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MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

Both of these devices create hot air, but which uses less power?

Space Heater (high) 1,500 watts

7 Series Geothermal Heat Pump 900 watts1

WaterFurnace—The smartest way to heat and cool your home. You may not realize it, but your home is sitting on a free and renewable supply of energy. A WaterFurnace geothermal heat pump taps into the stored solar energy in your yard to provide savings up to 70% on heating, cooling, and hot water. It uses less power than a typical space heater—and it won’t singe the hair on your legs. Geothermal is a smart investment in your family’s comfort. Contact your local WaterFurnace dealer today and find out how much you can save by switching to geothermal.

YOUR LOCAL WATERFURNACE DEALERS

Allendale

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

Berrien Springs

WaterFurnace Michiana (269) 473-5667 gogreenmichgeo thermal.com

Big Rapids

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

Filion/Bad Axe

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

Grand Rapids

Bel Aire Htg & Clg

1-888-235-2473 belaire.com

Hart

Adams Htg & Clg (231) 873-2665 adamsheatingcooling.com

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

Indian River

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

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

Michigan Center Comfort 1/Air Serv of Southern Michigan (517)764-1500 airserv.com/southernmichigan/

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

Portage

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

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

Sunfield

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

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

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

A lger Delta Electric: up to $2,000

C h erryland 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

P resque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op : up to $4,750

Thumb Electric: up to $2,000

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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.

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.

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

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

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.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Sandy Borowicz, Chairperson 5341 Carlson Rd., Cheboygan, MI 49721 231-627-9220 • Term Expires 2027

Daryl Peterson, Vice Chairperson P.O. Box 54, Hillman, MI 49746 989-742-3145 • Term Expires 2027

Sally Knopf, Secretary 1849 W. 638 Hwy., Rogers City, MI 49779 989-734-4196 • Term Expires 2027

Brentt Lucas, Treasurer 15841 Carr Rd., Posen, MI 49776 989-766-3678 • Term Expires 2025

John Brown 21 W. Devereaux Lake Rd., Indian River, MI 49749 231-625-2099 • Term Expires 2026

Kurt Krajniak 7630 Wallace Rd., Alpena, MI 49707 989-884-3037 • Term Expires 2025

Chris Nagel

3842 N. Mielke Way, Lewiston, MI 49756 616-240-8727 • Term Expires: 2026

Gerald Smigelski

5375 Long Lake Hwy, Posen, MI 49776 989-306-3750 • Term Expires 2026

Raymond Wozniak 6737 State St., Posen, MI 49776 989-766-2498 • Term Expires 2025

President & CEO: Allan Berg aberg@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.

Choosing a Word of the Year

By Allan Berg, President & CEO

Dear Members,

Instead of setting a New Year’s resolution or telling you about my goals, I want to share a word of the year. Choosing a word of the year is a way to stay focused on what we want to accomplish and how we want to feel this upcoming year. It is meant to be a guiding principle for making decisions and staying motivated in 2025.

That word is PROUD.

I want us all to be proud members and employees. We should be proud of being part of the cooperative model, which has democratic member control, member economic participation, and concern for the community.

If you reflect on our past as a cooperative over the last 87 years, there’s lots to be proud of, and this pride will be a beacon for 2025. We brought power and gas to citizens of rural and remote homes when other big companies would not. We continue to pave the way, bringing fiber internet to rural homes, and celebrating 6,000 fiber members is something to be proud of.

Like all organizations, we face challenges. Financial challenges include rising costs and a rigid labor market because we are remote and require many specialized skills. New technology must be adapted and implemented, with a shrinking electric supply and growing electric demand. Through it all, we have persevered and should be proud our financials are looking up. We’ve hired several new people, employing over 110 employees, and we are on track to be 100% carbon-free by 2040, bringing our members reliable and affordable electricity.

2025 will be a good year, and I am proud of where we’ve been, where we are today, and where we will go this year and into the future. This word, “proud,” will be my compass, reminding me daily that I want to make you, our members, and our employees proud. I want to be proud of the work I do for us all.

With pride and good intentions,

Allan Berg President & CEO

Notice to Members of Data Privacy Policy

The Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op Board of Directors has adopted a policy governing collection, use, and disclosure of member account information and usage data. If you would like a copy of the Data Privacy Policy, call our office at (800) 423-6634 or visit our website at pieg.com/electric-rates.

Director Election Results

Presque Isle Electric Gas Co-op (PIE&G) conducted its 87th annual meeting on Friday, Nov. 1, in Posen, Michigan. Board Chair John Brown states, “The annual meeting exemplifies cooperative principles in action. Cooperatives are democratic entities governed by their members, each possessing equal voting rights—one member, one vote. Cooperatives operate democratically.”

Every year, elections are conducted to fill three PIE&G Board of Directors positions. Following the tally of all votes, the successful candidates who secured election to three-year terms (2024–2027) are as follows: Sandra Borowicz (incumbent, Cheboygan District), Daryl Peterson (incumbent, Montmorency District), and Sally Knopf (incumbent, At Large). There was also a vacant seat in the Presque Isle District for a two-year term that was secured by Gerald Smigelski. The vote count for each candidate is listed to the right.

A proposed amendment to the bylaws related to the deadlines for the Nominating Committee selection, meeting date, and candidate deadline to turn in petitions was approved by a vote of 1,309 yes/112 no. Immediately following the meeting, the board of directors elected officers, yielding the following results: Chair—Sandra Borowicz; Vice Chair—Daryl Peterson; Secretary—Sally Knopf; and Treasurer—Brentt Lucas.

Adolph P. from Atlanta was awarded a $100 bill credit for casting his vote by mail. In addition, members were presented with reports from the cooperative’s chief financial officer, Randy Stempky, and the chief executive officer, Allan Berg.

Your Board In Action

At its most recent meeting, the PIE&G Board of Directors…

• Approved Resolution 2024-36 authorizing the CEO to execute documents to extend the Slipstream contract to Dec. 31, 2025.

• Approved Resolution 2024-38 acknowledging the retirement of Engineering & ROW Manager Andy Bischer after 33 years of service to the cooperative.

• Approved the 2025 Monthly Board of Directors Meeting Schedule.

• Reviewed Board Policies 108 and 105.

• Accepted Team Reports.

• Provided a summary of the 2024 Annual Meeting.

• Welcomed new Director Gerald Smigelski, representing the Presque Isle District.

• Approved Resolution 2024-42 Bank Signatory Resolution, authorizing bank signatories.

• Reviewed Board Policies 102 and 115.

• Accepted Team Reports.

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 ﬁ nding 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

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 ﬂ yovers 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.

“When I saw a Rose Bowl ﬂ yover photo from years ago, I knew I had to capture it for myself.” Leipprandt shared. “There’s something special about the roar of a ﬂ yover—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 ﬁ rst 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.”

PIE&G residential and commercial members can start off the new year by saving energy and money. Our Energy Optimization program offers more than 140 rebates for energy-efficient upgrades at your home or business!

Residential Rebates

Save energy without sacrificing comfort in the new year when you make effi cient upgrades in your home. The Energy Optimization rebates listed below are just a few of those offered in 2025. Visit pieg.com/eo for a full list of rebate amounts, requirements, and applications.

Business & Agribusiness Rebates

A more effi cient business is a smarter business. The Energy Optimization program allows business owners to access savings and resources to improve energy e ffi ciency (and your bottom line!). Below are just a few of the rebates available to our commercial members. Visit pieg.com/eo for all 2025 rebate amounts and applications.

$300

Heat Pump Water Heater $700 New Electric Vehicle $1,500

Wi-Fi-enabled Thermostat $50 Level 2 EV Charging Station $600

Incandescent, Halogen, and CFL Replacements

Low-Energy Livestock Waterer or Fountain

Signage Lighting High-Volume, Low-Speed Fans (HVLS)

Exterior Occupancy Sensor with Daylight Sensor Farm Energy Audit

CUSTOM

For projects that may not fit into the standard prescriptive measures, custom rebates are available for the installation of unique energyefficient equipment at your business.

HISTORICAL TREASURES

1. MOST VOTES First visit to Fort Michilimackinac. Diane Tenbusch

2. Beautiful historical cars at the 2024 St. Ignace Car Show! Donald Wilton

3. 40 Mile Point Lighthouse. Shannon Labudde

4. Remains from the original lighthouse in Cheboygan State Park. Jan Hanbah

5. The famous leaning barn on M-32 with beautiful northern lights. Brenda Beck

6. Onaway Courthouse— now a library and museum. Judy Stevens

7. Onaway 125th commemorative coin. Roxann Dean

8. Cheboygan lighthouse. Susan Radka

9. My mother’s 1945 autograph book. Julie Stacks

10. Our very own Pure Michigan liberty flame. Edward Kania

Enter to win a $50 energy bill credit!

Submit your Sunrise to Sunset photos by Jan. 25 for the March 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 2025, you will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of four $50 credits on your January 2026 bill.

SOUPS & STEWS

EASY CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP

Chris McAfee, Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op

1 tablespoon olive or avocado oil

1 medium yellow onion, ﬁ nely 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 fl avors, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, add lime juice, and stir. Serve soup in bowls with desired toppings. Serves 6. Can easily double recipe.

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

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.

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

Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add mushrooms, onions, celery, and carrots. Cook and stir until tender. Stir in fl our. 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.

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

Place beef in crockpot. In a small bowl, mix together the fl our, 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.

Scholarships For Graduating Seniors

Applications due by March 1, 2025

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 awards are $1,000 and payable upon successfully completing the fall semester.

Four other scholarships are available:

$1,000 Nathan W Douglas Mechanical/Vocational Scholarship

$1,000 Murville & Caroline Douglas Musical Scholarship

$500 A.B. Travis Scholarship

$750 Peterson Vocational Scholarship

Eligibility requirements and applications are available online at pieg.com or by contacting PIE&G at 1-800-423-6634 and selecting extension 1011. Completed applications with all supporting documentation must be received by 4:30 p.m. on March 1, 2025. Scholarships will be awarded by April 1.

Hassle-Free Payments

Set up on-time, every-time automatic credit card payments for peace of mind. It’s free and secure and ensures your payment is made on time. Choose any of these options to set this up today:

• Online at pieg.com/payment-options.

• The free SmartHub app is available on Google Play or the Apple Store.

• Via our automated phone system at 866-999-4571.

• In person at our office located at 3149 Main Street, Onaway, MI 49765.

WhatIs1MW?

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: 500MW to1.5 GW

1 MW is 1 million watts of power.

School

0.5 MW will power a medium-sized public school.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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 ﬂ y.

Five Ways to Safeguard Your Home This Winter

As the temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, there’s a natural inclination to create a warm and cozy haven at home. Unfortunately, as we see increased use of heating equipment, candles, and electrical items, the number of home fires tends to increase during winter months.

Here are five ways you can safeguard your home for the winter season.

1. Ensure carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are working properly. If your detectors are battery-operated, replace the batteries annually. Test the detectors once a month and give them a good dusting to ensure the sensors are clear of dirt and debris.

2. Inspect electrical cords. We depend on more cords during winter, whether for holiday lighting, extension cords, or portable heaters. Before using any corded items, double-check to make sure cords aren’t frayed or cracked. If you use portable space heaters, remember to keep them at least three feet away from flammable items. Use models that include an auto shut-off feature

and overheat protection. Space heaters can take a toll on your energy bills. Use them efficiently (to heat smaller spaces) and safely. Never plug a space heater into a power strip. Speaking of power strips…

3. Avoid overloading electrical outlets and power strips. When overloaded with electrical items, outlets and power strips can overheat and catch fire. If you use power strips for multiple devices, make sure the strip can handle the electrical load. For a safer bet, look for power strips that include surge protection.

4. Clean the fireplace to improve safety and efficiency. There’s nothing better than a warm fire on a chilly night, but it’s important to maintain your fireplace for safety. As wood burns, a sticky substance known as creosote builds up in the chimney. When creosote buildup becomes too thick, a chimney fire can ignite. The chimney should be cleaned at least once a year to reduce fire risks. Regular cleaning also improves airflow and limits the amount of carbon monoxide that seeps indoors.

5. Practice safety in the kitchen. Be mindful of potential fire hazards as we spend more time in the kitchen during the holiday season. Never leave food that’s cooking on the stovetop unattended. Clean and remove spilled foods from cooking surfaces, and be mindful of where you place flammable items like dish towels.

Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op wants you and your family to stay safe during the winter season. Visit pieg.com for additional safety tips.

• An all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., paid for by Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op.

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

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

H OW TO APPLY

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

• You and your parents, guardian, or grandparents must be served by Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op.

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

• Application deadline is Jan. 27, 2025. W

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.

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 ﬂ ew 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 ﬁ nishing 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.”

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