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Geothermal is the only renewable that provides reliable operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
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Mt Pleasant Walton Htg & Clg (989)772-4822 waltonheating.com
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Negaunee J-Goods Plmb. & Htg. (906)869-2522 jgoodsplumbingand heating.com
Portland ESI Htg & Clg (517)647-6906 esiheating.com
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Traverse City
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Geofurnace Htg & Clg (231)943-1000 geofurnace.com
CO-OP REBATE INCENTIVES
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
Michigan’s Electric Cooperatives
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, 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: Chris O’Neill, HomeWorks Tri-County 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.
6 10 14
6 EXPLORING LAKE SUPERIOR’S UNDERWATER WONDERLAND AT PICTURED
ROCKS
Come see why this spectacle on Lake Superior was named America's first National Lakeshore.
10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN
Homemade Hamburgers: Make your summer cookout even better with these juicy burgers bursting with flavor.
14 LILYPAD
SOLAR BOATS:
A RECREATIONAL REVOLUTION
This eco-friendly boating experience is one that everyone can easily enjoy.
18 GUEST
COLUMN
Dr. William J. Fuller, World War II Neurosurgeon: A son recalls his father's wartime legacy and how a small act of kindness made a profound impact on him.
MI Co-op Community
To enter contests, submit reader content & more, visit countrylines.com/community
Recipe Contest
See details on page 10. Breads & Muffins due Aug. 1; Holiday Treats due Sept. 1. Win a $100 bill credit!
Guest Column
Share your fondest memories and stories. Win $200 for stories published. Visit countrylines.com/community to submit. Win $200 for stories published!
Mystery Photo
See details on page 18. Win a $100 bill credit!
/homeworks.org
homeworks.org tricoenergy@homeworks.org
Portland office/Mail payments to: 7973 E. Grand River Ave. Portland, MI 48875
Open 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Monday–Friday Blanchard office: 3681 Costabella Ave. Blanchard, MI 49310
Open 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Monday–Friday Night deposit box available at both locations. Electric bill/account questions: 517-647-7554 or 1-800-562-8232
Pay by phone, anytime: 1-844-963-2875
Service questions/outages: 517-647-7554 or 1-800-848-9333 (24 hours for emergency calls)
Tri-County Propane: 1-877-574-2740
HomeWorks Connect 1-800-668-8413
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
District 1 — John Lord, Vice-Chairman 2276 Plains Rd., Leslie, MI 49251 517-974-2518 • jlord@homeworks.org
District 2 — Jim Stebbins
7139 Peddler Lake Rd., Clarksville, MI 48815 517-930-8132 • jstebbins@homeworks.org
District 3 — Luke Pohl, Chairman 15560 W. Hanses Rd., Westphalia, MI 48894 989-292-0427 • lpohl@homeworks.org
District 4 — Jake Borton 7543 E. Edgar Rd., Vestaburg, MI 48891 989-506-3404 • jborton@homeworks.org
District 5 — Theresa Sopocy 6996 E. Wilson Rd., Bannister, MI 48807 989-292-0295 • tsopocy@homeworks.org
District 6 — Ed Oplinger, Secretary-Treasurer 10890 W. Weidman Rd., Weidman, MI 48893 989-506-1639 • eoplinger@homeworks.org
District 7 — Shirley Sprague 15563 45th Ave., Barryton, MI 49305 989-382-7535 • ssprague@homeworks.org
Editor: Charly Markwart, CCC cmarkwart@homeworks.org
AExpanding Our Cooperative Family Welcoming Thumb Electric Cooperative
By Chris O’Neill, President/CEO
s a member of HomeWorks Tri-County Electric, you know our Cooperative is unique when compared to other types of businesses. Our Co-op operates on a not-for-profit, democratic model that extends beyond our service territory through numerous partnerships, including those within our power supply network.
Just like HomeWorks members belong to and own our Co-op, we are also member-owners of Wolverine Power Cooperative in Cadillac, Michigan. Wolverine provides power supply to us, along with four other distribution co-ops in Michigan.
By working together with Wolverine and its members, we manage power supply challenges and opportunities on behalf of our communities. Together, we have weathered decades of changing power supply landscape while keeping the lights on for electric co-op members across Michigan.
We truly are better together, and that’s why I am excited to announce that Thumb Electric Cooperative (TEC) in Ubly, Michigan, is joining our Wolverine family. Nestled in the heart of Michigan’s thumb, TEC embodies our same cooperative spirit of community and service. Since 1938, TEC has been dedicated to providing reliable, affordable electricity to its 12,000 members.
Expanding our cooperative network offers significant advantages to you and the member-owners of Wolverine’s other co-ops, including:
• Cost Savings: Sharing fixed costs across more entities helps drive your power costs down.
• Political Strength: Together, our combined geographic reach will now cover 70% of Lower Peninsula counties, bolstering our influence on your behalf.
• Strategic Partnerships: The ability to collaborate on programs and projects enhances collective capabilities, like our HomeWorks Connect fiber network.
The benefits are mutual. TEC’s members will gain access to benefits you already receive. Wolverine’s reliable, modern, and clean energy portfolio offers its members long-term certainty that is unmatched. Upon the successful restart of the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant, HomeWorks, along with Wolverine’s other members, will be on track to have the lowest carbon footprint of any utility in Michigan, all while ensuring reliability and stable costs for the foreseeable future.
Additionally, Wolverine membership provides access to industry experts, representation on important policy matters, and assistance navigating today’s shifting energy landscape.
We’re proud to welcome TEC into our network, expanding our combined footprint to over 300,000 members in the Lower Peninsula. We are excited for the journey ahead as we continue to power communities, empower members, and make a positive difference in the lives of those we serve.
Cherryland Great Lakes
HomeWorks MEC PIE&G TEC
A FOND FAREWELL: Members of the HomeWorks electric operations department gathered recently around one of our training poles for a special picture to honor their leader, Electric Operations Manager Chris Reed (ground row, fourth from right) prior to his August retirement.
Chris Reed Retires After 36 Years:
“HE EMBODIES THE COOPERATIVE SPIRIT”
The halls of HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative will certainly feel different on Aug. 2, when Electric Operations Manager Chris Reed hangs up his work boots and retires from the Co-op after 36 years of service.
“For my entire career, Chris has been a tireless champion of HomeWorks, and he embodies the Cooperative Spirit as much as anyone I’ve had the pleasure of working with,” says CEO Chris O’Neill. “He has always been willing to go above and beyond the call of duty to get the job done for our members. He’s our go-to guy for so many things, and we’re going to miss him immensely, but he will always be a part of the HomeWorks family.”
Reed joined the Cooperative team in 1988 as an apprentice and officially became a lineman in 1992. His leadership abilities shined through from the start, and he was promoted to the role of crew leader in 1999 before becoming the Portland line supervisor in 2009. He has served as electric operations manager since 2015.
“What I always enjoyed most about working at HomeWorks was feeling like I was making a difference in the lives of our members,” says Reed. “As a lineman on storm work, there’s no
better feeling than being on the crew that restores power to an area. When I moved into a supervisory position, my goal was always just to support our entire team in any way I could.”
Reed’s commitment to his team and the Co-op is perhaps only outpaced by his dedication to his family. In his retirement, he is especially looking forward to spending more time with his father, his two daughters and sonsin-law, his granddaughter, Hazel, and his grandson due in October. The Portland native also plans to spend more time camping (his favorite destination is the Mackinaw City/St. Ignace area, where he once had the rare opportunity to ride the elevator up to the top of the Mackinac Bridge), golfing, and volunteering for worthy causes in his community.
“I’ve seen a lot of positive change here in these last 36 years, and I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with so many talented, caring people,” he says. “It’s been a great run.”
Ryan Smith Named New Electric & Fiber Operations Manager
HomeWorks is proud to announce that the Co-op’s own Ryan Smith has been promoted to the position of electric & fiber operations manager. Smith was selected for the role upon the announcement of the August retirement of Electric Operations Manager Chris Reed.
“Ryan is a highly trained and dedicated HomeWorks employee with the right mix of skills and leadership abilities to take on this important role,” says CEO Chris O’Neill. ”I’m really excited to see where he takes it.”
Smith has enjoyed the opportunity to wear many different hats since being hired into the Co-op ranks in 2003. He began his career with HomeWorks’ Rural TV team before taking on an IT project manager role and then moving to the electric operations department in 2008, first as an apprentice lineman and then becoming a journeyman in 2012. In the newly combined electric & fiber operations manager role, he is excited for the chance to branch out once again, this time into the exciting world of HomeWorks Connect.
“I’m excited about continuing the legacy of our prior operations managers and leading our electric and fiber services into the future with the latest technology, while continuing to improve upon our high standard of safety and reliability,” he says.
Chris Reed
Exploring Lake Superior’s Underwater Wonderland at Pictured Rocks
Lining the pristine shores of Lake Superior from Munising to Grand Marais, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a marvel of nature. It is a captivating destination, drawing visitors from around the world to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. One of the most captivating activities available to visitors is the shipwreck tours, which allow visitors to delve into the underwater world of Lake Superior, home to numerous well-preserved shipwrecks.
The Allure of Pictured Rocks
Renowned for its towering cliffs, colorful rock formations, sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and diverse ecosystems, it’s no surprise that Pictured Rocks was designated as America’s first National Lakeshore in 1966. The largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area, Lake Superior is also known as the Big Lake; the Chippewa people called it Gitche Gumee.
Where Pictured Rocks meets Lake Superior is pure Michigan magic, full
of vibrant marine life and geological wonder. It is accessible by both land and water, offering a variety of adventurous options for those wishing to view and visit the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. From hiking to kayaking, boating, and diving, endless adventures await.
The Shipwreck Tour Experience
For a mesmerizing glimpse into the underwater world lying just beneath the Lake Superior surface, hop aboard a Glass Bottom Shipwreck Tour. This presents an unparalleled opportunity to explore the hidden depths of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and an up-close experience with the striking rock formations giving Pictured Rocks its name.
Shipwreck tours depart from Munising, a charming small town near the eastern entrance of the national lakeshore. The two-hour tour visits two different shipwreck sites, cruises along rock cliffs and caves, and passes the historic 1867 Grand Island East Channel Lighthouse.
Passengers can admire and indulge in the exquisite beauty of Grand Island and Munising Bay.
The specially designed glass-bottom boats feature large viewing panels with transparent floors to peer directly into the clear waters below. As the marine landscape comes into view
through the openings on the boat floor, it reveals a kaleidoscope of colors and textures. Riders are treated to a spectacle of underwater life as the boat glides through shallow waters. Schools of fi sh and aquatic plants sway gently in the current, creating a vibrant tapestry of life beneath the surface.
Massive painted coves with mineralstained sandstone walls line the shores. Adorned with cascading waterfalls and intricate archways carved by centuries of erosion, each geological feature tells a story of Lake Superior’s tumultuous past.
Educational Insights
Beyond its natural beauty, Pictured Rocks also boasts a rich maritime history. Numerous shipwrecks rest on the lakebed below, preserved by Lake Superior’s frigid waters. The glass-bottom boats offer a unique perspective once reserved only for scuba divers; now, these underwater wonders can be explored without even getting wet.
Munising Bay is home to a treasure trove of maritime artifacts, providing fascinating insights into the American shipping history. Seventy-three shipwrecks have been discovered throughout Grand Island and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and many more are still missing.
Aboard the shipwreck tour, knowledgeable and entertaining narrators retell the tragic tales of ships lost to the treacherous waters of Lake Superior. See and learn about the Bermuda, a schooner that sank in 1870, and the Herman H. Hettler, a steamer that sank in 1926. These rare, fully intact wooden ships lay only feet below the viewing window. The water of Lake Superior is so clear that sometimes passengers can see up to 45 feet below the surface.
An Unforgettable Experience
A shipwreck tour at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the hidden depths of Lake Superior. It’s a journey through time, revealing the stories of the ships and the people who sailed them. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or an adventure seeker, this underwater wonderland is sure to captivate your imagination and leave you with lasting memories of the Great Lakes’ maritime heritage and Michigan’s natural beauty.
Tickets can be purchased online and at the Shipwreck Tours gift shop in Munising. Trips are scheduled rain or shine, seven days a week, from Memorial Day until Sept. 30.
Reservations are highly recommended. Seating is available outside on the open-air deck and inside, sheltered from wind and weather. Wheelchairaccessible tours are available aboard the Shipwreck Express.
Pop and water can be purchased on board, and outside snacks are welcome and encouraged. Don’t forget a jacket and binoculars to spot North American bald eagles that may be nesting on Grand Island.
Scan the QR code to watch a video of Cassondra’s adventure to Pictured Rocks.
Cassondra Scott is a content creator, writer, and social media influencer at Cassondra Wanders——sharing small businesses and sights to see all over the state of Michigan.
Protect Your Home & Health with a Whole-Home
Dehumidifier
s humidity putting a damper on your summer? Don’t let your home become a breeding ground for mold and mildew—invest in an ENERGY STAR® whole-home dehumidifier!
Banish Moisture
High humidity is not only uncomfortable; it can be damaging to your home and health, too. Excess moisture in the air can cause wood to rot or paint to peel. Humid air is also the culprit for many indoor air pollutants that can lead to serious health issues, such as dust mites, mold, and spores.
ENERGY STAR whole-home dehumidifiers are specifically designed to maintain the proper level of humidity in your entire home, with advantages that allow you to breathe easy.
• Eliminate unhealthy air
• Increase air comfort
• Protect from mold & mildew
Rewards & Rebates
A whole-home dehumidifier can also relieve the demands made on your air conditioner during hot, humid days. Drier
air feels cooler, so you can turn your thermostat up a few degrees. The AC doesn’t run as often, saving electricity and cutting costs.
Save even more energy and money by choosing an ENERGY STAR dehumidifier over less efficient conventional models. Plus, earn a $300 rebate from HomeWorks’ Energy Optimization program when you install a qualifying ENERGY STAR whole-home dehumidifier in your home.
Find rebate details and check out additional savings available through the Energy Optimization program by visiting homeworks.org/eo.
Monuments, Statues, & Memorials
Enter to win a $100 energy bill credit!
Submit Your “Backroad Adventures” Photos
By July 20!
Each month, HomeWorks members are able to submit photos on our website for our photo contest. The photo receiving the most votes is published here, along with some other selections from that month. Our July/Aug. theme is Backroad Adventures. Photos can be submitted through July 20 to be featured in our October issue. To enter the contest, visit HomeWorks.org/photocontest. Enter your picture, cast your vote, and encourage others to vote for you, too. If your photo is published in Country Lines during 2024, you will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of four $100 credits on your December 2024 HomeWorks bill!
MOST VOTES
1. Saint Andre Bessette in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Notre Dame campus! Cindy Zavadil, Canadian Lakes
2. Just a little motorcycle trip. Lyndsey Dickinson, Remus
3. Field of chairs at the Oklahoma City National Memorial. Debra Cook, Mt. Pleasant
4. My daughter, Mikenna Bayless, a 2024 Summa Cum Laude graduate of Northern Michigan University, standing by the bronze Wildcat statue on the NMU campus in Marquette. Casie Bayless, Portland
5. Van Raalte statue in a Holland park. Doug Schlappi, Sunfield
6. Mount Rushmore. Shanda Reichert, Blanchard
7. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Rebecca Kramer, Dewitt
HOMEMADE BURGERS
Make your summer cookout even better with these juicy burgers bursting with flavor.
Recipe Contest
Win a $100 energy bill credit!
Breads & Muffi ns due Aug. 1; Holiday Treats due Sept. 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
WINNING RECIPE!
SPICY BLACK BEAN BURGERS
Katie Schneider, Midwest Energy & Communications
2 (14-ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed, patted dry
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ large yellow onion, finely diced 1 (7-ounce) can diced green chiles (mild or medium), drained
1 tablespoon garlic cloves, minced
1½ tablespoons ground cumin
1 tablespoon chili powder
½ tablespoon garlic powder
½ tablespoon smoked paprika
½ cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
2 large eggs (or sub ¹⁄ ³ cup mashed sweet potato, for vegan)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (skip for vegan, or use vegan version)
2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
¼ teaspoon salt
¹⁄ 8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Optional toppings: sliced red onion, Swiss cheese, sliced tomato, lettuce, etc.
Preheat oven to 325 F. Spread beans evenly onto a lined baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes until slightly dried out. This is optional, but helps burgers not turn out mushy. Meanwhile, sauté olive oil, onion, chiles, and garlic over medium heat until onions are soft, about 5–6 minutes. Place in a large bowl and add the cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, breadcrumbs, eggs or sweet potato, Worcestershire, barbecue sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, then add the black beans. Mash well with a potato masher or fork, leaving small chunks of beans. Use hands to form into patties, about ¹⁄³ cup of mixture each, about ¾-inch thick. To bake, place patties on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and bake at 375 F for 10 minutes, then carefully flip and cook another 10 min, for 20 minutes total. *If making vegan version with sweet potato, bake 15 minutes on each side. To grill: Place patties on greased aluminum foil and grill at 350 F–400 F for 8 minutes on each side. Serve with your favorite toppings. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Watch a video of this month’s winning recipe at micoopkitchen.com/recipe_ type/videos/
BLUE CHEESE BURGERS
Nancy Moore, Great Lakes Energy
1½ ounces cream cheese, softened
1½ ounces blue cheese
1½ teaspoons chopped fresh chives or finely chopped onion
1½ pounds ground beef
¼ cup dry breadcrumbs
1 egg
6 sandwich buns
• Toppings of choice: lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onions, sautéed mushrooms/onions, etc.
Heat grill. In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, blue cheese, and chives/ onion; mix well. In a large bowl, add
the ground beef, breadcrumbs, and egg. Mix until fully combined. Shape burger mixture into 12 (3½ -inch) patties. Place 6 patties on waxed paper. Top each patty with about 1 tablespoon fi lling mixture. Place remaining patties over fi llings; press edges to seal. When ready, place the prepared patties on a gas grill over medium heat or on a charcoal grill, placing patties 4 to 6 inches from medium coals. Cook 10 to 15 minutes or until no longer pink, turning once. Serve burgers on sandwich buns with chosen toppings.
DELUXE VENISON BURGERS
Nancy Hascall, Cherryland
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
¼ cup finely chopped red, orange, or yellow bell pepper
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
¹⁄ ³ cup finely chopped onion or scallions
2 tablespoons jalapeño cream cheese
1 pound ground venison
¼ cup shredded cheese of choice
¼ cup Progresso Italian Breadcrumbs, or a slice of bread, crumbled up
1 egg
¼ teaspoon salt
¹⁄ 8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• hamburger buns
• sliced tomatoes, lettuce, pickles, or desired condiments
HOMEMADE BURGERS
Elizabeth Postma, Great Lakes Energy
1 pound ground beef (80% lean meat, 20% fat)
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
• cheese slices, optional 4 hamburger buns
• Toppings: lettuce leaves, sliced tomatoes, sliced red onions, sliced pickles
• Condiments: garlic aioli, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, etc.
Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Divide the mixture
into 4 equal portions and shape them into patties, making sure they are slightly larger than the diameter of the hamburger buns, as they will shrink during cooking. Place the patties on the grill or skillet and cook for about 4–5 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. If adding cheese, place a slice on each patty during the last minute of cooking and cover the grill or skillet to melt the cheese. While the patties are cooking, lightly toast the hamburger buns on the grill or skillet until they are golden brown. Assemble your burgers by placing a lettuce leaf on the bottom half of each bun, followed by a cooked patty. Top with sliced tomatoes, red onions, pickles, and any other desired condiments. Place the top half of the bun over the toppings and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious homemade burgers!
In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sauté the bell pepper, garlic, and onion until the onions are translucent, stirring occasionally. Set aside and allow to cool. In a medium bowl, thoroughly mix the cream cheese into the ground venison. To the cream cheese mixture, add the shredded cheese and breadcrumbs and mix well. Then add the cooled vegetables; stir. Finally, add the egg, salt, and pepper and thoroughly mix. Form the hamburger patties to desired thickness and fry with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil until cooked to your liking. Enjoy on hamburger buns with desired condiments, or serve with rice.
Information For All Customers Of HomeWorks Tri-County Electric
Your Cooperative offers a Tri-County Electric People Fund program, which is funded through the voluntary rounding up of your monthly utility bill to the next whole dollar amount. An all-volunteer board of directors appointed by the member-elected board of HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative is charged with distributing the funds throughout the Cooperative’s service area. Grants support charitable efforts in and around the communities we serve.
Funds from the People Fund have been distributed to educational programs, fire departments, medical emergency groups, recreational organizations, senior organizations, numerous local charities, and many local families and individuals. A copy of the People Fund’s annual report detailing contributions is available and was highlighted in our March issue of Country Lines magazine. All grants made are also listed on our website at HomeWorks.org.
Your participation in the TriCounty Electric People Fund is VOLUNTARY. If you are participating and decide at any time that you wish to discontinue participation in the People Fund, please just let us know, and we will remove your account.
If you are participating, your monthly bill is rounded up to the next whole dollar amount. If your bill is $78.42, it would be rounded up to $79. The 58 cents would then be contributed by HomeWorks on your behalf to the People Fund, to be used as explained above. A customer’s average annual contribution is approximately $6. Your annual contribution to the People Fund is tax-deductible and is reported on your monthly statement in January of the following year.
For additional information regarding the Tri-County Electric People Fund, you can contact the program administrator at 517-647-1272.
Walleyes For Warriors
Director Borton Sets Sail For A Cause
When HomeWorks District 4 Director Jake Borton launched his pontoon boat down Bay City’s Linwood Beach ramp into the Saginaw Bay on June 9, he knew he wasn’t setting out on just any other trip on the water. This time, he was captaining his boat for Walleyes for Warriors, a free recreational therapy/fishing event for veterans hosted annually by the Bay City Elks to show appreciation for the men and women who put their lives on the line to serve our country.
“I try to give back to veteran organizations as much as I can, but this was my first time volunteering for this particular event,” says Borton, a veteran himself who served as an Army medic from 1986-89. “I had two veterans in my boat, a married couple from the Midland area (both pictured above). My job was to make sure they had a safe trip out and to hopefully give them the chance to reel in some fish, and they caught eight walleyes for the day, so I think it was a successful trip. They really enjoyed themselves and the camaraderie they got to experience with their fellow vets.”
Walleyes for Warriors was founded by the late Nels Larsen, an avid Saginaw Bay walleye fisherman and Vietnam veteran. Larsen wanted to share the thrill of walleye fishing with his fellow vets and give them the type of “welcome home” experience many of them had not received when they returned from war or service. The event is provided entirely by donations, volunteers, and the generosity of boat captains like Borton, who donate their boats, gas, and time to give participating veterans
an enjoyable day out on the water. This year, 100 volunteer captains set sail into the bay with 220 vets of all ages and backgrounds in tow.
“Our oldest veteran who participated this year was 96 years old,” says Borton. “It’s just such a meaningful event for so many different veterans from around the state. They get a day out on the water and then they get to come back in and enjoy an awards ceremony and a nice dinner together, and they all leave with some fish and nice gifts. I was just really proud to be a part of such a special event this year.”
Borton, of Vestaburg, was elected in 2023 as the director of District 4, where he represents most of Montcalm County on the HomeWorks Board of Directors. He says he is already making plans to participate in Walleyes For Warriors again next year, but first up for him is another veterans cause closer to home, the Wings of Freedom Pheasant Veteran Pheasant Hunt in Morley on Sept. 23. His commitment to giving back to organizations serving veterans, he says, stems from his great appreciation for the sacrifice they were willing to make for our nation’s freedom.
“For me, it’s just the fact that every one of us who served wrote a blank check to the U.S. government that they could cash if they needed to in the name of freedom,” he says. “When the community comes together to provide events like this for these people who we owe so much to, the positive impact it has on them is worth every bit of time and money that we put into it.“
Your Board In Action
Meeting in Portland on May 20, your board of directors:
• Held the Annual Meeting of the Shareholders of Tri-Co Services, Inc., the Cooperative’s subsidiary.
• Re-elected the Tri-County Board of Directors to the board of Tri-Co Services, Inc., and retained the current slate of Tri-Co officers for another term: Luke Pohl as chairperson, John Lord as vicechairperson, and Ed Oplinger as secretary/treasurer.
• Approved management’s recommendation to hold the 2023 margins of Tri-Co Services, Inc. as retained earnings, given the ongoing financial and business needs of the company.
• Adopted a new large load selfsupply renewable energy tariff, effective June 17, 2024.
• Reviewed an annual electric rate comparison showing that HomeWorks’ rates are in line with those of fellow Michigan co-ops and more competitive than the neighboring investor-owned electric utility.
• Reviewed a summary of the 2024 district meetings held in May, showing that there was record attendance this year, with over 950 member households logging on.
• Authorized management to sign a partnership agreement with the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association (MECA) to continue the Co-op’s membership in the organization with a five-year rolling term.
• Learned there were 86 new members in April.
• Acknowledged the April safety report, listing employee training as well as minor employee and
People Fund Helps Four Local Organizations Make An Impact In Our Communities
Meeting in Remus on May 29, our People Fund board made four grants totaling $7,000, including:
• $3,000 to the Vermontville Township Fire/EMS Department, to purchase AEDs;
• $2,000 to the Community Christian Action Group of Eaton Rapids, to provide food assistance during the Christmas season;
• $1,000 to the Ionia Ministerial Association’s Friends of Jesus Fund, to help fund an emergency shelter; and
• $1,000 to Soaring Above Teen Center in Ionia, for facility improvements.
How to Apply for a Tri-County Electric People Fund Grant
The Tri-County Electric People Fund provides grants to individuals and organizations in the Coop’s service area for food, shelter, clothing, health, and other humane needs, or for programs or services that benefit a significant segment of a community.
Write to 7973 E. Grand River Ave., Portland, MI 48875, for an application form and grant guidelines, or visit the People Fund page at HomeWorks.org.
Note: Applications must be received by Aug. 13 for the August meeting or by Sept. 24 for the October meeting.
public incidents involving electric, propane, or fiber optic.
• Acknowledged the April physical & cybersecurity report, which noted that management had decided to offer a $10,000 reward for info leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the recent string of gunshot to Co-op electric equipment.
Time Set Aside for Members to Comment Before Cooperative
Board Meetings
The first 15 minutes of every board meeting are available for members who wish to address the board of directors on any subject. The next meetings are scheduled for 9 a.m. on July 22 and Aug. 26 at Portland. Members who wish to have items considered on the board agenda should call 517-647-7554 at least a week in advance of the meeting.
Margaret Remenar Joins People Fund Board
At their May 20 meeting, the Tri-County Electric Cooperative Board of Directors appointed Margaret Remenar of Bannister to serve as the District 5 volunteer representative on the board of the Tri-County Electric People Fund. Remenar was selected to replace Kevin Sopocy, who resigned from the People Fund board in April.
A Recreational Revolution
This eco-friendly boating experience is one that everyone can easily enjoy.
By Emily Haines Lloyd
remind you to slow down every once in a while. It’s on those very waters that Lilypad Labs is looking to redefine boating experiences. Their Lilypad solar boats are quietly stirring up a recreational revolution by offering an accessible alternative for those seeking both calming and carbon-free moments on the water.
Lilypad Labs began with founder Jim Hotary, who hails from Michigan’s automotive industry. Hotary is a sailing enthusiast who, after years of navigating traditional sailboats, recognized the need for a more approachable and comfortable boating experience. “I’ve sailed for a long time and love the feeling of the peace you can experience out on the water,” said Hotary. “Unfortunately, it’s hard to do, which makes it intimidating and inaccessible to most people.” Hotary envisioned a solution that would prioritize tranquility, simplicity, and inclusivity.
Along with Lilypad CEO Dana Lowell and the rest of the industrious team, Hotary embarked on a journey to reinvent recreational boating. What if you designed a boat so simple, so easy to maneuver, that almost anyone could captain it? The result? The Lilypad—a vessel designed for “slow boating,” where the focus is on enjoying the journey rather than rushing to a destination.
At a leisurely 5 mph, these solar-powered boats quietly transport passengers with an easy four-way controller (think old-school Pac-Man joystick). No need to back up dockside; boaters can simply slide left or right into the slip. “Our focus is on creating an easy and awesome experience on the water,” said Lowell. “But we’re also going to make sure it’s the most sustainable and eco-friendly experience at the same time.”
Lilypad Labs drew inspiration from their automotive industry experience. The company developed proprietary technology that maximizes energy efficiency while ensuring ease of use for all passengers. Because Lilypad wants to maximize the utilization of the boats, ensuring that each one is shared and enjoyed by hundreds of individuals throughout the boating season, they partnered with marinas to make the boats available to rent in four locations. This takes out the large investment to own a boat and allows access to water recreation for anyone.
While other boats on the Great Lakes may leak oil and gas, the Lilypad, made from recyclable aluminum, offers a greener option. “Michigan has over 20% of the world’s fresh water,” said Lowell. “The blue economy is vital to Michigan. We wanted to make sure we were leaving a better environmental footprint for everyone to enjoy.”
The boats look a bit like outdoor cafés, each with sofa-like lounges and a coffee table. However, you won’t see people logging into the WiFi or joining conference calls—more conversation, less overly caffeinated business jargon. “Our goal was to create an easy and accessible way for people to get on the water,” said Hotary. “Being in nature is one of the easiest ways to slow things down. We need more of that.”
As the company prepares for its second summer on the water, they remain committed to a new era of boating—where water recreation can be both stress-free and carbon-free.
“The blue economy is vital to Michigan. We wanted to make sure we were leaving a better environmental footprint for everyone to enjoy.”
—Dana Lowell, Lilypad CEO
For more on their boats and where to find them, visit lilypad-labs.com
25 Years Of Tri-County Propane:
“WE WANTED TO OFFER A DIFFERENT KIND OF PROPANE SERVICE”
An electric utility providing propane service might not seem like a natural fit, but in the Cooperative world, it makes perfect sense; it’s all about serving the needs of the membership. That was certainly the case in July 1999, when HomeWorks Tri-County Propane was born out of discussions with Co-op members who voiced a need for more quality propane options in their communities. This month, we’re celebrating 25 years of the company that has never stopped putting the needs of its customers first.
“HomeWorks Tri-County Propane was founded to bring reliable and affordable propane service to our members and other customers in our rural mid-Michigan service footprint,” says HomeWorks Member Services Manager Missy Robson. “We wanted to offer a different kind of propane service from others, so from the very start, we’ve treated our propane customers just like our electric members. We’ve always strived to give them a service they can count on from a company they already know they can trust.”
HomeWorks Tri-County Propane Manager Neal Swain agrees. Part of that “Cooperative Difference,” he says, is about focusing more on the needs of the customer than on the bottom line.
“We don’t play into any of the pricing games at Tri-County Propane,” he says. “When you get a delivery from us, you know you’re paying for the propane and taxes, and that’s it. That’s rare in this industry, but we treat our customers just like the rest of the Co-op; they’re part of the family.”
In the past two and a half decades, Tri-County Propane has grown from a small subsidiary run by just two field technicians and two service reps to a provider serving over 4,300 customers across 13 counties. Part of that growth can surely be attributed to the company’s commitment to
offering service features tailored to the needs of our customers. Tri-County Propane offers a simple bill with no hidden fees, along with guaranteed capped winter rates, auto-fill and metered service options, and a budget billing plan.
Even more than those convenient options, though, our customers seem to appreciate the superior service and reliability they receive from Tri-County Propane. In our most recent customer survey in 2022, our American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) score was over 10 points above the national average for propane providers, and our customers gave us a 93% rating for providing timely deliveries and reliable service.
“I hear a lot of customers saying they switch to Tri-County Propane because of the reliability that we offer,” says Swain. “We’re always willing to go above and beyond for our customers, and they know they can count on us to provide safe, affordable, and reliable propane service all winter long.”
If you are interested in making the switch to HomeWorks TriCounty Propane, now is a great time to do so! For a limited time, the service is offering a $200 bill credit to qualifying new customers. Learn more at HomeWorks.org/propane, or by calling our propane team at 877-574-2740.
Mystery Photo
Win a $100 energy bill credit!
Where In Michigan Is This?
Identify the correct location of the photo above by July 20 and be entered into a drawing to win a $100 electric bill credit. Enter your guess at countrylines.com/community
Winners are announced in the following issues of Country Lines: January, March, May, July/ August, September, and November/December.
By William J. Fuller II, a Great Lakes Energy Cooperative member
M Dr. William J. Fuller, World War II Neurosurgeon
y dad, Dr. William J. Fuller, was born in 1912 in the small town of Yale, Michigan. With determination and hard work, he put himself through Eastern Michigan University and then the University of Michigan Medical School, graduating in 1938. He completed his residency at University Hospital in Ann Arbor, spending a year specializing in neurosurgery. In 1941, he married his high school sweetheart and, shortly after, joined the University Hospital Army Unit.
As World War II escalated, my dad was called to Camp Robinson in Arkansas for hospital training. Little did my mother know, she would not see him again until 1945. In 1942, he was shipped to England to serve with the 298th General Hospital. Alongside his unit, he landed on Utah Beach during the Normandy invasion and set up a hospital in Cherbourg.
Neurosurgeons were in high demand as the Allies advanced across France. Due to his specialized training, my dad was transferred to the 15th General Hospital in Liège, Belgium. Liège was under heavy bombardment from German buzz bombs, and the hospital was hit, resulting in 28 deaths and 150 injuries. Despite the dangers, he continued to serve with the 298th in a tent hospital set up in an open field.
One day, a young soldier with a severe shrapnel wound was brought in and needed a blood transfusion. While he prepared the transfusion, my dad noticed a familiar name on the bottle of donated blood: Dwight D. Eisenhower, the Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Forces in Europe. Eisenhower had personally donated blood to the Allied blood drive.
When my dad was discharged in 1945, among the memorabilia he brought home was the blood bottle bearing Eisenhower’s name. It was displayed in a small cabinet in our home, a poignant reminder of his service and the connections forged during the war. He often expressed a desire to personally deliver this bottle to the Eisenhower Library and Museum in Abilene, Kansas.
After my dad passed away in 1996, the bottle remained in our family cabinet. Honoring his longstanding wish, my wife Laura and I made the journey to Abilene in 2002. We presented the bottle to the director of the Eisenhower Museum, finally fulfilling my dad’s heartfelt desire.
Dr. William J. Fuller’s legacy is one of dedication, service, and the profound impact of small, meaningful acts in the midst of global conflict.
Guest Column Win $200 for stories published!
Share your fondest memories and stories. Win $200 for stories published. Visit countrylines.com/community to submit.
May 2024 Winner! Our Mystery Photo winner is Susan Deer Dembowski, a HomeWorks TriCounty Cooperative member who correctly identified the photo as the Chippewa County Courthouse in Sault Ste. Marie.
HomeWorks.org facebook.com/homeworks.org homeworks.org facebook.com/homeworks.org
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MICHIGAN CO-OPS LEAD THE WAY
First commercialscale wind farm
First community solar project ...
We’re gearing up to announce another big first for Michigan, showing again that Michigan’s electric cooperatives not only light the way—they lead it.
What’s next for our journey to a sustainable future? Stay tuned!