March 2025 MEC

Midwest Energy & Communications

March 2025

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

Join MISS DIG as a Farmer Invite 4-H Buyers Like a Pro Weatherstrip to Save Energy

BLOOM WHERE YOU’RE PLANTED The Journey of Kalin Sheick

WATERFURNACE UNITS QUALIFY FOR A 30% FEDERAL TAX CREDIT1

Saving is believing.

Think you can’t afford a geothermal heat pump?

After a closer look, you may be surprised at its overall affordability.

Tax rebates can quickly bring down the initial costs of purchase and installation. And a geothermal heat pump is much cheaper to run than the most efficient furnaces and air conditioners. In fact, your energy bills can be cut by as much as 70%. As a result, many geothermal homeowners see a return on investment of 10-20% over the life of their system.

When you crunch the numbers, you’ll see WaterFurnace is the money-saving choice. To learn more, contact your local WaterFurnace dealer today.

Geothermal is the only renewable that provides reliable operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

YOUR LOCAL WATERFURNACE DEALERS Allendale Allendale Htg & Clg (800) 327-1937 allendaleheating.com

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

Berrien Springs WaterFurnace Michiana (269) 473-5667 gogreenmichgeo thermal.com

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

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

visit us at waterfurnace.com/mi

CO-OP REBATE INCENTIVES

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

The Reliable Renewable is a trademark of WaterFurnace International, Inc 1. ENERGY STAR rated units qualify for 30% through 2030 and 26% through 2032 and 22% through 2033 .

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

Contents countrylines.com

March 2025 Vol. 45, No. 3 /michigancountrylines

/michigancountrylines

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

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

POSTMASTER: Send all UAA to CFS. ASSOCIATION OFFICERS: Chris O’Neill, HomeWorks TriCounty Cooperative, chairman; Gabe Schneider, Cherryland Electric Cooperative, vice chairman; Shaun Lamp, Great Lakes Energy Cooperative, secretary-treasurer; Craig Borr, president and CEO. CONTACT US/LETTERS TO EDITOR: Michigan Country Lines 201 Townsend St., Suite 900 Lansing, MI 48933 248-534-7358 editor@countrylines.com CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Please notify your electric cooperative.

See page 4 for contact information.

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

MICHIGAN’S ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES

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MI CO-OP Community RECIPE CONTEST

See details on page 10.

Summer Desserts, due April 1; Sandwiches & Wraps, due May 1.

Win a $100 bill credit!

GUEST COLUMN

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

Win $200 for stories published!

MYSTERY PHOTO

See details on page 18.

Win a $100 bill credit!

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

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6 CRAIG BORR: A LEGACY

OF LEADERSHIP & SERVICE Borr’s unwavering advocacy for co-op members made MECA what it is today.

10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN Best No Bake Recipes: Delicious desserts in no time.

14 BLOOM WHERE YOU’RE

PLANTED: THE JOURNEY OF KALIN SHEICK Sheick’s “why not” philosophy took her from TV journalism to founding a successful floral shop.

18 GUEST COLUMN

Farmyard Memories: A Great Lakes Energy member reflects on life with his father and their chickens.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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Why Does MEC Make Such a Big Deal About Fiber?

By Terry Rubenthaler, President/CEO VAN BUREN KALAMAZOO

CASS

LENAWEE

MONROE

ST JOSEPH

CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS AND CASSOPOLIS SOLUTIONS CENTER 60590 Decatur Road, Cassopolis, MI 49031 M–F 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

PAW PAW SOLUTIONS CENTER 59825 S. LaGrave Street, Paw Paw, MI 49079 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.

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MARCH 2025

Ten years ago, I was stuck in an internet no-man’s-land. No one would serve me with anything close to reliable broadband. I suspect many of you had the same experience. In desperation, I tried just about everything.

Have you ever heard of MiFi? MiFi is a type of wireless router that acts as a dedicated mobile hotspot using cellular service to connect your home to the internet. Well, you can imagine my frustration in trying to stream with the 3G cell service we had back then.

I also personally experienced the empty promise from other providers.

One day, while shopping at Menards, a representative from a large cable provider was selling service. He swore up and down that if I signed up, they would build to me.

Challenge accepted! I signed up knowing full well they would not show. Sadly, I was right, and the only service I got was watching one of their trucks drive by my house. Does all this sound familiar?

These experiences, and the frustration that goes with them, is why I’m so passionate about fiber. It transformed my life, and it certainly transformed MEC. I couldn’t imagine in 2014 where we’d be today, but I’m proud to share that we closed out 2024 with over 30,000 fiber customers.

About 19,000 are also electric customers, and 11,000 are from our expansion projects.

To put that in perspective, we serve almost two thirds of our electric customers with broadband. It’s amazing to think how far we’ve come in such a short time.

Our current expansion projects will wrap up at the end of 2026. However, if you had the chance to read last month’s

teammidwest.com

column, you might recall that I mentioned that we’ve begun evaluating another opportunity, the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) grant program.

Why do we keep pursuing these expansion efforts? Well, there are still thousands of rural residents and businesses left in the internet dark. In fact, I’ve attended township meetings where people have literally pounded on a table declaring their need for internet. I’d venture to guess you can ask any of your rural local elected officials, and everyone will tell you highspeed internet access is a top priority.

Additionally, the more we grow, the stronger we become as a whole. As the old adage goes, rising waters lift all boats. While we can’t subsidize our electric service with fiber or vice versa, having more customers makes us financially stronger overall, spreads shared costs across all our business lines, and gives us a bigger voice when working with public officials.

Let’s not forget the impact on the local economy. According to a 2023 study by the Fiber Broadband Association, fiber service, specifically, can increase your home’s value by almost 5%. Fiber enables businesses to stay competitive and innovate and allows people to work and learn from home. Plus, it creates jobs.

Take MEC, for example. In January 2014, we employed 102 people; today, we employ 176. Most of that growth is thanks to fiber. That’s a huge boon for the communities we serve and in which these employees live.

When we say our vision is to create vibrant, relevant, sustainable rural communities, this is what we mean. We want to make our rural area a place people are proud—and able— to call home. As for that old MiFi router of mine, it makes a good paperweight.

/teammidwest

Last Chance to Apply for Trade School and College Scholarships High school seniors: Answer this video challenge and you could earn $1,000 toward your trade school or college education!

Up to two winners will also be able to apply for a second scholarship after completing their first year of trade school or college.

MEC provides three main services: electric, propane, and fiber internet. Pick ONE and create a commercial to promote it.

Think outside the box! Imagine you’re making a commercial for TV. What kinds of artwork, storytelling, and other creative flourishes can you use to advertise your chosen service in an unforgettable way?

To help you out, we’ve included tips on how to make a great commercial, plus some examples of great commercials, at teammidwest.com/scholarships.

Eligibility and Selection You are eligible to apply if your family receives monthly service from MEC at your primary residence. Please note that you are NOT eligible if you are the child of an MEC employee or board member.

Your application will be evaluated based on your video submission, as well as academic performance, extracurricular activities, community involvement and/or employment, and honors and awards.

To be considered, you must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a four-point scale. For final approval, please be prepared to submit an official transcript. We award four scholarships each year and announce winners in the spring.

The deadline to apply is Monday, March 17, 2025.

Important Notices: Mailing Your Payment Your monthly service payment is due 21 days after its mailing date. Currently, the United States Postal Service says that mail delivery can take one to five business days. If it takes up to five business days to get from MEC to your mailing address, it could take the same amount of time to get back to us.

If you feel there will be a delay, we recommend paying via SmartHub, our automated phone system, or in person at one of our solutions centers. This is the best way to ensure we receive your payment by the due date.

You may also sign up for Auto Pay to have your payment automatically deducted from your bank account or card each month, eliminating the need to worry about due dates or late fees. To sign up, log into SmartHub, open the menu, select Bill & Pay  Auto Pay Program, and follow the prompts.

MEC’s Phone Number As of Feb. 5, calls or texts you receive from Midwest Energy & Communications appear as our 800 number (800.492.5989) on your caller ID. Please update your contact information to ensure we can reach you for important matters.

FYI: If you don’t have MEC saved as a contact in your phone, you may see “Public Utility” on your caller ID when we contact you.

OUR MISSION: Delivering first-in-class innovations and solutions where others won’t.

OUR VISION: Creating vibrant, relevant, and sustainable rural communities.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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CRAIG BORR: 40 Years of Leadership

From Communications to Leadership Craig’s journey began fresh out of college when he joined Wolverine Power Cooperative. Starting in communications, his passion for the cooperative movement quickly set him apart. Over the years, his focus on deeply understanding member needs and fostering connections propelled him to leadership roles, ultimately serving as Wolverine’s Executive Vice President and taking the helm at MECA in 2012.

“For over a decade and during times of tremendous transition in Michigan, we are deeply grateful for Craig’s sound leadership, strategic vision, and steady hand,” said MECA Board Chairman Chris O’Neill.

Building Bridges in Lansing and Washington Throughout his career, Borr has been a critical voice for rural Michiganders, championing legislative efforts in both Lansing and Washington, D.C. His hard work has led to historic wins, including securing broadband funding, favorable provisions in Michigan’s Clean Energy packages and, most recently, bipartisan legislative support for a New ERA grant application

Craig Borr A LEGACY OF

LEADERSHIP & SERVICE

By Emily Haines Lloyd

In the heart of the electric cooperative industry, where service to members and communities is key, individuals like Craig Borr tend to stand out.

With nearly 40 years of dedicated service, including 13 years as President and CEO of the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association (MECA), Borr has been a tireless advocate for Michigan’s electric cooperatives. So, it’s no small thing when a leader like Borr retires, and it’s defi nitely worth taking a moment to reflect on all he’s done to support our members in rural Michigan.

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MARCH 2025

“The man never stops,” said Dawn Coon, Wolverine’s VP of Administration. “He has an uncanny ability to absorb information and turn it into action.”

Craig’s advocacy also extended to national issues, such as his instrumental role in passing the Cooperative and Small Employer Charity Pension Flexibility Act of 2014, which saved billions in pension costs.

A Legacy of Innovation Under Craig’s leadership, MECA fostered a spirit of collaboration among Michigan’s electric cooperatives, culminating in a longterm membership agreement and updated dues structure. His innovative vision also led to the establishment of Wolverine Power Marketing Cooperative (WPMC), the nation’s first retail choice cooperative serving large commercial and industrial members. As the founder and first CEO of WPMC, he spearheaded the creation of a $100M organization that delivers the benefi ts of electric choice within a cooperative environment to several of Michigan’s leading corporations and universities.

“Craig gets excited about the art of the possible,” said Casey Clark, MECA Director of Communications and Marketing. “His energy and ideas have driven Wolverine and MECA to new heights.”

As Craig prepares to usher in a new era of leadership and growth for MECA, his legacy of innovation, advocacy, and unwavering service leaves a strong foundation for future growth.

“Craig has been a trusted business partner for nearly 40 years,” said Eric Baker, President & CEO of Wolverine Power Cooperative. “He is a relentless networker, a creative problem solver, and a proud advocate for the cooperative mission. His impact on our cooperatives and members is immeasurable and his contributions will resonate for decades.”

POWERING PROGRESS Reflections on 40 Years of Leadership with Michigan’s Electric Cooperatives

By Craig Borr

M

ichigan’s electric cooperatives have come a very long way since their inception in rural Michigan more than 80 years ago. For the past 40 years, I have been fortunate to have served in a number of electric cooperative leadership roles—the last 13 as President/CEO of the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association. In March, I will be retiring from that role.

I am proud to have served with so many great employees and directors over the years and have met thousands of electric cooperative members from Chassell to Posen and from Bad Axe to Cassopolis. They share one common trait—they are good people who are committed to improving the quality of life for our member-consumers who live in rural Michigan.

A few observations as I head towards retirement: 1. Be thankful that you are a member of a Michigan electric cooperative. They care about the communities they serve and are governed by a board of community leaders that you elect to represent your interests. It is the democratic process in action—and it still works.

2. Michigan’s electric cooperatives are leaders in competitiveness, reliability, and carbon-free electricity.

The Michigan Public Service Commission sets a series of reliability metrics each year—and each year, electric cooperatives typically exceed those standards set by state regulators.

3. In a year or so, nearly all of the electricity sold by Michigan’s electric cooperatives is set to be “carbon free.” State law calls for Michigan utilities to be “carbon free” by 2040. We are leaders in that metric also and will be 15 years ahead of the state mandate! We were also a part of the state’s first commercial wind farm in 2006 and the state’s first community solar project in 2012.

That’s leadership on reducing our carbon footprint—and doing so smartly and competitively!

Rural Michigan is “better” because of Michigan’s electric cooperatives. They brought electricity to rural areas when the large, for-profi t electric utilities in our state would not serve those areas. Many of Michigan’s electric cooperatives are now also bringing high-speed fiber internet to many of those same rural and remote areas—again because the large telecommunications companies would not serve those areas.

Further, many rural Michigan consumers can now access high-speed fiber internet for monthly prices that are less than those in many urban areas of the United States.

Michigan co-ops also do it with no data caps or contracts!

4. Electric cooperatives are significant economic drivers in the local economies where they serve. They are significant employers in Michigan and sizable property taxpayers in the communities they serve. In addition, they are leaders in local economic development initiatives in rural Michigan.

While I am proud of my simple contributions over the past four decades, I am prouder of the job that Michigan’s electric cooperatives do every day in rural Michigan. They lead in many rural and sparsely populated areas where no others are often willing to lead. Be thankful that you are a member of an electric cooperative. Your life is better as a result of their work and by being a member—not a customer.

“Rural Michigan is ‘better’ because of Michigan’s electric cooperatives.”

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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Weatherstrip to Save Energy One of the best ways to save energy is to weatherstrip your home’s exterior doors and windows. It keeps outside air out and inside air in, so your HVAC unit doesn’t have to work as hard.

Home energy efficiency improvements, such as weatherstripping, can also make you eligible for certain tax incentives and rebates from the state of Michigan. To find out which incentives you may qualify for, visit michigan.gov/egle and search for Home Energy Rebates.

When to Install If you see gaps around doors, windows, or attic hatchways, you might want to consider weatherstripping.

Similarly, if you can feel a draft in these areas, or you notice a different temperature when standing near them, they could probably benefit from weatherstripping.

What You’ll Need There are many different kinds of weatherstripping material. A trusted

Step 1: Preparation

contractor can evaluate your home, determine the best one for your situation, and install it for you.

If you plan to install weatherstripping yourself, you will need to choose based on your budget and the size of the air leak or gap. The BobVila.com article “The Complete Guide to Weatherstripping the House” can help.

In addition to weatherstripping material, you will need: • • • • • •

Bill Credit Opportunity:

Interruptible Heating & Cooling Our load management programs are an opportunity to earn credits on your electric bill while reducing strain on the electric grid.

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MARCH 2025

A nail kit A hammer Scissors A measuring tape Rags Safety goggles

Remove any existing weatherstripping with a hammer. Use the backside of the hammer to pry it away.

Next, wipe down the surface with a wet rag, and dry it with a dry one.

Finally, measure the door or window frame to determine the lengths of weatherstripping you’ll need.

Step 2: Installation To fully seal your exterior door, apply weatherstripping around the top, bottom, and both sides of the frame.

For windows, apply weatherstripping around the bottom and both sides.

Regardless of which type of weatherstripping you choose, consult the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure you install it correctly.

THE PROGRAM: During peak demand periods, we remotely shut off your HVAC system. A qualified backup heating system will take over until the control period is over.

WHAT YOU GET: For all electricity consumed on the meter, you get a reduced kWh charge ($0.109697 per kWh as of March 2025, vs. $0.127097 per kWh for standard customers).

You also do not pay a distribution charge for electric heat or qualified air conditioning for the entire time you are enrolled in the program (not just during control periods).

HOW TO SIGN UP: Visit teammidwest.com/heating-cooling to get full details and apply. Explore other electric programs at teammidwest.com/electric-programs.

Protect Your Farm’s Utilities with MISS DIG Did you know that as a farmer, you can join the MISS DIG program for free and get notified whenever someone plans to excavate near your underground equipment?

4. Fill out the resulting form. If you are on a desktop computer, you can click on each question and type your answer. Otherwise, you can print the form and fill it out by hand.

MISS DIG will mark any of your underground infrastructure that runs beneath roads and public land (such as irrigation systems).

5. Complete the checklist at the bottom of the form, then use the information provided to submit your documentation to MISS DIG.

If work is set to occur near your privately owned property, MISS DIG will also notify both you and the person digging. You are not required to mark any facilities on your private property, but we highly recommend doing so.

This will make your equipment as visible as possible, further protecting it from potential damage.

If you have questions or would like more information about MISS DIG, you can contact them using the information below. MEC cannot answer questions about MISS DIG’s membership or the application process.

Before beginning a digging project, calling MISS DIG for free at 8-1-1 can drastically reduce the chance that someone will damage a utility line.

• Phone: 800.482.7161

How to Join

• Email: membersupport@missdig811.org

Damage doesn’t just mean a potential interruption in service—it can also result in hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in repair fees for the person responsible. Gas or electric lines also lurk underground, and coming into contact with one of these can result in serious injury or even death.

To begin the signup process: 1. Go to resources.missdig811.org.

2. Click New Member Paperwork.

3. Under Membership Set-Up Forms, select MISS DIG 811 Facility Owner/ Operator Membership.

Non-Farmers Other organizations can join MISS DIG too! Visit missdig811.org and click Member Utilities -> Become a Member for more information.

A Friendly Reminder

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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MI CO-OP Kitchen

BEST NO BAKE RECIPES Delicious desserts in no time

WINNING RECIPE!

KEY LIME CHEESECAKES

Deb Mitteer, Great Lakes Energy ½ stick butter (melted) 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs 8 ounces cream cheese (softened) 1 can sweetened condensed milk ¾ cup lime juice 8 ounces whipped topping In cupcake pans, line 18 cups with paper cupcake liners. Mix melted butter with graham cracker crumbs.

Divide evenly into cupcake liners.

Pat down firmly. In a mixing bowl, add cream cheese and blend with mixer until smooth. Add sweetened condensed milk and lime juice, and mix until smooth. Fold in whipped topping. Divide evenly into the cupcake liners. Place in freezer and serve frozen.

RECIPE CONTEST

Win a $100 energy bill credit!

Summer Desserts, due April 1; Sandwiches & Wraps, due May 1. Submit your favorite recipe for a chance to win a $100 bill credit and have your recipe featured in Country Lines with a photo and a video. Submit your recipe at micoopkitchen.com, or send it via email (include your full name and co-op) to recipes@countrylines.com.

10 MARCH 2025

NO BAKE BARS Marie Mercier, Great Lakes Energy 4 cups Cheerios 2 cups Rice Krispies 2 cups dry roasted peanuts (I use unsalted) 2 cups M&Ms 1 cup light corn syrup 1 cup sugar 1½ cups creamy peanut butter In a large bowl, combine Cheerios, Rice Krispies, peanuts, and M&Ms. Set aside. In a saucepan, bring corn syrup and sugar to a boil, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Stir in peanut butter. Pour over cereal mixture and toss to coat evenly. Spread into a greased 10x15x1-inch baking pan. Cool. Cut into bars.

DELUXE NO BAKE STRAWBERRY DESSERT Deb Finedell, Great Lakes Energy 18 graham crackers, crushed ½ cup butter, melted 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple 1 (21-ounce) can strawberry pie filling 4 cups mini marshmallows 1 (16-ounce) container whipped topping, thawed 2 cups frozen strawberries, partially thawed, chopped Mix the graham cracker crumbs and butter until it has the consistency of wet sand. Spoon the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish; press the crumbs into an even layer. Chill the crust in the fridge for at least 15 minutes. Strain the excess juice from the pineapple and mix with pie filling. Add the marshmallows and stir until they are completely coated in the fruit. Spoon the whipped topping into the bowl and gently fold it into the fruit mixture until combined and it becomes pink in color. Fold in the partially thawed strawberries. Scoop the whipped topping and fruit mixture onto the chilled crust, gently smoothing it out until even. Cover the pan tightly and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours.

NO BAKE PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES Rhonda Carlson, HomeWorks Tri-County Electric 1 stick margarine or butter ½ cup milk 1½ cups sugar 1 cup peanut butter 2 cups quick oats Bring butter, milk, and sugar to a rolling boil for 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Add peanut butter and oats, and mix until well blended.

Drop by spoonfuls on wax paper. Let cool, then enjoy.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 11

MEC IN THE COMMUNITY

Career Days A group of MECers met with Blissfield Middle School and Clinton Middle School students to chat about the many career opportunities available at MEC and rural electric cooperatives.

Strengthening Schools Grants We distributed award funds to our winning classrooms for the 2024 award cycle.

Keep watching Country Lines and our website at teammidwest.com/schoolgrants for information about applications for the 2025 award cycle.

Graham Woodhouse Award We won the 2024 Graham Woodhouse Award, presented by the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission. The award recognizes cooperation with local government to complete projects and solve problems.

We received the award for our work with SMART Park, cooperating with the Village of Cassopolis and Penn Township to construct the space.

12 MARCH 2025

Inviting 4-H Buyers?

Don’t Forget This!

You’ve worked hard to get your animal(s) ready for the county fair, but do you have a plan for inviting buyers? A great buyer letter can help encourage more bids on your animal, which improves your chances of making the best sale possible.

What To Include Follow this checklist to make sure you include all the elements of a successful 4-H letter: Information about yourself: Your full name

Be Polite Kindness is key! Don’t try to pressure anyone into bidding, and make sure you thank them if they bought or bid on one of your previous animals.

Know Your Audience

Your age Your 4-H Club The full name of at least one parent or guardian (especially if the potential buyer already knows them)

Personalized letters show that you put care and thought into your invitations. Instead of “Dear Buyer,” use their name.

Information about your project:

You may also consider hand signing each letter. Buyers will recognize and appreciate that you went the extra mile to include a personal touch.

How you raised your animal

Who To Invite It’s not necessary to invite everyone you know. Think about who will be the most likely to make a bid on your animal, such as: • Any previous buyers • Relatives and family friends • People or organizations your family does business with, such as your doctor or a local store you shop at frequently

Always Thank Your Buyers If you know that someone came to the fair to bid on your animal, make sure you thank them before they leave—especially if they purchased it.

You may also want to consider making a thank-you sign to display next to your animal’s pen.

Lastly, be sure to mail your buyer a handwritten thank-you note after the fair. Thanking a buyer will make them feel appreciated, and they may be more likely to return next year.

What your animal is Information about the fair: The fair’s name Dates the fair is open Your auction’s date, time, and location Where they can find more information about the fair (for example, the fair’s website) The fair’s brochure (if available) These are the essentials, but it’s always better to add more details to help your potential buyer get to know you. For example, you could add: What you learned from your project Any plans for future projects A picture of yourself and your animal

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 13

“Embrace your weird thing.

It’s what makes you stand out from the rest.”

K

BLOOM WHERE YOU’RE PLANTED

The Journey of Kalin Sheick

By Emily Haines Lloyd

14 MARCH 2025

alin Sheick’s journey from TV journalist to the founder of Sweetwater Floral is rooted in what she calls “delusional confidence”— a spark of self-belief that dares to ask, “Why not me?”

This mindset, characterized by a fearless willingness to pursue unconventional dreams, propelled Sheick to build a flourishing business and inspire others to embrace life’s possibilities. Her philosophy, BLOOM— “building life out of moments”— encapsulates her belief that beauty and meaning can be created in the everyday.

Why Not Bring Joy to the World?

In 2014, Sheick, a Great Lakes Energy cooperative member, found herself at a crossroads. Newly married and questioning her future in TV journalism, she began to feel the

pull toward something different. She loved northern Michigan and wanted to stay rooted there, but her career in journalism didn’t align with her vision of a balanced, present life. Inspired by the small business owners she had covered as a reporter, Sheick asked herself: “Why not me? Why not build something here?”

“I had this gut feeling that I was playing safe and small,” said Sheick.

“But at some point, you have to put all of yourself out there and you can’t be scared of what people will think.”

By 2015, she had turned her curiosity about entrepreneurship and her creativity with self-taught floral design into Sweetwater Floral. The village of Walloon Lake, where she had gotten married, became a symbolic cornerstone of her journey. Her confidence drove her to carve out

her unique space, offering designs for weddings and events, as well as hosting floral workshops that have garnered national interest.

Why Not Something More?

Sheick’s philosophy goes beyond arranging flowers; it’s about creating moments that matter. She wants her customers and workshop participants to feel inspired and capable, free from the pressure of perfection.

This message resonated on a larger scale when Sheick gave a TED Talk in 2019, framing flowers as a life hack for joy and connection. The experience solidified her belief that Sweetwater Floral helps people tap into their own uniqueness.

“Embrace your weird thing,” said Sheick. “It’s what makes you stand out from the rest.”

Why Not Dream Big? Kalin’s “delusional confidence” continues to push her to explore new ventures. She and her husband Matt launched the podcast “Lucky Girls Don’t Quit” to share the behind-thescenes journey of running Sweetwater Floral while raising a family.

“Why not a podcast?” she thought.

“We love the idea of sharing our lives— as a reflection of this exact moment in time and hoping it reached people who can relate.”

Looking to the future, Kalin can picture a return to television. Flowers are inherently visual, and she dreams of showcasing the beauty of northern Michigan alongside the heartfelt stories that inspire her work.

“Why not TV again?” she asks. “Why not share this beauty with the world?”

Why Not Begin to BLOOM? Kalin Sheick’s story is a powerful reminder that sometimes the key to success is simply daring to believe in yourself. Her “delusional confidence” has transformed Sweetwater Floral from a small-town business into a lifestyle brand that inspires people to build lives rich with beauty and connection. Through her BLOOM philosophy, Kalin continues to spark joy and remind us all to embrace the question: “Why not me?”

VISIT THE SHOP Sweetwater Floral 4128 N. M-75, Walloon Lake, Michigan 49796 FIND OUT MORE sweetwaterfloral.com /petoskeyflowers /sweetwaterfloral/ LISTEN TO THE PODCAST “Lucky Girls Don’t Quit” is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 15

MONITOR EACH DEVICE ON YOUR NETWORK With CommandIQ, you can see each device’s top apps, set time limits, and restrict specific types of content.

It’s free for MEC fiber internet customers on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Fiber internet service is not regulated by the Michigan Public Service Commission.

DOWNLOAD TODAY:

teammidwest.com/commandiq

Need Reliable PHONE SERVICE? Get fiber phone w/ unlimited calls from MEC!

Residential: $39.95/mo. + tax Combine fiber internet & phone from MEC and enjoy a $10/mo. discount on your phone bill.

Fiber phone services are not regulated by the Michigan Public Service Commission.

CHECK ELIGIBILITY: teammidwest.com/phone

16 MARCH 2025

Statement of Nondiscrimination 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 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 Ave., 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.

Notice to Electric Customers of Midwest Energy & Communications

Notice to Electric Customers of Midwest Energy & Communications

Special Board Meeting: April 15, 2025

2025 Annual Meeting

The Midwest Energy & Communications (MEC) Board of Directors will consider changes to the cooperative’s rates and tariffs, in accordance with P.A. 167 of 2008, at its meeting on April 15, 2025, beginning at 10 a.m.

The Annual Meeting of the Midwest Energy & Communications (MEC) electric customers is April 15, 2025, immediately following the Special Board Meeting, which begins at 10 a.m.

The Annual Meeting is called by the secretary of the cooperative pursuant to Article II of the MEC bylaws.

The meeting will be held at the headquarters office, 60590 Decatur Road, Cassopolis, Michigan, and is open to any MEC electric customer. Customers will have an opportunity to address the board on the proposed changes prior to board action. Comments may be submitted in advance to board.inquiries@teammidwest.com by Friday, April 4.

The following items will be considered: • Potential changes to the distribution charge across all rate classifications.

• Potential addition on a new tariff to meet Michigan’s Energy Waste Reduction (EWR) standard, created under Public Act 295 of 2008.

Notice of changes or additions to the cooperative’s electric rates or service rules shall be sent to all customers as required by P.A. 167, by publication in Michigan Country Lines, at least 30 days prior to their effective date.

The purpose of the Annual Meeting is to announce the results of the ballots cast in the MEC Board of Directors election for districts 6, 7, and 9, and to act on any other business properly brought before the board.

The meeting will be held at the headquarters office, 60590 Decatur Road, Cassopolis, Michigan, and is open to any MEC electric customer. Customers will have an opportunity to address the board on the proposed changes prior to board action. Comments may be submitted in advance to board. inquiries@teammidwest.com by Friday, April 4.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 17

MI CO-OP Guest Column

Where In Michigan Is This?

Farmyard Memories:

The Chickens That Followed My Father

By Stanley Hagemeyer, a Great Lakes Energy cooperative member

When I was growing up, our family lived on a farm with four cows, about 20 pigs, and perhaps a hundred chickens. Until I was about 7, we had two old workhorses, too. By the time I was 12, my father had quit raising cows and pigs, but we had chickens that were housed in the big red barn.

MYSTERY PHOTO Win a $100 energy bill credit!

Identify the correct location of the photo above by March 25 and be entered into a drawing to win a $100 electric bill credit. Enter your guess at countrylines.com/community.

The chickens were always free to wander around the yard to scavenge for food. Chickens were easy to care for and provided plenty of fresh eggs. Any extra eggs were taken into town to sell at the produce office. My father gave the chickens ground “layer” feed in the morning. In the afternoon, he always walked to the granary with a pail to get some oats for them. The chickens must have considered the oats a special treat. It was not long before those smart chickens learned that when Dad came to the barn to pick up the empty pail, he was going to get the oats. They would turn and follow him all the way to the granary like a row of eager pets.

When he came out with the full pail, he scattered the oats on the ground, and the chickens would gather all around to eat that treat. During 7th grade, I earned a camera at school by selling magazine subscriptions to all our relatives. One afternoon, I saw the chickens following Dad and snapped a picture of those smart chickens. Our terrier, Ginger, can be seen watching the parade, which occurred every day.

JANUARY 2025 WINNER! Our Mystery Photo winner is Jerry Ullery, an Ontonagon REA cooperative member who correctly identified the photo as downtown Bellaire, Michigan.

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

18 MARCH 2025

About the Author: Stanley is a retired Christian minister. He is the last of his generation of cousins and has written a historical novel describing the life of his Hagemeyer grandparents from their marriage in 1900 to their golden anniversary in 1950 (primarily for the enjoyment of their descendants).

GUEST COLUMN Win $200 for stories published!

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

AFFORDABLE GEOTHERMAL 1 YEAR MONEY BACK

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Delivers 90% on average of your home’s heating needs and 100% of your home’s cooling needs.

If you have a well and are heating with propane, fuel oil, electric, or wood, your current heating and cooling cost is likely greater than it would be to fully finance and heat & cool with a Well-Connect.

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833-436-9355 wellconnectgeo.com

SCAN HERE TO LEARN MORE No Home Visit Required for a Free Estimate

TeamMidwest.com

Get 20% Off UP TO 2 TREES

We’re celebrating Arbor Day with a special deal!

Please note: Tree quantities are limited.

Offer is only valid for purchase of select tree varieties and does not apply to other products.

21765 M-60, CASSOPOLIS, MI 49031

Eligible varieties: Buckeye, Crabapple, Dappled Willow, Dogwood, Fruit Trees, Hydrangea, Japanese Maple, Lilac, Magnolia, Redbud, Smoke, Witch Hazel, White Cedar

BARRETT’S SHOWPLACE GARDENS & FLOWER SHOP 1033 W. BEECHER ST., ADRIAN, MI 49221

Eligible varieties: Black Gum, Carolina Silverbell, Cornelian Cherry, Crabapple, Dogwood, Emerald Green Arborvitae, Golden Rain, Hornbeam, Ivory Silk Lilac, Katsura, Kwanzan Flowering Cherry, Magnolia, Redbud, Serviceberry, Seven-Son Flower, Thundercloud Flowering Plum, Yoshino Flowering Cherry

GET 20% OFF Ask an associate for applicable tree varieties

Limit two trees per customer

NO-TREE ZONE Don’t plant within 30’ of power lines.

DUSSEL’S FARM MARKET & GREENHOUSES

BARRETT’S SHOWPLACE GARDENS & FLOWER SHOP

Valid 4/25 – 5/4

Valid 4/25 – 5/4

COUPON

Pick out up to two trees at Dussel’s or Barrett’s and provide the coupon below at checkout.

DUSSEL’S FARM MARKET & GREENHOUSES