MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
Championing Rural Michigan and Electric Cooperatives
SENATOR DEBBIE STABENOW
Not seeing is believing.
Almost every backyard has a shrine to cold air. It’s called an a/c unit.
WaterFurnace will help you take back that space.
Air conditioners are unsightly and often located in the worst places. They’re vulnerable to the elements and can become home for small critters. But with geothermal, you won’t have an outside unit or any of these problems. So, reclaim your backyard. Plant some flowers and enjoy the unseen beauty that is WaterFurnace.
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.com
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
Alger Delta Electric: up to $2,000
Cherryland Electric: up to $2,500
Cloverland: up to $6,275
Great Lakes Energy: up to $5,000
Homeworks/Tri-County Electric: up to $4,750
Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op: up to $4,750
Thumb Electric: up to $2,000
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
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
Contents
MI CO-OP Community
RECIPE CONTEST
See details on page 10. Best Potato Dishes, due July 1; Favorite Fall Recipes, due Aug. 1. Win a $100 bill credit!
GUEST COLUMN
See details on page 18. Share your fondest memories and stories. Win $200 for stories published!
To enter contests, submit reader content & more, visit countrylines.com/ community
6 FROM D.C. TO HOME: A YOUTH LEADER’S JOURNEY
A Gaylord student’s once-in-a-lifetime trip to Washington, D.C., turned into a year of growth, service, and leadership through the NRECA’s Youth Tour and Youth Leadership Council.
7 THROWN INTO THE STORM: JOHN KRAN’S FIRST DAYS AT MECA
A record-breaking storm tested MECA’s new CEO early, but Kran’s rural roots and policy know-how helped guide the way.
10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN
Summer Desserts: Savor those summertime moments with these sweet treats.
14 SENATOR DEBBIE STABENOW: CHAMPIONING RURAL MICHIGAN AND ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES
Stabenow leaves a legacy of leadership and advocacy for rural economic development.
18 GUEST COLUMN
A History Lesson in a Puzzle: A jigsaw puzzle gifted to one Homeworks member gave her family a fun way to remember life before electricity.
Portland office/Mail payments to:
7973 E. Grand River Ave.
Portland, MI 48875
Open 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday Blanchard office:
3681 Costabella Ave.
Blanchard, MI 49310
Open 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday Night deposit box available at both locations.
Electric bill/account questions:
517-647-7554 or 1-800-562-8232
Pay by phone, anytime: 1-844-963-2875
Service questions/outages: 517-647-7554 or 1-800-848-9333 (24 hours for emergency calls)
Tri-County Propane: 1-877-574-2740
HomeWorks Connect 1-800-668-8413
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
District 1 — John Lord, Vice-Chairman 2276 Plains Rd., Leslie, MI 49251 517-974-2518 • jlord@homeworks.org
District 2 — Jim Stebbins 7139 Peddler Lake Rd., Clarksville, MI 48815 517-930-8132 • jstebbins@homeworks.org
District 3 — Luke Pohl, Chairman
15560 W. Hanses Rd., Westphalia, MI 48894 989-292-0427 • lpohl@homeworks.org
District 4 — Jake Borton
7543 E. Edgar Rd., Vestaburg, MI 48891 989-506-3404 • jborton@homeworks.org
District 5 — Theresa Sopocy 6996 E. Wilson Rd., Bannister, MI 48807 989-292-0295 • tsopocy@homeworks.org
District 6 — Dave Livermore
8060 W. Airline Rd., Weidman, MI 48893 989-289-3019 • dlivermore@homeworks.org
District 7 — Shirley Sprague, Secretary-Treasurer 15563 45th Ave., Barryton, MI 49305 989-382-7535 • ssprague@homeworks.org
Editor: Charly Markwart, CCC cmarkwart@homeworks.org
Availability Charge Helps Us Provide Reliable Power Whenever You Need It
By Chris O’Neill, President/CEO
I want to start out my column this month by thanking all of the members who logged on to our virtual district meetings this spring. Across our seven districts, over 1,000 member households participated in the meetings this year! That kind of engagement with the Co-op you own is great to see! During the Q&A portion of our meetings this year, we received several questions about our availability charge, so I thought I would address that here this month.
Our monthly availability charge covers the fixed costs we incur to provide electric service to you, while the per-kilowatt-hour rate covers the variable amount of electricity you choose to use each month. It might be helpful to think of these two rates in terms of the costs associated with your car. Some of these expenses, such as fuel and many types of maintenance, are variable based on how much you drive the car. But your loan or lease payment, the cost of auto insurance, and your registration fee are fixed regardless of how many miles you drive in a month. In other words, you pay those fixed costs simply to have a reliable source of transportation available when you need it. In the same way, our availability charge covers the cost of having a reliable source of electricity available whenever you need it. This charge covers administrative costs, materials, storm restoration, property tax, insurance, and many more necessary expenses. As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, we don’t have investors; our members are the owners. This means that as our costs increase, we—as members—must cover those costs.
I’ve been asked why our availability charge might be more than that of our neighboring investor-owned utility. The simple reason for that is because as a co-op, we serve rural low-density areas in comparison to the more suburban or metropolitan areas typically served by IOUs. Did you know we serve an average of just seven members per mile of line, compared to 35 customers per mile for the average investor-owned utility? That’s only a fifth of the customers per mile, but the fixed cost of making power available to that mile of line remains the same.
In our rural service territory, we also have a lot more cottages and seasonality than our neighboring investor-owned utilities. For context, consider that our average residential HomeWorks member uses under 800 kWh per month, compared with the national average of 1,100 kWh per month.
With fewer members per mile to share the fixed costs of providing service and significantly less average energy usage per household, you can see why our availability charge would need to be higher than an investor-owned utility. The good news, though, is when you look at your whole monthly electric bill with the availability fee and kilowatt-hour charge combined, you should notice that it is less than or right in line with our neighboring IOU for the average household.
We’re proud to provide you with all of the service and reliability benefits of Co-op membership at the same cost or less than your neighbors are paying as customers of other utilities. While we have to be able to adequately cover our increasing cost of service, I can assure you that we will always strive to keep our costs and our rates as low as possible for our members. That’s the Cooperative way!
OSCEOLA CLARE
MECOSTA IONIA
MONTCALM
BARRY ISABELLA CLINTON
GRATIOT
EATON SAGINAW INGHAM
JACKSON
Internet Plans to Fit Your Needs!
We know you rely on us to have your best interests in mind. That’s why our packages are structured to help you and your family have an even better internet connection! We always look to provide value to you, our members and valued internet customers, and we want you to know what internet plan will work best for the needs of your household.
Have questions about what plan best fits your family? Give us a call!
Learn more about HomeWorks Connect and see all of our internet offerings by visiting Join.HomeWorksConnect.org or calling 800-668-8413!
Plans Made for the Working Warrior
Internet for Everyone
Includes:
• Optimized internet for streaming services like Hulu, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video
• 24/7 U.S.-based tech support
• Streaming service recommendations
• 250 Mbps – Always symmetrical with no data cap
• And more! all for $64.95!
We Know Your Network Matters Includes:
• Priority bandwidth for tools such as Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams
• 24/7 U.S.-based tech support
Loving Your Internet Connection Already? Refer a Friend and You Both Get $65!
• 500 Mbps to handle upload & download of large files quickly with no data cap
• And more! all for $89.95!
Total Techie
The Network You’ve Been Waiting For Includes:
There’s no limit to how many referrals you can make! If you signed up 12 friends this year, you could have FREE INTERNET at the Essential Experience level for a whole year! So, tell those that you know—HomeWorks Connect is the way to go! Optimized Wi-Fi - $10/mo.
• Low latency and direct pairing in two major data centers
• 24/7 U.S.-based tech support
• 1 Gbps carried on fiber direct to your home
• No data cap
• And more! all for $99.95!
From Curiosity to Connection: My Electric Co-op Journey
By David Wahl
Eighteen months ago, I had no idea what an electric cooperative was—let alone how one could completely change my life. Now, I’m proud to say I’ve been part of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s (NRECA) Youth Tour and Youth Leadership Council (YLC) and discovered an amazing community along the way.
It All Started in D.C.
In June 2024, I traveled to Washington, D.C., with nearly 2,000 students from across the country. Our local co-ops chose us to attend the NRECA Youth Tour—a once-in-alifetime opportunity. Out of all the Michigan students, I was selected to represent the state’s electric cooperatives on the Youth Leadership Council.
When I gave my campaign speech in Washington, D.C., I truly didn’t understand the magnitude of the role. I saw an opportunity to grow, learn, and connect with others—and I jumped at it. I quickly became part of a team of 45 students from nearly every state. We were all unique, but we shared a desire to serve and make a difference.
Bringing Joy Back Home
One of my favorite parts of being a “YLCster” was planning a community project with my sponsoring co-op, Great Lakes Energy. I brought back an idea from when I was little—a “Stuffed Animal Sleepover” at the library—and turned it into a school event for over 160 elementary students. The kids dropped off their “stuffi es” at school, and I spent the night posing them in fun scenes around the building. The next day, we shared the photos in a slideshow so the kids could see the wild adventures their stuffi es had overnight. The event was a hit in the school and on social media!
PowerXchange in Atlanta
As part of YLC, I also wrote and presented a speech to the Great Lakes Energy Board of Directors in hopes of becoming the YLC National Spokesperson. Even though I didn’t get to give the speech on stage at NRECA’s
PowerXchange conference in Atlanta, I was still able to represent Michigan’s co-ops and introduce myself to nearly 6,000 conference attendees.
The whole week in Atlanta was unforgettable. I worked alongside NRECA staff, helped attendees, and made memories I’ll never forget—from visiting the country’s largest aquarium and touring Mercedes-Benz Stadium to catching a Scotty McCreery concert with a front-row view. We came in as strangers, but we left as family.
Looking Ahead
I’m so grateful to the electric co-ops for everything they’ve given me over the past year. This experience has changed my life. To the students heading to Washington, D.C., this June—I’m excited for you. You’re about to take the fi rst steps on an incredible journey. I know you’ll come back with more than just memories—you’ll come back inspired to lead and ready to serve.
David Wahl is a junior at St. Mary Cathedral School in Gaylord, Michigan.
He represented Great Lakes Energy Cooperative on the NRECA’s Youth Tour and Michigan’s electric cooperatives on the NRECA Youth Leadership Council.
He also serves as a student representative to the City of Gaylord’s Downtown Development Authority.
From Capitol Hill to Co-op Storm Recovery: John Kran’s
First Weeks at MECA
Drawing on a career in advocacy and policy, Kran brings calm, clarity, and commitment to Michigan’s electric co-ops in a time of crisis.
By Emily Haines Lloyd
When John Kran stepped into his new role as president and CEO of the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association (MECA), he expected the usual whirlwind that comes with leading a statewide organization. What he didn’t expect was an unprecedented ice storm to tear through northern Michigan just weeks into his tenure—impacting thousands of cooperative members and sending crews scrambling to restore power across some of the state’s most remote areas.
But pressure is nothing new to Kran. Before joining MECA, he spent years advocating for Michigan farmers as National Legislative Counsel for Michigan Farm Bureau, championing rural communities at the state and federal levels. Earlier in his career, he advised Rep. Bill Huizinga in Michigan’s 2nd District, where he learned to navigate policy challenges and political gridlock.
So, when the ice storms hit, Kran did what he does best—got into the mix, assessed both the big picture and the smallest details, and rolled up his sleeves.
We recently sat down with Kran to discuss his whirlwind start at MECA, what prepared him for the job, and what lies ahead for Michigan’s electric cooperatives.
Q: It’s fair to say your beginning at MECA was sort of “trial by ice,” if you’ll forgive the pun.
A: Yeah, I was only a few weeks in when those storms hit, and it was all hands on deck. It gave me an immediate look at the grit and collaboration that defi ne our co-ops.
Were there key moments that prepared you for this leadership role at MECA?
Working in D.C. for a member of Congress gave me a real appreciation for how things get done—or don’t—in government. It taught me patience, persistence, and how to translate local concerns into national conversations. My time with Michigan Farm Bureau was another big one. I had the chance to advocate for farmers on issues that directly affected their livelihoods. That gave me a deeper understanding of rural infrastructure needs, including energy. It’s all come full circle.
You spent years advocating on behalf of Michigan farmers. How do you plan to carry that experience into the energy sector?
The playbook is similar—listen to your people, know the issues, and build strong relationships with policymakers. I plan to be in those rooms in Lansing and D.C., making sure rural energy needs are understood and prioritized.
How important is it to bring member voices directly to policymakers?
It’s critical. I can talk all day about the impact of a policy, but when a lineworker, a general manager, or a member shares their story—that’s what sticks. If we don’t tell our story as a cooperative family, someone else will—and probably not the way we’d tell it ourselves.
What excites you most about this opportunity?
Every co-op has a story, and I get to help amplify those stories, find shared challenges, and advocate for solutions. It’s an exciting time in energy— technology, policy, and consumer expectations are evolving quickly, and co-ops are uniquely positioned to lead.
Outside of work, how do you unwind with your family?
We enjoy Michigan’s seasons—time at the lake in summer and skiing in winter. We’re also trying to visit as many national parks as we can.
Cool Your Home For The Summer With A Heat Pump
June is here, which means your air conditioning system is gearing up for another energy-intensive cycle of keeping your home cool, or you’re preparing to just tough it out through warmer weather. But before your normal summer routine comes back into play, there’s a possible alternative that could help you keep cool while saving energy.
A heat pump is more than the name suggests—not only can the technology provide efficient heating during the winter, but it can also cool your home during the summer.
If you haven’t heard, heat pumps work similarly to a refrigerator—heat is transferred from one location to another, rather than being generated. In the warmer months, heat is moved from inside your home to outside, in the same way an air conditioner functions. In the winter, the opposite occurs, leaving your home comfortably warm. Think of a heat pump as a car allowing you to switch between drive and reverse—who wouldn’t want a vehicle that can do both?
Because of the efficient technology used, heat pumps provide significant energy savings over traditional
alternatives. For example, heat pumps use less than 50% of the energy used by a typical window A/C unit. In the heating season, an air-source heat pump can use up to 50% less electricity than a furnace or baseboard heaters. Those energy savings can add up to savings on your bill— depending on the size of your home, local climate, and how energy-efficient your home is, savings can average over $500 per year.
Pump Up the Savings with Rebates from HomeWorks
Not only can a heat pump help you save with lower energy use and costs in the long run, but you have access to upfront savings from the HomeWorks Energy Optimization program. Whether you choose an air-source, mini-split, or ground- source heat pump, rebates are available. You could earn cash back starting at $1,000 for the purchase and installation of a qualified heat pump system.
Find details and see the full list of heating and cooling rebates available from the Energy Optimization program by visiting homeworks.org/eo or by calling 877-296-4319
LIGHTHOUSE LEGENDS
1. MOST VOTES Beautiful Michigan summer. Aaron Gruss, Mt. Pleasant
2. Grand Haven Lighthouse in winter. David Cross, Lake Odessa
3. Blessed by His artistry. Sandi Barber, Lakeview
4. Charlevoix. Stacey Warren, Charlotte
5. Ludington North Breakwater at Stearns Beach Park. Casie Bayless, Portland
6. Serenity. Kurt Faust, Stanwood
7. Grand Haven sunset. Josh Phillips, Portland
8. Lake Huron lights. Amy Nawrot, Morley
9. Grand Island East Channel Lighthouse. Holly Thompson, Stockbridge
10. Big Sable Point Lighthouse at Ludington State Park. Stephanie Erickson, Lake Odessa
Enter to win a $100 energy bill credit!
Submit Your “College Towns” Photos By June 25 for the September issue! Each month, HomeWorks members are able to submit photos on our website for our photo contest. The photo receiving the most votes is published here, along with some other selections from that month. To enter the contest, visit HomeWorks.org/photocontest
Enter your picture, cast your vote, and encourage others to vote for you, too. If your photo is published in Country Lines during 2025, you will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of four $100 credits on your December 2025 HomeWorks bill!
SUMMER DESSERTS
Savor those summertime moments with these sweet treats.
FROSTY BLUEBERRY SQUARES
Cindy Thome, Alger Delta
1 cup fl our
¹⁄2 cup butter, melted
¹⁄4 cup packed brown sugar
¹⁄2 cup pecans, chopped 2 pasteurized egg whites*
³⁄4 cup cane sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2½–3 cups blueberries
2 cups frozen whipped topping, thawed
Preheat oven to 350 F. In a mixing bowl, combine fl our, melted butter, brown sugar, and pecans together until crumbly. Spread crumbs onto cookie sheet covered in parchment paper, and bake for 20 minutes, stirring often to prevent burning. Cool. Spread half of the crumbs into a 9x13inch baking pan. Beat egg whites until frothy. Add sugar and lemon juice and continue beating at high speed until stiff peaks form, about 12–15 minutes. Fold in blueberries and thawed whipped topping. Spread mixture evenly over crust, then top with reserved crumbs. Cover and freeze 6 hours or overnight. Cut into squares and serve while still frozen. Garnish with additional blueberries, if desired. Makes 12–15 servings.
*Note: Pasteurized egg whites are safe to eat uncooked. If you cannot find pasteurized eggs, pasteurized liquid egg white products are available in most grocery stores.
LEMONADE STAND PIE RECIPE
Tori Hufnagel, HomeWorks Tri-County
1 (6-ounce) can frozen lemonade or pink lemonade concentrate, partially thawed (our family favorite is pink lemonade)
1 pint (2 cups) vanilla ice cream, softened
1 (8-ounce) tub nondairy whipped topping, thawed
1 prepared graham cracker crumb crust
Beat the lemonade concentrate in a large mixer bowl with an electric mixer on low speed for about 30 seconds. Gradually spoon in the softened ice cream and beat until well blended. Gently stir in the non-dairy whipped topping until smooth. If necessary, freeze the mixture to thicken. Spoon the mixture into the prepared graham cracker crust. Freeze for 4 hours, or overnight, until firm. When ready to serve, let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes or until the pie can be cut easily. Garnish with strawberries, if desired. Store leftover pie in the freezer. Makes 8 servings.
LEMON BLUEBERRY CAKE
David Gibson, Midwest Energy & Communications
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1¹⁄4 cup sugar
¹⁄2 cup packed light brown sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 tablespoon vanilla
3 cups sifted fl our
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
• zest and juice of 3 medium lemons
1¹⁄2 cups fresh blueberries
1 tablespoon all-purpose fl our
Preheat oven to 350 F. Prepare 2 round cake pans, 1 9x13-inch baking pan, or 2 loaf pans. Beat the butter until creamy, then cream the butter with the sugar and brown sugar. Add eggs and vanilla. Mix fl our, baking powder, and salt slowly, then add to the butter mixture. Follow with buttermilk, lemon zest, and juice of lemon. Coat the blueberries in 1 tablespoon of fl our, then stir into the batter. Spoon evenly into the pan. The batter will be extremely thick, so do not overmix. Bake for 21–26 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
FOUR LAYER CREAM CHEESE PUDDING DESSERT
Elizabeth Charest, Great Lakes Energy
1 cup fl our
¹⁄2 cup nuts, chopped
¹⁄2 cup butter, softened
8 ounces cream cheese
1 cup powdered sugar
1 (8-ounce) container Cool Whip, divided
2 (3¹⁄2-ounce) packages instant pudding mix (any fl avor)
3 cups milk • toasted coconut/nuts for topping, optional
Preheat oven to 350 F. Combine fl our, nuts, and butter. Press mixture in 9x13-inch baking pan. Bake 10–15 minutes. While cooling, combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1 cup (4 ounces) Cool Whip. Spread over cooled fi rst layer. Mix the pudding and milk until combined, then pour on the creamy layer. Chill. Spread with remaining Cool Whip. You may sprinkle with toasted coconut, nuts, etc. Enjoy!
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Lord, Sopocy, Sprague Re-elected To Co-op Board
The results of HomeWorks’ 2025 director elections are in! This spring, nearly 750 members in districts 1, 5, and 7 made their voices heard and exercised their right to vote to elect a member to represent them on the Cooperative board.
In District 1, which includes 3,045 members residing in Eaton, Ingham, and Jackson counties, John Lord (incumbent) of Leslie retained his seat in an uncontested election, receiving 100% of the 150 votes cast (5% of the district’s membership). Online ballots accounted for 69% of the votes submitted, while 31% of votes were cast via mail-in ballot. Lord has been on the board since 2016. He serves as the board vice-chair and also serves as one of HomeWorks’ representatives on the board of Wolverine Power Cooperative.
In District 5, which includes 1,040 members residing in Gratiot and Saginaw counties, along with Bingham, Duplain, and Greenbush townships in Clinton County and Bloomer, Crystal, and Evergreen townships in Montcalm counties, Theresa Sopocy (incumbent) of Bannister was re-elected over Karen Leisman of St. Johns. Sopocy received 89 votes (84%), while Leisman received 17 votes (16%). The 106 total votes represents 10% of the district’s membership. Online ballots accounted for 62% of the votes submitted in the district, while 38% of votes were cast via mail-in ballot. Sopocy has served on the board since 2023. She was recently appointed to serve as a member of the board’s new redistricting committee.
In District 7, which includes 5,505 members residing in Mecosta and Osceola counties, Shirley Sprague (incumbent) of Barryton was re-elected over Suzanne Quintela-Reiner of Barryton. Sprague received 365 votes (74.5%), while Quintela-Reiner received 125 votes (25.5%). The 490 total votes cast represents 9% of the district’s membership. Online ballots accounted for 59% of the district’s votes cast, while 41% of voters submitted their votes via mail-in ballot. Sprague was first elected to the board in 2016. She serves as the board secretary-treasurer and also represents the Co-op on the Wolverine board.
The winning candidates will be officially seated for their next three-year terms at the Co-op’s annual meeting of delegates in August. In 2026, director elections will be held in districts 2 and 4. Watch Country Lines and HomeWorks.org for information on the nomination process, which begins in January.
John Lord Theresa Sopocy Shirley Sprague
Your Board In Action
Meeting in Blanchard on April 21, your board of directors:
• Elected Director Jim Stebbins as the Cooperative’s voting delegate for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s (NRECA) upcoming director election.
• Reviewed and accepted Board Policy 402 - Allocation of Non-Operating Income from Subsidiary, as presented.
• Approved staff’s recommendation to transition board policies 202, 204, 303, and 501 to employee policies.
• Reviewed a summary of the Co-op’s 2024 Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) Performance Standards results, showing that HomeWorks met or exceeded all service and reliability standards set forth by the MPSC.
• Authorized 6.51% as the weighted average cost of capital to discount estate capital credit retirements made in 2025, based on the methodology developed by a joint task force of the NRECA and the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (CFC).
Meeting remotely on April 17, our People Fund board made six grants totaling $9,600, including:
• $2,500 to United Way of Gratiot & Isabella counties, to provide utility assistance and other essentials to clients in need;
• $2,000 to the Community Christian Action Group of Eaton Rapids, to provide food gift cards to families in need during the Christmas season;
• $1,600 to the Beacon of Hope Family Care Center in St. Johns, to provide adult incontinence supplies;
• $1,500 to Portland Boy Scout Troop #129, to help cover summer camp costs;
• $1,000 to Housing Services of Mid-Michigan in Charlotte, to support a homeless prevention program; and
• $1,000 to the Good Shepherd’s Love (dba City Consignment) in Eaton Rapids, to provide personal care items and utility and housing assistance to clients in need.
How to Apply for a Tri-County Electric People Fund Grant
The Tri-County Electric People Fund provides grants to individuals and organizations in the Coop’s service area for food, shelter, clothing, health, and other humane needs, or for programs or services that benefit a significant segment of a community. Write to 7973 E. Grand River Ave., Portland, MI 48875 for an application form and grant guidelines, or visit the People Fund page at HomeWorks.org.
Note: Applications must be received by July 1 for the July meeting or by Aug. 12 for the August meeting.
• Reviewed a quarterly update on the Co-op’s Energy Optimization program, showing that participating members have earned over $77,000 in cash rebates for implementing energy efficiency measures at their homes or businesses and saved over 283,000 kWh from those measures year to date.
• Learned there were 76 new members in March.
• Acknowledged the March safety report, listing employee training as well as minor employee and public incidents involving electric, propane, or fiber optic.
Time Set Aside for Members to Comment Before Cooperative Board Meetings
The first 15 minutes of every board meeting are available for members who wish to address the board of directors on any subject. The next meetings are scheduled for 9 a.m. on June 23 in Portland and 9 a.m. on July 28 in Blanchard.
Members who wish to have items considered on the board agenda should call 517-647-7554 at least a week in advance of the meeting.
STATE OF MICHIGAN BEFORE THE MICHIGAN PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION ***NOTICE OF OPPORTUNITY TO COMMENT***
REGARDING THE APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF RENEWABLE ENERGY FILED BY HOMEWORKS TRI-COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE CASE NO. U-16598
• On February 27, 2025, an Application for Approval of Renewable Energy Plan was filed with the Michigan Public Service Commission (Commission) to fully comply with Public Act 295 of 2008, as amended by Public Act 235 of 2023.
• Any interested person may review the Application at the Michigan offices of HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative, 7973 E. Grand River Ave., Portland, MI 48875 or at the office of the Commission’s Executive Secretary, 7109 West Saginaw Highway, Lansing, Michigan, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or on the Commission’s website at: https://mi-psc.my.site.com/s/.
• Any person wishing to file a public comment may do so by filing a written statement in this docket. The written statement may be mailed or emailed and should reference Case No. U-16598. Statements may be emailed to: mpscedockets@michigan.gov. Statements may be mailed to: Executive Secretary, Michigan Public Service Commission, 7109 West Saginaw Highway, Lansing, MI 48917.
• All information submitted to the Commission in this matter becomes public information, thus available on the Michigan Public Service Commission’s website, and subject to disclosure. Please do not include information you wish to remain private. For more information on how to participate in a case, you may contact the Executive Secretary at the above address or by telephone at (517) 284-8090.
COMMENTS ARE DUE BY 5:00 P.M. ON JULY 15, 2025.
SENATOR DEBBIE STABENOW
Championing Rural Michigan and Electric Cooperatives
By Emily Haines Lloyd
U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow may be the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s recently minted Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, but Michigan’s senior senator didn’t start her career amidst accolades in glitzy ballrooms.
A FOUNDATION OF SERVICE
Raised in Clare, Michigan, where “neighbors helping neighbors” was not only a sentiment but a way of life, Stabenow has spent decades ensuring that Michigan’s rural regions, farmers, and electric cooperatives thrive.
Stabenow’s rural upbringing profoundly shaped her approach to public service. She recalls the close-knit nature of her hometown, where her parents—a nurse and a small business owner—instilled the values of hard work, community, and giving back.
“My family wasn’t political,” said Stabenow. “But they instilled in their children that if you benefi t from something, you owe it to pay it back. It’s your responsibility to help where you can.”
ROLLING UP HER SLEEVES
“Public service is at its best when it’s driven by people from every background.”
She found an opportunity to help as a 24-year-old graduate student at Michigan State University working to stop the closure of a nursing home—the last in Ingham County serving lowincome seniors.
The facility was saved, but Stabenow’s fi ght was just beginning. One of the key leaders trying to close the facility was the county commissioner in her own district. The next election, Stabenow ran against that commissioner—and won his seat. Two years later, she was the chair of the board—the fi rst woman and youngest to hold that position in Ingham County.
From there, her journey led to the Michigan House of Representatives, U.S. House, and ultimately the U.S. Senate, fueled by a commitment to the most pressing needs of the communities she served.
ADVANCING RURAL DEVELOPMENT
It’s unsurprising then that Stabenow sought government committees that would most directly impact her constituents. As chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Stabenow became a fierce advocate and authored multiple farm bills that expanded the scope of agricultural policy.
“What we grow in Michigan refl ects what people want,” she said, highlighting the signifi cance of tailoring policies to the diverse needs of farmers and consumers.
Her leadership extended to food security programs, bio-based economies, and clean energy initiatives, all designed to bolster economic viability and quality of life in rural areas. Through her efforts, Michigan’s farmers have gained access to expanded crop insurance, renewable energy resources, and grants supporting sustainable practices.
CHAMPIONING ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES
Electric cooperatives hold a special place in Stabenow’s legacy. She has been a tireless advocate for rural economic development. Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson notes that Cherryland has leveraged a federal USDA program to create a revolving loan fund that has supported almost 40 locally owned small businesses in their service territory with over $7 million of zero-interest loans to expand their businesses and create and retain local jobs.
“The impact of our loan fund will be felt for generations, and we are incredibly proud of the success of our borrowers,” said Johnson. “None of this would be possible without Senator Stabenow’s support for rural Michigan.”
Additionally, Stabenow’s work on programs like the Rural Energy
for America Program (REAP) empowered electric cooperatives and rural communities to invest in renewable energy, reducing costs and environmental impact.
Her dedication to decarbonization was also refl ected in her support for the New ERA grant program, a groundbreaking initiative that provides low-interest loans and grant funding for electric cooperatives transitioning to renewable energy sources.
“Jobs, energy access, and sustainability are interconnected,” she noted. “These programs help create prosperity in rural Michigan.”
A LEGACY OF CONNECTION AND HUMILITY
Known for her approachability and collaborative spirit, Stabenow has worked alongside policymakers from both parties to achieve tangible results. Her relationships with
rural constituents and cooperative members have remained authentic and grounded.
“She’s never forgotten where she came from,” said former MECA President Craig Borr. “Senator Stabenow stands for so much of what electric cooperatives stand for—collaboration, creative solutions, and community. She’s been a true champion of rural Michigan, and we will always be grateful for her policy work in the U.S. Senate.”
Now retired from the Senate, Stabenow looks forward to continuing her advocacy work from her home state. She also offers advice to Michiganders aspiring to public service:
“Don’t wait for someone else. If you see something that needs to be done, step up,” said Stabenow. “Public service is at its best when it’s driven by people from every background.”
“Don’t wait for someone else. If you see something that needs to be done, step up.”
Solar Options To Suit Your Needs
Did you know that HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative and other Michigan electric cooperatives powered by Wolverine Power Cooperative are state leaders in providing members with electricity that is over 60% carbon free and 20% renewable? Those percentages continue to grow, too, because we are committed to finding innovative ways to source energy that is not only renewable, but also reliable and cost efficient for you. One way we achieve that is through solar energy. Since June is National Solar Energy Month, we thought we’d highlight again the solar programs we offer to help our members bring more renewable energy to their communities and save money at the same time.
Think of community solar as a way to have the benefits of rooftop solar, without the cost and hassle of installing solar panels on your roof.
How Does It Work?
You purchase a panel subscription in our Spartan Solar community solar array, which entitles you to a share of the energy produced by the array. We continue delivering your energy, and you’ll receive solar credits on your bill each month. There is nothing to install or maintain on your end, and you can cancel at any time.
Offset your energy usage with your own electric generation at your home. Use what you need; sell what you don’t.
How Does It Work?
After you complete the installation of a renewable energy generation system, we’ll install a special twoway meter that records how much electricity you use and how much you are putting on the grid. Every kWh you produce and use at your home is a kWh you don’t have to buy from us. If you use more than you produce, you’ll be billed for your usage. If you produce more than you use, a credit will be placed on your bill for the excess.
Become a generator. Install a solar or wind system on your property and sell all the energy it produces to us.
How Does It Work?
You install an energy generation system on your property. We’ll install a meter on your system that tracks all the energy you produce. We then buy all of the energy the system generates. With this option, you are a true energy supplier to your Co-op. If your goal is to generate more energy than your annual usage, buy-all/sell-all is the way to go. We've
Jigsaw Puzzle Provides Family Fun And Teamwork
By Mary Ellen Wynes, a HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative member
This summer, we attended a picnic hosted by our Homeworks Tri-County Electric Cooperative, where we were gifted a 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle that illustrated “Electrifying Rural America.” We are apt to forget that our access to reliable electricity has not always existed, and the puzzle theme reminded us of the comfort it provides.
We admired the detailed and colorful depiction of the process illustrated on the top of the puzzle box so much that we enjoyed it, unopened, on the kitchen table for several months. One day, I decided it was time to assemble the puzzle, and although I hadn’t attempted one since I was a child, I found the process not only entertaining but addictive!
I would sit down to work at it “for a few minutes,” and an hour would speed by before I looked up. The alluring and unique “snap” when a piece locked into its correct place kept me inspired. By the time our family was able to gather for a very belated Christmas this February, the pieces for
“The challenge to ‘finish it for Grandma’ was accepted, and their teamwork resulted in a lovely completed puzzle.”
the road, trees, horses, cart, and truck still needed to be assembled. The challenge to “fi nish it for Grandma” was accepted, and their teamwork resulted in a lovely completed puzzle. They also applied puzzle glue so that it could be hung in our home to admire and preserve the memory of a time when family members, ages 8 to 84, enjoyed the fun of working together.
Thank you to HomeWorks Tri-County for providing a challenge and an opportunity for family fun and teamwork.
GUEST COLUMN
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THE ICE CREAM’S ON US!
Join us this summer at your HomeWorks Park Party:
District 1: July 10 at Alliance Park, Potterville
District 2: June 19 at Bogue Flats Pavilion, Portland
District 3: June 25 at Droste Park, Westphalia
District 4: July 9 at Curtis Park, Edmore
District 5: July 16 at Motz Park, St. Johns
District 6: June 24 at Chipp-A-Waters, Mt. Pleasant
District 7: July 15 at Fork Township Center, Barryton
Drop by anytime between 1-3 p.m.
Bring the family for ice cream, games, prizes, and the chance to talk with your Co-op staff!