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.
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS AND CASSOPOLIS SOLUTIONS CENTER
60590 Decatur Road, Cassopolis, MI 49031
M–F 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
PAW PAW SOLUTIONS CENTER
59825 S. LaGrave Street, Paw Paw, MI 49079
M–F 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
TECUMSEH SOLUTIONS CENTER
5050 South Occidental Hwy., Tecumseh, MI 49286
M–F 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
CONTACT US
Midwest Energy & Communications
800-492-5989
teammidwest.com
Email: info@teammidwest.com
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Clarence “Topper” Barth, Chairperson, Three Rivers 269-279-9233
Clarence.Barth@teammidwest.com
Dan Bodette, Vice Chairperson, Wauseon 419-344-4015
Dan.Bodette@teammidwest.com
Ron Armstrong, Secretary, Lawton 269-299-0443
Ron.Armstrong@teammidwest.com
John Green, Treasurer, Dowagiac 269-470-2816
John.Green@teammidwest.com
Gerry Bundle, Cassopolis 269-414-0164
Gerry.Bundle@teammidwest.com
Erika Escue-Cadieux, Onsted 419-346-1088
Erika.Escue-Cadieux@teammidwest.com
Fred Turk, Decatur 269-423-7762
Fred.Turk@teammidwest.com
Jim Wiseley, Bloomingdale 269-760-4619
Jim.Wiseley@teammidwest.com
Jeff Diehl, Union 574-274-6693
Jeffery.Diehl@teammidwest.com
PRESIDENT/CEO: Terry Rubenthaler
DIRECTOR, CORPORATE
COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING: Amy Pales
COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST: Grant Zamora
Midwest Energy & Communications is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Please note: electric customers of MEC must adhere to our bylaws, which can be found at teammidwest.com/bylaws.
Some Thoughts on AI, Data Centers, and Our Grid
By Terry Rubenthaler, President/CEO
I was at the doctor’s recently, and he asked if he could use his Artificial Intelligence (AI) app to transcribe our visit. I was a little surprised, especially given that the office still requires faxed medical records, but I guess that’s a sign AI is definitely a part of our everyday lives.
Regardless of how you feel about AI, two things are undeniable: 1. It will have a dramatic impact, and 2. The data centers that make AI (aka machine learning) possible require a lot of electricity. I’ve read that ChatGPT uses 10x the amount of electricity as a standard web search. That’s because when you ask ChatGPT something, it performs several web searches at once and then creates new custom content based on the data from the searches. Put simply: It takes more work.
In fact, data centers in Virginia consumed 33,851,122 MWh hours of electricity in 2023, according to the Electric Power Research Institute. That’s enough to power about 2.8 million homes.
As a CEO of an electric cooperative, you probably think this increased electric demand has me dancing in the streets. Not entirely.
That power has to come from somewhere, and our grid is already taxed due to growing demand and shrinking supply, even without the surge of AI. The potential risk to the reliability of the grid due to a lack of supply is very real, and it’s something MEC has been educating customers on for years. Plus, it takes about 10 years to build a new power plant, thanks to permitting and regulatory constraints. AI developers and engineers don’t want to wait that long, and since these data centers use electricity 24/7, they don’t want to rely on weather-dependent energy sources, like
renewables, that only generate electricity in certain conditions.
That’s why on a recent trip to Washington, D.C., thousands of leaders from cooperatives across the nation, including myself and others representing MEC, met with legislative staff to educate them on concerns around electric reliability and permitting. It’s up to them to reduce the red tape that bogs down the building of critical new power sources. The good news is that it seems our representatives understand the urgency of this issue, and I remain cautiously optimistic that real change will happen. The grid operators are also doing their part by partnering with Big Data to streamline new generation sources. It’s not hard to predict the future if supply does not match the demand for power.
AI has exciting potential for our industry. There is the possibility for it to enable grid operators to better predict and prepare for peak demand, making the grid more efficient. There is also potential for AI to someday notify us when equipment is going to fail before it actually does and to analyze and direct our tree crews to areas that need attention instead of relying on our usual rotation. On the consumer level, machine learning is already helping people use less energy with smart home devices. For example, smart thermostats can sense when you are not home and automatically turn down the temperature. It’s exciting to think about all the possibilities.
Not even ChatGPT can tell us what the future holds. However, the entire industry will keep a close watch on how AI will influence our grid. For our part, MEC will continue meeting with legislators and industry partners to help them make informed decisions about how we get and consume energy. I will remain dedicated to ensuring you have safe, reliable power.
Just don’t be surprised if you visit your doctor soon and AI is in the waiting room with you.
Get Outage, Account, & Propane Notification Texts
Did you know you can get text notifications about your MEC account? Texts are available for:
• Electric Outages
• Account & Billing Updates
• Propane Deliveries – new !
• And much more!
Log into your SmartHub mobile app or our website at teammidwest.com:
1. Go to Settings to add your phone number.
a. On the app, look under Add New Contact Method . Choose Phone
b. On desktop, click Add Phone.
2. Enter your phone number, and select Yes under Receive Text Messages. Click Save.
3. Go to Manage Notifications under Settings to choose the notifications you want to receive.
Labor Day Closure
Our solutions centers will be closed Monday, Sept. 1 in honor of Labor Day. Make a payment or report an electric outage via SmartHub or by calling 800-492-5989.
Dropbox payments made at our solutions centers will be processed on the next open business day.
4. Find the type you want to receive. For example:
a. To get notified when your Scheduled Propane Delivery is on its way, look under On Demand
b. To receive Power Outage Updates , look under Service
c. To get a text when your monthly bill is available, look under Billing
5. Select the appropriate phone number and click Save
Scholarship Opportunity: Southwestern Michigan College
SMC-bound students can apply for our one-course scholarship to cover Intro to Computer Technology. Get full details at teammidwest.com/smcscholarship.
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.
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.
Scan the QR code to watch a video of our Bridge Tour.
Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge
Fallasburg Covered Bridge, Lowell
Mini Mac Bridge, St. Louis
The Tridge, Midland
Keep Our Linemen Safe— Beware Backfeeding
Backfeeding is what happens when electricity flows backwards. If an improperly installed generator re-energizes our lines, it can create a potentially deadly situation for crews restoring power.
To prevent dangerous backfeeding, purchase a GenerLink and we will install it for you. Visit shopgenerlink.com to get started. Otherwise, a qualified electrician must install a transfer switch.
If you own or recently installed a generator, please call us at 800-492-5989. We will add a note to your account that will make our crews aware of your equipment prior to making repairs.
A Guide to Backup Power Sources
If the lights go out, these backup power sources can keep your most important equipment functioning.
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)
A UPS, also called a battery backup, will stop important machines like oxygen tanks or computers from resetting when the power blinks or when voltage drops below an acceptable level. However, they won’t keep equipment running for an extended period of time.
Read our UPS guide at teammidwest.com/ups for details.
Portable Power Stations
Some other important safety tips:
• Prevent carbon monoxide buildup. Always run a generator at least 20 feet away from your home with the exhaust pointed away. Never use one indoors.
• Electric safety rules apply. Never use a generator in the rain or on a wet surface, and make sure you use a grounded outlet with the proper extension cord.
• Read the instructions to make sure you’re following the manufacturer’s safety recommendations.
These are like giant rechargeable batteries. They can power a few small items like your phone or laptop, or a large appliance like your refrigerator.
Unlike generators, they’re very quiet and don’t produce fuel emissions, but they’re also not as powerful as other options, and there’s no way to recharge them without another source of power.
Inverter Generators
A small inverter has output similar to a portable power station, while midsize to large inverters can power your air conditioning in addition to your fridge and smaller items.
Inverters are quieter than most generators and produce fewer emissions, but usually cost more because of their complex and efficient engine.
Portable Generators
Portable generators are usually both less
expensive and less efficient than inverters, with a similar output to a large inverter.
They can keep your fridge and A/C on, potentially with a few other necessities like your well pump or an electric stovetop range.
Home Standby Generators
At their most powerful, they more than double the output of portable generators and can keep everything in your home running.
The main trade-off is cost—not only will you normally pay a few thousand dollars for the generator, but you’ll also have to pay for installation, which can double the base price.
Which One Is Right for You?
Decide which devices or appliances you want to keep using if the power goes out, then check the wattage for each. Add them up to get an idea of the output your generator needs.
Don’t forget that some appliances use more power as they’re turning back on, which can be too much for your generator if you’re not careful.
Where to Shop
Talk to an electrician for recommendations on whole-home generators. Search online retailers for other backup power sources.
After-School Piano Camp Strikes a Chord with Students
Piano lessons can be a valuable experience for kids, but not everyone has access to an instrument or lessons.
Michelle Force, choir teacher for Springbrook Middle School and fine arts coordinator for Adrian Public Schools, is helping students overcome these hurdles with the help of a Strengthening Schools Grant from Midwest Energy & Communications, funded via partnership dollars through our power supplier Wolverine Power Cooperative.
The Program Springbrook’s new Piano Exploration Camp combines foundational instruction with student-led creative freedom.
Two days each week, students stay after school to learn the instrument. A classroom at Springbrook is equipped with a piano keyboard for each student to practice on.
Sessions begin with self-led exploration, where students are encouraged to make their own discoveries and build upon what they already know. An instructor then provides the day’s guided lesson. These typically cover the fundamentals, like key placement and reading sheet music.
To close out the session, students are given time to share what they’ve learned with each other. This can include anything from new techniques to functions of the keyboard.
Why It Works
By providing a free opportunity to practice with a keyboard and take lessons, Springbrook’s Piano Exploration Camp ensures that any student can learn as long as they’re interested.
Once they’re in the program, Force says students begin making connections with things they’re learning in other classes, giving them a deeper appreciation of the material. Choir students, for example, find that once they can play a note on the keyboard, it becomes easier to sing because they know what it feels and sounds like when they play it.
“One student was even able to take a song that she had learned on viola and transfer it to piano,” Force says.
How It Happened
The Fine Arts program at Adrian Public Schools gives students of all ages a chance to develop their artistic skills. Art, music, and drama programs are available for all ages. Once students reach high school, they can choose to enroll in a number of specialized classes like 2D Design, Photography, Guitar, and much more. The program has been so successful that it has led students to transfer to the district in order to participate.
In the course of coordinating the Fine Arts program, Force recognized that students were interested in learning piano, so she conducted a trial version of the Piano Exploration Camp with 10 students. After much positive
feedback, she applied for an MEC Strengthening Schools Grant, allowing her to purchase 10 new keyboards and fully integrate the camp into the Fine Arts program.
With Force at the helm and no signs of slowing down, Adrian’s Fine Arts program continues to grow and draw students to the district. It’s a perfect example of why we believe in the Strengthening Schools Program— by helping students gain access to tools and resources they might not otherwise have, their education can be that much more impactful.
You have until Oct. 13 to apply for a Strengthening Schools Grant!
Teachers, administrators, and school officials at public elementary, middle, or high schools serving students in our electric service territories are eligible.
Visit teammidwest.com/ school-grants for full details and to apply.
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.
MEC IN THE COMMUNITY
Hotline Safety Demos
We presented electric safety demonstrations for fourth-grade classrooms throughout our service area. The demonstrations were part of a safety contest that we hold each spring. Flip to page 17 for more.
Gold Hammer Awards
MEC sponsored the Lenawee Intermediate School District Gold Hammer Awards. Each year, the award program celebrates student achievement and honors a Builder of the Year. This year’s winner was Dane Morrin of Sand Creek High School.
FFA Region 1 Officer Camp
MEC sponsored the FFA Officer Camp for Region 1. The camp brings new chapter officers together to learn how to perform their duties for the year, including taking meeting minutes, writing checks, and other skills.
Digital Skill-Building Sessions
At the Cass District Library’s Mason/Union Branch, MECers Stevie and Steve taught 13 people how to avoid online scams and digital threats. At our Cassopolis headquarters, Techie Chuck introduced nine customers to the basics of switching from cable TV to streaming services.
Meet Our 2025 Scholarship Winners
We recently awarded $1,000 scholarships to four local students based on their academic achievements, leadership, and community involvement. All four are children of MEC customers. Scholarships are funded via partnership dollars through our power supplier, Wolverine Power Cooperative.
Applicants were told to select one of MEC’s three main services (electric, propane, and fiber internet) and film a commercial promoting it using whatever creative and artistic touches they could think of. Visit teammidwest.com/scholarships-2025 to see each of their commercials.
Kira Kessen, senior at Paw Paw High School. She participated in honors, concert, and marching band for four years and was flute section leader for two. She also served as tutoring committee head of the National Honor Society, as president of the Junior Friends of the Antwerp Sunshine Library, and was an academic honor roll member for seven years. Outside school, Kira worked at the YMCA and volunteered in the community by packaging food for students, helping set up a parish Halloween carnival, and acting as a costumed character at birthday parties. She plans to study simulation, animation, and gaming at Eastern Michigan University.
Charlotte Cultice, senior at Edwardsburg High School. Charlotte won the Academic Achievement Award at Edwardsburg High School three times, participated in the National Honor Society, served as president of EHS Students Against Destructive Decisions, and served as drumline leader in the EHS Marching Band. Outside school, Charlotte worked at Copper Creek Café and is a confirmed member of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church. She plans to study nursing at the University of Michigan.
Rebecca Guernsey, senior at Dowagiac High School. Rebecca is her class valedictorian and has received the Academic All State and National Rural and Small Town Recognition awards. She has participated in softball, basketball, golf, robotics, power lifting, and student senate and has served as treasurer of the National Honor Society. Outside school, Rebecca volunteered as an altar server, funeral lunch helper/server, and food pantry/truck assistant and has helped organize and run blood drives. She plans to study sports management and kinesiology at Bethel University.
Rowan Iwaniuk , senior at Niles High School. Rowan has participated in 4-H and Future Farmers of America and has earned both the start farmer and swine proficiency awards. He started the school sports podcast “The Viking Huddle” and participated in The Nilly News morning announcement program. Outside school, Rowan works parttime at a local swine farm, and helps manage his aunt and uncle’s farm. He was recently crowned “Mr. Niles.” He plans to study swine management at Michigan State’s Southwestern Michigan College Extension.
High school seniors whose families receive monthly service from MEC at their primary residence are eligible to apply for our scholarship program. The application period is January through mid-March every year. Selection is based on the student’s answer to the challenge prompt as well as academic performance, extracurricular activities, community involvement, employment, and/or honors and awards.
A minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required, and an official transcript must be submitted for final approval. Please note that children of MEC employees and board members are not eligible to apply.
Check teammidwest.com/scholarship in January 2026 for more information.
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.”
Limit Summer Screentime
School’s out, but CommandIQ is ready for action. Filter explicit content, set internet time limits, and more for each individual device on your Wi-Fi network.
It’s free for MEC fiber internet customers on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
*You primary structure is where you main internet router is located. The outdoor mesh is not intended to bring Wi-Fi into detached buildings. New internet customers can have the mesh installed during service installation without paying the $100 mesh installation fee. Fiber service is not regulated by the Michigan Public Service Commission.
ELECTRICITY SAFETY contest winners
Kynzlee D.
Sam Adams Elementary (Cassopolis)
Evelyn S. Ruth McGregor Elementary (Sand Creek)
Our free hotline demonstrations teach local fourth-graders about the dangers of electricity. As part of the demonstrations, we ask each student to create a poster that illustrates something they learned.
Two overall winners are selected—one from southwest Michigan, and one from southeast Michigan. Their messages get shared on billboards with the greater community. The winners also get a pizza party for their classroom, and their teachers receive an Amazon gift card for classroom supplies.
These weren’t the only two worth seeing. For more winners and honorable mentions, visit teammidwest.com/safety-contest-2025.
Keeping Our Community Safe
We offer free electrical safety demonstrations for any group or organization at any time throughout the year. Programs are adaptable for various audiences and timelines, and they can be conducted at our facility or yours. For more information, please contact the community relations team at 800-492-5989 or pr@teammidwest.com.
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.
