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.
Allendale Allendale Htg & Clg (800)327-1937
allendaleheating.com
Bad Axe/Ubly
Cutting Edge Htg & Clg (989)551-0986
Berrien Springs
Waterfurnace Michiana (269)473-5667
gogreenmichgeo thermal.com
Big Rapids Stratz Htg & Clg, Inc. (231)796-3717
stratzgeocomfort.com
Clifford Orton Refrig & Htg (989)761-7691
sanduskygeothermal.com
Hart Adams Htg & Clg (231)873-2665
adamsheating cooling.com
Indian River M&M Plmb & Htg (231)238-7201 mm-plumbing.com
Lansing Candor Mechanical (517)920-0890 candormechanical.com
Lowell Arctic Inc. Htg. & Clg. (616)897-4213 heatingcoolingonline.com
Mancelona
Top Notch Htg, Clg, & Geothermal (231)350-8052
Topnotchheatandair.com
Michigan Center Comfort 1/Air Serv of Southern Michigan (517)764-1500 airserv.com/southernmichigan/
Mt Pleasant Walton Htg & Clg (989)772-4822 waltonheating.com
Muskegon Adams Htg & Clg (231)873-2665 adamsheatingcooling.co Portland ESI Htg & Clg (517)647-6906 esiheating.com
Sunfield Mark Woodman Plmb & Htg (517)886-1138 mwphonline.com
Traverse City D&W Mechanical (231)941-1251 dwmechanical.com
Geofurnace Htg & Clg (231)943-1000 geofurnace.com
Cloverland: up to $4,200
Great Lakes: up to $3,000
Homeworks/Tri-County: up to $3,000
Presque Isle: up to $2,700
Cherryland: up to $2,500
Thumb Electric: up to $2,000
Alger Delta: up to $2,000
XECUTIVE EDITOR: Casey Clark
EDITOR: Christine Dorr
GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Karreen Bird
RECIPE EDITOR: Christin McKamey
COPY EDITOR: Yvette Pecha
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Emily Haines Lloyd
PUBLISHER: Michigan Electric Cooperative Association
Michigan Country Lines, USPS-591-710, is published monthly, except August and December, with periodicals postage paid at Lansing, Mich., and additional offices. It is the official publication of the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association, 201 Townsend St., Suite 900, Lansing, MI 48933.
Subscriptions are authorized for members of Alger Delta, Cherryland, Great Lakes, HomeWorks Tri-County, Midwest Energy & Communications, Ontonagon, Presque Isle, and Thumb electric cooperatives by their boards of directors.
Postmaster: Send all UAA to CFS.
Association Officers: Tom Sobeck, Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op, chairman; Gabe Schneider, Cherryland Electric Cooperative, vice chairman; Chris O’Neill, HomeWorks TriCounty Cooperative, secretary-treasurer; Craig Borr, president and CEO.
CONTACT US/LETTERS TO EDITOR: Michigan Country Lines 201 Townsend St., Suite 900 Lansing, MI 48933 248-534-7358 editor@countrylines.com
CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Please notify your electric cooperative. See page 4 for contact information.
The appearance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised.
/michigancountrylines /michigancountrylines countrylines.com
#micoopcommunity Instagram contest winner
It's beginning to look like spring in Michigan! @sarah-smith.180 (Sarah Smith)
6 PLAN YOUR NEXT VACATION WITH THE GREAT LAKES FISHERMAN'S DIGEST This TV show/website/trade show exhibit is a one-stop shop for those who want to go where the fish are biting.
10 MY CO-OP KITCHEN Polish: The flavors of Poland straight to your kitchen.
14 MORE MILK: THE MICHIGAN DAIRY INDUSTRY'S COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY
The unique relationship between Michigan farmers and their cows makes our state the sixth-highest milk producer in the country.
18 GUEST COLUMN Spring Gardening: The rich tradition of her family's garden preparation is one of this GLE member's fondest memories.
To enter contests, submit reader content, & more, visit countrylines.com/community
Instagram Contest
Use #micoopcommunity for a chance to be featured here and on our Instagram account. Win $100 for photos published!
Recipe Contest
See details on page 10. Chocolate due July 1. Win a $100 bill credit!
Guest Column
Share your fondest memories and stories. Win $200 for stories published. Visit countrylines.com/community to submit. Win $200 for stories published!
Charles Arbour
23899 M32 S, Hillman MI 49746
989-657-4358 • Term Expires: 2023
Allan Berg, Vice-Chairman
8400 Lost Lake Rd., Hawks, MI 49743
989-734-0044 • Term Expires 2023
Sandy Borowicz, Secretary 5341 Carlson Rd.,Cheboygan, MI 49721
231-627-9220 • Term Expires 2024
John Brown, Chairman 21 W. Devereaux Lake Rd., Indian River, MI 49749
231-625-2099 • Term Expires 2023
Sally Knopf
1849 W. 638 Hwy., Rogers City, MI 49779
989-734-4196 • Term Expires 2024
Kurt Krajniak 7630 Wallace Rd., Alpena, MI 49707
989-884-3037 • Term Expires 2025
Brentt Lucas 15841 Carr Rd., Posen, MI 49776
989-766-3678 • Term Expires 2025
Daryl Peterson, Treasurer
P.O. Box 54, Hillman, MI 49746
989-742-3145 • Term Expires 2024
Raymond Wozniak
6737 State St., Posen, MI 49776
989-766-2498 • Term Expires 2025
President & CEO: Thomas J. Sobeck tsobeck@pieg.com
Communications Director/Co-op Editor: Mairè Chagnon-Hazelman
Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op
3149 Main Street (M-211)
Onaway, MI 49765
Business Office & Billing: 989-733-8515
Toll-Free: 800-423-6634
Gas Emergency Toll-Free: 800-655-8565
PIE&G natural gas rates and charges are not regulated by the Michigan Public Service Commission.
Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
You may think my column title is an unusual statement from your cooperative, but it is at the core of our mission. Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op is committed to promoting the prosperity of our rural communities. Only when our communities are successful are we, too, successful. As your energy provider, we must deliver safe, reliable, and affordable energy to your homes and businesses. This is a tremendous responsibility. We face the same challenges that many of our members face: rising costs, material shortages, lack of skilled labor, and weather-related events, to name a few. In addition, most expect lights will always be on, and the natural gas will always flow.
PIE&G’s goal is to meet that expectation as economically as possible, today, tomorrow, and for many years to come. That means that the decisions that PIE&G leadership makes today—to invest in our new headquarters facility, the advanced metering infrastructure project, and a massive fiber-to-the-home project—may not be comfortable ones to make, but the long-term impact on future rates, reliability, and the prosperity of our region does outweigh those present-day costs.
PIE&G is no longer just an energy utility. We are now a communications utility too. Our success continues to depend on the success of our members and our region. The introduction of high-speed internet access was an intimidating decision, but high-speed internet will transform our region in ways we will all benefit from. Vital services such as specialized medical care and advanced educational offerings have always been readily available to those living in more urban, populated areas. Having access to high-speed fiber internet services will allow our members the option to remain in the area we’ve grown to appreciate for all its natural beauty, while still receiving quality care and educational services along with all the other opportunities that a world-class fiber optic network will provide.
I am confident that our board of directors’ decisions over the last few years will set your cooperative and our region on a path to prosperity. I look forward to the day we can reflect on our progress and say, “Yes, it was worth it!”
The PIE&G Board of Directors decided the following items at these recent meetings:
• Reviewed and accepted the 2022 Audit Report from Eide-Bailly.
• Approved the quarterly write-off of bad debts in the amount of $19,999.61.
• Approved the retirement of capital credits in the amount of approximately $817,000.
• Approved participation in the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation System Integrity Fund in the amount of $1,000.
• Appointed Evelyn White to the Communities First Fund Board of Directors.
• Accepted Team Reports.
Co-ops are self-governing organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. Men and women serving as elected representatives on a cooperative board of directors are accountable to all its members. Since Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op (PIE&G) is a democracy, it works best when you participate in the organization.
Any qualified PIE&G member-owner can be elected to serve on the cooperative’s board of directors, and the term of office is three years. In 2023, one director from each of the following districts will be elected: Cheboygan, Montmorency, and Presque Isle.
Potential nominees must meet the qualifications for the office of the director as set forth in Article III, Section 2, of the PIE&G bylaws (available on our website, pieg.com). Any member interested in becoming a candidate is invited to call the cooperative’s office and learn about the duties performed by the directors. Board of director meetings are usually held the fourth Tuesday of each month at 9:30 a.m.
To be considered for nomination, submit a letter of interest by June 15 to Nominating Committee, PIE&G, P.O. Box 308, Onaway, MI 49765. All letters will be given to the Committee for review, and nominations will be made in July. Watch for further information about the annual meeting on Friday, Oct. 27. NOTE: The meeting venue has been changed to Posen this year.
By Yvette Pecha
or the many Michiganders who live and breathe for fishing, the Great Lakes Fisherman’s Digest could very well be the only resource you need. The Digest was started in 2015 by champion angler John Bergsma, who competed in tournaments for nearly 20 years. His goal for the digest was three-fold: to provide guidance to viewers/readers on where and when to fish, give instruction on how to catch the fish, and introduce people who love the outdoors to potential new vacation destinations. “I ultimately want to help people have a better experience on the water,” John said.
The Great Lakes Fisherman’s Digest is comprised of a television program of the same name, a website, and a portable display that John or his cohorts transport between several sporting trade shows. The TV show broadcasts on a weekly basis, rotating between Midwest regions on major market channels. John himself is in
many of the shows, but his partners also serve as hosts. Each show features a fishing segment and a spotlight on the town. “Our idea is simple: Identify the best locations for fi shing the Great Lakes and then highlight not only the fi shing, but the host community as well,” he said.
The website, in addition to airing the TV show, features fi shing reports and more detailed tourist information such as lodging, dining, recreation, shopping, and maps. The 60x10-foot travel center takes brochures, travel guides, and photos from each partner locale to the trade shows so that people can collect information from all destinations in one place.
The Digest also has an active Facebook page, with posts that are updated daily. “People visit our website or Facebook page to determine where they want to fi sh that same weekend—wherever the fi sh are biting drives people to destinations,”
John said. “They rely on our advice because of my tournament experience and because I only work with people I know and trust.” His Digest partners include bait store employees, fi shing guides, and charter captains—all local to the corresponding area.
John, who said he fishes about 120 to 140 times a year, tapes his excursions on most occasions, but some trips are just for pleasure. He is the rare man whose job also happens to be his passion. “The stress of life and anything that’s wrong just goes away on the water. You get an ever-changing canvas—from sunrise to sunset, clouds moving through, wind or no wind, birds on the water—you can just forget about everything,” he said.
John chose the Great Lakes region as the backdrop for his passion for a simple reason—“It’s the greatest single fishing destination in the world,” he said. “There are so many different species and types of fish
“Our idea is simple: Identify the best locations for fishing the Great Lakes and then highlight not only the fishing, but the host community as well.”
you can catch here, and because of ice fishing, you can fish every single day of the year. And in my opinion, it offers the three most desirable fish to eat: salmon, walleye, and perch.” The areas he advertises are generally chosen for two reasons—they have an abundance of fish and they’re some of his favorite spots. John says some of the best places for fishing are the most underutilized, so you won’t necessarily see hot vacation havens on the Digest. “I recommend that people pick a destination you haven’t gone to and spend three or four days there," he said. "Try new lakes and new adventure. Instead of saying ‘let’s just
drive an hour and go to the tourist trap we always go to,’ try somewhere you haven’t been. You’ll have a great time exploring.” John also recommends that people go on a charter fishing trip. “It’s a great deal for five or six hours on the water. You get to have a fun family excursion, and often, they’ll cook for you at the end whatever you catch. I think people who try it once will get hooked,” he said (no pun intended).
Watch the “Fisherman’s Digest” TV show.
Available locally and nationally on these networks and times (EST).
CBS Sports Network (Sat., 7:30 a.m., Jan.–June)
Pursuit Outdoor Channel (Sat., 4:30 p.m., Jan.–June & Wed., 6:30 p.m., Oct.–Dec.)
As for John, he’ll continue exploring as long as he’s healthy. “I can’t imagine a day that going out and exposing great destinations and fi shing will not be fun,” he said. For
WILD TV Canada (3 weekly airings. Prime/Fringe Prime/Off Peak, Jan.–June )
AT&T Sportsnet Southwest (Weekends between 9 a.m.–9 p.m., Jan.–June)
Comcast Sportsnet Chicago Plus (Mon., 12:30 p.m., Jan.–Dec.)
WKBD-50 Detroit & All Suburbs (Sat., 7:30 a.m.)
WBSF-46 Midland/Saginaw/ Bay City (Sun., 6 a.m.)
WOTV-4 Grand Rapids/ Kalamazoo (Sat., 11 a.m.)
Fox-32 Traverse City Northern Lower (Sun., 7:30 a.m.)
WBKB-11 NE Lower Alpena (CBS 11, Sat., 12 a.m.) (NBC-11, Sun., 5:30 a.m.) (Fox-11, Sat., 6 a.m.)
Fox-6 Marquette & U.P. (Sun., 8:30 a.m.)
Also available on YouTube, Facebook, Sling-Live, Hulu-Live, Pluto, Pursuit UP, and fishermansdigest.com
As a cooperative, community involvement is at the core of Presque Isle Electric & Gas’ business. Through our Energy Optimization (EO) program, we’re helping community members save energy and money at their home, business, or on the farm by making energy efficiency upgrades more affordable. The Non-Profit Business Bonus is an EO initiative that provides rebates to organizations serving income-qualified individuals and families. Lynn Street Manor is a senior living center and recent Non-Profit Business Bonus participant.
Located in Onaway, Lynn Street Manor provides housing and support for senior residents paying incomebased rent. Through the Non-Profit Business Bonus, this local organization received rebates that made it possible to upgrade all common area lighting to LED bulbs and fixtures. In addition to the up-front savings, Lynn Street
Manor will continue to save money on energy costs because LEDs are up to 90% more energy efficient than traditional styles.
Are you an organization in PIE&G’s electric service territory serving lowto moderate-income individuals and families? You may qualify for the NonProfit Business Bonus. Receive financial incentives for energy efficiency solutions that help improve your facility’s energy performance, manage electricity use, and reduce electric bills. Potential projects include appliance/ HVAC replacements and cleaning/ tune-ups (furnace, high-efficiency water heaters, heat pumps, and refrigerators), LED lighting upgrades, and custom projects to meet specific needs.
A dollar saved on your organization’s energy expenses is an additional dollar that can be used for programming in support of community members. The Energy Optimization team will help you determine if you qualify and schedule an in-person facility assessment. Call 877-296-4319 or email info@michigan-energy.org and ask about the PIE&G NonProfit Business Bonus. Visit pieg.com/eo to learn more about PIE&G’s Income-Qualified Services, including the Residential program serving qualified single-family and multi-family households.
The Non-Profit Business Bonus is a PIE&G Energy Optimization program initiative organizations serving income-qualified individuals and families. that provides rebates to make energy e ciency upgrades more a ordable for Lynn Street Manor is a senior living center in Onaway whose residents pay income-based rent. This local organization received financial incentives that made
In addition to the up-front savings, Lynn Street Manor will continue to save with it possible to upgrade all common area lighting to e cient LED bulbs and fixtures. lower energy costs. Saving energy means more money for their mission.
“ ... for a nonprofit facility, having options to aid in updating our building is a blessing. The new lighting is much brighter! Lynn Street Manor’s sta , residents, and board members are all very grateful that this project was available!”
-Monica Voigt, Lynn Street Manor Housing Administrator
The Energy Optimization team will help you determine if you qualify and schedule an in-person facility assessment.
Enter to win up to a $50 energy bill credit!
Submit Your “Porches” Photos By June 20!
Submit your best photo and encourage others to vote! The photo receiving the most votes in our photo contest will be printed in an issue of Country Lines, along with some of our other favorites. Our June theme is Porches. Photos can be submitted through June 20 to be featured in our September issue.
To enter the contest, visit pieg.com/photocontest. Enter your picture, cast your vote, and encourage others to vote for you as well. If your photo is printed in Country Lines during 2023, you will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of four $50 credits on your January 2024 bill.
1. Green goddess. Vickie Domke
2. Something is growing along the fence! Jamie Gapczynski
3. Peekaboo. Tricia Udell
4. Radiant radishes. Vickie Domke
5. Our best garden helper. Katie Duczkowski
6. Sky-high tomato plants! Gloria Zalewski
7. Ewe make me happy. Tricia Udell
8. Our backyard garden. Alaine MacQueen
SMITTY’S KIELBASA & WHITE BEAN SOUP
Dave Smith, Presque Isle
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil + 2 teaspoons if needed
1 pound smoked kielbasa, diced
2 cups chopped onions
1½ tablespoons minced garlic
1 green or red bell pepper, chopped
1 rib celery, chopped
1 cup diced potatoes
1 pound white navy beans (soaked overnight in brine, then rinsed, or use precooked for faster cooking)
8 ounces fresh sliced mushrooms
2 bay leaves
2 sprigs fresh thyme, or ½ tablespoon dried 5–8 cups chicken or vegetable stock (depending on desired thickness of the soup)
3 cups water
2 teaspoons salt
1½ teaspoons fresh ground black pepper
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper (more or less depending on desired “hotness”)
1 squirt yellow mustard
• pinch ground cinnamon
• Additional ingredients depending on individual tastes: red wine, Worcestershire sauce, steak sauce, cilantro, rosemary, allspice, balsamic vinegar
Add oil to a large pan over medium heat. Add sausage, stirring occasionally. Remove when browned. Add onion and additional 2 teaspoons oil (if needed) and cook until soft. Add the garlic, green/red pepper, celery, and potatoes, and continue to cook until soft. Add the sausage back into the pan. Stir in the beans. Add the mushrooms, bay leaves, thyme, stock, water, salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper (if using), yellow mustard, and cinnamon. Add any remaining spices, wine, and sauces. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and allow to simmer for 30 minutes, uncovered. Cooking times will vary from 1½ to 3 hours, depending on what type of beans are used. Cook until beans are soft. Serve with hard, crusty bread or cornbread.
Watch a video of this month’s winning recipe at micoopkitchen.com/videos
Recipe Contest
Win a $100 energy bill credit!
Chocolate Desserts due July 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
Jennie Lewandowski, Presque Isle
1 (16-ounce) box shell noodles, cooked according to package directions
1 envelope Lipton onion soup mix
2 cans mushroom soup
1 stick butter
1 pound bacon, cut & fried (or sub with Polish sausage or kielbasa)
1 (32-ounce) bag/jar sauerkraut, drained
3 tablespoons milk
In a large pot, mix everything together and heat through. Or add to a crockpot until heated through (on high for 4 hours). Can also add sautéed onion and fresh mushrooms to add more flavor.
Jennifer Sylvester, Great Lakes Energy
4 slices bacon, cut into pieces
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 large onion, chopped
3 celery stalks, chopped
3 carrots, peeled and chopped
8 cups water
1 pound yellow or green split peas
1 meaty ham bone
1 bay leaf
1 cup cooked ham, chopped
1 large rutabaga, peeled and cut into ½ -inch pieces
• salt & pepper, to taste
Cook bacon in a large pot over medium heat. Once cooked, add the garlic, onion, celery, and carrots. Cook until veggies soften, about 2–4 minutes. Add water, peas, ham bone, and bay leaf to vegetables. Bring to boil; skim foam from top of pot. Add chopped ham and rutabaga. Return to boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Let simmer for 1 hour. Remove ham bone and let cool about 5 minutes or until able to handle. Remove bay leaf. Pull any remaining meat from bone and add back to pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Judy Dembny, Great Lakes Energy
Deanne Quain, Great Lakes Energy
2 large heads cabbage
Pierogi:
2 cups flour
2 eggs
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup water
Mound flour on flat surface. Make a hole in the center, volcano-like. Drop eggs into hole and cut into flour with a knife. Add salt and water; knead until firm. Let rest 10 minutes, covered with a towel in a warm bowl. Divide dough into halves and roll thin. Cut circles with a large biscuit cutter. Place a small spoonful of filling (choice of cheese or meat, as listed to the right) a little to one side on each round of dough. Moisten edge with water, fold over, and press edges together firmly. Be sure they are sealed. Drop into boiling, salted water. Cook gently, 3–5 minutes. Lift out carefully with slotted spoon.
Cheese Filling:
1 cup cottage cheese
1 teaspoon melted butter
3 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons currants
1 egg, beaten
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Cream together cottage cheese and butter; add remaining ingredients and mix well.
Meat Filling:
1 onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons butter
½ cup mushrooms, chopped
½ cup cooked beef
• salt & pepper
2 tablespoons sour cream
Fry onion in butter until transparent; add mushrooms and meat. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Mix in sour cream; cool before filling.
8 ounces long grain rice, cooked according to package directions, drained
1 medium onion, chopped
1 pound ground beef
1 pound ground pork or veal
1 egg
½ cup melted butter, divided
1 (10½ -ounce) can beef broth
1 (16-ounce) can tomatoes, undrained, cut up
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (10¾ -ounce) can condensed tomato soup, if desired
• salt, pepper, and garlic powder, to taste
Preheat oven to 325 F. Parboil cabbage and drain. In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, onion, ground beef, ground pork/veal, and egg. Pour ¼ cup butter over mixture. Mix well with your hands. Core cabbages, separate leaves, and cut thick ribs out of each leaf. Put a large tablespoonful of meat mixture in the center of each cabbage leaf. Fold in sides, roll up, and place seam-side down in large roasting pan. In large bowl, combine beef broth, tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato soup, and remaining ¼ cup butter. Pour over rolls. Bake for 1½ hours. Baste with tomato mixture occasionally during baking.
At its recent monthly meeting, the Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op Board of Directors approved a resolution honoring Norma Ellenberger of Onaway for her 38 years of dedicated service to PIE&G. CEO Tom Sobeck, on behalf of the PIE&G Board of Directors, presented Norma with a keepsake plaque acknowledging her service.
Norma began her employment with Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op on July 1, 1985, as a general secretary and soon after took a position as an office clerk. That September, Norma moved up to an ADP service order clerk. In 1989, she became an ADP machine operator. She was then promoted to ADP supervisor in 1996, and remained in that position until her retirement in April 2023.
Co-op employees gathered for a breakfast meeting to recognize Ms. Ellenberger’s service and presented her with a monetary gift before her last day of work.
The PIE&G Communities First Fund Board of Directors is pleased to announce that 15 scholarships for $1,000 each were awarded to the following high school seniors:
ALPENA: Eve Dragiewicz
CHEBOYGAN: Luke Karsten, Jordan Socolovitch
GAYLORD: Isaac Hopp
HILLMAN: Brody Appelgren, Brooke Bennett, Julia Taratuta
ONAWAY: Aubrey Benson, Hudson Decker, Cason Kreft, Mackenzie Robbins
PETOSKEY: Cadence Glass
POSEN: Macy Kroll, Ethan Purol, Ava Wesner
The board also awarded two additional scholarships, each in the amount of $500. The A. Barkley Travis Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Emma Wickersham from Rogers City High School, and the Peterson Vocation School Scholarship was awarded to Andrew Drake from Wolverine Community Schools.
Congratulations and best wishes for success to all our local high school graduating students in the Class of 2023!
Know Your Machine, Review Safety Procedures, and Follow the Manufacturer’s Guidance
pring is here, and as we get our lawn mowers and other outdoor power equipment out from storage to work in our yards, businesses, and other green spaces, it’s important to keep safety in mind.
Here are safety tips for readying and using your outdoor power equipment:*
• Know not all lawn mowers are the same. Whether your mower is a garden tractor, zero turn mower, or other, it has a unique design, requirements, weight classification, and other differences that impact how to use it safely. The newest machines have the latest safety standards.
• Know your specific machine. Many mowers may look similar, but the technology is ever-evolving with advanced safety systems. They vary in design, power supply, performance, operating parameters, and more. Your manufacturer-supplied owner’s manual will guide you in these differences. Read your owner’s manual.
• When using mowers on slopes, follow the manufacturer’s guidance to the letter.
• Do not disable or alter manufacturer-installed safety equipment.
• Walk your yard before mowing. Slopes, wet grass, and weather may impact equipment performance, as well as safe handling procedures. Pick up sticks and limbs that may have fallen to the ground over the winter and any loose objects that a mower could hit. Inspect trees for damaged limbs that may get in your way when mowing.
• Look over equipment before use. Check the air filter, oil level, and gasoline tank. Watch for loose belts and missing or damaged parts. Replace any parts needed or take your equipment to a qualified service representative.
• Protect your power. Use only E10 or less fuel in gasoline-powered outdoor power equipment if it is not designed for higher ethanol blends. Add a fuel stabilizer if you don’t use up all the fuel in the tank right away. Burn off any fuel before storing the mower for more than 30 days. For battery-powered equipment, only use battery packs specified by the manufacturer. Follow all charging instructions as outlined in the owner’s manual. Be sure to store fuel and batteries safely. Keep batteries away from other metal objects, store them in a climatecontrolled area, and never stack batteries.
• Keep children and pets away from machines during operation.
• Keep your mower clean. It will run more efficiently and last longer. Always remove dirt, oil, or grass before using and storing. Store equipment in a dry place, avoiding damp or wet environments.
For information on safe fueling, go to www.LookBeforeYouPump.com
*For more safety information, visit www.opei.org Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), an international trade association representing outdoor power equipment, small engine, utility vehicle, golf car, and personal transport vehicle manufacturers and suppliers.
Michigan is certainly known for its agriculture, with varying growing seasons and products. But one of our state’s farming industries loves all four of our unpredictable seasons and is quick to tell you moo about it.
Bad puns aside, the Michigan dairy industry is the sixth largest in the country, which is nothing to laugh at. With over 11.6 billion pounds of milk produced annually by over 900 family farms, it takes more than luck to create this level of success.
“One of the reasons Michigan ranks number six in milk production is our cows actually give more milk than the industry average,” said Jolene Griffin, vice president of industry relations at United Dairy Industry of Michigan. “That’s due to the passion for the work and the commitment to improvement by our farmers.”
The relationship between dairy farmers and their cows isn’t one that simply sees the animals as a commodity. Many of these farms are owned and run by third- or fourthgeneration farmers who deeply connect to the land and the animals that feed and produce on it.
“To me, being a dairy farmer is a privilege. Being responsible for the care of the land, animals, and people, and then to use those resources to produce dairy products is simply indescribable,” said Brian DeMann of Clearview Dairy Farm in Martin. “For half my life, I have had the opportunity to wake up and call myself a dairy farmer. Each day is as exciting as the next, and I am blessed not to consider this a job.”
Aubrey Lettinga-Van Laan, third-generation owner and operator of Walnutdale Family Farms in Wayland, echoes that sentiment.
“It’s my way of life, and I don’t know a world without cows and manure. It means that every day the cows and what they need come first—that I don’t get a day off because the care of our cows and their needs come before other
things,” said Lettinga-Van Laan. “I am blessed because the work I do feeds the world.”
Lettinga-Van Laan is right about feeding so many people. The surplus that isn’t bought and sold right here in Michigan is exported to states with high demand. Michigan's dairy industry provides a livelihood for more than just the farmers. It generates jobs employing local veterinarians and nutritionists, equipment dealers, electricians, plumbers, contractors, and additional farm staff. One dollar spent locally generates twice as much income for the local economy.
Additionally, the United Dairy Industry of Michigan is invested in helping to educate citizens, particularly students, about the industry. Whether it’s about the cows themselves, habitats, food chains, nutrition, or how to be good stewards of the land, the farmers know that they are a part of something much bigger and are eager to share that their cows are front and center of their daily decisions and lives.
“What drew me to dairy farming is that the job is a perfect mix of keeping me both physically and mentally active. I get to work outside while still having the challenge of solving the problems that come with owning a business and caring for animals,” said Katelyn Packard of Horning Farms in Manchester. “I am proud to be part of a business where I can work with my family each day to provide healthy and nutritious food for my community.”
Community seems to be at the very heart of our dairy industry. So, maybe look for Michigan-made dairy products next time you’re in the store. Grab the extra half-gallon of ice cream or pint of sour cream. And when you’re ordering your next pizza, you can thank a dairy farmer by splurging and going for the extra cheese.
How can I tell if the gallon of milk I purchased was processed in Michigan? Each container of milk is identified by a 5-digit code. The code includes a 2-digit state code followed by a 3-digit processing plant code. Milk packaged in Michigan is identified by the state code 26.
“To me, being a dairy farmer is a privilege. Being responsible for the care of the land, animals, and people, and then to use those resources to produce dairy products is simply indescribable.”
Brian DeMann, Clearview Dairy Farm
Spring is finally here and there’s never been a better time to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. Perhaps you’re making plans for a new garden or a lawn makeover. However, if you’re planning to revamp your backyard oasis, remember to keep safety in mind for all projects—especially those that require digging near underground utility lines.
Most of us never think about the electric, gas, water, and other utility lines buried below the ground, but hitting one of these lines while digging is not the reminder you’ll want—trust us! Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op reminds all members who are planning a digging project to call 811 three to five business days before you start. Or you can submit a request online by visiting www.call811.com/811-In-Your-State. Here’s how the process works:
After you call 811 or submit your request online, all affected utilities will be notified of your intent to dig. It may take the utilities a few days to get to your request, so please be patient. The affected utilities will send someone out to mark the buried lines with paint or flags. Before you break ground, confirm that all the utilities have responded to your request. If you placed your request by phone, use the process your 811 call center representative explained. If you submitted your request online, refer to your 811 center ticket to confirm everything.
By taking this important step before you break ground on your project, you can help protect not only yourself but our community. Disrupting an underground utility line can interrupt service, cause injuries, and cost money to repair, so remember to call 811 first and know what’s below.
Working on an outdoor project? Careless digging poses a threat to people, pipelines, and underground facilities. Always call 8-1-1 first. Here are five easy steps for safe digging:
Call 8-1-1 or make a request online three to five days before your work begins. The operator will notify the utilities affected by your project.
Wait two to three days for affected utilities to respond to your request. They will send a locator to mark any underground utility lines.
Confirm that all affected utilities have responded to your request by comparing the marks to the list of utilities the 8-1-1 call center notified.
2-3
Respect the markers provided by the affected utilities. The markers are your guide for the duration of your project.
If you can’t avoid digging near the markers (within 18-24 inches on all sides, depending on state laws), consider moving your project location.
Source: call811.com
Help keep your cooling costs in check this summer with these tips from energy.gov.
• Try to keep your thermostat as close to the outdoor temperature as possible. The Department of Energy recommends at least 78 degrees when you are home. Turn up the thermostat even higher when you are away to prevent your A/C unit from running unnecessarily. A programmable or smart thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature to ensure you are cooling your home when you need to and not when you don’t.
2
Prevent Heat Gain From The Sun
• Sun shining in through windows and doors literally warms your home like an oven. Use window coverings to keep the sun out and your home’s temperature cooler.
1 3 4
Run Ceiling Fans Maintain Your A/C Unit
• For central air, have a professional check the unit annually. He or she will perform a proper tune-up and can spot some potential problems before they become emergencies.
• Change the filter on your HVAC unit regularly all year long.
Explore pieg.com/eo, or call our EO team at 877-296-4319 (M–F 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
• Run ceiling fans at a fast speed in a counterclockwise direction to create a wind chill effect. Turn the fan off when you leave the room; fans cool people, not rooms.
• When first turning on the air conditioner, don’t turn the temperature way down to jumpstart the cooling effect. Your A/C unit doesn’t work faster because the temperature is lower, but it could cause it to run longer than necessary.
• Only run full loads in your washer and dishwasher.
Leaks
• Cracks and leaks around windows, doors, and utility cutouts allow warm air to enter the home and cause your A/C unit to work harder. Seal or caulk leaks and holes.
• Let your dishes air-dry instead of using the heat setting. Prop the door open once the final rinse is complete for faster drying.
• Cook or grill outside when you can to avoid running your stove or oven.
• Buy Energy-Star certified appliances; these appliances are guaranteed to run more efficiently than noncertified ones.
PIE&G members: Learn about ways to save money and apply for rebates on energy-efficient appliances. You can also participate in free programs to help you assess and improve your home’s overall efficiency. Business and farm programs are available as well.
One of my fondest memories growing up was coming home from school in the spring on the day my parents would be planting the garden. Usually, sometime during the third week of May, we would come home from school, step off the bus, run into the house, and find no one there! We found them outside, starting the garden. Our dad would have the ground worked up, and my parents would be beginning to stake things out and be ready to go when we got home. My two older brothers usually stake the lines for the sweet corn by running a piece of twine between two metal stakes. Then they would fill the little corn planter and roll it down the row! I always wanted to plant the corn, but they enjoyed it and kept the job. I usually got to help my dad plant the potatoes—starter potatoes cut in half (with six kids, you had to economize!). My dad would push the pointed end of the potato planter into the ground with his foot. I would toss in the potato—he would open the planter by pressing the handle to one side and lift it out. The potato remained in the hole (usually), and he would swipe his foot full of dirt over the hole and stomp it down. Then we would all work at planting the rest—lots of green beans, yellow beans, onion sets, carrots, radishes, and summer squash, among other veggies. Then we would set out tomato and cabbage starts.
Mom always liked to have the first row saved for some flowers. She always allowed us girls to plant “our” zinnias.
She planted dahlias, gladiolas, and canna lilies from the rootstock she had saved from the previous year. My mother always had beautiful flower beds, but she liked a little pop of color in her garden to look at out the patio window. It was a great learning experience about faith, waiting for all those seeds to sprout and grow, with the rain coming when it needed to (hopefully), and using the sprinkler when it didn’t. We learned to anticipate the future when we could eat all the delicious vegetables we harvested from the garden. Happy planting!
Guest Column
Win $200 for stories published!
Share your fondest memories and stories. Win $200 for stories published. Visit countrylines.com/ community to submit.
HEAT FOR AS LOW AS $600 ALL WINTER
• Attaches to your home’s existing heating system, it does not replace it.
• Delivers 90% on average of your home’s heating needs and 100% of your home’s cooling needs.
• If you have a well and are heating with propane, fuel oil, electric or wood, your current heating and cooling cost is likely greater than it would be to fully finance and heat & cool with a Well-Connect.
• Installs in one day, any time of year. No drilling or excavation is required.
COOL FOR AS LOW AS $50 ALL SUMMER
Fireworks and summer go hand in hand, and we want you to have a safe, fun-filled season! Keep these safety tips in mind:
• Make sure fireworks are legal in your community before using them.
• Never buy professionalgrade fireworks. They are not designed for safe consumer use.
• Keep small children a safe distance from all fireworks, including sparklers, which can burn at temperatures in excess of 2,000 degrees.
• Never reignite or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby to thoroughly soak duds before throwing them away.
• Keep pets indoors and away from fireworks to avoid contact injuries or noise reactions.
