience.
We use “centimeter-accurate equipment,” Ingle said. Ingle and his partners completed their work of art in a little over two weeks and with more than a little pride. In the end, the half-pipe at the Phoenix Snow Park in Pyeongchang was 650 feet long with 24-feet-tall walls and 82.5 degrees of verticality. It surpassed even their own wildest dreams. Feedback from the Pyeongchang games was remarkably different than the previous two Olympics. Rave reviews of Ingle’s half-pipe came in from snowboarding gold medalist Shaun White’s coach and 2012 bronze medalist, JJ Thomas, as well as Mike Jankowski, head coach of the U.S. Freeskiing and U.S. Snowboarding teams. “You live for these moments,” said Ingle. “To give these folks an amazing ride. For me, it was the perfect experience.”
Watch a video of Jake Ingle building the half-pipe for the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea at countrylines.com.
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Quick Tips To Avoid High Winter Bills Looking to lower your bills this winter? Use the 10 tips below to conserve energy.
Seal air leaks and insulate well to prevent heat from escaping and cold air from entering your home. Reduce waste heat by installing a programmable thermostat. Turn off lights when not in use. Lower your water heater temperature. The Dept. of Energy recommends using the warm setting (120 degrees) during fall and winter months. Unplug electronics like kitchen appliances and TVs when you’re away. Open blinds and curtains during the day to allow sunlight in to warm your home. Close blinds and curtains at night to keep cold, drafty air out.
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Use power strips for multiple appliances, and turn off the main switch when you’re away from home.
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Wash clothes in cold water, and use cold-water detergent whenever possible.
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Replace incandescent light bulbs with LEDs, which use at least 75 percent less energy.
PIE&G Communities First Fund
AWARDS $8,000 IN LOCAL GRANTS Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op members continue to give generously to assist area community organizations and individuals through the voluntary round up of their electric and natural gas bill. Member contributions to the PIE&G Communities First Fund enable awards for grants and scholarships in their local communities within PIE&G’s service area. At a recent meeting, the PIE&G Communities First Fund Board of Directors finalized the review of applications and made awards of $8,000 in grants to the recipients below.
CHEBOYGAN COUNTY
PRESQUE ISLE COUNTY
Cheboygan County United Way ($3,000) to purchase food and personal hygiene products for distribution to attendees of two Project Connect events. The first was held in Presque Isle County in Onaway in October. The next event will be held in Cheboygan County in Indian River in April. The goal of these events is to connect people to local resources and agencies that are available to assist them with needed resources and to help families become more self-sufficient.
MONTMORENCY COUNTY Tri-Township Fire Department ($2,500) to assist with the purchase of a washer extractor machine to clean Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) or “turnout gear” worn by firefighters. The gear was being sent out for dry cleaning, which was expensive and rendered the gear unavailable to firefighters for several days. The new washer extractor allows for more frequent and thorough decontamination, laundering can be done “in-house” and in a matter of hours, thereby reducing the time the gear is out-of-service for cleaning. More frequent cleaning also extends the life of the equipment. The washer extractor machine will be used by the Tri-Township Fire Department and surrounding area departments.
Friends of the Ocqueoc Outdoor Center ($2,500) to assist with the purchase and installation of a clothes washer and dryer. The Outdoor Center’s campus has 11 barracks (now dorms) and a combination mess hall and dining hall facility. The center can accommodate week-long or weekend, overnight experiences for youth groups across Michigan, such as 4-H and faith-based organizations. On-site laundry appliances will enable camp administrators to maintain the upkeep of the camp’s kitchen linens and allow prompt clean-up of bed linens and clothing after nighttime accidents associated with youth camps, and with less embarrassment or disruption to campers.
Scholarships For Graduating Seniors Applications due March 1 The PIE&G Communities First Fund has been awarding scholarships to graduating high school seniors since 1999. The scholarship program includes all accredited colleges or universities located in Michigan. The award is $1,000 and payable upon successful completion of the first semester. The A. Barkley Travis Memorial scholarship ($500) is also available. Eligibility requirements and applications are available online at pieg.com or by contacting PIE&G at 800-423-6634, ext. 1011. Completed applications with all supporting documentation must be received at PIE&G by close of business on Friday, March 1. Scholarships will be awarded by June 1. MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 17
Guess this photo and enter to win a
MI CO-OP Community
$50
energy bill credit!
GUEST COLUMN
Oliver And My Father Where In Michigan Is This? Identify the correct location of the photo above by January 20 and be entered into a drawing to win a $50 electric bill credit. Enter your guess at countrylines.com or send by mail to: Country Lines Mystery Photo, 201 Townsend St., Suite 900, Lansing, MI 48933. Include the name on your account, address, phone number and the name of your co-op. Our Mystery Photo Contest winner from the November/December 2018 issue is Paul Bosker, a Great Lakes Cooperative member, who correctly identified the photo as the underside of the Mackinac Bridge. Winners are announced in the following issues of Country Lines: January, March, May, July/August, September and November/December.
November/December 2018
By Karen Reilly, Midwest Energy & Communications member
My father, my hero, was a jovial man who loved to share stories of the past. I especially enjoyed hearing about life on the family farm in Dowagiac. This is a story I captured from him nearly 20 years ago from his point of view. “Back in the 1940s, life around the family farm in Dowagiac really began to change. The outhouse hole was filled in and, for the first time, we had running water in the house. This made everyday chores, such as dishwashing and bathing, much easier. However, the biggest innovation of the decade for us was the gasoline-powered tractor. My first tractor was a shiny green one built by Oliver. At the front base of its long body were two small tires. In the rear were two large tires with thick treads. Compared to the small wheels on the family Buick, these were some of the biggest tires I ever saw! The tractor had the strength of 10 horses. The plow, planter, disk, brush chopper and trailer that attached to the back of the tractor revolutionized life on the farm. Work could be done in a fraction of the time, and with the bright headlamp on the front of the tractor, we could work past daylight, if needed. We planted larger plots of land and harvested greater quantities of crops. I had to save for that new Oliver—$800 was a lot of money back then. But, she was worth every penny. I sold the tractor in the late ’40s for $1,000; I wanted to buy a Chevy convertible. In the late 1980s, I heard my old tractor was once again looking for a home. By then I had newer, more powerful machines, but for old times’ sake, I decided to take my Oliver tractor back to the farm and fi x her up. She doesn’t do much farm work anymore. Like me, she’s retired. She sure looks good, though, in that shiny, new coat of green with the little wheels in the front, and the great big ones in back. I think I will hang onto her for a while.” The original family farm in Dowagiac still stands and will turn 100 years old in the next few years. My dad built his farm just down the road from it and it remains our home today. And the Oliver tractor is also still in our family.
Photo courtesy of Thomas Mann
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Karen is a co-op member who is a nature-lover at heart and enjoys bird-watching, exploring woodlands, gardening and long walks. She is a dean at a community college and lives at and runs her father's farm with her husband.
AFFORDABLE GEOTHERMAL HEAT & COOL YOUR HOME FOR HALF WITH YOUR WELL WATER
You can add a Well-Connect to your home for about the same price (after incentives) as a conventional HVAC system. A typical installation is completed in 1 day.
Call for a FREE Site Visit
Hybrid Geothermal
wellconnectsaves.com 989-356-2113
pieg.com
Applications Due Feb. 28 Tour Dates: June 15–20, 2019
Youth Tour WILL INSPIRE YOU, JUST KNOW THAT IT WILL. THERE’S NO TELLING HOW
From the battleeelds of Gettysburg to the halls of Congress in Washington, D.C.,
Youth Tour will explore the leadership
lessons of our nation’s history and immerse you in the cooperative spirit. Learn more about this FREE leadership travel opportunity, sponsored by the electric cooperatives of Michigan, at CooperativeYouthTour.com.