TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE
Geothermal. It’s easier than ever to score big with the nation’s best incentives.
WaterFurnace geothermal units use the stored energy in your backyard to provide luxurious comfort and dramatic savings on heating, cooling, and hot water. They’re 2x more efficient and last 40% longer (25 yrs with geo vs 18 yrs with ordinary) than any other HVAC system. Plus, many state, local, and utility programs offer incentives to lower installation costs. It’s never been easier to switch!
Visit waterfurnace.com to learn how to turn “Too Good To Be True” into “True.”
Allendale
Allendale Htg & Clg (800) 327-1937 allendaleheating.com
Berrien Springs
WaterFurnace Michiana (269) 473-5667 gogreenmichgeothermal.com
Big Rapids Stratz Htg & Clg, Inc. (231) 796-3717 stratzgeocomfort.com
Cadillac Wilder Htg & Clg (231) 645-4822 Wilderheatingandcooling.com
Filion/Bad Axe Air-O-Dynamic Htg & Clg (989) 582-0137 aod-hvac.com
Gaylord Family Plmb & Htg (989) 732-8099 familyplumbingandheating.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/Aire Serv of Southern Michigan (517) 764-1500 airserv.com/southern-michigan
Mt Pleasant
Walton Htg & Clg (989)772-4822 waltonheating.com
Muskegon TMC Mechanical LLC (231)865-1114 www.tmcmechanicalllc.com
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
Sunfield
Mark Woodman Plmb & Htg (517) 886-1138 mwphonline.com
Three Rivers
Bel Aire Htg & Clg
1 (888) 235-2473 belaire.com
Traverse City Geofurnace Htg & Clg (231) 943-1000 geofurnace.com
CO-OP REBATE INCENTIVES
$2,250 rebate available through your co-op.
EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Casey Clark
EDITOR: Christine Dorr
GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Karreen Bird
RECIPE EDITOR: Christin Russman
COPY EDITOR: Yvette Pecha
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Emily Haines Lloyd
PUBLISHER: Michigan Electric Cooperative Association
Michigan Country Lines, USPS591-710, is published monthly, except August and December, with periodicals postage paid at Lansing, Mich., and additional offices. It is the official publication of the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association, 201 Townsend St., Suite 900, Lansing, MI 48933.
Subscriptions are authorized for members of Alger Delta, Cherryland, Great Lakes, HomeWorks Tri-County, Midwest Energy & Communications, Ontonagon, Presque Isle, and Thumb electric cooperatives by their boards of directors.
POSTMASTER:
Send all UAA to CFS.
ASSOCIATION OFFICERS:
Chris O’Neill, HomeWorks TriCounty Cooperative, chairman; Gabe Schneider, Cherryland Electric Cooperative, vice chairman; Shaun Lamp, Great Lakes Energy Cooperative, secretary-treasurer; John Kran, president and CEO.
CONTACT US/LETTERS TO EDITOR: Michigan Country Lines 201 Townsend St., Suite 900 Lansing, MI 48933 248-534-7358 editor@countrylines.com
CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Please notify your electric cooperative. See page 4 for contact information.
The appearance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised.
MICHIGAN’S ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
6 SMART, SIMPLE WAYS TO SAVE ENERGY AT HOME
MI CO-OP Community
RECIPE CONTEST
See details on page 10. Pizza, due July 1; Autumn Comfort Foods, 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
Low-cost tips that can lower your bills and boost comfort.
7 GRILLING SAFETY TIPS
Avoid common mistakes and set yourself up for a safer, more enjoyable experience.
10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN
Grilled to Perfection: Fire meets flavor.
14 STITCH BY STITCH: THE QUILTED LIFE OF RUTH ANN BERRY
This gifted geometrical quilter turns intimidating designs into attainable projects.
18 GUEST COLUMN
A Member Memory: By Gregg Smith, a Great Lakes Energy Cooperative member.
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS AND CASSOPOLIS SOLUTIONS CENTER
60590 Decatur Road, Cassopolis, MI 49031
M–F 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
TECUMSEH SOLUTIONS CENTER
5050 South Occidental Hwy., Tecumseh, MI 49286
M–F 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
CONTACT US
Midwest Energy & Communications
800-492-5989
teammidwest.com
Email: info@teammidwest.com
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Clarence “Topper” Barth, Chairperson, Three Rivers 269-279-9233
Clarence.Barth@teammidwest.com
Dan Bodette, Vice Chairperson, Wauseon 419-344-4015
Dan.Bodette@teammidwest.com
Ron Armstrong, Secretary, Lawton 269-299-0443
Ron.Armstrong@teammidwest.com
John Green, Treasurer, Dowagiac 269-470-2816
John.Green@teammidwest.com
Gerry Bundle, Cassopolis 269-414-0164
Gerry.Bundle@teammidwest.com
Erika Escue-Cadieux, Onsted 419-346-1088
Erika.Escue-Cadieux@teammidwest.com
Fred Turk, Decatur 269-423-7762
Fred.Turk@teammidwest.com
Jim Wiseley, Bloomingdale 269-760-4619
Jim.Wiseley@teammidwest.com
Jeff Diehl, Union 574-274-6693
Jeffery.Diehl@teammidwest.com
PRESIDENT/CEO: Terry Rubenthaler
DIRECTOR, CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING: Amy Pales
COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST:
Grant Zamora
Midwest Energy & Communications is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Please note: electric customers of MEC must adhere to our bylaws, which can be found at teammidwest.com/bylaws.
teammidwest.com
/teammidwest
Let’s Talk about Data Centers
By Terry Rubenthaler, President/CEO
I remember learning about the gold rush in school and thinking how crazy it was that roughly 300,000 people flocked to California in hopes of striking it rich simply by panning in a stream.
Well, that’s kind of how I feel right now. I get calls almost every week from companies interested in building a data center in our service territory. Some are so large that it is difficult to get your head around it. In a recent call, the proposed data center would use 10 billion kilowatthours each year! That is 15 times larger than what all our current customers use, and it’s showing no signs of slowing down. We’re in a modern-day gold rush.
Nothing gets members riled up more than talking about data centers, and I imagine with all this buzz, you are wondering what MEC’s position is and how a data center could impact you. Here’s what you need to know:
First and foremost, MEC is legally obligated to serve any data center, or similar facility, built within our service territory. It’s that way for all electric utilities. However, that doesn’t mean that we can’t put up guardrails to protect MEC, and ultimately you, from potential pitfalls.
That’s exactly what our board of directors did recently with our Large Load Tariff. It was drafted to specifically address concerns about the financial liability and risk associated with a massive data center. The tariff ensures that commercial customers requiring a maximum demand of more than 10 MW must:
• Pay application fees of $100,000–$250,000
• Participate in and pay for any required extensive engineering studies to determine what construction would be required to build and maintain electric service
• Pass strict credit screenings to ensure that only truly serious and financially sound companies can build
• Fund the construction of infrastructure to serve the facility
• Agree to a long-term contract that includes a demand charge exit fee (essentially an early termination fee), which includes future demand charges remaining in the contract term, along with all outstanding distribution, transmission, and any other stranded costs
• Provide significant collateral to cover several years of the demand charge exit fee up front
• Ensure that all temporary service needed during construction is paid up front
Bottom line: This tariff ensures that data centers foot the bill, not you, and that we will not be stuck holding the bag if something goes wrong.
What the tariff doesn’t do is make it impossible for a large, financially stable company to build a data center in our territory. Why? A customer of this size could bring incredible benefits to you as a member. It could help offset a significant portion of our fixed costs and potentially provide rate stability to all customers. We want MEC to be able to take advantage of that kind of opportunity while also ensuring we aren’t putting the cooperative or its members’ rates at risk.
At the end of the day, though, most of the calls I get end as soon as the interested party learns how difficult and expensive it will be for them. That doesn’t mean that someday a company won’t come along and decide our service territory is where they want to pan for gold (or data) and strike it rich. But with this new tariff, we are prepared if that day comes, and we will work to establish a relationship that benefits all customers. After all, our responsibility—first and always—is to serve you and protect MEC’s long-term health.
Our Cooperative Family Grows Next Month!
Earlier this year, 91.7% of you voted YES to make MEC fiber customers cooperative members. It was a historic opportunity to welcome a whole new group to our cooperative family and you responded with wide open arms, saving MEC up to $20 million in taxes and ensuring that together we can continue to build vibrant, relevant, sustainable rural communities for years to come.
As we prepare to embark on this new adventure in July, we want to catch you up to date with
New Board Districts
DISTRICT MAPS: Our district maps have been updated to include our fiber internet service areas. For a full interactive map, visit us at teammidwest.com/district-maps
Fred Turk, District 1
Townships of Decatur, Hamilton, Keeler, Lawrence, Marcellus, Paw Paw, Volinia, Porter in Van Buren County
Jim Wiseley, District 2
Townships of Almena, Arlington, Bainbridge, Bangor, Benton, Bloomingdale, Casco, Cheshire, Coloma, Covert, Geneva, Hagar, Hartford, Lincoln, Pine Grove, Pipestone, Royalton, Sodus, South Haven, Trowbridge, Valley, Watervliet, Waverly, Columbia in Van Buren County, Lee in Allegan County; cities of Bangor, Gobles, Hartford, South Haven
Ron Armstong, District 3
Townships of Alamo, Antwerp, Flowerfield, Oshtemo, Prairie Ronde, Schoolcraft, Texas; city of Portage
Clarence “Topper” Barth, District 4
Townships of Athens, Brady, Burlington, Burr Oak, Colon, Convis, Emmett, Fabius, Fawn River, Fredonia, Leonidas, Leroy, Lockport, Marengo, Marshall, Mendon, Newberg, Newton, Nottawa, Park, Sherman, Sherwood, Tekonsha, Wakeshma, Walton, Lee in Calhoun County; cities of Sturgis, Three Rivers
John Green, District 5
Townships of Baroda, Berrien, Chikaming, LaGrange, Lake, New Buffalo, Oronoko, Penn, Pokagon, Silver Creek, Three Oaks, Wayne; city of Dowagiac
Jeff Diehl, District 6
Michigan townships of Constantine, Florence, Mason, Mottville, Sturgis, White Pigeon, Porter in Cass County; Indiana townships of Lima, Osolo, Van Buren, Washington, York
Gerry Bundle, District 7
Michigan townships of Bertrand, Buchanan, Calvin, Galien, Howard, Jefferson, Milton, Niles, Ontwa, Weesaw; city of Niles; Indiana townships of Harris, Hudson
Erika Escue-Cadieux, District 8
Townships of Aurelius, Blackman, Bridgewater, Brookfield, Cambridge, Clarence, Clinton, Concord, Dexter, Eaton, Eaton Rapids, Franklin, Freedom, Grass Lake, Hamlin, Henrietta, Leoni, Leslie, Liberty, Lima, Lodi, Manchester, Napoleon, Norvell, Onondaga, Parma, Rives, Rollin, Rome, Sandstone, Scio, Sharon, Sheridan, Somerset, Springport, Sylvan, Tompkins, Waterloo, Woodstock, Columbia in Jackson County; city of Chelsea
Dan Bodette, District 9
Michigan townships of Adrian, Blissfield, Deerfield, Dover, Fairfield, Hudson, Macon, Madison, Medina, Ogden, Palmyra, Pittsford, Raisin, Ransom, Ridgeway, Riga, Saline, Seneca, Tecumseh, Whiteford, Wright; cities of Adrian, Morenci, Tecumseh; Ohio townships of Amboy, Brady, Chesterfield, Dover, Franklin, German, Gorham, Mill Creek, Pike, Royalton
CAPITAL CREDITS: Credits will be allocated to your account based on the services you receive. If you only receive MEC electric service, credits will only be allocated for the electric service you use. If you receive both electric and fiber service, credits will be allocated for both services.
Please note that capital credits do not represent “cash in the bank.” They are disbursed when approved by the board of directors, or upon the passing of the customer. Please contact us at info@teammidwest.com with any questions about capital credits.
OUR MISSION: Delivering first-in-class innovations and solutions where others won’t OUR VISION: Creating vibrant, relevant,
CHANGE #1
CHANGE #2
Smart, Simple Ways to Save Energy at Home
Saving energy doesn’t have to cost a lot—or take a lot of time. You don’t need major upgrades or the latest technology to see a difference. Even small changes can lower your energy use and improve comfort, especially if you’re on a tight budget. Here are some easy, low-, and no-cost tips to help you get started:
ADJUST YOUR THERMOSTAT
A few degrees can make a big difference. Set your thermostat slightly closer to the outdoor temperature—especially on very hot or cold days. Your heating and cooling system works hardest during extremes, which can drive up energy use. Stay comfortable by dressing for the season: Layer up in winter and switch to lighter clothing in summer.
FIX LEAKS PROMPTLY
A dripping faucet or hot water leak may seem minor, but it adds up to wasted energy and water over time. If you can’t fi x it right away, use the shutoff valve under the sink to stop the fl ow until repairs can be made.
LOWER YOUR WATER HEATER TEMPERATURE
Turning down your water heater can reduce energy use and save money. Some models make this adjustment simple, while others may require a bit more effort. If you’re unsure, it’s best to consult a professional.
SEAL AIR LEAKS
Air sealing is an affordable, beginnerfriendly DIY project that can improve comfort and effi ciency. With about $20 and a couple of hours, you can seal gaps and cracks that let air escape or enter your home.
Use caulk (around $4 per tube) to seal gaps around windows and exterior doors. Choose paintable caulk for a clean finish. Apply spray foam (about $5 per can) around plumbing lines under sinks or in basements and crawlspaces to block drafts. Bonus: It also helps keep pests out.
Quick Tip: Spray foam can be messy— wear gloves, protect surfaces, and be careful when applying overhead. Prep your workspace ahead of time for best results.
WASH CLOTHES IN COLD WATER
Heating water uses a signifi cant amount of energy. Switching to cold water for laundry is an easy way to cut back—especially helpful if you have an older or topload washer that uses more water.
For $10–$15, weatherstripping can improve the seal around exterior doors. If you notice drafts or see light coming through closed doors, this quick fix can make a noticeable difference.
Small changes make a difference.
Small steps like these can add up to meaningful savings. Try a few of these simple improvements to reduce energy waste, lower your bills, and make your home more comfortable year-round.
Grilling SAFETY TIPS
Warm weather is the perfect excuse to fire up the grill and gather friends and family for a backyard cookout. But before you get cooking, it’s worth brushing up on a few key grilling safety tips. Avoid common mistakes and you’ll set yourself up for a safer, more enjoyable experience.
1. Start with a Stable Setup
Always place your grill on a flat, level surface to prevent tipping. Skip uneven ground or sloped areas, and opt for a solid surface like concrete or stone.
2. Stay Close While Cooking
Never leave a lit grill unattended. Keep children and pets at least three feet away, and remain nearby while cooking—even after you’ve fi nished, as surfaces stay hot.
3. Give It Space
Position your grill at least 10 feet away from your home, garage, deck railings, or overhanging branches. Open space reduces the risk of stray embers starting a fire. And don’t forget to use long-handled tools designed for grilling.
4. Grill Outdoors Only
Grills should never be used indoors or in enclosed spaces like garages. They produce carbon monoxide, an invisible, odorless gas that can be deadly. If the weather isn’t cooperating, opt for an indoor grill pan instead.
5. Keep It Clean
A clean grill isn’t just about bettertasting food—it’s also safer. Grease and fat buildup can lead to dangerous flare-ups. Clean the grates after every use and regularly empty drip trays.
6. Don’t Overcrowd the Grill
Packing too much food onto the grill at once can cause excess fat to drip into the flames, increasing flare-ups. Cook in batches, especially when preparing fatty meats.
7. Use a Meat Thermometer
Don’t rely on guesswork. A meat thermometer ensures your food reaches safe internal temperatures, helping prevent foodborne illness.
8. Light Gas Grills Safely
Always open the lid before lighting a gas grill. Lighting it while closed can cause gas to build up and ignite in a sudden fi reball. If the flame goes out, turn everything off and wait at least fi ve minutes before relighting.
9. Check for Gas Leaks
Inspect your propane hose periodically. Apply soapy water and turn on the gas—if bubbles form, you may have a leak that needs attention.
10. Handle Charcoal with Care
Avoid using lighter fl uid excessively— it can affect the taste of your food and lead to uncontrolled flames. Never add lighter fl uid to already lit coals. Instead, use a charcoal chimney starter for a safer approach.
11. Be Ready for Emergencies
Keep baking soda nearby to manage grease fires and have a fire extinguisher within reach. Never use water on a grease fire—it can make things worse.
12. Shut Down Properly
When you’re done cooking, turn off gas burners and close the propane valve. For charcoal grills, close the vents to cut off oxygen. Let coals cool completely before disposing of them in a metal container.
By following these simple safety tips, you can keep the focus where it belongs—on great food, good company, and enjoying the season. A little preparation goes a long way in preventing accidents, so you can grill with confidence all summer long.
A FRESH START FOR SAVINGS
Rebates are made easy with the Michigan Electric Cooperative Online Marketplace.
Our online marketplace is a convenient way for Midwest Energy & Communications members residing in Michigan to find trusted energy-efficient products, designed to help lower your home energy use. The best part? Every marketplace item qualifies for a rebate from MEC!
After making a purchase through the online marketplace, don’t forget to apply for your rebate at teammidwest.com/energy-savings.
Please note that this program is part of the State of Michigan’s Energy Waste Reduction Standards and is not available to customers in Indiana and Ohio.
Congratulations, Matt!
Apprentice Lineman Matt has completed the Central Ohio Lineworker Training (COLT) program to become a journeyman lineman for MEC. He completed thousands of hours of on-the-job training along with schooling at the program’s facility in Mount Gilead, Ohio.
MEC partners with COLT, the training division of Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives’ Safety & Loss Control Department, to train and educate our next generation of linemen. COLT is a Department of Labor-certified program.
Interested in becoming an MEC lineman apprentice?
Visit teammidwest.com/careers to sign up for job alerts. You will receive notifications about all available MEC positions, including apprenticeship opportunities.
Scan the QR code to visit the marketplace or visit meca.coop/marketplace/
What Are All Of The Charges On My Electric Bill?
YOUR BILL EXPLAINED
Your monthly electric bill includes a summary of charges that looks like this
MONTHLY SERVICE CHARGE
It is…
a flat fee that helps cover the maintenance and items that make your electricity possible, such as poles, wires, line trucks, substations, and more. Regardless of how much electricity you use—or don’t use—we still need to maintain and invest in the system.
Even if you use alternative electricity sources like solar, this fee is still required because we must maintain and provide the infrastructure to deliver electricity to your home when you do need it.
Distribution Charge
This charge reflects your actual kilowatt usage and includes any additional operational costs not captured by the service charge.
Energy Charge
This represents the cost of generating and transmitting the power you used during the billing cycle.
We do not generate electricity. Instead, we purchase it from Wolverine Power Cooperative, our power supply partner. The energy comes into our substations over transmission lines, and we distribute the power to your home.
We collect the money as part of your monthly bill and pay that back to Wolverine.
Power Cost Adjustment
This variable charge represents the difference between what we budget for power supply and what we actually pay.
PA 295
It is not… a membership fee to be part of the cooperative. Some of you remember when we used to charge that fee, but we eliminated it over 20 years ago.
This pays for our rebate program that is part of Michigan’s Energy Waste Reduction Act (EWR), which requires utilities to offer programs that help members use energy more efficiently. Energy providers are required to implement this surcharge to collect the funds.
Please note that since this program is part of the state of Michigan’s requirements, it is not available to Indiana or Ohio customers.
Optional Programs or Services
If you participate in our community solar, any load management program, or net metering, or if you have a security light, your charges or credits appear above the state tax line.
MI Low-Income Energy Fund
This was established by the Michigan legislature in 2013 as a long-term solution to assist eligible residents with their utility bills. Energy providers collect the funds, then turn them over to be managed by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
Salmon:
GRILLED SALMON WITH PINEAPPLE SALSA
Carmela Sleva, Great Lakes Energy
1 8-ounce salmon fillet
1 tablespoon olive oil
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¹⁄8–¼ teaspoon black pepper
• juice from one lime
Salsa:
2 cups chopped pineapple
½ cup fi nely chopped red onion
¼ cup fi nely chopped cilantro
1 jalapeño, chopped (use seeds for extra spice)
• juice from one lime
½ teaspoon chili powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¹⁄8 teaspoon black pepper
Preheat a grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Coat the salmon fi llet with olive oil and season evenly with cayenne pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Place the salmon skin-side down on the grill, cover, and cook for 6–8 minutes. Carefully fl ip and grill for an additional 2 minutes, or until cooked through. Alternatively, wrap the salmon in aluminum foil and grill for 14–16 minutes. While the salmon cooks, combine the chopped pineapple, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño in a medium bowl. Season with lime juice, chili powder, salt, and black pepper, then stir well. Remove the salmon from the grill, squeeze fresh lime juice over the top, and serve with the pineapple salsa alongside rice or warm tortillas.
DELUXE GRILLED PORK CHOPS
Deb Finedell, Great Lakes Energy
¼ cup honey
½ cup soy sauce
2 garlic cloves, minced
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, or more
4 boneless pork chops
In a large shallow bowl, add the honey, soy sauce, garlic cloves, and red pepper flakes. Mix well until fully blended. Add the pork chops and turn to coat them evenly in the marinade. Cover and
refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to keep the pork well coated. Preheat a grill to medium-high heat, then remove the pork chops from the marinade and place them on the grill. Cook for about 8 minutes per side, or until the pork is well seared and cooked through. Remove from the grill and let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving, then serve immediately.
TRIPLE B (BACON BOURBON) BURGER
Scott
Rought, Cherryland
1 pound ground chuck
¾ cup fi nely chopped bacon pieces (fully cooked)
• pinch of salt and black pepper
1 cup bourbon, any brand
²⁄3 cup ketchup
½ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon lemon juice
¼ cup red wine vinegar
8 pineapple slices, canned
4 slices of Italian (5-cheese) or cheddar cheese, optional
4 burger buns (sesame seed)
4 slices of tomato
4 leaves of lettuce
Sauce Thickener:
2 tablespoons cornstarch
¼ cup cold water
4 ice cubes
In a large bowl, combine the ground chuck, chopped cooked bacon, salt, and pepper, and mix well before forming the mixture into four equal burger patties, then set aside. In a small saucepan, combine the bourbon, ketchup, brown
sugar, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar, and cook over medium-high heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reduces slightly. In a separate small cup, mix the cornstarch, cold water, and ice cubes to create a slurry, then slowly pour the liquid (holding back the ice cubes) into the sauce while stirring, and continue cooking until the sauce comes to a light boil and thickens, then remove from heat and let cool, stirring occasionally. Preheat a grill to medium heat, then baste the burger patties and pineapple slices generously with the bourbon sauce. Grill the burger patties over medium heat until cooked through, and grill the pineapple slices for about 2 minutes per side. If desired, place a slice of cheese on each burger patty during the last minute of cooking to allow it to melt. To assemble, place one burger patty on each bun, top with one or two pineapple slices, a slice of tomato, and a lettuce leaf, then add additional bourbon sauce if desired before serving.
GRILLED TOMATOES WITH MELTED MOZZARELLA
Jennie
Lewandowski, Presque Isle Electric & Gas
4 large fresh tomatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• fresh basil, optional
Preheat a grill to medium heat, then slice the tomatoes into thick slices, about ½ inch thick, and arrange them on a tray or plate. Drizzle the tomato slices evenly
with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Top each slice with shredded mozzarella cheese, then place the tomato slices on the grill and cook for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the tomatoes are tender and the cheese is melted. Remove from the grill and top with fresh basil, if desired, then serve warm as a simple side dish or enjoy on toasted bread like bruschetta.
Thank You for Coming to Our Annual Meeting!
It was a day full of fun as we enjoyed breakout sessions, prizes, and a delicious lunch from Nelson’s BBQ. We hope to see you again next year!
PRIZE WINNERS
1. Maribeth N, Joe & Betty G: camping chairs (sponsored by Postle Aluminum Co.)
2. Nancy M: wine basket (sponsored by Circle Federal Credit Union)
3. Kathy N: gift card for new tires (sponsored by Grames Tire & Battery, Inc.)
4. Steve Y, Edna T, Ira K, Donna D: jam set (sponsored by Sticky Spoons Jam)
5. Bradley B: campground stay and boat rental (sponsored by Cranberry Lake Campground)
6. Erica S: Detroit Tigers tickets and concessions gift card (sponsored by Dykema)
7. Carmelita B: chartered fishing trip (sponsored by Rural Electric Supply Cooperative)
8. June M: Traverse City stay and wine tour (sponsored by Utility Contracting Co.)
9. Craig A: Frankenmuth stay and waterpark tickets (sponsored by Flory Line Construction)
10. Alan & Teresa I: Suttons Bay stay and wine tour (sponsored by Western Tel-Com, Inc.)
11. Linda & Gray P: Mackinac Island stay (sponsored by Flory Line Construction)
Thank you to all the businesses that generously sponsored prizes, as well as Calix, who sponsored our AI breakout session!
Report Yard Damage Via SmartHub
Need to let us know about yard damage? It’s easy to do in SmartHub.
DESKTOP
1. Log in at teammidwest.com
2. Navigate to the menu and click Contact Us, followed by Service Requests all Services.
3. In the Reason for Inquiry drop-down menu, select Report Yard Damage.
4. Fill out the requested information and click Send If you have photos to share, please email them to info@teammidwest.com
MOBILE
1. Log in to your SmartHub mobile app.
2. Navigate to the menu and tap Contact Us, followed by Service Requests all Services
3. Select Report Yard Damage.
4. Choose the account that will be associated with your report.
5. Fill out the requested information and tap Send If you have photos to share, please email them to info@teammidwest.com.
The Quilted Life of Ruth Ann Berry
hen Ruth Ann Berry bought her Fife Lake building on the corner of State and Main in 1998, in Fife Lake, Michigan, she could not have known all it would one day hold.
What had long been a pharmacy would gradually become home to her quilt shop and workshop, then adding a barber shop, and eventually also including her daughter’s coffee shop. The historic building, dating back to the early 1900s, has a hard concrete foundation and three layers of old wood fl oors. It has endured by being both sturdy and adaptable.
In many ways, so has Berry.
Known in quilting circles as a “geometric quilter,” Berry has built a creative life on both tradition and
reinvention. Quilting has been part of her world for as long as she can remember. She comes from a long line of quilters, including her mother and grandmothers, women who made practical quilts from scraps to keep their families warm.
Berry grew up sewing on her grandmother’s treadle machine and a Singer Featherweight that belonged to her mother. That early foundation stayed with her, but Berry made it distinctly her own.
Finding Her Pattern
Today, Berry is the owner of Quilter’s Clinic, a destination quilt shop in Fife Lake known for bold fabrics, striking kits, and Berry’s own patterns and books. She is the author of “Bargello Quilts in Motion,” “Braided Bargello,”
By Emily Haines Lloyd
“Simplifi ed 3D Quilts,” and “Stunning 3D Quilts Simplifi ed,” and she has created more than 50 quilt patterns distributed widely in the quilting world.
Her signature style leans into geometry and optical movement.
Bargello quilts fi rst caught her attention because they looked dramatic and complex, but Berry quickly discovered they were more approachable than they appeared. That balance between impressive and accessible became her calling card.
“Just when I think there isn’t anything new to do, here’s an idea,” Berry said. “There’s always something around the corner.”
She began experimenting, sketching on graph paper, testing patterns, and writing down each step. Friends urged
her to submit her ideas to publishers. Eventually, one design found a home, then another.
Again and again, her work returns to the same challenge: how to take something that looks diffi cult and make it feel doable.
Teaching the Joy of It
That instinct to demystify quilting carries over into her teaching. In the studio above the shop, Berry leads classes for quilters of all experience levels. What she enjoys most is the moment when a student realizes something is easier than they feared.
“Don’t be afraid,” she tells her students. “That’s the biggest thing.”
Berry knows quilting can look intimidating, especially the dimensional, geometric work she creates. But she also knows encouragement matters. She likes explaining a technique and hearing someone say, with surprise, that it is easier than they thought. For her, that moment of confi dence is part of the reward.
A Language of Its Own
Berry has taught on the road for more than a decade, traveling to guilds, shows, and retreats across the country and beyond, including England and France. One of the things she loves most is that quilting creates its own language. Even when language barriers pop up, makers understand one another through both pattern and process.
“The fun part is, even if you don’t speak French, you speak quilting,” Berry said.
Layer by Layer
What keeps Berry going, even after decades of quilting, designing, and teaching, is the creative pull of what comes next. On her computer, there are often multiple designs open at once, each one asking to be solved.
Back in that old building in Fife Lake, those ideas keep taking shape. Like the structure itself, Berry’s life in quilting has been built layer by layer: on a solid base, with room to grow.
What she bought in 1998 was a building. What she built inside it is much like her quilts: beautifully imagined, carefully pieced together, and still surprising her after all these years.
Build Your Online Skills with MEC
We partner with local libraries to hold free digital skill-building classes for our local communities! Our classes in June and July will show you how to improve your life with internet and will cover telehealth, streaming services, and fact-checking.
CLOSED
Independence Day Closure
Our solutions centers will be closed Friday, July 3, in honor of Independence Day. Make a payment or report an electric outage via SmartHub or by calling 800-492-5989.
Dropbox payments made at our solutions centers will be processed on the next open business day.
Each class will last one hour. Space is limited! RSVP today at teammidwest.com/classes or email mecevents@teammidwest.com. JUNE 24 .....
Digital Skills Classes We’re Phasing Out Electric Water Heater Purchases
By the end of this year, we’re ending the option to purchase an electric water heater from MEC. We have just a few left in stock and once they’re gone, we won’t be buying more.
Don’t worry—our Water Heater Load Management Program will stay the same. You can choose to participate with your own electric water heater after letting us install a transfer switch, which will allow us to shut off your water heater during peak usage periods (typically between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m.) in exchange for a credit on your bill.
To sign up, visit us at teammidwest.com/water-heater
2025 ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Independent Auditors
Following are excerpts from the audit report. The full report may be accessed at TeamMidwest.com or by calling 800-492-5989.
Opinions
We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Midwest Energy Cooperative (the Cooperative), which comprise the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, and the related consolidated statements of operations, equities and margins, and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements.
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Cooperative as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, and the changes in financial position and, where applicable, cash flows thereof for the years then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinions
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAS) and the standards applicable to financial audits contained in Government Auditing Standards, issued by the Comptroller General of the United States. We are required to be independent of the Cooperative and to meet our other ethical responsibilities, in accordance with the relevant ethical requirements relating to our audit. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinions.
Responsibilities of Management for the Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and for the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. We are required to communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit, significant audit findings, and certain internal control-related matters that we identified during the audit.
Baker Tilly March 30, 2026
Directors’ Compensation Disclosure
Elected directors are paid a monthly retainer of $500 and a per diem based on board position, and years of service or credential status for meetings attended on behalf of the cooperative. The chairman is paid a monthly retainer of $600.
Consolidated Statements of Operations Years Ended Dec. 31 (Dollars in 000)
Consolidated Balance Sheets Dec. 31 (Dollars in 000)
August 1963, U.S. Na l Academy, Annap is, Maryland.
A Member Memory
By Gregg Smith, a Great Lakes Energy Cooperative member
As a member of the fourth-class (plebe) midshipman summer class of 1967, little did I imagine how catastrophic world events would soon impact my life.
We had just assembled for evening meal formation in Tecumseh Court on a hot, humid summer eve. Suddenly, a helicopter approached, fl ew low over the academy, and landed in nearby Farragut Field.
With no fanfare, President John F. Kennedy exited the chopper and made the short walk to where we were assembled. That this was a surprise visit became very apparent, as naval brass scurried to quickly assemble a speaker’s dais on the steps of Bancroft Hall. For plebes, it was rather humorous to see offi cers scramble, something we’d been doing daily that summer.
While all this was unfolding, President Kennedy inspected each of the companies of assembled midshipmen, then delivered a few succinct remarks. Though that was 63 years ago, his pride in young men joining the service where he had served as a PT boat skipper in WWII was evident and remains resonant today.
With that, he returned to the capital.
Three months later, he was struck down by an assassin in Dallas, Texas.
As plans for his national memorial unfolded, the Kennedy family reached out to the Academy Catholic Choir to participate in the service. Several selections were to be sung on the front lawn of the White House as the
president’s funeral procession wended its way along the capital streets lined by thousands, and as millions looked on via worldwide coverage.
As a choir member, I still vividly recall standing on the White House’s front lawn, while directly in front of us stood an assemblage of world leaders. The horse-drawn caisson/casket, Kennedy family members, military guard, and entourage passed between the White House and us as we sang the three pieces requested by the family.
As a 19-year-old midshipman, that experience left a lifelong mark. And now, as our oldest grandson expresses an interest in the Academy, a rekindled recall of the time we sang for our country and president.
GUEST COLUMN Win $200 for stories published! Share your fondest memories and stories. Win $200 for stories published. Visit countrylines.com/community to submit.
The Well-Connect Duel Fuel Geothermal System
