COUNTRY LINES
WATERFURNACE UNITS QUALIFY
Not hearing is believing.
Many homeowners have come to accept that a noisy A/C is a fact of life. But with WaterFurnace, you don’t have to settle.
Nothing can disrupt a perfect summer afternoon in your backyard more than a loud air conditioner. Geothermal users are never disturbed from outside HVAC noise because there’s no outdoor equipment to make any. All the complicated work takes place underground—out of earshot. With WaterFurnace, your peace and quiet is assured. 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
Allendale Allendale Htg & Clg (800) 327-1937 allendaleheating.com
Berrien Springs WaterFurnace Michiana (269) 473-5667 gogreenmichgeo thermal.com
Big Rapids
Stratz Htg & Clg, Inc. (231) 796-3717 stratzgeocomfort.com
Filion/Bad Axe
Air-O-Dynamic Htg & Clg (989) 582-0137 aod-hvac.com
Grand Rapids Bel Aire Htg & Clg
1-888-235-2473 belaire.com
Hart Adams Htg & Clg (231) 873-2665 adamsgeothermal-mi.comam-
Holland
G.H.P. Systems Inc. (616)396-5833 ghpsystems-inc.com
Indian River
M&M Plmb & Htg (231)238-7201 mm-plumbing.com
Lansing Candor Mechanical (517) 920-0890 candormechanical.com
Michigan Center
Comfort 1/Air Serv of Southern Michigan (517)764-1500 airserv.com/southernmichigan/
Mt Pleasant Walton Htg & Clg (989)772-4822 waltonheating.com
Portage Bel Aire Htg & Clg 1-888-235-2473 belaire.com
Portland ESI Htg & Clg (517)647-6906 esiheating.com
Sunfield Mark Woodman Plmb & Htg (517)886-1138 mwphonline.com
Three Rivers
Bel Aire Htg & Clg 1-888-235-2473 belaire.com
Traverse City
Geofurnace Htg & Clg (231)943-1000 geofurnace.com
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
EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Casey Clark
EDITOR: Christine Dorr
GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Karreen Bird
RECIPE EDITOR: Christin Russman
COPY EDITOR: Yvette Pecha
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Emily Haines Lloyd
PUBLISHER: Michigan Electric Cooperative Association
Michigan Country Lines, USPS591-710, is published monthly, except August and December, with periodicals postage paid at Lansing, Mich., and additional offices. It is the official publication of the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association, 201 Townsend St., Suite 900, Lansing, MI 48933.
Subscriptions are authorized for members of Alger Delta, Cherryland, Great Lakes, HomeWorks Tri-County, Midwest Energy & Communications, Ontonagon, Presque Isle, and Thumb electric cooperatives by their boards of directors.
POSTMASTER:
Send all UAA to CFS.
ASSOCIATION OFFICERS:
Chris O’Neill, HomeWorks TriCounty Cooperative, chairman; Gabe Schneider, Cherryland Electric Cooperative, vice chairman; Shaun Lamp, Great Lakes Energy Cooperative, secretary-treasurer; John Kran, 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 MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
MI CO-OP Community
RECIPE CONTEST
See details on page 10. Favorite Fall Recipes, due Aug. 1; Best Holiday Mains, due Sept. 1 Win a $100 bill credit!
GUEST COLUMN
See details on page 18. Share your fondest memories and stories. Win $200 for stories published!
MYSTERY PHOTO
See details on page 18. Win a $100 bill credit!
To enter contests, submit reader content & more, visit countrylines.com/community
6 SPANNING THE MITTEN: MICHIGAN’S MOST ICONIC BRIDGES
Tracing our state's past through the bridges that built its future.
10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN
Sandwiches & Wraps: effortless to make, impossible to resist.
14 ROOTED IN FLAVOR
Michigan’s farm-to-table experience: where the land inspires the menu.
18 GUEST COLUMN
The Generational Dresses: A PIE&G member recounts how heirloom dresses stitched generations together.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
District 1—Big Bay
Darryl Small 906-345-9369 • d1director@algerdelta.com
District 2—Harvey/Deerton
Karen Alholm
906-249-1095 • d2director@algerdelta.com
District 3—Grand Marais Tim Jenkins 586-306-2141 • d3director@algerdelta.com
District 4—Cedar River/Palestine Bill Wotruba 414-507-9787 • d4director@algerdelta.com
District 5—Gourley/LaBranche/Cornell/Harris Steve Wery 906-295-1255 • d5director@algerdelta.com
District 6—Nathan/White Rapids Jesse Betters 715-923-4946 • d6director@algerdelta.com
District 7—Stonington/Rapid River Kirk Bruno 906-399-1432 • d7director@algerdelta.com
District 8—Nahma/Isabella Don Johnson 906-280-0867 • d8director@algerdelta.com
District 9—Hiawatha/Maple Ridge Stephen Dausey 906-202-3899 • d9director@algerdelta.com
GENERAL MANAGER: Mike Furmanski mfurmanski@algerdelta.com
HEADQUARTERS:
426 N. 9th St, Gladstone, MI 49837 906-428-4141 • 800-562-0950 Fax: 906-428-3840 • admin@algerdelta.com algerdelta.com
OFFICE HOURS
7 a.m.–5 p.m. (EST)
Don’t Wait. Be Prepared Before the Storm.
By Mike Furmanski, General Manager
It’s your worstcase scenario. A major storm was predicted and, this time, the prediction was accurate. Many power lines are down, and your electricity may be out for several days. You are low on everything—food, pet supplies, toilet paper, batteries, diapers, and your medication.
Imagine how you would feel in this situation. While you can’t predict which weather forecast will come true, you can plan so when a severe weather event strikes, you have the tools and resources to weather the storm effectively.
Preparedness Actions and Items
• Stock your pantry with a three-day supply of nonperishable food, such as canned goods, energy bars, peanut butter, powdered milk, instant coffee, water, and other essentials (e.g., diapers and toiletries).
• Confirm that you have adequate sanitation and hygiene supplies, including towelettes, soap, and hand sanitizer.
• Ensure your first aid kit is stocked with pain relievers, bandages, and other essential medical supplies, and verify that your prescriptions are up to date.
• Set aside basic household items you will need, including flashlights, extra batteries, a manual can opener, and a portable, batterypowered radio or TV.
• Organize emergency supplies in a single, easily accessible location.
With Advance Warning
If a severe storm is expected with high winds and sustained rain, you may need
to take extra steps to safeguard your home. Shutter windows and securely close exterior doors. Fully charge all cell phones, laptops, and other devices to ensure you have maximum power in the event of a power outage. If you plan to use a small generator, make sure it’s rated to handle the amount of power you will need, and always review the manufacturer’s instructions to operate it safely.
During a Prolonged Outage
In the event of an outage, turn off appliances, TVs, computers, and other sensitive electronics. Leave one light on so you will know when power is restored. If you’re using a small household generator, consider using LED holiday lights to illuminate your living area. A strand of 100 white lights draws little energy yet produces considerable light. Solar lights also work if they can receive some sunlight during the day for charging.
During thunderstorms, the American Red Cross recommends avoiding electrical equipment and using landline telephones instead. Keep away from windows. Listen to local news or NOAA Weather Radio for emergency updates, or check Alger Delta’s website for restoration updates.
After the storm, avoid downed power lines and walking through flooded areas where power lines could be submerged. Allow ample room for utility crews to perform their jobs safely, including on your property.
Power in Planning
Planning for severe storms or other emergencies can help reduce stress and anxiety caused by the weather event and lessen the storm’s impact. Act today because there is power in planning.
Alger Delta In the Community
Celebrating Community Spirit and Service
At Alger Delta, community involvement isn’t just a value—it’s part of who we are. This spring, our team members stepped up to support causes that matter close to home.
In April, office team members Elizabeth Branstrom (left photo, center) and Shannon Priebe (right photo, second from left) laced up their sneakers for the 2025 U.P. Pink Power Walk, covering 17 miles to help raise over $64,000. Pink Power is a local nonprofit that supports Yoopers facing personal tragedies or medical diagnoses. We’re proud of Elizabeth and Shannon for going the distance!
May, General Manager
Mike Furmanski helped teach a hunter safety course in Stephenson, where 29 participants learned about firearm safety, hunting laws and ethics, and essential survival skills.
And on May 7, Finance Manager Lynn Labadie and her husband, Mike, had the honor of serving as guardians on the U.P. Honor Flight, accompanying local veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials built in their honor. The trip is free for veterans and packed with gratitude—a heartfelt thank-you to Lynn for giving back in such a meaningful way.
Lynn is pictured with the veteran she escorted, Charles (Chuck) Stamper from Curtis, Michigan.
Whether it’s mentoring future hunters, walking for a cause, or honoring our veterans, our team is always ready to make a difference.
In
Spanning the Mitten Michigan’s Most Iconic Bridges
Michigan’s unique geography—with over 11,000 inland lakes, 120 major rivers, and borders on four Great Lakes—has made bridges essential to connecting people, peninsulas, and even countries. The state boasts more than 11,000 bridges, each with a distinct story and role in Michigan’s landscape.
International Bridges
Three major bridges connect Michigan to Canada. The Ambassador Bridge , opened in 1929, links Detroit and Windsor and remains the busiest international land border crossing in North America.
The Blue Water Bridge , built in 1938 and twinned in 1997, connects Port Huron to Sarnia, Ontario.
In the Upper Peninsula, the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge spans the St. Mary’s River, linking the twin cities of Sault Ste. Marie in Michigan and Ontario. The bridge overlooks the Soo Locks, a critical shipping passage between Lake Superior and the lower Great Lakes.
Iconic Michigan Spans
The most famous bridge in Michigan is the Mackinac Bridge , also known as “Mighty Mac” or “Big Mac.” Opened in 1957, it spans fi ve miles across the Straits of Mackinac, linking Michigan’s upper and lower peninsulas. It remains one of the longest suspension bridges in the Western Hemisphere.
Opened in 1959, the Portage Lake Lift Bridge connects Houghton and Hancock in the Upper Peninsula. It’s the world’s heaviest and widest double-deck vertical lift bridge. In winter, its lower deck is lowered for snowmobiles while vehicles continue on the upper level.
Miniature and Replica Bridges
Several pedestrian bridges celebrate the Mighty Mac. In St. Louis, the 120-foot Mini Mac Bridge spans a pond shaped like the Lower Peninsula.
In Reed City’s Rambadt Park, the Little Mac Bridge is a 150-foot-long wooden suspension bridge crossing the Hersey River.
Near Mesick, the Little Mac Footbridge —at 246 feet—is the longest wooden suspension bridge in the Lower Peninsula and links the Manistee River Trail with the North Country Trail.
Parks with Notable Bridges
Historic Bridge Park in Battle Creek features restored 19th- and early 20th-century truss bridges, picnic areas, trails, and educational displays.
McCourtie Park in Cement City has 17 whimsical concrete bridges designed in faux bois style, mimicking wood textures. The park sits on the former estate of cement magnate W.H.L. McCourtie.
In Croswell, the Swinging Bridge built in 1905—is a 139-foot pedestrian bridge made of wire cables and wooden planks. It was originally constructed by the Michigan Sugar Company for worker access.
Deerfi eld Nature Park in Isabella County includes four bridges: two swinging suspension bridges, the Lewis Pontiac Bridge, and the Fisher Annex Covered Bridge, which was rebuilt after a 1995 fi re.
Covered Bridges
Michigan is home to several historical covered bridges. White’s Covered Bridge , built in 1867 over the Flat River near Smyrna, was rebuilt after a 2013 fi re.
The Ada Covered Bridge , also erected in 1867, spans the Thornapple River and was restored in 1979.
Mackinac Bridge
North of Lowell, the Fallasburg Covered Bridge (1871) is part of a preserved historic village and is still open to vehicle traffi c.
The Langley Covered Bridge , built in 1887 near Centreville, is the longest covered bridge in Michigan at 282 feet and remains open to vehicles.
In the 1960s, Pierce Stocking designed a scenic bridge that’s now part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. It was reconstructed in 1986.
In Frankenmuth, the Holz Brucke Covered Bridge (1979) crosses the Cass River and is open to both vehicles and pedestrians, complementing the town’s Bavarian charm.
Unique and Scenic Crossings
In Midland, The Tridge is a threeway wooden footbridge built in 1981 where the Chippewa and Tittabawassee Rivers meet, linking three parks and paths.
At Boyne Mountain, the SkyBridge is the world’s longest timbertowered suspension bridge at 1,200 feet. It includes a glass fl oor section suspended 118 feet above a forested valley.
The Cut River Bridge , a cantilevered deck truss bridge along US-2 in the Upper Peninsula, towers 147 feet above the gorge. Trails and 230 stairs below lead to the Lake Michigan shoreline.
The Cooley Bridge in Manistee County spans the Pine River at 613 feet and 95 feet high. Built in 1934, it was recognized for its beauty and includes picnic areas and stairways to the river.
Whether they’re soaring above rivers, swaying beneath your feet, or tucked into scenic parks, Michigan’s bridges are more than just pathways—they’re part of our state’s charm, history, and adventure. So, next time you’re roadtripping or hiking, keep an eye out— you never know when you’ll stumble upon one of these architectural gems spanning the mitten.
Scan the QR code to watch a video of our
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.
Bridge Tour.
Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge
Fallasburg Covered Bridge, Lowell
Mini Mac Bridge, St. Louis
The Tridge, Midland
Submit a photo & win a $50 energy bill credit!
Submit Your Photos & Win A Bill Credit! Alger Delta members whose photos we print in Michigan Country Lines during 2025 will be entered in a drawing. Four lucky members will win a $50 energy bill credit on their December 2025 bills!
Upcoming Photo Topics and Deadlines: College Towns, due July 25 (Sept./Oct. issue); Pet Personalities, due Sept. 25 (Nov./Dec. issue)
To submit photos, go to http://bit.ly/countrylines. We look forward to seeing your best photos!
1. Emptying into Lake Superior. Sheryl Anderson
2. Tahquamenon Falls in the U.P. Jan Gratteau
3. Potawatomi Falls—zibe nweya (river beauty). Sonja LeRoy
4. Adventures in Au Train. Kendall Fladung
5. “Unbeleafable” beauty of Au Train Falls in October. April Willbur
6. A frozen beauty. Mikala Goldman
7. Morning on the Yellow Dog. Diane Lang
8. One of the first views of Tahquamenon Falls. Jeanne Kennedy
9. Munising Falls in winter. Greg Chartier
10. Enjoying a relaxing afternoon at Bonanza Falls. Connie Tingley
11. Winter at Tahquamenon Falls. Kathleen Link
12. Lower Tahquamenon Falls State Park near Paradise. Connie Lindstrom
13. Laughing Whitefish Falls. Anne Kirkpatrick
14. A cool Munising Falls. Hollis Thomas
15. Waterfalls on Lake Independence showing her beauty. Pam Bowers
16. Yellow Dog River, Marquette County. Michele Trotter
17. Bond Falls—Upper Michigan. Ginny Dunn
18. Morgan Falls, located south of Marquette. Carol Margrif
SANDWICHES & WRAPS
Effortless to make, impossible to resist—perfect bites for any time of day.
WINNING RECIPE!
SUMMER HERB CHICKEN SALAD WRAPS
Rachel Smith, Midwest Energy
1 pound skin-on/bone-in chicken breasts or thighs
2 teaspoons salt (to season chicken)
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper (to season chicken)
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 green onions, thinly sliced 1–2 celery stalks, fi nely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh dill, minced
1 tablespoon fresh basil, minced
½ teaspoon fresh tarragon, minced (optional)
4 large tortillas
• romaine lettuce, roughly chopped
Preheat oven to 350 F. Prepare a baking sheet covered in parchment paper. Add the chicken to the baking sheet and season well with salt and pepper; make sure to get under the skin and on all sides. Drizzle with olive oil. Roast in the oven (35–40 minutes for chicken breasts, or 45–55 minutes for chicken thighs), until internal temperature reaches 155 F. Remove from oven, transfer to plate, and allow to cool for 15 minutes. (Note: By removing at 155 F, the temperature will continue to rise with carry-over cooking.) Once cool enough to handle, remove the meat from skin and bones. Cut up into pieces about ½–¾ inches thick. In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, green onions, celery, dill, basil, and tarragon. Add the chicken pieces. Slowly stir ingredients together. Add additional salt and pepper to taste. Place in the fridge for 2 hours before serving. Or, if serving right away, place the bowl in the freezer for 15 minutes to allow it to chill. Spoon chicken salad mixture onto tortillas and top with romaine. Roll up. Makes about 2 cups chicken salad. You 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!
Favorite Fall Recipes, due Aug. 1; Best Holiday Mains, 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
MINI HAM SANDWICHES
Deanne Quain, Great Lakes Energy
12 King’s Hawaiian Sweet Dinner Rolls
1 pound deli ham, shaved
½ pound Swiss cheese
1 stick butter
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon Jack Daniel Dijon mustard
Preheat oven to 350 F. Cut entire pack of rolls horizontally. In a 9x13-inch baking dish, place bottom halves of rolls evenly. Cover with ham and cheese and place top halves of rolls on top. To a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the butter and melt. Add the Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, brown sugar, and mustard, and heat while stirring. Pour liquid over sandwiches and bake covered for 20 minutes, or until the cheese melts. Makes 12 sandwiches.
BAKED MONTE CRISTO SANDWICH
Mary Ellen Wynes, Homeworks Tri-County
2 eggs
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 slices bread
½ pound sliced baked ham
½ ounce Gruyere or Swiss cheese slices
¼ cup strawberry jam
• powdered sugar, for serving
Preheat oven to 450 F. Prepare a baking sheet covered in parchment paper. In a shallow dish (large enough to fi t a sandwich), beat the eggs with the milk and vanilla. Set aside. Assemble two slices of the bread with ham and cheese. Spread the other two slices with strawberry jam. Slightly compress sandwich. Dip both sides of the sandwich in the egg wash for 5 seconds on each side.
Transfer to the baking sheet. Bake 6 minutes, fl ip, and bake 5 more minutes, until browned and the cheese has melted. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.
WARM TURKEY PESTO SANDWICHES
Mary Card, Great Lakes Energy
6 burger or sub buns
6 slices deli turkey meat
6 slices provolone cheese
3 tablespoons prepared basil pesto
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon melted butter
Preheat oven to 400 F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Separate the burger or sub buns. Fold the turkey and cheese to fi t the bottom of buns, tearing or cutting to fi t. In a small bowl, combine the basil pesto and mayonnaise; stir until combined. Spread a thin layer over the six bun tops. Place bun tops on and transfer the sandwiches to the baking sheet. Brush tops with melted butter and heat 8–10 minutes or until cheese melts. Serves 6.
SOUTHWEST CHICKEN PANINI
Nancy Popa, Cherryland Electric
2 cups fresh cilantro, leaves and stems, loosely packed
3–4 garlic cloves, minced
1 jalapeño, seeded and fi nely chopped
• juice of ½ lime
⅛ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon canned chipotle chili in adobo, minced
½ teaspoon sugar
4 slices hearty white or wheat sourdough bread, ½″ per slice
¼ cup butter, softened
2 ounces pepper jack or Havarti cheese, thinly sliced
3 ounces rotisserie chicken, torn into large pieces
In a food processor, blend cilantro, garlic, jalapeño, lime juice, and salt. Slowly add oil to form a pesto paste. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, chipotle chili, and sugar. Lightly butter the outside of each bread slice. Spread mayo on two slices and pesto on the other two. Top pesto sides with cheese and chicken, then close with mayo slices. Grill in a panini press or skillet for 3–4 minutes, checking for doneness. Makes 2 paninis.
Alger Delta Announces 2025 Director Election Results
Congratulations to Darryl Small, Jesse Betters, and Stephen Dausey, who have been re-elected to the Alger Delta Board of Directors. They will continue to represent Districts 1, 6, and 9, respectively, each serving a three-year term through June 2028. Directors Small and Betters were re-elected unopposed. Director Dausey retained his seat following a contested race, defeating challenger Marci Taskey.
Thank you to all members who participated in this year’s election and helped shape the future of your cooperative!
Your Board In Action
April 2025 Board Meeting
• General Manager Mike Furmanski was unanimously appointed as the National Rural Electric Association (NRECA) voting delegate, with Don Johnson as the alternate delegate.
• Operations Manager Troy Tiernan provided updates on numerous ongoing endeavors including line rebuilds in Menominee County, pole replacements in the Cedar River area, system upgrades in Harvey, and meter deployment in the Hiawatha Sub area.
• Office Manager Priebe gave status reports on meter exchanges, work order completion, cybersecurity, and Miss Dig integration.
• Finance Manager Labadie provided the board of directors with a status report on the 2024 audit, RUS audit, power cost adjustment, and the February 2025 financials.
• General Manager Furmanski reported that both power costs and power sales were higher than the previous two years. He provided details to the board on the March 30, 2025, outage.
Alger Delta Brings Live Theater to Local Students
Alger Delta once again teamed up with The National Theatre for Children (NTC) to help local school staff teach and motivate the next generation of community leaders via a live performance of “Project Energy.”
“It is such a positive opportunity to be able to provide this program through our partnership with NTC and the local school district,” said General Manager Mike Furmanski. “We seize every chance to encourage our area students to learn more about energy and how power works within our own community.”
While watching “Project Energy” unfold, students learned about energy efficiency with the help of a mystery-solving pair named Sure Luck Ohms and detective-in-training Wattson.
The professional actors playing these characters and others guided students along an adventure while teaching them about energy conservation, electricity generation, energy waste, and renewable resources.
NTC conducted performances at three schools in Alger Delta’s service territory: AuTrain-Onota, Powell Township, and Rapid River.
Energy Policy Updates: What Members Need to Know
Recent changes in Michigan energy policy will impact several programs that affect Alger Delta members. Here’s a breakdown of what’s new with the Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP), Energy Waste Reduction (EWR), and Renewable and Clean Energy standards.
The Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) took effect through Public Act 95 of 2013. The purpose of the MEAP is to establish and administer programs statewide that provide energy assistance to eligible low-income households. This assistance must include services that enable participants to become or move towards becoming selfsufficient. The original law capped the monthly surcharge at $1.00/month and, over the years, it has ranged from $0.87–$0.99.
When this program became law, utilities were given a choice to participate or not. Energy users were eligible for assistance whether their electric provider participated or not. The biggest difference between participating or not was that those utilities that did not participate were not allowed to shut people off Nov. 1–April 15. Alger Delta has always participated in this program.
Public Acts 168 and 169 of 2024 amended Section 9t of Act 95. These recent acts changed some things— they raised the cap on the monthly charge to $1.25 for 2025, with $0.25 annual increases until it hits $2.00/ month in 2028. The cap for 2029 will be adjusted in the future. The second change was that all electric utilities must participate in the program, which will create a larger pool of available funds. The third change requires that the money collected in a geographic area be returned, to the extent possible, to that geographic area.
The fourth change updates eligibility requirements from 150% of the federal poverty level to 60% of the state median income.
The cap for 2025 is $1.25/month and, on April 24, 2025, the Michigan Public Service Commission ordered that the charge to be collected is $1.25/month. This new charge will first appear on the September 2025 billing.
Energy efficiency programs have been a part of Michigan energy policy since Public Act 295 of 2008. These programs can also be known as Energy Optimization (EO) or Energy Waste Reduction (EWR) programs. Acts 341 and 342 of 2016 modified some of the requirements and included a provision that would allow cooperatives to opt out of such a program at the end of 2021. When these changes became effective, Alger Delta decided to discontinue their EO program at the end of 2021. These programs suffered from high administrative costs and low participation.
In 2022, we voluntarily created a new EO program with surplus funds from the former program. This allowed us to
offer a program while not continuing to charge an EO fee.
Public Act 229 of 2023 altered Michigan Energy policy again. The major change to the EO program is cooperatives are again mandated to offer an EO program. The state of Michigan estimates that costs should be less than 3.5% of the previous year’s sales. Alger Delta has partnered with other coops in Michigan to reduce those costs. These costs are not finalized at this time. We will update the membership once they are known, and these costs will take effect on the January 2026 billings.
Public Act 235 of 2023 mandates renewable as well as clean energy standards. Electric providers will need to ensure that 50% of all electric energy sold by 2030 is from renewable sources. This number jumps to 60% by 2035. This act also requires that 80% of energy used be generated from clean sources, with a 100% requirement by 2040. WPPI Energy is our wholesale provider, and they have assured Alger Delta that they will be able to meet these Michiganmandated requirements.
Rooted in Flavor
Michigan’s Farm-to-Table Experience
Where the Land Inspires the Menu
By Emily Haines Lloyd
The farm-to-table movement runs deep in Michigan, where a rich agricultural landscape meets a strong spirit of collaboration between farms and restaurants. Across the state, many establishments don’t just partner with local growers—they are the growers, operating their own farms to ensure every ingredient is fresh, seasonal, and full of Michigan flavor.
You don’t have to look far to fi nd great examples—some are right within our electric cooperative communities.
Farm Club farmclubtc.com
Farm Club: Growing Connection in Traverse City
A member of Cherryland Electric Cooperative, Farm Club near Traverse City is more than just a restaurant—it’s a farm, a bakery, a brewery, and a community gathering place. Here, chefs build their menus around what’s ripe in their fi elds, shaping meals that refl ect the rhythm of the seasons. Heirloom beans simmer into rich soups, and just-picked corn becomes a fragrant pozole. Everything is guided by the land’s natural cadence.
A Taste of Place
This hyper-local approach embraces the concept of terroir—the idea that flavor is shaped by the environment. Soil, water, and climate combine to give ingredients a distinct character, and in Michigan, that character is unmistakable. From juicy summer berries to earthy autumn squash, our state’s seasonal bounty inspires menus that evolve with the harvest.
In Suttons Bay, another Cherryland Electric member, 9 Bean Rows, exemplifi es this connection to place. Part farm, part bakery, and part café, the business grows its own produce, bakes artisanal
bread on-site, and runs community programs that promote healthy eating. Their signature sourdough and sea salt fennel loaves embody the taste of Michigan—right down to the well water used in the baking process.
Pond Hill Farm: A Full-Sensory Experience
On 238 scenic acres near Harbor Springs, Pond Hill Farm—a Great Lakes Energy member—offers an immersive farm-to-table experience. Visitors can tour the fi elds, sample beer and wine crafted from the farm’s own hops and grapes, and savor wood-fi red pizza made with fresh, homegrown ingredients. Even in winter, Pond Hill keeps the connection strong with intimate supper clubs featuring root vegetables and greens harvested from heated hoophouses.
But Pond Hill’s mission goes beyond food. From barnyard animals to seasonal festivals, the farm invites guests of all ages to engage with agriculture fi rsthand and experience the work— and wonder—behind every meal.
Food That Builds Community
In Michigan, farm-to-table isn’t just about eating well—it’s about creating stronger, more connected communities. By sourcing ingredients locally, restaurants support nearby farmers, strengthen regional economies, and create welcoming spaces where people come together.
At 9 Bean Rows, the impact extends into schools. Their food program supplies fresh produce to students in Leelanau County and Traverse City, introducing young people to nutritious, local food and helping them understand where it comes from.
Similarly, Farm Club and Pond Hill Farm host events like farm tours, pizza nights, and seasonal dinners, transforming food into a shared experience that brings neighbors, families, and visitors together.
More Than a Meal
In Michigan, farm-to-table is more than a dining trend—it’s a celebration of land, people, and place. It’s about honoring farmers, cultivating community, and creating food that’s rooted in care and connection.
Every dish tells a story—of the soil that nourished it, the hands that harvested it, and the community that gathers around it.
“ IN MICHIGAN, FARM-TO-TABLE ISN’T JUST ABOUT EATING WELL—IT’S ABOUT CREATING STRONGER, MORE CONNECTED COMMUNITIES.”
The Swan Whisperer
By Yvonne Whitman
Nestled in the woods of the central Upper Peninsula is Corner Lake. On the shores of this lake, living in his comfortable home, you will find 88-year-old Ron Curtis. If it is from October to April, you will likely find him outside, hand-feeding his beloved flock of wild trumpeter swans.
The trumpeter swan is North America’s heaviest flying bird, stretching to six feet in length and weighing more than 25 pounds. Getting that much mass aloft requires at least a 100-yard-long “runway” of open water. Flapping hard across the surface, they almost sound like galloping horses as they impressively generate speed for takeoff. Despite their size, this once-endangered but now recovering species is as elegant as any swan, with a graceful neck and snowy-white plumage. They breed in wetlands in remote areas of the northwestern United States and Canada and winter on ice-free coastal and inland waters.
The swans began arriving in Ron’s yard back in 2018. “One spring, a mated pair appeared, and I went out and started talking to them,” he said. “They ‘talked’ back via squawking. After that, more swans arrived, and every year, the flock grew larger. Initially, I fed them from shore, but eventually, I would hold a can of corn out for them, and one came up and started eating out of the can. Then, I put it in my hand, and he ate out of my hand.” Ultimately, once it was safe, more swans took part in the hand-feeding. For the more timid swans, Ron would throw the corn on the snow-covered ground. Now, after seven years, if swans are visibly not present, he calls for them, and they majestically fly in, land, and waddle up to him for their corn treat. The original bonded swan pair returns annually to Ron’s yard, and now they bring their offspring. This past winter, Ron had
a daily flock of 25 swans in his yard and fed all of them. The swans usually arrive in October and stay until April or May. He estimates that he purchases approximately 1,000 pounds of corn each winter for daily feedings. The corn is not delivered, but instead, Ron drives to a local feed store and purchases several 50-pound bags of corn on each trip, repurchasing throughout the winter months. He is the only person on the lake that feeds the swans.
Aside from befriending wild swans, Ron has had a vibrant and rewarding life. He grew up in Warren, Ohio, and at the age of 15, found himself headed to the U.P. to spend a summer working at a woodland resort not far from where
he currently lives. Ron had an uncle who lived in the U.P. A local resort owner, desperate for summer help, asked his uncle if he knew anyone who would like to work at the resort for the summer. “My uncle asked me, ‘Do you want to go to Michigan?’ I said, ‘Heck yes,’ and the next day, I was in my aunt and uncle’s car headed up here,” he said. It was a trip that was the beginning of his life in the U.P.
He worked at the resort for three summers, earning $20 per week, which included his room and board. His last job of each day was doing the restaurant dishes. “I learned to be a very efficient dishwasher because as soon as I was done, I could go down, jump in a boat, and go fishing,” he says
with a chuckle. Once he graduated high school, he began working at a General Motors factory in his hometown. He immediately began planning his exit strategy. “I was in the plant for a week, and I was already trying to figure out how to get the heck out of there. I did not like being inside. Factory work was not for me,” he states matter-of-factly.
Ron began saving his money and planning his exit from the factory. After eight years, he had saved enough to purchase the Midway Resort in Wetmore. He and his wife, along with their two children, packed up everything and moved to the Northwoods. And never left. He stayed in the resort business for 25 years, finally retiring from it in 1988. But he wasn’t done yet.
He then began a career as a rural mail carrier. For four decades, he delivered mail to 428 rural mailboxes on a 108mile route that he drove eight hours a day, six days a week. Ron estimates that he performed this task over 12,000 times by the time he retired in 2023 at the age of 85. “I enjoyed every day of it because I never got tired of riding around in the forest, delivering packages and mail to the people, making them happy. I got to know everyone and looked forward to the mailbox visits,” Ron thoughtfully says. Whether caretaking swans, greeting resort visitors and teaching them how to bait a fishing hook, or delivering mail in a friendly “Yooper way,” Ron says he is grateful for the life he has had: “I’ve had a good life, and I have no regrets.” He is currently writing a book about his life story.
“ The wind was right, and I could hear the notes of taps, just as darkness fell. There is nothing in all the world I like better than the trumpet of the swan.”
—E.B. White
Alger Delta Awards 2025 Scholarships
We’re proud to announce the recipients of Alger Delta’s 2025 High School Scholarships: Heidi Freydank, Mayce Hanson, and Melissa Johnson! Each student received a $1,000 scholarship, presented during their schools’ awards ceremonies this past May.
Applicants were asked to submit an essay on “Our Community Connection: The Value of Cooperative Power” and plan to continue their education at a technical college or university.
Heidi Freydank , a graduate of Saint Thomas Aquinas Academy, will be attending Northeast Wisconsin Technical College this fall to pursue a degree in nursing.
Mayce Hanson, a graduate of Gladstone High School, is heading to Bay de Noc College to study criminal justice. Her goal is to become a detective with the Michigan State Police.
Mayce Hanson pictured above, receiving her award from Alger Delta General Manager Mike Furmanski.
Melissa Johnson, who graduated from Stephenson High School, will attend Dordt University in Sioux Center, Iowa. She plans to major in agri-business with aspirations of becoming a farm manager or working in agricultural finance and accounting.
Melissa Johnson pictured above, receiving her award from Jesse Betters, District 6 director.
Congratulations to these outstanding students! We’re excited to see where your paths lead and proud to support your next steps.
Heidi Freydank pictured above, receiving her award from Alger Delta General Manager Mike Furmanski.
Where In Michigan Is This?
MYSTERY PHOTO
Win a $100 energy bill credit! Identify the correct location of the photo above by July 25 and be entered into a drawing to win a $100 electric bill credit. Enter your guess at countrylines.com/community
May 2025 WINNER!
Our Mystery Photo winner is Debra Anthony, a Thumb Electric Cooperative member who correctly identified the photo as the Statue of Liberty Torch Sculpture in Rogers City, Michigan. Winners are announced in the following issues of Country Lines: January, March, May, July/August, September, and November/December.
The Generational Dresses
By Sharon Libich, a Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op member
In 1978, I found my wedding dress in the pages of bridal magazines— a far cry from today’s online searches. I never imagined that decades later, its delicate train would become part of my granddaughter’s First Holy Communion dress.
Family tradition has always been woven into the fabric of our lives. My godmother hand-sewed my Christening gown in 1959. That same dress was worn by my daughters in 1981 and 1987, and again by my granddaughter Hailey when she was born in 2015.
Our Communion dress holds a similar legacy. I wore it in 1967, my daughters in 1988 and 1994, and Hailey in 2022. Wanting a full-length dress, she asked for something special—and I knew just what to do. I carefully repurposed the 5-foot train from my wedding gown.
Reassembling the dress was truly a labor of love, but seeing Hailey in it made every stitch worth it. The tradition continues—and the dress lives on.
GUEST COLUMN Win $200 for stories published! Share your fondest memories and stories. Win $200 for stories published. Visit countrylines.com/community to submit.
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
• 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.
• 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.
Boat Owners
• 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.
• 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.