JulyAug 2026 Alger

Alger Delta Cooperative Electric Association

July/August 2026

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

Taking the Long Way Around Energy Rebates For 2026 Alger Delta In The Community Home Fire Safety Checklist

TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE

Geothermal is like finding magic in your backyard.

Turn your wishes of lower energy costs into reality with a residential geothermal unit from WaterFurnace. Our systems tap into free, renewable energy stored in the ground to deliver reliable, consistent comfort and real savings on heating, cooling, and hot water. They’re twice as efficient as traditional HVAC systems, last 40% longer, and cut energy bills by as much as 70%. Plus, many state, local, and utility programs offer incentives to lower installation costs.

Stop wishing and start saving with geothermal from WaterFurnace.

Visit waterfurnace.com to learn how to turn “Too Good To Be True” into “True.”

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Hart Adams Htg & Clg (231) 873-2665 adamsgeothermal-mi.com

Big Rapids Stratz Htg & Clg, Inc. (231) 796-3717 stratzgeocomfort.com

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

Muskegon TMC Mechanical LLC (231) 865-1114 www.tmcmechanicalllc.com

Cadillac Wilder Htg & Clg (231) 645-4822 Wilderheatingandcooling.com

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

Filion/Bad Axe Air-O-Dynamic Htg & Clg (989) 582-0137 aod-hvac.com

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

Gaylord Family Plmb & Htg (989) 732-8099 familyplumbingandheating.com

Michigan Center Comfort 1/Aire Serv of Southern Michigan (517) 764-1500 airserv.com/southern-michigan

Portage Bel Aire Htg & Clg 1-888-235-2473 belaire.com Portland ESI Htg & Clg (517) 647-6906 esiheating.com Sparta West Michigan Geothermal (616) 887-1290 Westmigeothermal.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 $2,250 rebate available through your co-op.

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

OLDEST UNIT CONTEST! Have an older geothermal unit? Tell us why you love it for a chance to win a new, modern WaterFurnace residential geothermal unit with professional installation.1 Hurry, the contest ends July 22, 2026.

Enter at waterfurnace.com/giveaway 1. Visit the WF giveaway landing page for full details and requirements.

visit waterfurnace.com/mi The Reliable Renewable is a trademark of WaterFurnace International, Inc.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

Contents countrylines.com

July/August 2026 Vol. 46, No. 7

/michigancountrylines

/michigancountrylines

EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Casey Clark EDITOR: Christine Dorr GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Karreen Bird RECIPE EDITOR: Christin Russman COPY EDITOR: Yvette Pecha CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Emily Haines Lloyd PUBLISHER: Michigan Electric Cooperative Association Michigan Country Lines, USPS591-710, is published monthly, except August and December, with periodicals postage paid at Lansing, Mich., and additional offices. It is the official publication of the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association, 201 Townsend St., Suite 900, Lansing, MI 48933.

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Subscriptions are authorized for members of Alger Delta, Cherryland, Great Lakes, HomeWorks Tri-County, Midwest Energy & Communications, Ontonagon, Presque Isle, and Thumb electric cooperatives by their boards of directors.

POSTMASTER: Send all UAA to CFS. ASSOCIATION OFFICERS: Chris O’Neill, HomeWorks TriCounty Cooperative, chairman; Gabe Schneider, Cherryland Electric Cooperative, vice chairman; Shaun Lamp, Great Lakes Energy Cooperative, secretary-treasurer; John Kran, president and CEO.

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CONTACT US/LETTERS TO EDITOR: Michigan Country Lines 201 Townsend St., Suite 900 Lansing, MI 48933 248-534-7358 editor@countrylines.com

MI CO-OP Community

CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Please notify your electric cooperative.

See page 4 for contact information.

The appearance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised.

MICHIGAN’S ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES

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6 DIGGING INTO THE RICH

RECIPE CONTEST

HISTORY OF MICHIGAN’S KEWEENAW PENINSULA The majestic land of the Keweenaw captivates visitors with natural beauty and hidden riches below the surface.

GUEST COLUMN

10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN

MYSTERY PHOTO

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See details on page 10. Autumn Comfort Foods, due Aug. 1; Heirloom Recipes, due Sept. 1.

Win a $100 bill credit!

See details on page 18. Share your fondest memories and stories.

Win $200 for stories published!

See details on page 18.

Win a $100 bill credit!

To enter contests, submit reader content & more, visit countrylines.com/community

Chill Out! No Cook: Summer made simple.

WAY AROUND More than an endurance event, the Mackinac Island Swim is rooted in joy, connection, and community.

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A Farmers Market Tradition.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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Your Energy Rebates, Refreshed for 2026

By Mike Furmanski, General Manager BOARD OF DIRECTORS District 1—Big Bay Darryl Small 906-345-9369 • d1director@algerdelta.com

New state rules. Same co-op commitment to helping you save.

Alger Delta has a long tradition of helping members use energy wisely. From appliance rebates to home weatherization support, we’ve built programs based on what our members need—not because of any mandate, but because it’s the cooperative way.

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

That commitment continues in 2026, with an updated slate of rebates and energy-saving programs designed to help you save money, reduce waste, and make smart upgrades to your home or business.

What’s changing? A new state law now requires all utilities, including co-ops, to reduce energy waste across their membership by 1.5% annually. While Alger Delta has offered rebates and efficiency programs for years, the new law prompted a refresh of our program design to ensure we meet those technical requirements.

As part of this update, you may notice a small charge labeled “Energy Waste Reduction” on your monthly bill.

What’s Included in Your Co-op’s Updated Energy Program Your co-op’s energy savings program offers something for every member. Whether you’re upgrading an appliance or looking for extra support, we’re here to help:

District 9—Hiawatha/Maple Ridge Stephen Dausey 906-202-3899 • d9director@algerdelta.com

• Rebates for energy-efficient appliances, heating & cooling systems, and smart thermostats

GENERAL MANAGER: Mike Furmanski mfurmanski@algerdelta.com

• Free customized energy-saving kits for members who complete a short online home survey

HEADQUARTERS: 426 N. 9th St, Gladstone, MI 49837 906-428-4141 • 800-562-0950 admin@algerdelta.com algerdelta.com

Visit the convenient Amazon storefront to find pre-approved, rebate-eligible products. Go to meca.coop/marketplace/.

• Help for businesses, with customized energy assessments & rebates

Why It Matters

OFFICE HOURS Monday–Thursday 7 a.m.–5 p.m. (EST)

Using less energy helps lower bills, reduces long-term costs for everyone on the system, and supports environmental sustainability. These rebates make it easier to take those steps—and the comfort and performance upgrades are often just as valuable as the energy savings.

Alger Delta Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Even with new rules in place, your co-op remains focused on what matters most: delivering programs that serve our local members.

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Visit algerdelta.com to see what rebates are available, learn how the updated program works, or take an online assessment to receive a free energy-saving kit.

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Explore Your Rebate Options

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Planning a home or business upgrade? Check the rebate list first—you might be eligible for money back.

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algerdelta.com

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/algerdeltaelectric

Avendt Averts Disaster May 2, 2026, was an eventful day for Alger Delta Distribution Engineer Jeanne Avendt. Avendt and her family were attending a birthday party at a friend’s house just outside of Big Bay. “The kids were playing and we were sitting by the bonfire when we heard the screeching of tires followed by three or four loud bangs,” Avendt recalled. “It didn’t sound good, so we decided to walk up to the road to see if anyone needed help.”

Aware of County Road 550’s history of frequent accidents, Avendt grabbed her high-visibility work sweatshirt and quickly headed down the road, with the rest of her group following behind.

“When I got to the end of the driveway, I looked right and saw a car that had obviously rolled several times,” she said. “I immediately noticed one of our span guy poles had snapped off about six feet up, with overhead guy wires draped across the roadway. Then I looked left and saw an ore-carrying semi-truck coming into the corner.

Because of the curve in the road, the driver could not see what was ahead.

I began waving my arms frantically and signaling for him to slow down.

The driver slammed on the brakes and stopped just a short distance from the guy wires.”

Avendt later reflected on how serious the situation could have become.

“If the driver had hit those wires, he likely would have broken the primary pole and caused outages to both the Eagle Mine and the town of Big Bay,” she explained. “Replacing the pole would have taken at least eight hours—and that’s if only one pole had broken. Because it was on a curve, it’s possible additional poles could have been damaged as well. Not to mention, people were beginning to stop, and the pole or wires could have fallen on other vehicles or people.”

By then, several other drivers had stopped to assist the injured driver.

While some attended to the accident victim, members from Avendt’s group stepped in to direct traffic.

“A neighbor showed up with cones and safety vests,” she said. “Traffic was stopped before the curve on the south side and at the top of the hill on the north side. It was awesome, spur-ofthe-moment traffic control.”

As they waited for emergency personnel to arrive, Avendt spoke with the VanDamme driver about how much worse the situation could have been.

“We discussed how bad it could have been if he hadn’t received those few

“ I just happened to be in the right place at the right time to prevent something worse from happening,” seconds of warning that something was wrong ahead of him,” she said.

Thanks to her quick thinking, experience, and training, Avendt helped prevent what could have become a far more serious accident affecting many additional drivers and community members.

Humbly, Avendt downplays her actions.

“I just happened to be in the right place at the right time to prevent something worse from happening,” she said.

Alger Delta is proud to recognize Avendt for her actions and grateful to have her on the team.

Thank you, Jeanne!

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DISCOVERING MICHIGAN’S MAGIC Cassondra Wanders Adventure Series

Digging Into the Rich History of Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula

By Cassondra Scott

huge influx of immigrants from Finland, Cornwall, and other regions, creating a unique cultural identity and helping shape the area’s diverse population.

This can be seen today in bilingual street signs, architecture, museums, and foods like the famous pasty.

Rising production costs, violent miner strikes, and the Great Depression brought job loss and population decline and ultimately led to the fall of the mining industry. Without the mines, the economy began to collapse. Many towns vanished, leaving behind ghost towns, industrial relics, and remnants of a bygone era.

Today, the Keweenaw National Historical Park preserves 20 heritage sites that offer tours into the past— showcasing the impact the mining downturn left on the communities and landscape for generations. Some of these sites include:

Forming the northernmost tip of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, a striking shark fin-shaped area of land stands along the shore of by Lake Superior. Isolated by geography and refined by a geology so unique, there is nowhere else in the world quite like the Keweenaw Peninsula.

To really understand the whole picture, we have to go back a billion years to the Mesoproterozoic Era. This period of forming and shifting of Earth’s continents is when a midcontinent rift formed. Volcanic activity left behind nearly pure copper lava, producing the only strata on Earth with large-scale recoverable native copper at 97%.

For over 7,000 years, Lake Superior Indigenous people and their ancestors

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mined and traded this copper, using it to make tools, beads, and ornaments.

As European settlers arrived, the Ojibwa shared their knowledge of copper resources and by the 1840s, “copper fever” had struck.

In 1842, the U.S. gained title to the Keweenaw Peninsula and opened it to commercial mining, which continued to dominate the economy until the 1960s. Industrialization attracted a

• Once one of the nation’s largest copper producers, the village of Calumet gives a first-hand glimpse of what life was like in a mining town during the 19th century.

Landmarks include Calumet Visitor Center, Coppertown Mining Museum, and Calumet Theater.

• Quincy Mine, nicknamed “Old Reliable” for being one of the largest copper producers in the UP, is open year-round for tours.

Free self-guided tours are available above ground, while the full tour takes visitors on a cog-rail tram to descend 360 feet below ground and walk through the massive hoist house.

• From mid-May to October, Delaware Mine offers self-guided underground tours to explore at your own pace. Walk 110 feet below ground to Shaft No. 1. See copper veins on the walls, ruins of stone buildings, antique engines, and mining equipment.

The “Gateway to the Keweenaw” begins in Houghton, the largest city in Copper Country. Directly across the Portage Canal sits the rolling hills and red brick cityscape of Hancock.

Connecting the two cities is the Portage Lake Lift Bridge, the world’s heaviest and widest double-decked, vertical-lift bridge.

The 25-mile partially man-made Keweenaw Waterway bisects the Keweenaw Peninsula. It serves as a vital transport route, also offering cruises and boat tours. Everything to the north is known as Copper Island, because it’s technically surrounded completely by water.

monks. These men of peace have been serving up savory heavenly treats, jams, and jellies since 1983.

Copper Harbor is a harmonious blend of old America sprinkled with parks, beaches, waterfalls, shipwrecks, and lighthouses. It’s a popular destination for hiking, mountain biking, and camping.

It’s also home to Fort Wilkins State Park, an 1844-era frontier fort with 11 original buildings to tour.

Established to keep peace and manage civil unrest during the early copper rush, the fort remained open for only three years, as the harsh winters proved to be nearly unbearable for soldiers

to survive. By 1870, the Army had permanently abandoned the facility.

A wildly majestic place that seems to magically transport visitors back in time, the Keweenaw Peninsula offers natural beauty as far as the eye can see and an even greater treasure just beneath the surface. Shaped by Indigenous influence, European exploration, and a century-long mining boom, it remains one of Michigan’s richest regions in both history and landscape.

Scan the QR code to watch a video of Cassondra’s adventures to the Keweenaw Peninsula.

The drive from Houghton to Copper Harbor, the very northern point of the peninsula, is a little less than 50 miles.

The mountainous, rugged drive makes for an easy day trip. You’ll traverse Brockway Mountain, Keweenaw’s best-known summit, which towers 735 feet above the lake below.

Take a pilgrimage to the Jampot in Eagle Harbor, a bakery, candy, and coffee shop run by Catholic Byzantine

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.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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School-Year Savings Start at Home with ENERGY STAR Appliances Back-to-school season brings busy schedules, packed lunches, endless laundry, and appliances working overtime. If you’re looking for ways to manage energy use while keeping up with the season, ENERGY STAR ® certified appliances are a smart solution.

standard models, helping lower energy use with every load while still delivering excellent cleaning performance.

ENERGY STAR® appliances are designed to use less energy without sacrificing performance, and with appliance rebates from Alger Delta Electric, upgrading can save even more.

Dry More Efficiently with an ENERGY STAR® Heat Pump Clothes Dryer

Keep It Clean with an ENERGY STAR® Clothes Washer From school clothes to sports uniforms, laundry piles up quickly during the school year. Traditional washers can use a large amount of water and energy, especially with frequent hot-water cycles.

An ENERGY STAR® certified clothes washer uses less water and energy than

Plus, you can receive a $25 rebate on an ENERGY STAR® certified clothes washer to help keep laundry day efficient and affordable.

During the school year, dryers often run nonstop with uniforms, towels, and weekend catch-up loads.

Traditional electric dryers can use significant energy and add extra heat to your home.

ENERGY STAR® certified heat pump dryers use advanced technology that recycles warm air instead of constantly venting heated air outside.

This process uses significantly less energy, is gentler on clothing, and helps reduce heat buildup in your laundry space.

With a $50 rebate available, upgrading to an ENERGY STAR® heat pump dryer can deliver long-term savings for busy households.

Chill Out with an ENERGY STAR® Refrigerator Back-to-school season also means your refrigerator is working harder to keep lunches, snacks, and quick dinners fresh. Since refrigerators run around the clock, choosing an energyefficient model can make a noticeable difference in household energy use.

ENERGY STAR® certified refrigerators are designed to use less energy while maintaining reliable cooling performance. You may also qualify for available rebates when upgrading to a qualifying model.

Learn more about ENERGY STAR® appliance rebates from Alger Delta Electric and start the school year with smart savings at home.

SAVINGS THAT MAKE THE GRADE Upgrade your appliances and get money back on your energy bill.

Every appliance comes with two price tags— the purchase price and the operating cost.

ENERGY STAR® qualified appliances help reduce the operating cost by reducing energy use without sacrificing performance.

Alger Delta Electric is offering rebates on qualified appliances to help you save on the purchase price. Now that’s smart savings!

Back to School Back to Savings

Scan the QR code to view eligible rebates or visit algerdelta.com/energy-waste-reduction-rebates-residential

MI CO-OP Photo Contest

CUTE PETS 1. Annie & Fergie are good travelers!! Kevin Dubord 2. Goldens being golden.

Alisha Adams 3. Zini and her giant mousey.

Kirsten Blackstock 4. Steve enjoying summer flowers. Roxanne Mannisto 5. Beach day for Ollie. Diane Lang 6. Dave loves snow! James Dobbins

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7. I’ll help with the dishes!

Kendall Fladung 8. Basset hound puppy looking for a treat. Cherie Chartier 9. Miss Gracie’s first spa day!

Courtney Verbrigghe

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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 2026 will be entered in a drawing. Four lucky members will win a $50 energy bill credit on their December 2026 bills!

Upcoming Photo Topics and Deadlines: Iconic Landmarks due July 25 (Sept./Oct. issue) Treasured Traditions due Sept. 25 (Nov./Dec. issue)

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To submit photos, go to http://bit.ly/countrylines.

We look forward to seeing your best photos!

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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MI CO-OP Kitchen

CHILL OUT! NO COOK Summer made simple.

SESAME CHICKEN CRUNCH SALAD

WINNING RECIPE!

Katie Grzesiak, Great Lakes Energy Dressing: 1 tablespoon sugar ¾ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon black pepper ¾ teaspoon ground ginger ⅓ cup neutral oil (such as canola or avocado oil) 1½ tablespoons sesame oil 3 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar) 2 tablespoons soy sauce, or tamari (for gluten-free) Salad: 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded (about 4–5 cups) or 6 cooked chicken breasts, seasoned and shredded 1 small head Napa cabbage, shredded (about 5 cups) or 2 heads romaine lettuce, shredded 1–2 carrots, shredded 4 green onions, thinly sliced 3 tablespoons toasted sliced or slivered almonds 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds 1 (3-ounce) can fried rice noodles (Asian-style crunchy noodles, such as La Choy) In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar, salt, black pepper, ground ginger, neutral oil, sesame oil, vinegar, and soy sauce until well combined. Set aside. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cabbage/lettuce, carrots, green onions, almonds, sesame seeds, and fried rice noodles. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to coat and combine. Serve immediately. If you expect leftovers, allow the chicken to cool completely before adding it to the salad and serve the rice noodles separately to keep them from becoming soggy.

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

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HAM-N-CHEESE BALL

CHOCOLATE PEANUT CLUSTERS

Julie Stellema, Alger Delta 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened 1 pound sharp cheddar cheese, shredded 1 teaspoon onion powder 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon dried parsley ½ teaspoon paprika ½ teaspoon seasoning salt 3 tablespoons finely chopped ham, optional 1 cup bacon bits, optional

In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, garlic powder, parsley, paprika, seasoning salt, and ham, if using. Stir well until combined. Form the mixture into a ball, cover, and chill in the refrigerator until firm. When ready to serve, spread the bacon bits on a plate and roll the cheese ball in the bacon until evenly coated. Transfer to a serving platter and serve with crackers.

Bill & Mary Jo Williams, Great Lakes Energy 1 (6-ounce) bag Nestlé Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels 1 (10-ounce) bag Reese’s Peanut Butter Morsels

1 can (10–12 ounces) Planters Spanish Peanuts (use only Spanish peanuts for best results)

Combine the semi-sweet chocolate morsels and peanut butter morsels in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 1 minute, then stir well.

Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth. Stir in the Spanish peanuts until evenly coated. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto wax paper or parchment paper. Let the candy harden at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then leave on the counter for at least 1 hour before storing in a tin or airtight container. Makes approximately 45–50 clusters. The recipe can easily be doubled.

GRAPE SALAD

SEVEN-LAYER TACO DIP

Rhonda DeBolt, Cherryland Electric

Linda Gowman, Presque Isle

4 pounds seedless green grapes, or a combination of green and red grapes 8 ounces sour cream 8 ounces cream cheese, softened

½ cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 4 ounces chopped pecans 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Remove the grape stems and rinse the grapes in vinegar water, then allow them to dry completely. In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the grapes, then mix in most of the pecans and brown sugar, reserving a small amount to sprinkle over the top before serving. Cover and refrigerate overnight if possible, allowing the sugar to fully dissolve and the flavors to blend.

RECIPE CONTEST

1 (15-ounce) can refried beans 5 tablespoons mayonnaise 5 tablespoons sour cream 2 tomatoes, seeded and diced

1 bunch green onions, chopped (green tops only) ½ can black olives, drained and sliced 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese

Layer the ingredients in the order listed in a shallow serving dish, glass pie plate, or 8x8-inch baking dish, beginning with the refried beans and ending with the shredded cheddar cheese. Serve chilled or at room temperature with tortilla chips and salsa.

Win a $100 energy bill credit!

Autumn Comfort Foods, due Aug. 1; Heirloom Recipes, 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.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 11

CO-OP News

Conger Receives Promotion Alger Delta is pleased to announce the promotion of Jon Conger from working foreman to working foreman meter technician. Conger began his career as an apprentice on Jan. 6, 2014, and has been an integral part of Alger Delta’s Distribution Operations. Jon is just one of Alger Delta’s dedicated team of employees that works to provide members with reliable and cost-effective power every day.

Congratulations to Jon on his promotion!

Alger Delta Announces 2026 Director Election Results Congratulations to Directors Steve Wery, Kirk Bruno, and Don Johnson, who have been re-elected to the Alger Delta Board of Directors. They will continue to represent districts 5, 7, and 8 respectively, each serving a three-year term through June 2029. All three were re-elected unopposed.

Thank you to all members who participated in this year’s election and helped shape the future of your cooperative!

Bay Cliff Health Camp Receives Support In collaboration with CoBank and WPPI Energy, Alger Delta Electric recently made a $7,500 donation to Bay Cliff Health Camp. Bay Cliff, located in Big Bay, Michigan, is a year-round, nonprofit therapy and wellness center for children and adults with disabilities.

Bay Cliff’s flagship program is a seven-week summer therapy camp session for children with disabilities. The children work towards goals of increased independence and living a fuller life. Bay Cliff also provides a number of programs year-round, including an adult program for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, an adaptive workshop, and numerous weekend camps.

Pictured left to right: Darryl Small, District 1 director; Ryan Gooch, Bay Cliff health camp director; Mike Furmanski, Alger Delta general manager.

Alger Delta Brings Live Theater to Local Students

‘Project Energy’ guides audience through energy conservation Alger Delta once again partnered with The National Theatre for Children (NTC) to help local school staff teach and motivate the next generation of community leaders.

“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-

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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.

Additional digital content expanded on the concepts taught during the 25-minute in-school performance. In May, NTC conducted performances at two schools in Alger Delta’s service territory, Powell Township School in Big Bay and Wilson Junior Academy.

For more information about “Project Energy,” visit nationaltheatre.com.

Alger Delta Awards 2026 Scholarship Recipients

Alger Delta Supports U.P. State Fair In collaboration with CoBank and WPPI, Alger Delta Electric made a $7,500 donation to be a BlueRibbon Sponsor of the U.P. State Fair. Pictured left to right: Mike Furmanski, general manager of Alger Delta, Sheila Krueger, associate director, Delta County Chamber of Commerce, and Vickie Micheau, executive director, Delta County Chamber of Commerce.

Alger Delta Participates in 2026 Adopt-A-Highway Program Every year, civic-minded Adopt-A-Highway (AAH) volunteers collect more than 60,000 bags of trash from Michigan’s roadsides. These volunteers are making a difference in their communities, as well as helping MDOT crews keep the roads clean and safe. By participating, companies support cleaner highways and contribute to their communities, allowing MDOT to use litter removal funds for road improvements instead. In May, a group of Alger Delta employees spent two days doing their part to help keep our roadsides clean by doing roadside litter clean-up along a 2.5-mile stretch of highway just north of Cedar River.

Pictured left to right: Troy Tiernan, Brandon Lind, Jake Hart, Riley Corrigan.

Congratulations to our 2026 High School Scholarship recipients—Alexa Whaley, Cassandra Engel, and Sarah Labs. Each student was presented with a $1,000 scholarship at their respective school’s awards ceremony in May 2026. Scholarship applicants were required to write an essay titled “Our Community Connection: The Value of Cooperative Power” and continue their education at a technical college or university. These students demonstrated a strong understanding of the importance of community, cooperation, and the positive impact electric cooperatives have on the people they serve.

Congratulations to these outstanding students! We’re excited to see where their paths will lead and proud to support their next steps.

Alexa graduated from Marquette Senior High School, and this fall, she will pursue a degree in exercise science on the pre-med track at King University. She hopes to be a chiropractor. She is pictured receiving her award from Brett Niemi, senior energy services manager at WPPI Energy.

Cassandra graduated from Stephenson High School and will pursue further education at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. She is enrolled in the registered nursing program and hopes to one day work in a hospital.

She is pictured receiving her award from General Manager Mike Furmanski.

Sarah graduated from Stephenson High School and will continue her education at Bay College, where she will complete her registered nursing degree.

Her tentative plans are to work in a nursing home.

She is pictured receiving her award from General Manager Mike Furmanski.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 13

British Landing

TAKING THE LONG WAY AROUND

By Emily Haines Lloyd Grand Hotel

Fort Mackinac

Arch Rock

SWIM START

M

ost Mackinac Island visitors take the familiar route, walking its streets, pedaling its perimeter, or settling into a horse-drawn carriage.

But on one August morning each year, before the first rush of day-trippers arrives, hundreds of swimmers cross the straits with a different plan entirely. They step off early ferries wrapped in neoprene and nerves and head toward the shoreline to do something equal parts daunting and delightful: swim 8.2 miles around Mackinac Island.

From the outside, the Mackinac Island Swim can look like a test of endurance alone, the kind of event soaked in competitiveness and bragging rights.

And, yes, it is a serious challenge. But that’s only part of the story.

More Than an Endurance Event Talk to Event Director Jon Vos, and a different picture comes into focus.

“Endurance events can become all about the competition,” Vos says.

“From day one, we wanted it to be about the experience, the people, and just enjoying this thing we love to do with others who love it, too.”

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FINISH LINE

That philosophy shapes everything about the day. Yes, swimmers are timed, but mostly so organizers can track who is safely in and out of the water. There are no podiums at the finish line and no pressure to outperform. In fact, the only “trophies” handed out come from the local bakery, appropriately called Humble Pies. What you do see and feel are the people cheering each other on, taking in the crystal-clear water, and embracing the rare chance to experience Mackinac in an entirely unique way.

A Challenge Shared One of the most unique aspects of the swim is how connected it feels. Mackinac’s bike path traces the shoreline, making it unusually spectator-friendly. Friends and family can follow along from land, turning the entire route into a moving cheering section. Aid stations become gathering places. Visitors become invested in strangers.

“People make it their own,” Vos says.

“You see families out there, relay teams, people coming back year after year. It becomes part of their story.”

Even when conditions have been tough with cold water, wind, and waves, the response is often the same: “That was awful…see you next year.”

How It Began Like many good ideas, the Mackinac Island Swim started with a simple question.

In the wake of COVID, when events were canceled and plans disrupted, a small group of swimmers found themselves still heading north, still eager for connection and adventure.

Someone floated the idea: What if they went to Mackinac Island and swam around it?

It was a little bold. Totally impractical.

And immediately exciting.

With help from local swimmers and organizers, the idea quickly came together. The first year drew a whopping 250 swimmers. Last year there were over 400, with solo swimmers, relay teams, and support crews taking part.

What has stayed constant is the intent behind it. From the beginning, Vos wanted the swim to feel different from

MACKINAW ISLAND SWIM August 9, 2026 For more information, visit swimaroundmac.com

the ultra-competitive atmosphere often found in endurance sports: Less swagger. More shared experience.

A Community Effort Pulling off an 8.2-mile swim around an island is no small feat. It requires coordination with ferry operators, local boat captains, lifeguards, island paramedics, the Coast Guard, and city leaders. Around 70 people are involved each year, including a core planning team and dozens of volunteers.

But that effort reflects something more than logistics. The event has become part of the community itself.

Through its partnership with the Mackinac Women’s Club, the swim has helped raise roughly $100,000 to support local initiatives.

Where Bravery Meets Joy When the swimmers come ashore, they’re usually tired, sometimes shivering, but always smiling.

Yes, it takes endurance. Yes, it takes bravery.

But what people remember is the joy.

The cheers from shore. The stories traded afterward. The feeling of having done something hard, beautiful, and just a little bit crazy. Together.

As swimmers come out of the water smiling ear to ear, it’s clear this was never really about who finished first or beat their personal best. It was about taking the long way around to see both Mackinac and themselves differently.

And to carry home a story that only the water could give them.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 15

HOME FIRE SAFETY CHECKLIST For Residents/Citizens

SMOKE ALARMS  Have Smoke Alarms — Install one in every bedroom or sleeping area and one on every level of your home.  Have the Correct Smoke Alarms • Standard — Photoelectric or ionization smoke alarms.

CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS (CO)  H ave CO Alarms — Install a working CO alarm on every level of your home.  Best Placement — CO alarms are best near kitchens, garages, utility rooms, appliances.  C hange CO Alarms — Install new CO alarms every 6 to 8 years.

• Bed Shakers — For hearing impaired, deaf, elderly.

• Strobe Lights — For hearing impaired, deaf, elderly. Plugs directly into the wall.

Industrial strobe.

• Nest — Smoke/CO combo that alerts your phone when it goes off. 

est Your Alarms — Press the smoke T alarm test button once a month to assure your alarms work.

 Change Batteries — For 9-volt battery smoke alarms, change batteries once a year or when alarm chirps.

Did You Know?

Safety Tip

If you are having any symptoms like: • Headache • Dizziness • Weakness • Upset stomach • Vomiting • Chest pain • Confusion Please call your local fire department to come evaluate your home CO level.

Most fire deaths happen overnight, and a closed bedroom door can slow the spread of flames and reduce smoke inhalation, potentially saving your life.

16 JULY/AUGUST 2026

FIRE SAFETY INFORMATION! Check out the MI Prevention fire safety information for more tips and videos on fire safety!

Scan the QR code or visit miprevention.org

 Plan Your Escape — Have a plan designed around your abilities.

Things to Consider

• Can you get out on your own without equipment or assistance?

• If you need equipment, be sure it is accessible at all times.

• If you need someone to assist you and answer the who, what, when, where, and how.

• Make sure your equipment fits through all exits.

• Use a bedroom on ground floor close to an exit if possible.

• Install exit ramps or widen door to make escape easier.

 K now Two Ways Out — Include family, neighbors, friends, or a building manager in practicing your escape plan.  W indows and Doors — Practice opening locked windows and doors.  Service Animals — Be sure to include any service animals in your plan.  N eed Extra Help? — Call your local fire department’s nonemergency number if you need help with your escape planning.

Did You Know?

PREPARE A GO BAG In a fire, you have very little time to escape. Be prepared by having essential items in a bag that you or first responders can easily grab.  Seven (7)-day supply of necessary medications.  Emergency contact information.  Contact information for equipment replacements.  Necessary medical supplies/refills.

CALLING 911 When contacting 911, be sure to tell dispatcher:  Full name.  Nature of disability.  Your exact location within home.  Any necessary/life-saving equipment needed (e.g., wheelchairs, medication, oxygen).

Careless smoking is the leading cause of fire fatalities. For your safety: • Never smoke in bed.

• Never smoke when tired.

• Never smoke when under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

• Never smoke while on medical oxygen.

Source: miprevention.org

FIRE ESCAPE PLAN

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 17

Where In Michigan Is This?

MI CO-OP Guest Column

A Farmers Market Tradition

By Kelsee Nemetz, A Cherryland Electric Cooperative member

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 2026 WINNER! Our Mystery Photo winner is Christian Kleber, a Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op member who correctly identified the photo as Gertz Village Square in downtown Millersburg, Mich.

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

18 JULY/AUGUST 2026

A family tradition is something that moves us closer to those we love. They provide an opportunity for bonding and create lifelong memories. These family traditions were exactly what we were looking to create for our new little brood.

We moved from my daughter’s and my birthplace of Grand Rapids when she was 3, and landed in my husband’s hometown of Traverse City. Moving from a bigger city to a smaller beach town was a bit jolting. Everything was now much closer to us, no longer needing a trek across the highway just to get groceries. And that newfound shorter driving radius included a ton of little pop-up farmers markets.

I have always loved the idea of a farmers market. However, traveling to the markets in Grand Rapids always proved stressful. Traffic was usually a nightmare, and when you arrived...it was a coin flip if you would find a decent parking space. I noticed that all changed when we moved up north. With everything much more spread out and spacious, I experienced a lot less stress just getting around town.

We began by visiting the Sara Hardy

market in downtown Traverse City, and then expanded our search to the Interlochen Farmer’s market.

Now, opening weekend is a bit of a ritual. My daughter loves riding in our wagon and looking around at the jewelry and baked goods stalls, always appreciating a good cookie.

My favorite stop lately has been the Cheese Lady’s stand. There’s a special feeling that comes with strolling the market on a finally warm and sunny mid-morning, and it has now become our treasured spring tradition. Creating and keeping family traditions looks different everywhere you go. For our family, it’s a sunny stroll through a local farmers market on warm weekends. Maybe it’s the weather, finally getting out of the house and doing an outdoor activity after months of stagnation. Maybe it’s the togetherness of it all and the joy of browsing local treasures with the ones you love the most. Or maybe it’s creating those lasting memories, the ones that my daughter will take on to adulthood. One day, maybe she will take her own children to her town’s farmers markets. Just like her mom used to take her.

GUEST COLUMN Win $200 for stories published!

Share your fondest memories and stories. Win $200 for stories published. Visit countrylines.com/community to submit.

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

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

ELECTRICAL SAFETY TIPS FOR: Swimmers

Boat Owners

• Never swim near a boat or launching ramp.

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

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

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

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

• Regularly have your boat’s electrical system inspected by a certified marine electrician.

Ensure it meets your local and state NEC, NFPA, and ABYC safety codes.

IF YOU SEE ELECTRIC SHOCK DROWNING TAKING PLACE:

TURN POWER OFF

THROW A LIFE RING

CALL 911

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

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