January 2025 Ontonagon

Ontonagon County Rural Electrification Association

January/February 2025

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

FROM THE U.P. TO THE WORLD Pine Mountain’s FIS Continental Cup Journey Continues

Apply Now For Student Youth Tour Soaring Success— Steve Jessmore Understanding How Electricity Gets To You

WATERFURNACE UNITS QUALIFY FOR A 30% FEDERAL TAX CREDIT1

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Geothermal Heat Pump

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Alger Delta Electric: up to $2,000 Cherryland Electric: up to $2,500 Cloverland: up to $6,275 Great Lakes Energy: up to $5,000 Homeworks/Tri-County Electric: up to $4,750 Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op: up to $4,750 Thumb Electric: up to $2,000

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MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

Contents countrylines.com

January 2025 Vol. 45, No. 1 /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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MI CO-OP Community RECIPE CONTEST

See details on page 10.

Smoothies & Shakes, due Feb. 1; Mushrooms, due March 1.

Win a $100 bill credit!

GUEST COLUMN

See details on page 18. Share your fondest memories and stories.

Win $200 for stories published!

MYSTERY PHOTO

See details on page 18.

Win a $100 bill credit!

To enter contests, submit reader content & more, visit countrylines.com/community

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6 FROM THE CLASSROOM

TO THE COFFEE TABLE Michigan Photographer Tyler Leipprandt unveils MIconic: a stunning collection of aerial photography masterpieces.

10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN

Soups and Stews: The perfect comfort food.

14 FROM THE U.P. TO THE WORLD Pine Mountain Ski Jump is widely regarded as one of the best ski jumping hills globally and hosts the FIS Continental Cup.

18 GUEST COLUMN

A Family Quilt: Love and precious memories inspired a HomeWorks member to complete a project her grandmother had started.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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500 J.K. Paul Street Ontonagon, MI 49953 906-884-4151 800-562-7128 After hours: 866-639-6098 OFFICERS & DIRECTORS William Hodges, President Lake Linden District 906-934-3743 • district7@ontorea.com Calvin Koski, Vice President Aura District 906-524-6988 • district4@ontorea.com Mildred Ann Gasperich, Secretary Boston District 906-337-5079 • district6@ontorea.com Randy Myhren, Treasurer Green/Firesteel/Toivola District 906-884-4092 • district1@ontorea.com Jack Lehto, Director Pelkie/Herman/Aura District 906-353-6684 • district3@ontorea.com Paul Koski, Director Ewen/Trout Creek/Lake Mine District district2@ontorea.com Michael Gaunt, Director Chassell/Keweenaw Bay District 906-370-8133 • district5@ontorea.com PERSONNEL Dallas Aho, CEO/General Manager Alex Watson, Billing Clerk Justin Sironen, Operations Manager Kelsey Preiss, Administrative Assistant OTHER INFORMATION Date of Incorporation: Sept. 30, 1937 Fiscal year-end: Dec. 31 countrylines.com/coops/ontonagon Ontonagon County REA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

KENEENAW

HOUGHTON

ONTONAGON

Companies That Care

Ownership of the company matters.

By Dallas Aho, General Manager

It makes sense that we treat things we own with greater care. Chances are you probably don’t think too often about your ownership role with your electric cooperative. Every member of Ontonagon REA can take pride in the fact that you are an owner of your electric co-op. While at times it may seem easy to take the provision of electricity for granted, we are working 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to make sure you, the member-owners of the co-op, are well taken care of when it comes to your electricity needs.

Locally based cooperatives believe this special bond and obligation are integral to the community. Ontonagon REA understands that you can’t sell electricity to a business that has closed its doors or to people who have left the community because there are not enough local opportunities. Electricity is a critical need, but it takes more than poles, wires, and kilowatt-hours to make a community.

We are owners of our co-op and, in a real sense, our community. Our community is strong. Think about how much greater it can be when we work cooperatively to tackle our future challenges. If we act like owners on a consistent basis, we will put even more care and attention into our community and look locally for solutions. Finding local solutions can help keep money—and people—right here in our community.

We all have a role to play. As your local electric cooperative, we promise to do our part for the community. Please get in touch with us if you have thoughts about how we can do a better job. You are the co-op owners, and we welcome your active participation.

BARAGA

ontonagon.coop

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JANUARY 2025

/OntonagonCountyREA

APPLY FOR A

TRIP OF A LIFETIME

JUNE 18–23, 2025 AN ALL-EXPENSE-PAID TRIP TO WASHINGTON, D.C.

WHAT IS YOUTH TOUR?

HOW TO APPLY

• An all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., paid for by Ontonagon REA.

• Applicants must be a sophomore or junior in high school.

• A week of visiting historic monuments, touring world-class museums, and meeting elected officials.

• You and your parents, guardian, or grandparents must be served by Ontonagon REA.

• Developing life-long friendships with delegates from across the country!

• Apply Now: Scan the QR code or visit www.cooperativeyouthtour.com.

• Application deadline is Jan. 27, 2025.

LEARN MORE AT WWW.COOPERATIVEYOUTHTOUR.COM NRECA FACEBOOK/INSTAGRAM: NRECAYOUTHTOURDC MICHIGAN INSTAGRAM: MI.COOP.YOUTH.TOUR

from helicopters—cemented his reputation as a daring and talented photographer. In just four years, he built a notable client base that includes Pure Michigan, the State of Michigan, and the Baltimore Ravens.

A Passion for Aviation and Michigan’s Landscapes Aviation has always been a passion for Leipprandt, stemming from a family love of air shows and his sister’s service in the Air Force. This enthusiasm for flight led him to capture stunning stadium flyovers and large sporting events. His most iconic photo, taken at the Rose Bowl with a B-2 bomber soaring overhead, perfectly encapsulates his love for both sports and aviation.

From the Classroom to the Coffee Table Tyler Leipprandt Releases MIconic

By Emily Haines Lloyd

Back in 2019, Tyler Leipprandt was balancing life as a teacher with a side hustle in drone photography—primarily in real estate. Fast forward to today, and he’s still finding his balance—only now, it’s while dangling from helicopters, capturing Michigan’s most iconic landscapes from above.

A Leap of Faith Leipprandt’s shift from teaching to full-time photography wasn’t a decision made lightly. Like so many, his life was upended by the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced him to juggle the demands of returning to the classroom while expanding his photography business. Soon, managing both became unsustainable. In a bold move, Leipprandt sold his house in Bad Axe, left his teaching job, and relocated to Traverse City to pursue photography full-time as Michigan Sky Media.

“It was daunting,” Leipprandt reflected. “Leaving a stable job with benefits to do something on my own wasn’t easy. But with my family’s support, I was dedicated to making it work.”

With hard work and perseverance, Leipprandt not only survived but thrived. His business expanded beyond real estate photography into landscapes and aerial shots of major sporting events. His now-famous “Dangle Series”—photographs captured while he’s suspended

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JANUARY 2025

“When I saw a Rose Bowl flyover photo from years ago, I knew I had to capture it for myself.” Leipprandt shared.

“There’s something special about the roar of a flyover—it’s exhilarating, and it brings together my love for service, sports, and photography.”

The Making of ‘MIconic’ Leipprandt’s dream of creating a professional coffee table book began with a homemade project. “My wife and I made our first book online, and we sold 100 copies,” he recalled.

“It was a fun project, but I knew I wanted to do something on a more professional level.”

This opportunity emerged after a Traverse City newspaper featured his Rose Bowl photo, leading to connections with a publisher. By February 2023, Leipprandt was working on “MIconic,” a book that took nine months to complete and was released this fall.

“MIconic” is structured regionally, beginning in Michigan’s Thumb, where Leipprandt’s photography journey started.

Each chapter includes one to two backstories, giving readers insight into the photos and the moments behind them. “I wanted the book to be engaging and interactive,” Leipprandt explained. “Those stories and connections have shaped my path.”

For Leipprandt, photography goes beyond capturing beautiful images. It’s about the people he meets and the stories tied to each shot. “It’s not always about the photo itself,” he said.

“It’s about how the moment happened, who you’re with, and the memories that come from those experiences.”

“It’s not always about the photo itself.

It’s about how the moment happened, who you’re with, and the memories that come from those experiences.”

To purchase “MIconic” and explore the captivating world of Tyler’s aerial photography, including exclusive behind-the-scenes insights, visit his website and connect through his social media platforms.

michiganskymedia.com

/michiganskymedia

/michiganskymedia

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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2024

Photo Contest

WINNERS Jan./Feb. Zeba Creek sunset, Nicole Gauthier

March/April Moon and Luna chilling, Kendra Komoroski

Jan./Feb. Kayaking Boston Pond, Keweenaw Peninsula, Kathleen Harter July/Aug. Lean on me, I’ve got you! Veterans Memorial in Marquette, Sherry Trepanier

Ontonagon REA awarded four members with a $50 bill credit for being selected in a random drawing of all photo contest entries that appeared in Michigan Country Lines in 2024.

Thank you to the many Ontonagon REA members who participated. Members are welcome to send in photos for our 2025 contest.

MI CO-OP Photo Contest

HISTORICAL TREASURES 1. A memory from the past. Sandy Menge 2. A n old truck watches over the Askel Cemetery near Otter Lake. Nathan Miller 3. Touring the historic Hanka Homestead during their Heritage Day celebration.

Nathan Miller

1

Enter to win a $50 energy bill credit!

2

Submit A Photo & Win A Bill Credit! Ontonagon REA members whose photos we print in Michigan Country Lines during 2025 will be entered in a drawing. Four lucky members will win a credit of $50 on their December 2025 energy bills!

Upcoming Topics and Deadlines: Sunrise to Sunset, due Jan. 25 (March/April issue) Michigan’s Farmlands, due March 25 (May/June issue) To submit photos, and for details and instructions, go to http://bit.ly/countrylines.

We look forward to seeing your best photos!

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MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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MI CO-OP Kitchen

SOUPS & STEWS The perfect comfort food.

WINNING RECIPE!

EASY CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP Chris McAfee, Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op

1 tablespoon olive or avocado oil 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped 1 (15-ounce) can whole kernel corn, undrained 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained 1 (15-ounce) can diced fire-roasted tomatoes, undrained 1 (4-ounce) can chopped green chiles 2 cups shredded, cooked chicken 2 cups chicken broth 1 (1- to 1.3-ounce) taco seasoning mix packet, mild or medium 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice Toppings: • shredded cheese of choice • sour cream, optional • corn chips, such as Fritos In a large skillet over medium heat, add the oil and onion. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, stirring, until onions are translucent. Add the corn, beans, tomatoes, green chiles, chicken, broth, taco seasoning, and cumin.

Stir well and bring heat to boiling. Turn heat to medium and cook for about 15 minutes to combine flavors, stirring occasionally.

Remove from heat, add lime juice, and stir.

Serve soup in bowls with desired toppings.

Serves 6. Can easily double recipe.

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

RECIPE CONTEST

Win a $100 energy bill credit!

Smoothies & Shakes, due Feb. 1; Mushrooms, due March 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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GRANDMA’S POTATO SOUP Deborah Lull, Midwest Energy 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 yellow or white onion, chopped 4 celery stalks, chopped 2 carrots, peeled and diced 6 Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed 4 cups chicken broth or stock 6 tablespoons butter 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour ¹⁄4 teaspoon salt ¹⁄4 teaspoon black pepper 1¹⁄2 cups milk 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup 1 cup cubed, cooked ham 5 green onions, chopped, optional

LOBSTER BISQUE Nancy Joldersma, Great Lakes Energy 6 tablespoons butter ¹⁄2 cup chopped mushrooms 4 tablespoons chopped onions 4 tablespoons chopped celery 4 tablespoons chopped carrots 1 tablespoon flour 1 (32-ounces) carton chicken or vegetable broth ¹⁄2 teaspoon salt ¹⁄2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 pound cooked lump lobster meat (or imitation lobster or crab), divided 3 cups half-and-half 1 cup dry white wine

SLOW COOKER BEEF STEW Ruth Armbrustmacher, HomeWorks Tri-County 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes ¹⁄4 cup flour ¹⁄2 teaspoon salt ¹⁄2 teaspoon black pepper ¹⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder 1 bay leaf 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 onion, chopped 1¹⁄2 cups beef broth 3 potatoes, peeled and diced 1 (10-ounce) bag frozen mixed vegetables 1 tablespoon cornstarch 2 tablespoons water

In a large skillet, add the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and carrots and stir. Sauté until onions are translucent, about 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook until potatoes are fork-tender, about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, in another medium skillet, melt the butter.

Whisk in the flour, salt, and pepper.

Gradually add the milk and stir constantly until it starts to thicken. Add the cream of chicken soup and ham. Stir until completely mixed. Once the potatoes are tender, transfer the thickened mixture to the vegetables. Stir and cook until completely heated. Ladle into bowls and top with chopped green onions.

Serve immediately.

Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add mushrooms, onions, celery, and carrots. Cook and stir until tender. Stir in flour. Stir in the broth, salt, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

Pour the vegetable and broth mixture into a blender or food processor with ¹⁄2 cup lobster meat. Cover and process until smooth. Return to saucepan and stir in half-and-half, white wine, and remaining lobster. Cook over low heat, stirring frequently until thickened, about 30 minutes. Garnish with lobster meat and fresh parsley.

Place beef in crockpot. In a small bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and black pepper. Pour over meat, and stir to coat.

Stir in the garlic powder, bay leaf, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, onion, beef broth, and potatoes. Cover and cook on low for 10–12 hours. Remove the bay leaf, add the frozen vegetables, and stir until warmed. Combine the cornstarch and water and add to stew to thicken. Serve.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 11

SOARING SUCCESS AWARD-WINNING PHOTOGRAPHY FROM STEVE JESSMORE

By Emily Haines Lloyd

When the world seemed to slow down in 2020, award-winning photographer and photojournalist Steve Jessmore found himself with more time to reflect and appreciate the beauty around him. Instead of focusing on the quiet, he turned his skilled and artful eyes to his surroundings, capturing moments that revealed the extraordinary in the everyday.

THE ASSIGNMENT Jessmore’s workload had declined significantly, but as luck would have it, one of the few assignments he did land led to a major shift for him.

He’d been hired to photograph people who had picked up outdoor activities during COVID. He was photographing kayakers, thinking he’d never been in a kayak himself.

It was Jessmore’s wife, Brenda, who sent him out on her own assignment.

“She told me to go out and create something every day,” said Jessmore.

“She said I had too much talent to just wait for the next job to come along.” He found himself buying his own kayak, getting up before dawn and floating down the Torch River with his camera.

He wasn’t entirely sure what he was on the hunt for, but he kept his eyes open.

A STORYTELLER AT HEART Jessmore’s journey as a photographer didn’t start with snapping shots of

12 JANUARY 2025

nature. Taking photos was a way for him to see bands when they came to town—offering local papers his images in exchange for free tickets. Eventually, he even got paid for his efforts and saw over 100 concerts by the time he finished college.

His hobby evolved into a career.

Working in photojournalism for 30 years, Jessmore’s camera became a tool for storytelling, capturing human experiences. “I’ve never liked to pose pictures,” said Jessmore. “I like to capture authentic moments, reactions, interactions. I like telling stories of people just doing things.”

LOOKING UP His approach to authentic photography was an asset as his focus turned to the sky and he began to notice the amazing birds in his little ecosystem.“I like to wait patiently and observe birds living their lives without disturbing them. It’s the same ethics I use with

photojournalism—you don’t contrive shots. You capture the story without making the story,” said Jessmore.

The transition from photographing people to birds presented its challenges. While photographing people often involved capturing moments of emotion, photographing birds demanded patience, precision, and anticipating their behavior.

FINDING HIS FLOCK Jessmore honed his craft, capturing breathtaking images that encapsulated the essence of birdlife. He posted photos on his Instagram account and was surprised by the response.

“People would send me notes saying these photos were a bright spot in their day or made them smile even with the heaviness of COVID,” he said. “It was clear that nature was having a real effect on people besides me.”

His photographer friends nudged him to try his hand at some competitions—

with a big one thrown down as a challenge. The prestigious National Audubon Society hosts an annual contest that showcases especially beautiful images of avian life. Jessmore’s friends told him there were over 10,000 entries each year, but to make it into the Top 100 would be a big deal.

That’s all Jessmore needed to hear. It was “game on.” He gathered several of his photos and submitted them to the contest. Then something unimaginable happened. With Jessmore’s first submission to the contest, he swept the Professional Division of the competition—winning first place and honorable mention.

“I like to wait patiently and observe birds living their lives without disturbing them. It’s the same ethics I use with photojournalism—you don’t contrive shots. You capture the story without making the story.”

Jessmore continued his journey of capturing “birds doing stuff” and the following year, his photo titled “Feeding Frenzy” won Audubon’s Fisher Prize for most creative approach to photographing birds. The image graced the cover of the magazine’s awards issue. In addition, he held gallery and art shows and was featured in publications such as The Smithsonian and Ducks Unlimited.

We’re now a few years past the apex of the pandemic, but Jessmore still goes out on his kayak with his camera. He visits and captures the beauty of the avian community that brought him more than a hobby—it showed him it’s never too late to spread your wings and fly.

Jessmore’s first-place Michigan Audubon photo, “Feather for Its Mate.”

stevejessmore.com

/sjessmore

@sjessmo

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 13

FROM THE U.P. TO THE WORLD

Pine Mountain’s FIS Continental Cup Journey Continues

By Emily Haines Lloyd

Nestled in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, far from the glitz of the Alps or the Rockies, lies Pine Mountain—a place where world-class athletes soar, and a small-town community comes together in a way that rivals the most famous ski venues.

As Iron Mountain gears up to host the 2025 Pine Mountain FIS Continental Cup Feb. 21–23, this rural Midwest town is proving once again that it doesn’t take global prestige to create an unforgettable event—just heart, dedication, and one heck of a tailgate.

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A PROUD HERITAGE:

Pine Mountain and the FIS Continental Cup Pine Mountain Ski Jump is widely regarded as one of the best ski jumping hills globally. You read that right—globally.

It is one of a handful of ski jumps in North America to host an FIS-accredited Continental Cup (formerly known as the International Ski Federation, but now called the International Ski & Snowboard Federation.) This event serves as a critical stepping stone for athletes looking to compete in the FIS World Cup and the Winter Olympics, drawing athletes from all over the world.

The Kiwanis Ski Club, a nonprofit organization founded in the 1930s, has nurtured this reputation and takes on the daunting task of organizing and executing this world-class event.

THE HEART AND SOUL:

Volunteers and Community Spirit What truly makes the FIS Continental Cup at Pine Mountain special, however, is the incredible effort of its volunteers.

The event might not have the glitzy infrastructure of more famous ski resorts, but it has something that’s arguably more valuable: a dedicated group of volunteers whose hard work and passion allow the event to match the professionalism of any other competition on the global stage.

A WORLD-CLASS EVENT:

Tailgating and Spectators In addition to the high-quality competition, Pine Mountain is home to one of the largest tailgating events in the Midwest.

Every year, approximately 10,000 spectators flock to the site, with tailgating spots selling out quickly. Some spots have been reserved by the same families for generations, creating a sense of continuity and tradition that can be felt the moment you enter the grounds. Tailgaters deck out their spaces with BBQ grills and flags from participating countries, providing an international and festive atmosphere that’s as much a part of the event as the ski jumping itself.

The Kiwanis Ski Club, with fewer than 100 active members, organizes and runs the event, supported by a larger network of community volunteers. These individuals handle everything, from shoveling steps and icing tracks to measuring the depth and pitch of the snow on the jump.

Volunteers brave harsh winter conditions to keep the event running smoothly and ensure that Pine Mountain Ski Jump meets the high standards set by the FIS, giving athletes the kind of professional experience they expect at any international competition.

“We have a wonderful history of ski jumping in our community,” said Freeman. “The way our volunteers show up and execute at the highest level is a testament to our spirit of volunteerism.”

This is not the Swiss Alps, but the Continental Cup at Pine Mountain stands shoulder to shoulder with other renowned events—in large part due to the communities who show up, give their all, and literally help athletes fly.

This unique combination of top-tier athleticism and community engagement makes Pine Mountain an unforgettable stop on the Continental Cup circuit, as well as a welcome contributor to the local economy, with local hotels, restaurants, and shops benefitting from the influx of visitors.

“The economic impact of this event is huge, bringing people from all over the country,” said Kiwanis Ski Club member and volunteer Daniel Freeman. “Iron Mountain and Kingsford are proud to host this event and share our piece of the U.P. with the world.”

“

The way our volunteers show up and execute at the highest level is a testament to our spirit of volunteerism.”

February 21–23, 2025 kiwanisskiclub.com /kiwanisskiclub MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 15

CRITICAL CONNECTIONS: HOW ELECTRICITY GETS TO YOU The electric grid is considered one of the most complex machines in the world, delivering the electricity we need for everyday life.

step 1 GENERATION

Power plants generate electricity using a variety of energy sources, like solar, natural gas, nuclear, and wind energy.

step 2 STEP-UP TRANSFORMER

A step-up transformer increases the voltage to push the electricity over long distances.

step 3 TRANSMISSION LINES High-voltage electricity travels over long distances through these lines.

step 5 DISTRIBUTION SUBSTATION

These substations lower the voltage again so the electricity is ready to travel on distribution lines.

Voltage is lowered at a transmission substation so electricity can travel across the local distribution system.

step 6 DISTRIBUTION LINES

Lower-voltage electricity travels through distribution lines, like the ones you typically see on the side of the road.

step 7 FINAL STOP

A transformer located on the ground or a utility pole reduces the voltage a final time, then electricity is sent inside your home, school, or business.

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step 4 TRANSMISSION SUBSTATION

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 can power four Tesla Supercharger V3s 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.

MI CO-OP Guest Column

Where In Michigan Is This?

A Family Quilt Mary Ellen Wynes, a HomeWorks Tri-County Cooperative member

A single mom and career woman years before it was common, my grandma never had time for hobbies. She retired in 1957 at age 70 and filled some suddenly empty hours cutting hundreds of small fabric circles to make a yo-yo quilt, a popular project with crafters that year.

MYSTERY PHOTO Win a $100 energy bill credit!

Identify the correct location of the photo above by Jan. 25 and be entered into a drawing to win a $100 electric bill credit. Enter your guess at countrylines.com/community.

Nov./Dec. 2024 WINNER! Our Mystery Photo winner is Joseph Crites, an Alger Delta Cooperative member who correctly identified the photo as the Mini Mac Bridge in St. Louis, Mich.

Winners are announced in the following issues of Country Lines: January, March, May, July/August, September, and November/December.

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Struck with the enormity of the task of basting the edge of each circle, then pulling the thread to gather it into a still smaller “yo-yo,” she soon elicited the assistance of everyone in the family. No one escaped! Shortly after being seated for a visit, guests were handed a piece with a prethreaded needle and instructed to “make a yo-yo.” When we needed “chips” for a poker game during a family vacation, she produced a wrinkled paper bag full of yo-yos, which worked well.

Years flew by, and the yo-yos were forgotten until my grandma passed at 99. When my mom discovered the battered bags, their contents as brightly vibrant as ever, they were no longer hundreds of individual circles, but they had been meticulously stitched together into diamond shapes.

They were given to me with the request, “Do something with Grandma’s yo-yos.”

Guided more by nostalgia than skill, I pieced that fabric of my life

together into a quilt, remembering as I stitched, the lives of others who were a part of its creation. The last Christmas before my mother’s death, my parents’ departure from our home after a visit was delayed by car trouble. Given this unexpected bonus day together, I asked if she would teach me how to embroider so that I could put the finishing touch on Grandma’s quilt. Together we completed the project by stitching on the border: “Created by Ruby B. MacLean 1952 and Mary Ellen Wynes 1993.”

GUEST COLUMN Win $200 for stories published!

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HAVE A WELL?

U SE US E I T TO SAV E T H O USAN D S O N YO UR H E ATI NG & CO O LLIN IN G CO STS YOUR

HEAT FOR AS LOW AS

COOL FOR AS LOW AS

ALL WINTER

ALL SUMMER

$600

$50

WHY WELL-CONNECT? Well-Connect is a clean energy solution for homeowners to drastically reduce the expense associated with burning traditional fossil fuels.

TWICE AS EFFICIENT

FAMILY OWNED

MICHIGAN MADE

AS AN AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMP

70° AIR

50° WATER

95° AIR

38° WATER

Hybrid Geothermal

It works with an existing furnace—it does not replace it—making it an affordable add-on solution.

EXISTING FURNACE

Financing, 30% tax credit, and rebates up to $2,000 available.

Geothermal Made Affordable

833-436-9355 wellconnectgeo.com

SCAN HERE TO LEARN MORE No Home Visit Required for a Free Estimate

Ontonagon County Rural Electrification Association /OntonagonCountyREA

ontonagon.coop

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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 Department 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.

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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.

Use power strips for multiple appliances, and turn off the main switch when you’re away from home.

Wash clothes in cold water, and use cold-water detergent whenever possible.

Replace incandescent light bulbs with LEDs, which use at least 75% less energy.