March 2019
MICHIGAN
COUNTRY LINES Alger Delta Cooperative Electric Association
Save The Date— June 5 Alger Delta Annual Meeting MickyFinn Encourages Adventure In The Great Outdoors
SPOTLIGHT ON
co-op entrepreneurs
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In This Issue March 2019 || Vol. 39, No. 3
Michigan’s Electric Cooperatives
michigancountrylines FEATURED PHOTO FROM
#micoopcommunity
countrylines.com
facebook.com/michigancountrylines
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Executive Editor: Casey Clark
page 18
Editor: Christine Dorr Copy Editor: Heidi Spencer Design and Production: Karreen Bird 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 are Robert Kran, Great Lakes Energy, chairman; Mark Kappler, HomeWorks Tri-County Electric, vice chairman; and Eric Baker, Wolverine Power Cooperative, secretarytreasurer. Craig Borr is 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 countrylines.com
michigancountrylines icy pier on the lake
ON THE COVER Ryan and Brianne Rademacher, members of HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative, are the innovators of growing camelina to create a superior cooking oil. Read more about their business and other entrepreneurial members starting on page 6.
: @tpmann4msu
18 MI CO-OP COMMUNITY Follow Us On Instagram!
Come share in the splendor of rural Michigan with us @michigancountrylines. Guess Our New Mystery Photo And Win A $50 Bill Credit!
Photo by Mandy Wheeler
6 & 10 FEATURE Spotlight On Co-op Entrepreneurs
Read about fellow entrepreneurial movers and shakers from co-op territory in this special issue.
14 MI CO-OP KITCHEN Weeknight Dinners
Easy On Time, Big On Flavor By Christin McKamey & Our Readers
Win $150 for stories published!
Guest Column: Country Lines invites members to submit their fond memories and stories. For guidelines and to submit your guest column go to countrylines.com under the MI Co-op Community tab.
Enter Our Recipe Contest And Win A $50 Bill Credit!
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.
ATTENTION READERS: The publisher of Michigan Country Lines magazine is working with NRECA Market Research Services, a reputable public opinion research company, to conduct a confidential survey for Michigan’s electric cooperatives. If NRECA Market Research Services contacts you by phone or email, please be assured they are not selling anything. The short, confidential survey will help your co-op serve you better. Thank you for your time and help with this survey.
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
3
MARQUETTE ALGER
SCHOOLCRAFT
DELTA
MENOMINEE
Board Of Directors District 1—Big Bay
Darryl Small 906-345-9369 • smallwld14@gmail.com
District 2—Harvey/Deerton
Karen Alholm 906-249-1095 • karenalholm@gmail.com
District 3—Grand Marais
Mike Lawless 906-494-2080 • mclawless79@gmail.com
District 4—Cedar River/Palestine
Dave Prestin 906-424-0055 • cedarriverplaza@gmail.com
District 5—Gourley/LaBranche/Cornell
Ivy Netzel 906-639-2979 • MyAlgerDeltaRep5@gmail.com
District 6—Nathan/White Rapids
Paul Sederquist 906-753-4484 • sedergrove@gmail.com
District 7—Stonington/Rapid River
Kirk Bruno 906-399-1432 • kbruno.algerdelta@gmail.com
District 8—Nahma/Isabella
Ray Young 906-450-1881 • kyoung@uplogon.com
District 9—Hiawatha/Maple Ridge
Doug Bovin 906-573-2379 • dorobo22@icloud.com
CEO
Tom Harrell tharrell@algerdelta.com
Headquarters:
426 N. 9th St, Gladstone, MI 49837 906-428-4141 • 800-562-0950 Fax: 906-428-3840 • admin@algerdelta.com algerdelta.com
Office Hours
Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. (ET)
Alger Delta Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
algerdelta.com Join us on Facebook. facebook.com/algerdeltaelectric
4 MARCH 2019
You’re More Than A Customer Tom Harrell, Chief Executive Officer
Author Anthony J. D’Angelo observed that “Without a sense of caring, there can be no sense of community.” To a large degree, this reflects Alger Delta Cooperative’s philosophy toward our consumer-members and the broader service territory that we serve. As a cooperative, we have a different “bottom line.” While our priority is always to provide reliable and safe energy, there is another equally important part of this equation. Your well-being and that of the larger community that we serve are of paramount concern. To us, you are not just a customer; you are a member of our co-op and without you, we would not exist. In 1937, Alger Delta was founded to fulfill a vital need in our community that would not have otherwise been met. Concerned local leaders came together to build this co-op and bring electricity where there was none. At that time, members of the community understood we were different because they likely knew someone who helped to create Alger Delta Cooperative. For most people, our founding and its circumstances have been long forgotten. Over time, folks in the community may have come to think of us as simply another energy provider. But we are not. We are a co-op that is constantly evolving to meet the needs of the communities we serve, and we can do this because of members like you. Since our inception, we have sought feedback and engagement from you and that of the larger community to guide our long-term decisions. This is why we hold Annual Meetings and other events throughout the year. We host events like this to engage with you and obtain your feedback. We strive to find new ways to help you use energy more efficiently. We’re always looking to explore more options that will help you manage your energy use. In short, we are always seeking to keep pace with the changing energy environment, evolving technology and shifting consumer expectations. Alger Delta members help guide important co-op decisions that improve and enrich the community. We value the perspective of our board members, who are members of the co-op and community—just like you. As a local business, we have a stake in the community. That’s why we support local charitable organizations and programs. When we support these efforts, we support the community and making it a better place for everyone. While the times may have changed, our mission and outlook have not. We view our role as a catalyst for good. Working together, we can accomplish great things for our community now and in the future.
Save The Date
Fuel Mix Report The fuel mix characteristics of Alger Delta Co-op Electric Association as required by Public Act 141 of 2000 for the 12-month period ending 12/31/18.
Comparison Of Fuel Sources Used Regional average fuel mix used Your co-op’s fuel mix
Fuel Source
Alger Delta 2019 Annual Meeting Wednesday, June 5
Save the date! Alger Delta’s 2019 Annual Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 5, at the Island Resort and Casino in Harris, Mich. This is our 80th Annual Meeting, and Alger Delta is treating you to a sit-down dinner. We’re working on the rest of the details so keep watching this space for more information. The business meeting is an important part of our Annual Meeting as we introduce you to newly elected directors, talk about the cooperative’s past performance, future expectations and more. So, mark Wednesday, June 5, on your calendar for a time of fun and great information!
Coal
47.3%
60.4%
Oil
0.0%
0.7%
Gas
19.9%
8.9%
Hydroelectric
2.1%
0.5%
Nuclear
18.8%
24.6%
Renewable Fuels 11.83%
4.9%
Biofuel
0.0%
0.7%
Biomass
0.26%
0.4%
Solar
0.04%
0.1%
Solid Waste Incineration
1.17%
0.0%
Wind
10.34%
3.2%
Wood
0.02%
0.5%
NOTE: Biomass above excludes wood; solid waste incineration includes landfill gas.
Your Co-op’s Fuel Mix
Statement Of Non-Discrimination In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/ parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: 1. mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; 2. fax: (202) 690-7442; or 3. email: program.intake@usda.gov. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Regional Average Fuel Mix
Emissions And Waste Comparison lbs/MWh
Type Of Emission/Waste
Your Regional Co-op Average*
Sulfur Dioxide
0.76
7.6
Carbon Dioxide
1,237
2,170
Oxides of Nitrogen
0.54
2.0
High-level Nuclear Waste 0.001
0.0083
*Regional average information was obtained from MPSC website and is for the 12-month period ending 12/31/18. Alger Delta purchases 100 percent of its electricity from WPPI Energy, which provided this fuel mix and environmental data.
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
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SPOTLIGHT ON
co-op entrepreneurs Michigan Country Lines is proud to feature entrepreneurial movers and shakers from co-op territory in this special issue. Read on to meet pioneers, innovators and leaders who are making their mark on the world.
There is so much more to tell! Visit countrylines.com to read the full version of each entrepreneur’s story.
6 MARCH 2019
Ryan & Brianne Rademacher Bare Essential Oil
HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative Members bareessentialoils.com Husband and wife team Ryan and Brianne Rademacher proudly farm land that’s been in Ryan’s family for three generations, delivering oil straight from the family farm to your table. The idea for their business, Bare Essential Oil, came about when Ryan discovered camelina in April 2017. After researching the seed, Ryan believed he could use camelina to create superior, healthy cooking oil. The Rademachers planted a crop of camelina on their farm that spring and were blessed with a fantastic harvest. The next challenge, however, was processing the camelina into cooking oil. “As luck would have it,” said Brianne, “we found a couple in northern Michigan that grow and press their own canola oil.” The new friends allowed the Rademachers to use the facility to create their very first batch of oil. Today, their camelina oil can be purchased through bareessentialoils.com and at select stores throughout Michigan. “We’re very happy with our final product,” said Ryan. “It has rich vitamin E content and one of the highest smoke points of any oil. It offers a light, nutty flavor to any culinary creation.” Check out bareessentialoils.com to order, and then use it to make their pumpkin energy ball recipe on page 15.
Judith Kimball & Ilona Stroupe
Harold Kociba
Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op Members presqueisleneedleworks.com
Thumb Electric Cooperative Member dizzydaisywinery.com
Presque Isle Needleworks
Judith Kimball and Ilona Stroupe discovered a mutual fondness for lighthouses and needlework as teenagers. As the years passed and their friendship grew, the duo combined those interests to form Presque Isle Needleworks. “We love lighthouses,” Ilona said. “In 1983, we decided to create a cross-stitch kit of our local lighthouse.” One pattern led to the next and, since then, they have designed at least one new lighthouse pattern each year, later adding two pattern books for stitchers who have their own supplies. Judy and Ilona do all the work in assembling their cross-stitch kits—from cutting the fabric to intricately designing the artwork. In addition to their cross-stitch kits, they expanded the business to include quilt square patterns of lighthouses. Because lighthouse preservation is so important to the owners, a portion of each sale goes directly to support Michigan lighthouses.
Dizzy Daisy Winery & Vineyard
Harold Kociba began growing grapes as a retirement project in 2006. It didn’t take long, however, before Harold realized retirement wasn’t in his future. As a third-generation farmer, Harold attended several seminars through the Michigan Wine Council before deciding to switch from raising cows to growing grapes. That’s when Dizzy Daisy Winery & Vineyard was born. Using the same skills and attributes that saw him through dairy farming, Harold got to work. He learned all he could about wine making—solving crises with weather, soil conditions, early frosts and unpredictable markets. “It’s a challenge, just like growing or raising anything else,” said Harold. “That’s just part of being a farmer—trying to outfox Mother Nature on a daily basis.” Today, Harold and his team at Dizzy Daisy offer more than 75 wines. The team gets creative as new blends come from unpredictable weather or supply shortages—from their dry red Marechal Foch to their most popular Bad Axe Passion, which features a white blend with mango and passion fruit. The winery continues to diversify as they now make and sell hard cider.
David Gill
Marquette Brewing Cooperative Alger Delta Cooperative Member marquettebrewing.com
Michigan will see its “first ever” cooperatively-owned brewery open its doors this summer in Marquette. Final architectural plans for the Marquette Brewing Cooperative (MBC) are currently in the works and, if all goes according to plan, craft beer will soon be flowing at 501 S. Lake Street. “We plan to have 10–12 beers on tap at all times,” said David Gill, president of the Marquette Homebrewers Club and the founder of MBC. “We’ll constantly rotate the selection, so there will always be something new.” Being an owner of a brewery in Marquette has broad appeal. The MBC already has over 280 member-owners, but David hopes to see membership doubled in time for their summer grand opening. Member-owners are entitled to all the benefits of ownership, including voting rights and a share in patronage dividends. “Our member-owners will also have access to workshops, tastings, seminars, and ‘brew-your-own beer’ events,” explained David. Lifetime individual memberships are available for $99 at MarquetteBrewing.com, and a “preferred shares” program is available for those wanting to invest more. “Craft beer is a passion for each of us,” David concluded. “We have a dedicated core of brewers ready to serve the community with a diverse, holistic craft beer experience.” MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
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Light Your Home For Less With ENERGY STAR LEDs Installing LED light bulbs in your home is a quick and easy way to save energy. Look for the ENERGY STAR label for the best quality and longest product life. By replacing your home’s five most frequently used light fixtures or bulbs with ENERGY STAR® LEDs, you can save up to $75 each year.
Did You Know?
• For an LED light bulb to bear the ENERGY STAR label, it must pass rigorous testing to ensure maximum energy savings and performance. • LEDs are the size of a fleck of pepper. • The white light for LEDs is typically a mix of red, green, and blue LEDs. • LEDs contain no mercury and can easily be disposed of. • LEDs emit very little energy as wasted heat. In comparison, incandescent bulbs release 90 percent and CFLs release 80 percent of their energy as heat.
Choosing The Right LED Bulb Brightness
• Look for lumens, instead of watts, to determine brightness. Replace a 60W bulb with an LED bulb with about 800 lumens for comparable brightness.
Color
• The color of an LED bulb is typically shown on a sliding scale between Warm and Cool. This measure is actually a temperature on the Kelvin scale (K), where lower K emits warmer, yellower light, and higher K produces cooler, bluer light.
REBATES NOW AVAILABLE
Visit michigan-energy.org or call 877-296-4319 for additional energy-saving information and incentives.
LIGHT YOUR HOME FOR LESS!
Brighten world THEIR
Replace your home’s five most frequently used light bulbs with ENERGY STAR® LEDs and save up to $75 per year. ENERGY STAR lighting provides: • Significant energy savings • Highest quality and performance • Wide range of colors and brightness • Dimmable lighting and motion sensing capabilities
IN-STORE SAVINGS NOW AVAILABLE AT SELECT RETAILERS! ONLINE: PHONE:
michigan-energy.org 877.296.4319
Energy Optimization programs and incentives are applicable to Michigan electric service locations only. Other restrictions may apply. For a complete list of participating utilities, visit michigan-energy.org.
Photo Contest Food & Drinks 1. I entered a recipe contest with this delicious stuffed mushroom with shrimp. By Patti Rizzio 2. My son’s favorite birthday cake——I make it for him every year. By Patti Rizzio 3. My assortment from the garden included lemon cucumber, basil, zucchini, fingerling potatoes, green pepper and Sun Sugar cherry tomatoes. By Nicole Garrison
1
4. Seared salmon over coconut rice and snow peas with citrus soy sauce. By Pat Rutt 5. Filet for two! By Doug Haberland
3
2
Share Your Photos! 4
Alger Delta invites members to share their amazing photos. Selected photos will be published in Michigan Country Lines.
Upcoming Photo Topics And Deadlines: Spring Flowers, deadline: March 20 (May issue) Playing In The Water, deadline April 20 (June issue) To submit photos go to http://bit.ly/countrylines We look forward to seeing your best photos!
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MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
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SPOTLIGHT ON
co-op entrepreneurs (continued)
Michigan Country Lines is proud to feature entrepreneurial movers and shakers from co-op territory in this special issue. Read on to meet pioneers, innovators and leaders who are making their mark on the world.
There is so much more to tell! Visit countrylines.com to read the full version of each entrepreneur’s story.
10 MARCH 2019
Kendall Rose The Revel Rose
Cherryland Electric Cooperative Member therevelrose.com Three years ago Kendall Rose moved to northern Michigan as an outdoor recreation planner for the National Park Service. When federal budget cuts derailed her career, Kendall realized she could combine her passion for the great outdoors with her skills as an event planner. So, in 2017, The Revel Rose, an environmentally-friendly event planning company, was born. From month of coordination to full-service wedding planning, The Revel Rose handles everything from traditional weddings with 200 guests to destination elopements and intimate weddings. What sets this company apart, however, is Kendall’s vision to weave environmental stewardship (along with her eye for detail) into events by giving clients the chance to plan a minimal waste wedding. “I think it’s important to preserve and protect the places that make Michigan an enjoyable destination,” Kendall said. A minimal waste event means hiring preferred vendors who value “low-waste event planning, products, and processes,” Kendall explained. This includes farm to table caterers who utilize locally grown food and on-site services that recycle or compost the majority of event waste. The response has been terrific. “My clients are my biggest cheerleaders,” Kendall concluded.
Edna & Brad Yonker
Leonda Kessinger Shroyer
Ontonagon County REA Members Facebook.com/NonesuchGallery
Midwest Energy & Communications Member etsy.com/shop/JunqueGypsy
Junque Gypsy
Nonesuch Gallery
Located in a 1920-era building, Nonesuch Gallery is Ontonagon’s “not to be missed” shop, featuring all things quirky and artistic. Owned and run by artists Edna and Brad Yonker, the gallery features two levels for visitors to browse. Many of the items for sale are
handmade by local artists. Partners in life and work, Edna and Brad have created a masterpiece with their gallery. The main floor showcases Edna’s award-winning quilt-art and other textiles, plus furniture, home décor and jewelry, along with local coffee, mixes and lotions. Customers can even find Michigan-grown blueberry products. The downstairs floor of Nonesuch features Brad’s handmade guitars, many of which are handcrafted from local wood, alongside an assortment of new and used instruments. Before opening Nonesuch Gallery in 2001, Edna worked as an award-winning hand quilter. Her “Living A Dream” quilt, featured in the documentary “Quilting in the ‘90s” for the Library of Congress Folk Life Center, can be viewed on permanent display at the gallery. “Owning the gallery is so fun because we get to meet so many interesting people,” Edna said. “I love that.” Nonesuch Gallery is located at 638 River Street in Ontonagon.
Leonda Kessinger Shroyer spent hours as a child exploring flea markets with her grandparents. This early fascination with vintage memorabilia stayed with her as she later taught English and drama for Decatur Public Schools. “During my 30 years of teaching, I scoured thrift shops for stage props, costumes and classroom items,” Leonda explained. “Once retired, I turned my treasure hunting hobby into a self-supporting business.” Her venture, Junque Gypsy, began 10 years ago as an online shop on Etsy. While some boutiques promote the latest trends, Shroyer sparks nostalgia in customers as she finds, restores and resells vintage toys, holiday decor, jewelry, handbags and linens. Popular-selling items on her Etsy shop include vintage luggage, and even 1970-era Tupperware, which are “best sellers” since “things aren’t made like they used to be,” Leonda said. Junque Gypsy has caught the eye of curators domestically and internationally. In 2014, the prop master for the television show “Mike and Molly” bought a 1950s folk art figure for the show. A curator from Switzerland once bought a cake topper for a museum display on baptism customs. Others just love Junque Gypsy’s wares for the memories they evoke. “Basically, I sell nostalgia,” Leonda concluded. “That makes me happy.”
Connie McDermott 4C’s Cookies & More
Great Lakes Energy Cooperative Member 4cscookies.com Connie McDermott’s cookie business is anything but cookie cutter. It all started four years ago when her daughter, Carly, was attending basic training with the Michigan National Guard. “Every week I would make a variety of cookies to send to my daughter,” Connie said. The cookies received rave reviews—not only from Carly, but also from the friends in her unit. When Connie realized others were enjoying the treats, she baked and sent enough to be shared. That’s when she knew she had to pursue cookie baking. For the next six months Connie logged countless hours, finally perfecting her recipes. “I named my business 4C’s Cookies because my mother-in-law used to refer to our family as the 4 C’s,” Connie explained. “My name is Connie, my husband is Curt, and our daughters are Casey and Carly.” Her determination along with assistance from local resources, including The Starting Block (recipient of a Great Lakes Energy People Fund Grant), has helped her business grow. Today, there are 10 flavors of 4C’s Cookies sold in 16 locations across Michigan. The largest order comes from Bridge Street Market, a Meijer affiliate store in Grand Rapids. While she’s very happy with how well the business has done, Connie has even bigger plans. “I’d like to add online sales, find a distributor and open a storefront bakery,” she remarked. “My dream is to focus my full-time energy on cookies!” MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
11
L to R: Gavin, Aric, Erin and Mason Mottonen on the deck of their Lake Superior home.
MickyFinn Encourages Adventure In The Great Outdoors By Yvonne Whitman
T
he Marquette-based company MickyFinn sells an array of outdoor fishing equipment and apparel, designed to support an active lifestyle. Erin and Aric Mottonen are the only employees, and they manage the design, manufacturing, and distribution of all their products themselves. Amazingly, running MickyFinn is their side job. Erin does physical therapy, and Aric is an underground miner at Eagle Mine. The company launched in winter 2017. “We had a pause in both of our careers, and we had the time to pursue it,” Erin said. However, starting a new business was challenging. “I knew nothing about business, so it was
12 MARCH 2019
Th eY oo pe r
a lot of crash courses on YouTube and whatever I could research. I learned about international trade agreements, tariffs and duty fees.”
Ho ok er jig .
As new entrepreneurs, they have experienced the highs and lows of creating a start-up home business. Yet, they forged ahead. The initial product they created was one of Aric’s ideas, the Polar Bag. The Polar Bag is an eco-friendly reusable bag that keeps ice frozen for an extended period while reducing condensation. To develop the design,
they turned to Invent@NMU. Invent@NMU is an idea incubator, powered by university students and led by professionals, that provides innovative and entrepreneurial support to community members who are seeking product development. “We could not have done this without them,” Aric said.
“ Fun and safety go hand and hand, and we want to make it possible to have both while enjoying Lake Superior.”
Soon after releasing the polar bag, their product lines expanded. “We both love to fish, so it snowballed into fishing apparel, decals and fishing jigs,” Aric said. Erin came up with the clever and colorful moniker, “Yooper Hooker” for the fishing jigs. Each jig is handcrafted by the Mottonens in their garage workshop. They’re primarily made from lead, which Aric initially acquired from discarded lead pipes at construction sites where he had worked. They bought their own molds and melting pot, watched videos on powder coating and experimented until they perfected the process. The Yooper Hooker jig’s performance proved its success when it was then used to catch a 20-pound lake trout off Stannard Rock in Lake Superior. Along with producing great products, the Mottonen family is passionate about water safety. In 2016, Erin and her son,
The Mottonen’s unique driveway marker is a windsurfing board that once belonging to Erin’s father, Mike.
Gavin, narrowly escaped drowning in Lake Superior. While swimming at Black Rocks, a popular Marquette swimming location, they found themselves in a riptide and were thankfully rescued.
Aric’s MickyFinn car draws lots of curious looks and comments when he takes it out for a drive.
Since then, in true Yooper fashion, they’ve worked hard to strengthen safeguards at local beaches by raising money for rescue cannons and community life jackets. According to the MickyFinn website, “Our goal is to raise money for the installation of rescue cannons and community life jackets to assist with accident prevention throughout our local beaches and ensure the safety of the visitors who use them. Fun and safety go hand and hand, and we want to make it possible to have both while enjoying Lake Superior.” MickyFinn Fishing products can be found at the Lac La Belle Resort, Harter’s Store in Calumet, Laughing Loon in Copper Harbor and Superior Outfitters. Visit mickyfinnfishing.com for more information.
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 13
Easy Weeknight Dinners When you’re short on time, these easy meals are big on flavor. Photos—Robert Bruce Photography
Winning Recipe!
Lasagna Stew
Rachel Cultice, Midwest Energy & Communications 1 1 1 4 2 8 1 • 1
pound ground beef tablespoon garlic, minced (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce cups broth (beef, chicken or vegetable) tablespoons dried parsley lasagna noodles, broken into 4 pieces each cup mozzarella cheese, shredded salt and pepper cup ricotta cheese
Brown ground beef in large pot. Add garlic and stir 2 minutes. Pour the marinara sauce, broth and parsley into the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and add noodles and mozzarella. Let cook, occasionally stirring about 15 minutes or until noodles are done to your liking. Salt and pepper to taste. Dish the stew into eight bowls and add a scoop of ricotta to the top of each. Serve immediately.
Watch a video of this month’s winning recipe at micoopkitchen.com/videos
14 MARCH 2019
15 Minute Creamy Fettuccini Donna Smith, HomeWorks Tri-County
8 ounces fettuccini noodles (or any variation of pasta) 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese ½ cup butter ½ cup milk Optional ingredients: crushed garlic or garlic powder to taste, cooked or grilled chicken, shrimp, smoked salmon, broccoli, etc. Cook fettuccini according to package directions. In a large saucepan over low heat, stir together the cream cheese, parmesan cheese, butter and milk. Stir frequently until smooth. Add cooked fettuccini and toss lightly. Double or triple ingredients as desired for larger parties.
Chicken Enchilada Bake
FEATURED GUEST CHEF
Jessica Burns, Thumb Electric
1 Rotisserie chicken 1 can enchilada sauce (mild or hot spice per your preference) 1 package Spanish rice 1 (15-ounce) can black beans 1 (15-ounce) can corn 1 (15-ounce) can Rotel tomatoes, optional • shredded fiesta blend cheese, divided • sour cream • Chipotle Tabasco sauce • sliced avocado/guacamole, optional Preheat oven to 350 F. Shred the rotisserie chicken. Cook the Spanish rice according to package directions. Mix the chicken, corn,
Ryan and Brianne Rademacher, owners of Bare Essential Oil, offer these quick, healthy no-bake pumpkin energy balls that taste like cookies but are good for you!
black beans, tomatoes, enchilada sauce and half the cheese. In a 9x13 pan, evenly spread the Spanish rice. Next, add the rotisserie chicken mixture and top with remaining half of the shredded cheese. Bake until bubbly. Serve and garnish with listed condiments.
Ravioli With Roasted Pepper Cream Michele Smith, Ontonagon REA
1 (24—26 ounce) package frozen cheese or meat ravioli 1 (7-ounce) jar roasted red peppers, cut into bite-size pieces, reserve liquid ½ cup chicken stock 1 cup whipping cream ¾—1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Cook ravioli in boiling water about 7 minutes until floating and tender. Drain, set aside and keep warm. In a medium saucepan, combine peppers, reserved liquid and chicken stock. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until liquid is reduced to 2 tablespoons. Stir in whipping cream.
Pumpkin Energy Balls Bring back to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until starting to thicken. Add Parmesan cheese and cook, stirring constantly until cheese has melted and sauce has thickened. Place ravioli on four plates, spoon sauce over ravioli and serve.
Delicious Vegetables: due April 1 Festive Desserts: due May 1 Submit your favorite recipe for a chance to win a $50 bill credit and have your recipe featured in Country Lines with a photo and a video. Go to micoopkitchen.com for more information and to register.
Enter to win a
$50
energy bill credit!
¾ 1 ½ 1¼ ¼ 3
cup creamy peanut butter tsp camelina oil cup pumpkin puree cups old-fashioned oats cup chia seeds Tbsp honey
Put the ingredients in a medium bowl and stir to combine. Cover the bowl and put in the refrigerator for 2 hours; this will make them easier to roll. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and roll the mixture into 12—14 balls. Chill for 2 more hours and enjoy! Read the full story about Ryan and Brianne Rademacher and Bare Essential Oil on page 6 and visit micoopkitchen.com to find this recipe and others.
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 15
Space Heater Safety Tips
Space heaters are a great way to warm specific rooms in your home without having to crank up the thermostat, but using space heaters doesn’t come without risk! Use the tips below to keep your home safe.
DO: Keep your space heater at a safe distance (at least 3 feet) from kids, pets and flammable items.
DO: Keep your space heater in low-moisture rooms.
DO: Plug your space heater directly into the wall outlet.
DO: Buy a unit with an automatic shutoff in case the unit tips over, or you forget to shut it off.
DO: Always follow the directions and take a broken space heater to a qualified appliance service center.
AUTO SHUT OFF
DON’T: Leave your space heater unattended. Always unplug it before you leave the house or go to bed.
ON
OFF
DON’T: Place your space heater near curtains, clothing, furniture or bedding.
DON’T: Use an extension cord to plug in your space heater. It can cause the heater to overheat, and can be a tripping hazard.
DON’T: Try to repair a broken space heater yourself.
ON
OFF
DON’T: Put your space heater in your bathroom. The moisture can damage the unit, which could cause it to malfunction.
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Easy DIY Projects To Save Energy By Abby Berry
Now that spring is just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to tackle a few DIY efficiency projects for your home. The good news: you don’t have to be an energy expert to do this!
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR WATER HEATER Let’s start with one of the easiest projects: insulating your water heater. Insulating a water heater that’s warm to the touch can save seven to 16 percent annually on your water heating bills. It should also be noted that if your water heater is new, it is likely already insulated. But if your water heater is warm to the touch, it needs additional insulation. You can purchase a pre-cut jacket or blanket for about $20. You’ll also need two people for this project. Before you start, turn off the water heater. Wrap the blanket around the water heater and tape it to temporarily keep it in place. If necessary, use a marker to note the areas where the controls are so you can cut them out. Once the blanket is correctly, positioned tape it permanently in place, then turn the water heater back on. If you have an electric water heater, do not set the thermostat above 130 degrees, which can cause overheating.
SEAL AIR LEAKS WITH CAULK Applying caulk around windows, doors, electrical wiring and plumbing can save energy and money. There are many different types of caulking compounds available, but the most popular choice is silicone. Silicone caulk is waterproof, flexible and won’t shrink or crack. Before applying new caulk, clean and remove any old caulk or paint with a putty knife, screwdriver, brush or solvent. The area should be dry before you apply the new caulk.
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Apply the caulk in one continuous stream, and make sure it sticks to both sides of the crack or seam. Afterward, use a putty knife to smooth out the caulk, then wipe the surface with a dry cloth.
WEATHER STRIP EXTERIOR DOORS One of the best ways to seal air leaks is to weather strip exterior doors, which can keep out drafts and help you control energy costs. Weather stripping materials vary, but you can ask your local hardware or home store for assistance if you’re unsure about the supplies you need. When choosing weather stripping materials, make sure it can withstand temperature changes, friction and the general “wear and tear” for the location of the door. Keep in mind you will need separate materials for the door sweep (at the bottom of the door) and the top and sides. Before applying the new weather stripping, clean the molding with water and soap, then let the area dry completely. Measure each side of the door, then cut the weather stripping to fit each section. Make sure the weather stripping fits snugly against both surfaces, so it compresses when the door is closed.
By completing these simple efficiency projects, you can save energy and money, while increasing the comfort level of your home. And you can impress your family and friends with your savvy, energy-saving skills.
MI CO-OP Community
Guess this photo and enter to win a
$50
energy bill credit!
Where In Michigan Is This? Identify the correct location of the photo above by March 20 and be entered into a drawing to win a $50 electric bill credit. Enter your guess at countrylines.com or send by mail to: Country Lines Mystery Photo, 201 Townsend St., Suite 900, Lansing, MI 48933. Include the name on your account, address, phone number and the name of your co-op. Our Mystery Photo Contest winner from the January issue is Brenda Nowak, a Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op member, who correctly identified the photo as Aloha State Park dock overlooking Mullet Lake. The dock has been a part of the Village of Aloha, State Park area, since at least 1912—as evidenced by photos from the book “Aloha & Aloha, Now and Then” written by the Aloha Historical Society. Winners are announced in the following issues of Country Lines: January, March, May, July/August, September and November/December.
January 2019
18 MARCH 2019
Follow Michigan Country Lines On Instagram Follow us on our new Instagram account @michigancountrylines, where we celebrate the energy of rural Michigan. Marvel at Michigan’s majestic beauty, learn about new places to visit and experience rural Michigan life through the eyes of your fellow co-op members.
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JOIN US AS WE CELEBRATE OU
80th Annual Meeting
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Come celebrate our 80th Annual Meeting with Alger Delta Cooperative! Watch this space for registration information.
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sort and Casino - Harris, Mich. Save the date! June 5, 2019, Island Re