January 2025 Thumb

Thumb Electric Cooperative

January/February 2025

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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

A Partnership For Progress: TEC Joins Wolverine Power Apply Now For Student Youth Tour Save The Date— Annual Meeting June 7

WATERFURNACE UNITS QUALIFY FOR A 30% FEDERAL TAX CREDIT1

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

7 Series

Space Heater (high) 1,500 watts

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

CO-OP REBATE INCENTIVES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Reliable Renewable is a trademark of WaterFurnace International, Inc

visit us at waterfurnace.com/mi

1. ENERGY STAR rated units qualify for 30% through 2030 and 26% through 2032 and 22% through 2033 .

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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Stronger Together: THUMB ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE 2231 Main Street Ubly, MI 48475-0157 1-800-327-0166 or 989-658-8571 E-mail: tec@tecmi.coop

BOARD OF DIRECTORS HURON COUNTY Randall Dhyse, Treasurer District 1 • 989-658-6013 Craig Osentoski, Director District 2 • 989-658-6003 Erica Peruski, Director District 3 • 989-658-6004 SANILAC COUNTY Kim Nunn, Vice President District 1 • 989-658-6005 Mike Briolat, Secretary District 2 • 989-658-6006 Duane Kursinsky, Director District 3 • 989-658-6007 TUSCOLA COUNTY Louis Wenzlaff, Director District 1 • 989-658-6008 Jonathan Findlay, President District 2 • 989-658-6010 Matt Sommer, Director District 3 • 989-658-6012 Brad Essenmacher, General Manager Marketing and Communications: Mitch Hirn, CCC, mhirn@tecmi.coop

PAYMENT STATIONS Huron County Bad Axe—Northstar Bank Pigeon—Northstar Bank Tuscola County Akron—Northstar Bank Caro—Northstar Bank Mayville—Mayville State Bank Millington—Mayville State Bank Thumb Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

HURON

TUSCOLA

TEC Becomes a Member of Wolverine Power Cooperative

By Brad Essenmacher, General Manager

The new year marks a significant milestone in Thumb Electric Cooperative’s (TEC) history. As of Jan. 1, 2025, we are officially a member of Wolverine Power Cooperative (Wolverine). This announcement is the culmination of nearly two years of diligent planning, discussion, and collaboration

by TEC’s board of directors, leadership, and staff to ensure a secure and vibrant future for our cooperative and the members we serve.

Joining Wolverine aligns with the core values that define TEC as a cooperative.

Like TEC, Wolverine is a nonprofit cooperative, operating on the same principles that ensure our partnership is grounded in shared values and mutual trust. As a member-owner of Wolverine, TEC will have a seat at the Wolverine Board table, actively participating in governance and contributing to strategic decisions that will shape our collective energy future.

This partnership couldn’t have come at a better time. With the energy market evolving rapidly—driven by generation retirements and increasing commitments to renewable energy—Wolverine offers TEC the resources and expertise to meet these challenges head-on. One particularly exciting development is Wolverine’s agreement to purchase power from the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant once it restarts in 2025. Palisades represents a reliable, carbon-free energy source that will play a critical role in ensuring our power supply remains dependable, clean, and stable for decades to come.

Joining Wolverine is also the most financially sound decision for TEC and our members. By becoming part of Wolverine’s member-owner network, we gain access to their cost-effective power portfolio, ensuring we can keep rates competitive. Additionally, as a member-owner, TEC will share in the margins Wolverine generates, providing long-term financial benefits that directly support our cooperative and community.

I’m proud of the thoughtful work that has gone into this partnership. Joining Wolverine solidifies TEC’s position as a forward-looking, member-focused cooperative, committed to delivering the reliable and affordable energy our members expect.

We are stronger together. As part of Wolverine, we gain not only the power of shared resources but also the collective expertise of other like-minded cooperatives across Michigan. This partnership is more than just securing our energy future; it also opens new avenues for delivering even greater value to our members.

SANILAC

tecmi.coop

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JANUARY 2025

/thumbelectric

@thumbelectric

Powering the Future Together:

Wolverine Welcomes Thumb Electric

By Eric Baker, President & CEO, Wolverine Power Cooperative

I am excited to Welcome Thumb Electric Cooperative members to the Wolverine family. Wolverine is a wholesale electric cooperative that specializes in power generation and high-voltage transmission. We have been serving rural electric cooperatives in Michigan for over 70 years. Wolverine owns and operates seven power plants in Michigan and nearly 1,600 miles of highvoltage transmission. We buy and sell wholesale power in two multi-state markets and hold a portfolio of market-based contracts. Wolverine leads Michigan in renewable development and carbon-free resources and brings stability to an ever-increasing, volatile energy market. Thumb is joining Wolverine at the ideal time to

participate in Wolverine’s competitive asset mix through its ownership.

Thumb’s membership in Wolverine creates mutual advantage. Thumb is joining a community of Michigan Electric cooperatives, all dedicated to similar missions of service, reliability, and affordability. Together, we can better manage rapidly changing industry rules and regulations.

We can pool resources to solve difficult problems with a continued focus on the member. Wolverine and its members serve 70% of Michigan’s lower peninsula counties, and our collective voice is strong. We can lean on each other’s technical skills, experiences, and political relationships to get things done. It’s a privilege to begin serving Thumb Electric.

I am eager to work with Thumb’s management team and board, and I’m excited for the future we will share together.

A Powerful Partnership

Thumb Electric Cooperative

Cherryland Great Lakes HomeWorks MEC PIE&G TEC

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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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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This year’s Annual Meeting will again be held at the Octagon Barn near Gagetown. The meeting will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, with registration starting at 9 a.m. and the business meeting starting at 10 a.m.

You will be listening to updates on cooperative improvements, and the results of the director elections will be announced. As always, there will be entertainment for the kids with balloons, face painting, and more!

Save the date!

When the meeting concludes, lunch will be served and you will be able to enjoy the Octagon Barn sites and exhibits.

ANNUAL MEETING Saturday, June 7, 2025

June Mausolf September/ October

Dale Childs May/June

2024

Photo Contest

WINNERS

Joan Johnson March/April

Robert Daniels September/ October

TEC 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 TEC members who participated. Members are welcome to send in photos for our 2025 contest.

MI CO-OP Photo Contest

HISTORICAL TREASURES 1. M OST VOTES Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Kristi Niemiec 2. F ayette Historic State Park.

Robert Daniels 3. W hitefish Point Lighthouse.

Kristen Daniels

1 Enter for a chance to win a $50 energy bill credit!

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Enter Your Photos And Win A Bill Credit! Submit your best photo and encourage your friends to vote! The photo receiving the most votes will be printed in an issue of Country Lines along with some of our other favorites.

Upcoming Photo Topic and Deadline: Sunrise to Sunset, due Jan. 25 (March/April issue)

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To enter the contest, visit tecmi.coop/photo-contest.

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 December 2025 bill.

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

2025

Energy Waste Reduction Rebate Program

2025 Heating/ Air Conditioning Rebates

2025 Battery-Powered Equipment Rebates

Central Air Conditioning System (14 SEER+): $200

Battery-Powered Lawn Mowers: $100–$500

Air Source Heat Pump w/ Electric Furnace: $1,500

Battery-Powered Lawn Care Equipment: $25-$100

Air Source Heat Pump w/ Fossil Fuel: $1,000

Battery-Powered Power Washer: Up to $300

Mini-Split Heat Pump: $1,000

Battery-Powered Snow Blower: Up to $300

Ground Source Heat Pump (EER 17+): $2,000

Heat Pump Water Heater: $500

12 JANUARY 2025

Visit TEC’s website for more information at www.tecmi.coop/rebates.

No longer required to read your own meter?

Want to be environmentally friendly?

Would you like to save yourself and your co-op members money?

What a great time to go paperless!

Go Paperless And Win A

$20 BILL CREDIT

One Winner Will Be Chosen Each Month!

• All members enrolled in paperless billing are eligible.

• Sign up online at tecmi.coop or via SmartHub. • Winners will be announced on TEC’s Facebook page.

• Paperless members will receive an email or text letting them know their bill is available to view.

Annual Election Notice For TEC Members On June 7, 2025, Thumb Electric will hold its Annual Meeting and director election. Members served by the cooperative will have an opportunity to vote for board of director candidates in District 1—Huron, Sanilac, and Tuscola counties. Currently, those positions are held by Randall Dhyse, Kim Nunn, and Louis Wenzlaff.

If you are interested in running for a director position you can request a nominating petition form. Eligible members in good standing can have them printed and made available at Thumb Electric Cooperative’s main office. Information on qualifications and other requirements will be provided at that time. If you would like more information, please contact the co-op’s general manager, Brad Essenmacher, at 989-658-8571.

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.

14 JANUARY 2025

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

Notice To Members Of Thumb Electric Cooperative Tariff Changes Effective Feb. 1, 2025 The Thumb Electric Cooperative Board of Directors acted on and adopted revisions to the cooperative’s tariffs at a special open board meeting held on Nov 19, 2024.

RATE SCHEDULE

CURRENT RATE

APPROVED RATE

SERVICE CHARGE/METER

$28.00

$30.00

ENERGY CHARGE/KWH

$0.12720

$0.13500

SERVICE CHARGE/METER

$33.50

$35.50

ENERGY CHARGE/KWH

$0.14600

$0.15500

FARM & HOME SERVICE (1) (Rate D-4.00)

SEASONAL RESIDENTIAL SERVICE (2) (Rate D-6.00)

GENERAL SERVICE (3) (Rate D-8.00) SERVICE CHARGE/METER

$31.00

$33.00

ENERGY CHARGE/KWH

$0.12670

$0.13450

SERVICE CHARGE/METER

$36.00

$38.00

ENERGY CHARGE/KWH

$0.13980

$0.14950

DEMAND CHARGE/KW

$10.75

$11.00

ENERGY CHARGE/KWH

$0.08850

$0.09350

$0.07720

$0.09500

$0.08720

$0.09500

4 HOUR CREDIT/MONTH

-$3.00

-$2.50

6 HOUR CREDIT/MONTH

-$4.00

-$3.50

SEASONAL GENERAL SERVICE (4) (Rate D-7.00)

LARGE GENERAL SERVICE (5) (Rate D-10.00)

ENERGY STORAGE (6) (Rate D-16.00) ENERGY CHARGE/KWH INTERRUPTIBLE ELECTRIC HEAT (Rate D-15.00) ENERGY CHARGE/KWH CONTROLLED WATER HEATING (Rate D-13.00)

OUTDOOR PROTECTIVE LIGHTING SERVICE (Rate D-12.01) 40 W LED

$11.25

$12.00

175 W MV & 100 WHPS

$16.75

$18.00

400 W MV & 250 WHPS

$23.75

$25.00

$40.00

$45.00

ON-PEAK

$0.15250

$0.16250

INTERMEDIATE

$0.09250

$0.10250

OFF-PEAK

$0.07250

$0.08250

FARM AND HOME TIME-OF-DAY SERVICE (Rate D-5.00) SERVICE CHARGE/METER ENERGY CHARGE/KWH

Also approved were changes to the following tariffs: C-6.00, D-9.00, D-11.00, D-17.00, D-20.01, D-23.10, D-24.00, D-26.00, and D-27.00.

Please contact our office if you would like copies of any changes.

Notice To Members Of Data Privacy Policy The Thumb Electric Cooperative 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 in Part V of Thumb Electric’s Tariff Book, Sheet C-24.00, https://www.tecmi.coop/tecelectric-rate-book.

If you would like a hard copy of the Data Privacy Policy, call our office at 1-800-327-0166 or contact us at tecmi.coop/tec-contact-form.

16 JANUARY 2025

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.

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18 JANUARY 2025

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.”

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