July/Aug. 2022 PIE&G

July/August 2022

MICHIGAN

COUNTRY LINES Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op

IT’S A WILD RIDE At Traverse City Horse Shows

PIE&G Congratulates New Linemen

Co-op AMI & Fiber Updates

WATERFURNACE UNITS QUALIFY FOR A 26% FEDERAL TAX CREDIT THROUGH 2022

Saving is believing.

Think you can’t afford a geothermal heat pump?

After a closer look, you may be surprised at its overall affordability.

Tax rebates can quickly bring down the initial costs of purchase and installation. And a geothermal heat pump is much cheaper to run than the most efficient furnaces and air conditioners. In fact, your energy bills can be cut by as much as 70%. As a result, many geothermal homeowners see a return on investment of 10-20% over the life of their system.

When you crunch the numbers, you’ll see WaterFurnace is the money-saving choice. To learn more, contact your local WaterFurnace dealer today.

Geothermal is the only renewable that provides reliable operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

YOUR LOCAL WATERFURNACE DEALERS Mancelona Top Notch Htg, Clg, & Geothermal (231) 350-8052 Topnotchheatandair.com

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

Clifford Orton Refrig & Htg (989) 761-7691 sanduskygeothermal.com

Bad Axe/Ubly Cutting Edge Htg & Clg (989) 551-0986

Hart Adams Htg & Clg (231) 873-2665 adamsheating cooling.com

Berrien Springs Waterfurnace Michiana (269) 473-5667 gogreenmichgeo thermal.com Big Rapids Stratz Htg & Clg, Inc. (231) 796-3717 stratzgeocomfort.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 Muskegon Adams Htg & Clg (231) 873-2665 adamsheatingcooling.com

visit us at waterfurnace.com

Portland ESI Htg & Clg (517) 647-6906 esiheating.com Sunfield Mark Woodman Plmb & Htg (517) 886-1138 mwphonline.com Traverse City D&W Mechanical (231) 941-1251 dwmechanical.com Geofurnace Htg & Clg (231) 943-1000 geofurnace.com

*26% through 2022 and 22% through 2023 The Reliable Renewable is a trademark of WaterFurnace International, Inc. ©2022 WaterFurnace International, Inc.

Contents

July/August 2022 Vol. 42, No. 7

/michigancountrylines

countrylines.com

/michigancountrylines

Michigan’s Electric Cooperatives

EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Casey Clark EDITOR: Christine Dorr

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Karreen Bird

RECIPE EDITOR: Christin McKamey COPY EDITOR: Yvette Pecha CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Emily Haines Lloyd

PUBLISHER: Michigan Electric Cooperative Association Michigan Country Lines, USPS-591-710, 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: Robert Kran, Great Lakes Energy, chairman; Tony Anderson, Cherryland Electric Cooperative, vice chairman; Eric Baker, Wolverine Power 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

6 THE CALL OF THE WILD The owners of GarLyn Zoo Wildlife Park have been sharing their “family members” with their community for almost 30 years.

10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN Potatoes: Side dishes so good, they’ll steal the show.

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.

Summer cruising in downtown Marquette. @kaushik0805 (Kaushik Sur)

18 GUEST COLUMN For one GLE member, every bite of a Michigan strawberry evokes a favorite childhood memory.

Be featured!

Use #micoopcommunity for a chance to be featured here and on our Instagram account.

MI CO-OP COMMUNITY To enter contests, submit reader content & more, visit countrylines.com/community

RECIPE CONTEST CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Please

#micoopcommunity

14 IT’S A WILD RIDE Summertime events at Flintfields Horse Park lure competitors from around the world.

Win a $50 bill credit!

Up Next: Baked Goods, due Aug. 1 Holiday Side Dishes, due Sept. 1 Submit your recipe at micoopkitchen.com, or send it via email (include your full name and co-op) to recipes@countrylines.com.

GUEST COLUMN Win $150 for stories published!

Submit your fondest memories and stories at countrylines.com/community.

MYSTERY PHOTO Win a $50 bill credit!

Enter a drawing to identify the correct location of the photo.

See page 18.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

3

pieg.com

Summer’s Here!

/PIEGCooperative/

Tom Sobeck, President & CEO

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Charles Arbour 23899 M32 S, Hillman MI 49746 989-657-4358 • Term Expires: 2023 Allan Berg, Chairman 8400 Lost Lake Rd., Hawks, MI 49743 989-734-0044 • Term Expires 2023 Sandy Borowicz, Secretary 5341 Carlson Rd.,Cheboygan, MI 49721 231-627-9220 • Term Expires 2024 John Brown, Vice-Chairman 21 W. Devereaux Lake Rd., Indian River, MI 49749 231-625-2099 • Term Expires 2023 Sally Knopf 1849 W. 638 Hwy., Rogers City, MI 49779 989-734-4196 • Term Expires 2024 Kurt Krajniak 7630 Wallace Rd., Alpena, MI 49707 989-884-3037 • Term Expires 2022 Brentt Lucas 15841 Carr Rd., Posen, MI 49776 989-766-3678 • Term Expires 2022 Daryl Peterson, Treasurer P.O. Box 54, Hillman, MI 49746 989-742-3145 • Term Expires 2024 Raymond Wozniak 6737 State St., Posen, MI 49776 989-766-2498 • Term Expires 2022 President & CEO: Thomas J. Sobeck tsobeck@pieg.com Communications Director/Co-op Editor: Mairè Chagnon-Hazelman 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.

W

e’re enjoying warmer temperatures. As we welcome summer back, we’re busy with outdoor projects, tending our gardens, preparing for graduation parties and reunions, and activities at the lake or on the road. After the long, cold winter, this is always an exciting time of year for Michiganders. Last month, PIE&G delivered Communities First Fund scholarship awards to several high school graduates (17 seniors, in fact). We’re proud of these young men and women as they contemplate the next steps in their lives. For them, it is certainly a time of exhilaration and anxiety over the unknown. Planning for the future can be both exciting and frightening.

The same holds true for us at your cooperative. We’ve undertaken three big projects over the last several years (construction of a new headquarters, Advanced Metering, and a new fiber project) during unexpected, equally daunting world events. The COVID-19 pandemic created worry, hardships, and significant changes for us in our daily lives. Two and a half years later, just when things seemed to be calming down somewhat, significant geopolitical events around the world and at home have occurred, creating new and different challenges— from rising prices in all sectors and economic uncertainty to war. As much as I would like to say that none of these events affected us here in our little corner of the world, we all know that’s just not the case. Inflation hits us just like it does the rest of the world. We face the same challenges of managing costs to operate the cooperative that you face trying to manage costs

to operate your businesses and maintain your households. No one is isolated from inflation. My message to you is simple. I can assure you we are keenly aware of the impact that our rising costs have on your lives. The PIE&G board and staff are committed to maintaining as much control over those costs as we can.

Still, we must also continue to conduct business. That includes annual repair, maintenance, and rehabilitation of our electric distribution system to ensure the reliability of service and mitigate weather-related outage restoration costs. Likewise, we’ll plan to extend our natural gas infrastructure when and where it makes economic sense to do so, bringing a much-desired fuel source to northeastern Michigan households and reducing their overall heating costs. We will also continue to build our fiber-to-the-home network, doing our best to make our region attractive for businesses and families.

Although the future is unknown, we remain focused on our mission: To provide energy and other services to sustain and improve the quality of life for our members. We will work diligently on behalf of our members and the citizens of northeast Michigan to be regarded as a trusted energy and community partner.

As we begin the summertime months in northern Michigan, I encourage you to enjoy all of Michigan’s abundant outdoor activities. Get outside and enjoy our summer weather while it’s here and know that your cooperative is doing everything in its power to keep the lights on and your costs as low as we can.

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

“ Although the future is unknown, we remain focused on our mission: To provide energy and other services to sustain and improve the quality of life for our members.”

4 JULY/AUGUST 2022

PIE&G’s Advanced Metering And Fiber Updates P IE&G continues to implement technology improvements with its Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project.

Employees and contractors have been working since April. PIE&G has installed approximately eleven 100foot towers (manufactured for PIE&G

by Moran Iron Works of Onaway) in strategic areas. Equipment mounted high on the towers will help PIE&G collect meter readings, detect outages for faster restorations, and identify potential power quality issues for maintenance. So far, PIE&G has installed approximately 20,000 advanced meters (almost two-thirds of its electric system), PIE&G’s AMI system will provide members with the most advanced, secure, and reliable technology available.

On the fiber front, PIE&G has connected 20 services in its pilot program to test the network and related systems. Construction of the network began in the Onaway area

last fall. Members are encouraged to submit their interest in receiving fiber service at www.piegconnect.com.

As soon as the business and support processes have been thoroughly tested, the PIE&G Member Services Team will contact members who have submitted interest to arrange for installation of internet service.

Together these projects will allow PIE&G to provide members with modern, enhanced services. The new building headquarters and AMI projects are expected to add efficiencies to daily operations, and AMI will improve reliability. Access to high-speed internet has become a staple in everyday life and we view it to be as essential as our electricity and natural gas service.

Watch for updates at pieg.com, on Facebook, or in Spotlight and Country Lines.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

5

THE CALL

OF THE

WILD

By Emily Haines Lloyd

6

JULY/AUGUST 2022

W

hen you are exploring the Upper Peninsula, whether in vacation mode or simply tooling around your hometown, there is a sense that the “wild” is a real and beautiful part of the lifestyle up there.

When Gary and Lynn Moore, both natives of lower Michigan, decided to move to the U.P., this was certainly part of the draw. While the two had been visiting for years before they relocated, they weren’t entirely sure what they were going to do once they settled in.

“We love the outdoors and love the pace up here,” said Gary Moore, owner of GarLyn Zoo Wildlife Park.

“And we’ve always loved and owned animals, even weirder ones like potbelly pigs, pygmy goats, and peacocks, and we just decided—let’s open a zoo.”

In the spring of 1994, with that love of the outdoors and animals in mind, the Moores bought 33 acres of land along U.S. 2 for their then-imagined zoo.

They opened in the summer, with just a handful of animals to attract visitors.

While things started slowly, the Moores started mapping out fenced-in areas and building giant habitat structures for their bigger animals. The zoo seemed to melt into the surrounding federal and state forests with towering red and white pines, birch, maple forests on all sides, and beautifully cedar-mulched trails. Now, a wide variety of animal habitats cover about 10 acres of the Moores’ property.

“We build with what we have, when we need it,” said Gary. “But most importantly, we try to keep the animals in comfortable and as natural of a setting as we can.”

These natural settings house everything from pet-worthy goats, llamas, and potbelly pigs to exotic binturong and lemur to big majestic cats like the African lions, cougars, and snow leopards.

Many of the animals have been rescues or were facing displacement.

And the Moores, including their daughter Mary, who currently oversees operations and is preparing to take over when her parents decide to retire, have always tried to take in animals in need of a home. The zoo’s first bear, Millie, was brought to them as a cub and had really connected with Mary. So connected that Millie would wail when Mary left her sight. The solution was a buddy for Millie, who came in the unlikely package of King, a dog the Moores were introduced to at the local animal shelter, who wasn’t having any luck finding a home of his own. Once Millie and King met, they were best friends from there. They’ve let another bear, Hutch, into their circle, and visitors delight in watching them play together, often calling it the highlight of their visit.

Wishing you could be at GarLyn Zoo Wildlife Park right now?

While the zoo is only open from May 1 through the end of October (depending on that finicky U.P. weather), the zoo’s Facebook page is updated frequently with amazing videos (like bears taking baths and snow leopards playing hide ‘n seek) of the animals year-round. Prepare for an overdose of cuteness with their ”Tongues Out Tuesdays,” where the animals are sticking out their tongues and give you every reason to say “awwwww….”

GarLyn Zoo Wildlife Park has so many great stories about their animals, and the staff speaks about the animals as if they’re members of their family. As the Moores head into their 29th year of the zoo’s opening, Gary is reminded that it has always been worth it, while it’s not always been easy.

“We love these animals, and we love sharing them with the folks who visit us,” said Gary. “Plus, we’ve always been too stubborn to give up.”

Sounds like a true Yooper, indeed.

garlynzoo.com /garlynzoo

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

7

Out With The Old; Spring For The New t’s time to start planning that summer yard sale you’ve been talking about, which means numerous trips to the basement and garage to sort through boxes of clothes, dishes, and paperback books. While you ponder over those old bowling trophies, take a closer look at the “extra” refrigerator in the corner. It’s been great for storing the overflow of soda cans, water bottles, and holiday leftovers over the years, but if it’s older than 15 years, it may be costing you more than $300 per year to run it!

I

Money in your pocket Ready to save? Recycle your old refrigerator (no, not at the yard sale). Schedule a free pickup for your outdated, functioning appliances and earn some cool cash incentives from the Energy Optimization program.

Qualifying Appliances

Recycle Incentive

Refrigerator (Full-size, 10 cubic feet or larger)

$25

Chest Freezer (10 cubic feet or larger)

$25

Cold, hard facts

Window Air Conditioner (ride-along item)

$25

• More than 60 million refrigerators and refrigeratorfreezers in the U.S. are over 10 years old, costing consumers $4.4 billion a year in energy costs.

Dehumidifier (ride-along item)

$25

• An older refrigerator uses twice as much energy as a new ENERGY STAR® refrigerator.

Replacing your appliances with a new, efficient ENERGY STAR appliance may also qualify you for additional incentives.

• Recycling old refrigerators prevents refrigerants and foam from entering the environment, preventing 10,000 pounds of carbon pollution.

Check out additional energy-saving opportunities through Presque Isle’s Energy Optimization program by visiting pieg.com/eo or call 877-296-4319.

An outdated refrigerator uses nearly twice as much energy as a new ENERGY STAR® certified model.

Recycle it & earn cash incentives!  Refrigerator: $25 rebate  Chest Freezer: $25 rebate  Window Air Conditioner: $25 rebate (ride-along item)  $25 rebate (ride-along item)

Time to upgrade?

SCHEDULE A FREE PICKUP CALL: 877.296.4319

INCENTIVES AVAILABLE FOR NEW APPLIANCES! VISIT: pieg.com/eo

Presque Isle Energy Optimization programs and incentives are applicable to Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op electric service locations only. Incentive applies to qualified items purchased and installed between Jan. 1, 2022 and Dec. 31, 2022. Other restrictions may apply. For complete program details, visit pieg.com.

PHOTO CONTEST

Ice Cream 1. Hot fudge sundae, with Sanders hot fudge of course! Debbi Glossop 2. Superman ice cream for a super little girl! Ken Rossman 3. Bella the beagle loves ice cream! Sandra Spiegel 4. Sweet treat! Megan Hagadone 5. Elizabeth and Nana. Debra Peterson 6. Enjoying a slab of ice cream off a plate. Who needs a spoon? Amie Coloff 7. Friends and ice cream at Lakeside Park, Rogers City. Amie Coloff

MOST VOTES!

3

1

2

6

4 Enter to win up to a

$50

energy bill credit!

5

7

Submit Your “Feathers” Photos By July 20!

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.

Our June theme is Feathers. Photos can be submitted through July 20 to be featured in our October issue.

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 2022, you will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of four $50 credits on your January 2023 bill.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

9

MI CO-OP Recipes

Photos by Robert Bruce Photography || Recipes Submitted by MCL Readers and Tested by Recipe Editor Christin McKamey

POTATOES

Side dishes so good, they’ll steal the show.

WINNING RECIPE! DELICIOUS CREAMY POTATOES Ralph Kridner, Great Lakes Energy

1.5 pounds Yukon Gold Potatoes, cut into 1-inch round, thick slices 3 tablespoons butter, melted ½ teaspoon dried thyme ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary ¼ teaspoon ancho chili powder ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika ¹⁄ 8 teaspoon granulated garlic ½ teaspoon + ¹⁄ 8 teaspoon salt, divided ¼ teaspoon black pepper ½ cup chicken broth 2 garlic cloves, crushed 1 tablespoon parsley Cheese Sauce (optional): 2 teaspoons unsalted butter 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour ½ cup whole milk ¹⁄ 8 teaspoon salt ¹⁄ 8 teaspoon black pepper ¹⁄ 8 teaspoon smoked paprika 1–2 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

RECIPE CONTEST Win a

Baked Goods due Aug. 1 • Holiday Side Dishes due Sept. 1

energy bill credit!

Submit your favorite recipe for a chance to win a $50 bill credit and have your recipe featured in Country Lines with a photo and a video. Submit your recipe at micoopkitchen.com, or send it via email (include your full name and co-op) to recipes@countrylines.com.

$50

10 JULY/AUGUST 2022

Adjust rack to upper middle and preheat oven to 475 F. Lightly coat a rimmed baking sheet with olive oil (baking dish should be just big enough for your potatoes to fit in). In a medium bowl, add the melted butter, thyme, rosemary, ancho chili powder, smoked paprika, granulated garlic, ½ teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Toss potatoes in butter mixture until coated, and arrange potatoes in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast potatoes for 14 minutes. Carefully remove the baking sheet and flip potatoes over, then roast for another 14 minutes. Remove potatoes from oven; flip them again. Add the broth and garlic to the pan and return to oven. Roast for 10–15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender. Sprinkle with remaining ¹⁄ 8 teaspoon salt and parsley. To make the optional cheese sauce, add butter to a pan and heat until it is foamy. Add flour and whisk it with the butter. Add milk and bring almost to a boil; reduce heat to low and simmer for 2 minutes or until slightly thickened, stirring constantly. Add salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cheddar cheese, and stir until melted.

Serve over potatoes. Serves 3. Total time to make: 1 hour 15 minutes.

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

FABULOUS FRIED MASHED POTATO BALLS Deb Finedell, Great Lakes Energy

• oil, for frying 4 cups mashed potatoes (leftover or premade, or store-bought can be used) 3 ounces cream cheese, softened 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped 3 eggs, beaten, divided ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese ½ teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper 1 cup breadcrumbs 1 cup flour Fill a large, deep pot halfway with oil. Heat over medium heat until it reaches 350 F. While the oil is heating, mix together the

mashed potatoes, cream cheese, chives, one egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Roll potato mixture into balls about the size of a golf ball and set aside. In three bowls, set out the breadcrumbs, flour, and the remaining 2 eggs beaten with a tablespoon of water.

Dip each ball into the flour first, shaking off the excess, then into the beaten egg, letting the excess drip off, and lastly into the breadcrumbs. When oil reaches about 350 F, fry the balls in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot as you fry.

Fry for 3–4 minutes until golden brown, and transfer to paper towels. While still warm, top with salt and Parmesan cheese.

Serve immediately. Enjoy!

DAVE’S MOM’S CHEESY HASH BROWN CASSEROLE Becky Elliott, Cherryland

2 pounds frozen hash brown potatoes (thaw for 45 minutes first) 1 cup diced onions 1 can cream of chicken soup 1 pound carton sour cream 1 stick melted butter 8 ounces grated cheddar cheese

1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon black pepper • potato chips Preheat oven to 375 F. Put all ingredients in a bowl and mix. Place in greased 9x13 glass dish and cover with crushed potato chips. Bake for 1 hour. Enjoy!

BACON AND GORGONZOLA POTATO SALAD Lauren Tougas, Cherryland

¾ pound cooked and crumbled bacon, reserve some to garnish on top 5 pounds Yukon or red skin potatoes 2½ cups mayonnaise, divided 2 cups crumbled Gorgonzola cheese 1 cup chopped green onion Cook bacon and let cool so you can crumble up into smaller pieces (or use pre-

cooked bacon crumbles). Cook potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and then simmer, covered, 20–25 minutes or until tender. Drain and cool potatoes.

Cut into bite-sized pieces and mix with 2 cups mayonnaise. Mix bacon, cheese, and chopped green onion with remaining ½ cup mayonnaise. Add to potato mixture by gently combining so potatoes don’t fall apart. May add salt and pepper to taste.

Top with bacon crumbles and chill before serving. Makes about 14 servings.

PARMESAN POTATOES AU GRATIN Elizabeth Knapp, Great Lakes Energy 3 • • 1

pounds Yukon Gold potatoes salt and pepper minced garlic pound grated Parmesan cheese (from a wedge, not a shaker) 2 cups heavy cream Preheat oven to 350 F. Slice potatoes to make ¹⁄ 8” rounds and submerge in a bowl

of cold water while slicing. Butter a large casserole dish (or use 2 casserole dishes; it freezes well). Layer potatoes on bottom and sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic, and cheese. Repeat layers until potatoes are gone. Pour heavy cream over all and cover with foil. Bake for an hour. Remove foil and bake 10 minutes more or until top is browned.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

11

PIE&G’s newest journeyman-level linemen (L–R),

Jason Tribisondi, Stan Chaskey—Director of Electric Operations, and Ken Wirgau

PIE&G Recognizes Two New Apprentice Linemen Graduates P

IE&G’s director of electric operations, Stan Chaskey, had the privilege of shaking hands with two apprentice linemen who recently graduated from the Joint Michigan Apprentice Program (JMAP) in Cadillac. To ensure that the cooperative has sufficient qualified linemen on staff now and in the future, PIE&G has been actively building the ranks of its electric linemen at the co-op. Stan and his team carefully review the resumés of applicants who aspire to the trade. One of the most important priorities is that prospective candidates can demonstrate a solid work ethic by having worked on a farm or during previous employment where similar physicallabor skills were necessary. It’s also a plus if the applicant possesses a Commercial Driver’s License (or CDL) and has any college-level electric lineworker certificates or applicable education.

After hire, these new employees start as electric groundmen. They must prove that they have the right stuff to become an apprentice. Stan trusts the seasoned journeymen at PIE&G with the task of evaluating these groundmen during the initial months after hire to determine which are the best candidates to enter into

12 JULY/AUGUST 2022

the apprentice program. The co-op makes a significant investment of resources in these employees, and each year several are chosen to begin their training in a four-year journeyman-level lineman program.

Five consecutive days of classes from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday–Friday, are held each spring and fall over four years at JMAP in Cadillac. In addition, each apprentice must attain 7,000 hours of on-the-job training to supplement the related classroom instruction. During the rest of the year, between classroom sessions, these apprentices receive that hands-on training at PIE&G by working under the direct supervision of other journeyman lineworkers.

Wolverine Power Cooperative, in partnership with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 876, and the Northwest Lineman College (NLC), developed an industry-leading educational institution that provides preapprentice, apprentice, and journeyman-level training for hundreds of companies throughout the United States and internationally. Graduates of NLC are highly regarded in the power delivery industry.

NLC provides all related material—including instructional materials, classroom, lab/field competencies, and curriculum—to its students.

Over the next four years, the apprentices learn the following duties: YEAR 1: Climbing Rigging YEAR 2: P rotective Grounding (OH & UG) and Transformer Banking YEAR 3: Hot Line YEAR 4: Smart Grid Electrical Devices, Journeyman Excellence RESCUE: Pole-Top Rescue, Tower Rescue, Enclosed Space Attendant

Satisfactory completion of the JMAP results in a Utility Worker Ticket from the Department of Labor. A graduate is then eligible to receive a “B” ticket from IBEW, Local 876, and may be eligible to receive “Journeyman A” status via testing administered by their local union.

Ken Wirgau, from Rogers City, was hired at PIE&G in 2016 and worked for two years as a natural gas technician. In 2018, he transferred into electric operations as an electric groundman. Jason Tribisondi, from Onaway, was hired at PIE&G in 2018 as an electric groundman.

Both gentlemen worked under the supervision of a journeyman-level lineman, learning the ropes for the last four years while attending JMAP.

PIE&G appreciates all the hard work and dedication these young men have devoted to achieving their success. Congratulations, Ken and Jason!

The 2022 graduating class from the Joint Michigan Apprentice Program.

There were 21 graduates from 14 Michigan utilities represented.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 13

IT’S A WILD RIDE W

At Traverse City Horse Shows

By Emily Haines Lloyd

hen you think about horse competitions like hunting, jumping, and equitation, it conjures up images of primly dressed riders in their velvet riding caps, tailored jackets, and riding boots who exude an air of control and composure. It’s easy to forget that the other part of the team is a wild animal—one that has been trained and coached, but at the same time, has a will and disposition that is completely its own.

of equestrian sports)—with its jumper, hunter, and equitation competitions, really livens things up. This event brings world-class athletes to Traverse City to participate in everything from youth championships to Olympic-qualifying events. With six or seven rings running simultaneously, spectators can watch riders who are just beginning their careers and expert athletes returning from recent Olympic games.

“It’s a unique opportunity to see a sport with two athletes, and only one of them is human,” said Lindsay Brock, marketing representative of Morrissey Management.

“There’s always this moment of uncertainty if the horse is going to comply. It’s wild. So, there is something exciting about watching this human and this horse working together to achieve a goal.”

“From June to September, we have athletes and their families coming to Northern Michigan from 48 states and 28 countries to participate in jumper, hunter, and equitation competitions,” said partner and event director, Matt Morrissey. “In just 13 weeks, we’re awarding over $7 million in prize money.”

You can see this sort of beautiful dance between control and chaos at the many year-round events held by the Traverse City Horse Shows, which take place on the 130 acres of Flintfields Horse Park in Northern Michigan. The grounds host a variety of riders and enthusiasts, from 4- and 5-yearold youngsters learning to walk ponies around a ring to experienced seniors still enjoying a lifelong passion.

However, the 13 weeks of FEI (Fédération Equestre Internationale—the international governing body

14 JULY/AUGUST 2022

The Traverse City Horse Shows started on the east side of the state, but with a rebranding and relocation in 2015, it has grown into one of the top events and venues in North America. Based on an economic impact study, the events have approximately a $120 million impact on Northern Michigan each year, with spectators, business owners, and the community all reaping benefits.

Competitors agree that it’s the location, as well as the points and prize money, that brings them to Flintfields year after year. “Without a doubt, one of the most common

“There’s always this moment of uncertainty if the horse is going to comply.

It’s wild. So, there is something exciting about watching this human and this horse working together to achieve a goal.”

things we hear about the Traverse City Horse Shows is how much the competitors and their families love visiting the area,” said Brock. “With just one day off, the athletes love exploring the lake and dunes and enjoying the great restaurants, vineyards, and just the beauty of walking around Traverse City.”

Flintfields provides plenty of events to keep spectators busy as well. An active atmosphere is important to the site, which offers spectators ice cream socials, happy hours, and other special events, all while they spend the day watching and bumping up against premier athletes.

“It’s all a part of what our community stands for,” said Morrissey. “Our spectators get to see this amazing example of athleticism and working together in unison.

When you are watching it, it’s inspiring to see something special being created between the athletes and the animals. It’s really beautiful.”

To see this wild collaboration, visit on TCHS’s website at traversecityhorseshows.com for tickets.

What’s the difference between jumper, hunter and equitation?

In all three divisions, a rider guides a horse over a set course of obstacles in a ring. However, each is scored differently. The jumper discipline is scored based on the objective speed and accuracy the rider has over the course. Hunter and equitation are based on a subjective judge of form over the course, with hunter classes focusing on the form of the horse and equitation classes focusing on the form of the rider. traversecityhorseshows.com /traversecityhorseshows /traversecityhorseshows

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

15

Battery Storage or Generator?

By Katherine Loving

More intense and frequent severe weather events are prompting many to consider off-grid solutions for energy during prolonged power outages. Gas-powered generators are a traditional choice for residential power generation, but new battery storage systems coupled with solar panels can also be a solution. There are pros and cons for each type of backup power system, so consumers should consider their personal power needs and budget.

Power outages can be more than a minor nuisance. Extreme weather can knock out the electric grid for days to weeks at a time. Even for shorter outage durations, those with electricity-dependent medical equipment or who have home-based businesses are deeply impacted by loss of power.

Sizing your home’s energy needs is the first step to deciding which system to install. Evaluate if it is necessary to power the whole house or just a few critical appliances. Tally up the reported energy use of each appliance that needs to remain operational to get a rough estimate of minimal energy needs. This can be a guide to

Backup power options for consumers

16 JULY/AUGUST 2022

choosing a backup power option with enough capacity.

Gas-powered generators have the lowest upfront costs. They typically cost between $400 and $1,500 and can use roughly 20 gallons of gasoline per day. Gas-powered generators are noisy and have the least output, making them more suited for occasional, shortduration power outages. There are two types of gas-powered generators: either portable or permanent (also called standby) systems.

Portable generators also must be operated in well-ventilated areas and shielded from wet weather. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates there are 80 deaths per year from carbon monoxide (CO) exposure due to improperly operated portable generators. Availability of gasoline

can also be a challenge during severe weather, and long-term storage of gasoline requires proper containers and stabilizers.

Permanent, or standby, generators typically cost $2,000 to $5,000 and can have installation costs that run from a few thousand dollars to $10,000. These are connected directly to a residence and can be turned on automatically in the event of a power outage. Permanent generators can run on natural gas or propane.

If connected to a natural gas line, they can run indefinitely and power an entire home. Standby generators are suitable for frequent outages or occasional, but sustained, outages.

Overall expenses for a solar and battery storage combination are much higher than for a generator.

The National Renewable Energy Lab estimates the average U.S. cost for installation to be around $1,200 to $1,500 per kilowatt of system capacity.

This estimate includes the cost of the battery, installation, permitting, and inspection costs, and is done at the time of solar panel installation. Adding a battery storage system to an existing solar installation is significantly more

expensive and may require an inverter change. Compared to generators, this option is quieter and does not create local emissions like CO. Another upside of a solar and battery storage system is the ability to offset the higher initial investment costs through year-round energy savings.

Consumers can also take advantage of time-of-use rates and use stored energy during times when the cost of energy is highest. In states that allow net metering, excess solar energy can be sold back to the utility. However, a battery storage system can only provide 10 to 15 hours of continuous power. In weather situations that limit solar power generation, this would not be a long-term solution.

There can be sizeable upfront costs for both generators and battery storage systems, but backup systems can bring great peace of mind when the power goes out. If you have questions about backup power options, contact our office. * Adding batteries and/or battery systems to residential solar will significantly increase the cost of the solar installation, compared to a traditional grid-interconnection of the home solar system without battery storage.

Grid-Tied Solar with Battery Storage System PROS: • Quiet operation • Seamless transition from grid to battery • Clean, emissions-free energy • Minimal maintenance • Excess power can be sold back to utility

CONS • High upfront cost • Requires sunlight to operate or charge • Requires multiple batteries to power the home

Backup and Standby Generators PROS: • Lower upfront costs • Higher capacity/longer run times • No refueling (if connected to propane or natural gas)

CONS • Requires routine maintenance • Requires propane, natural gas, or diesel

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 17

Guest Column

Sweet Breakfast

By Kris Rigling, Great Lakes Energy Cooperative member

G

rowing up in a small dairy farming community in the country, there were not a lot of options for jobs, but one of my favorites and one of my first jobs still conjures up happy memories. We had a small grocery store in our community that always tried to have fresh produce on hand.

While most families grew their own gardens, some people worked all day and didn’t have time to pick fresh berries, but they still wanted to taste summer’s sweet berries. One Sunday at church, our neighbor (her older brother was the produce manager) told my sister about picking strawberries for the local grocery store—she and our neighbor would each pick 16 quarts. My sister didn’t really want to do it, but I did and begged to do so. My mom called the neighbor, and we were set to pick berries on Monday morning. We were also lucky enough to have a strawberry farm in our community. We showed up first thing in the morning, and the farmer told us where to start picking. And he told us to be sure to let him know if they tasted okay.

We each picked 16 quarts. I think I picked my 16 quarts and ate another one or two!

They were so good and juicy—right off the vine—it was like eating liquid sunshine. When we finished picking, we dropped off our berries at the store, and they paid us right out of the cash register! I was so excited! I think I made about $3, which was probably minimum wage. We did this every few days for about three weeks that summer, and then the season was over again for another year. I didn’t make a ton of money picking berries that summer, but every time I bite into a sweet Michigan strawberry, I am a kid again, picking and eating a very sweet breakfast!

Win a $50 energy bill credit!

Kris enjoys cooking, camping, kayaking, reading, and watching her kids play sports.

Win $150!

Share your fondest memories and stories.

Win $150 for stories published. Visit countrylines.com/community to submit.

Where In Michigan Is This?

Identify the correct location of the photo to the left by July 20 and be entered into a drawing to win a $50 electric bill credit.

Enter your guess at countrylines.com/community.

May 2022 Winner! Our Mystery Photo winner is Toni Blundy, a HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative member, who correctly identified the photo as the New Era Potato Chip Silo on Grand River Avenue, east of Portland. Photo courtesy of Eldon McGraw.

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

Add Geothermal to Your Existing Furnace in 1-Day. HEAT & COOL YOUR HOME FOR HALF FOR DECADES. ELIGIBLE FOR UP TO

$2,000 REBATE & 26% TAX CREDIT

Add a Well-Connect for $0 down and as little as $80/month.

Typical heating cost savings of over $100/month. Air conditions for pennies a day. Well-Connect pays for itself.

HEATING WITH WELL-CONNECT IS LIKE PAYING 70¢ PER GALLON OF PROPANE

WHAT’S DIFFERENT ABOUT WELL-CONNECT?

HYBRID OPERATION

WATER EFFICIENT

EASY INSTALLATION

Connects to your existing furnace, giving you maximum comfort and maximum savings.

Minimal water flow required, making almost any well capable of heating & cooling your home.

Can be installed in one day, any time of the year.

DIY or professionally installed.

Well-Connect is a water source heat pump designed to provide efficient heating and cooling all year long. It is designed for rural homes that have a well and where either propane, fuel oil, electric resistance, or wood is used as the heating source.

Well-Connect works in combination with your existing furnace — it does not replace it. This makes the initial cost of the system significantly less than traditional geothermal systems.

CONTACT US TODAY FOR A FREE HOME ASSESSMENT

wellconnectgeo.com (989) 356-2113

70° AIR

50° WATER

95° AIR

38° WATER

Hybrid Geothermal

EXISTING FURNACE

Geothermal Made Affordable

/PIEGCooperative

pieg.com

HOW TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK DROWNING

Each year, 3,800 people in the U.S. die from drowning. Electric shock drowning occurs when an electric current escapes boats, docks, and lights near marinas, shocking nearby swimmers.

There are no visible signs of current seeping into water, which makes this a hidden danger. The electric shock paralyzes swimmers, making them unable to swim to safety.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY TIPS FOR: Swimmers

Boat Owners

• Never swim near a boat or launching ramp.

Residual current could flow into the water from the boat or the marina’s wiring, potentially putting anyone in the water at risk of electric shock.

• Ensure your boat is properly maintained and consider having it inspected annually. GFCIs and ELCIs should be tested monthly. Conduct leakage testing to determine if electrical current is escaping the vessel.

• If you feel any tingling sensations while in the water, tell someone and swim back in the direction from which you came. Immediately report it to the dock or marina owner.

• Use portable GFCIs or shore power cords (including “Y” adapters) that are “UL-Marine Listed” when using electricity near water.

• Regularly have your boat’s electrical system inspected by a certified marine electrician. Ensure it meets your local and state NEC, NFPA, and ABYC safety codes.

IF YOU SEE ELECTRIC SHOCK DROWNING TAKING PLACE:

TURN POWER OFF

THROW A LIFE RING

CALL 911

DO NOT enter the water. You could become a victim, too.

Sources: Electrical Safety Foundation International, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention