MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
Electric Rates
The Demand for Electricity
Streaming 101
Saving is believing.
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Allendale
Allendale Htg & Clg (800) 327-1937 allendaleheating.com
Berrien Springs WaterFurnace Michiana (269) 473-5667 gogreenmichgeo thermal.com
Big Rapids Stratz Htg & Clg, Inc. (231) 796-3717 stratzgeocomfort.com
Filion/Bad Axe
Air-O-Dynamic Htg & Clg (989) 582-0137 aod-hvac.com
Grand Rapids
Bel Aire Htg & Clg
1-888-235-2473 belaire.com
Hart Adams Htg & Clg (231) 873-2665
Holland G.H.P. Systems Inc. (616) 396-5833 ghpsystems-inc.com
Indian River M&M Plmb & Htg (231) 238-7201 mm-plumbing.com
Lansing Candor Mechanical (517) 920-0890 candormechanical.com
Michigan Center Comfort 1/Air Serv of Southern Michigan (517) 764-1500 airserv.com/southernmichigan/
Mt Pleasant
Walton Htg & Clg (989) 772-4822 waltonheating.com
Portage
Bel Aire Htg & Clg
1-888-235-2473 belaire.com
Portland ESI Htg & Clg (517) 647-6906 esiheating.com
Sunfield
Mark Woodman Plmb & Htg (517) 886-1138 mwphonline.com
Three Rivers
Bel Aire Htg & Clg
1-888-235-2473 belaire.com
Traverse City
Geofurnace Htg & Clg (231) 943-1000 geofurnace.com
Alger
Electric: up to $2,000
C h erryland Electric: up to $2,500
Cloverland: up to $6,275
Great Lakes Energy: up to $5,000
H omeworks/Tri-County Electric: up to $4,750
Presque Isle Electric & G as Co-op: up to $4,750
Thumb Electric: up to $2,000
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Casey Clark
EDITOR: Christine Dorr
GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Karreen Bird
RECIPE EDITOR: Christin Russman
COPY EDITOR: Yvette Pecha
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Emily Haines Lloyd
PUBLISHER: Michigan Electric Cooperative Association
Michigan Country Lines, USPS591-710, is published monthly, except August and December, with periodicals postage paid at Lansing, Mich., and additional offices. It is the official publication of the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association, 201 Townsend St., Suite 900, Lansing, MI 48933.
Subscriptions are authorized for members of Alger Delta, Cherryland, Great Lakes, HomeWorks Tri-County, Midwest Energy & Communications, Ontonagon, Presque Isle, and Thumb electric cooperatives by their boards of directors.
POSTMASTER:
Send all UAA to CFS.
ASSOCIATION OFFICERS:
Chris O’Neill, HomeWorks TriCounty Cooperative, chairman; Gabe Schneider, Cherryland Electric Cooperative, vice chairman; Shaun Lamp, Great Lakes Energy Cooperative, secretary-treasurer; 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
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
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.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Sandy Borowicz, Chairperson 5341 Carlson Rd., Cheboygan, MI 49721 231-627-9220 • Term Expires 2027
Daryl Peterson, Vice Chairperson P.O. Box 54, Hillman, MI 49746 989-742-3145 • Term Expires 2027
Sally Knopf, Secretary 1849 W. 638 Hwy., Rogers City, MI 49779 989-734-4196 • Term Expires 2027
Brentt Lucas, Treasurer 15841 Carr Rd., Posen, MI 49776 989-766-3678 • Term Expires 2025
John Brown
21 W. Devereaux Lake Rd., Indian River, MI 49749 231-625-2099 • Term Expires 2026
Kurt Krajniak 7630 Wallace Rd., Alpena, MI 49707 989-884-3037 • Term Expires 2025
Chris Nagel
3842 N. Mielke Way, Lewiston, MI 49756 616-240-8727 • Term Expires: 2026
Gerald Smigelski 5375 Long Lake Hwy, Posen, MI 49776 989-306-3750 • Term Expires 2026
Raymond Wozniak 6737 State St., Posen, MI 49776 989-766-2498 • Term Expires 2025
President & CEO: Allan Berg aberg@pieg.com
Co-op Editor: Sommer Poquette spoquette@pieg.com
Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op 3149 Main Street (M-211) Onaway, MI 49765
Business Office & Billing: 989-733-8515 Toll-Free: 800-423-6634 Gas Emergency Toll-Free: 800-655-8565
PIE&G natural gas rates and charges are not regulated by the Michigan Public Service Commission.
Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Honoring the Team That Powers Our Community
By Allan Berg, President & CEO
At Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op, our incredible employees make everything possible. This Employee Appreciation Day, March 7, 2025, we celebrate the dedication, expertise, and teamwork of the 106 individuals who ensure our community is powered, connected, and safe.
Our linemen keep the lights on, our natural gas crew ensures homes stay warm, and our mechanics maintain the equipment that keeps operations running. Member service representatives provide exceptional support, our IT team keeps us connected, and underground locators work tirelessly to ensure safety during excavation projects. The fiber crew builds miles of connectivity each week while behind the scenes, data processing and other teams support every operation.
We take pride in celebrating each department individually throughout the year— like Boss’s Day, Lineman Appreciation Day, and Gas Tech Day—but we also find ways to show gratitude year-round. Whether it’s random popcorn days, potluckstyle food days, or even a coffee truck during a fire drill, we love finding small ways to say thank you.
In the past two years, we’ve seen 14 retirements—11 from employees who served PIE&G for over 25 years, including one who worked here for an incredible 50 years and 8 months. These milestones reflect our team’s deep commitment.
This year, we’re focused on enhancing leadership and fostering a culture we can all take pride in. We’ve already built something exceptional, but we’ll reach even greater heights together.
Thank you to each member of the PIE&G family for your unwavering dedication and contributions. You are the heart of everything we do.
Board In Action
• Approved the director appointment for the Wolverine Power Cooperative board.
• Approved the director appointment for the Country Lines Magazine committee.
• Approved the voting delegates for Wolverine Power Cooperative, Michigan Electric Cooperative Association, NRECA, NRUCFC, and NRTC.
• Approved the 4th-Quarter Write-Offs.
• Accepted Team Reports.
Board Approves Rate Adjustment to Support Reliable Service
By Allan Berg, President & CEO
At their recent special member regulation meeting and regular board meeting on February 25, the board of directors acted upon management’s recommendation to increase electric and natural gas distribution rates after carefully reviewing the cooperative’s financial performance and future expenses.
The cost of distributing electricity and natural gas continues to climb due to several factors, including increased labor costs, materials, and interest rates. While we hear of lower inflation numbers today, those elevated inflation numbers a few years ago continue to impact our operations and costs as they make their way through the supply chain.
Nobody likes rising rates, yet it is an inevitable fact of doing business. Here at PIE&G, we continue to balance an affordable and fair price for electric, natural gas, and fiber internet while investing in our workforce and distribution systems to meet reliability standards and your expectations. It is a difficult challenge, and it’s something that we do not take lightly.
This rate adjustment allows us to continue planning. It will enable the co-op to get ahead of expenses, meet financial obligations, and ensure consistency of operations.
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.
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
“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 fi rst retail choice cooperative serving large commercial and industrial members. As the founder and fi rst 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.”
Craig Borr
POWERING PROGRESS
Reflections on 40 Years of Leadership with Michigan’s Electric Cooperatives
By Craig Borr
Michigan’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 fi rst commercial wind farm in 2006 and the state’s fi rst 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 fi ber 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 signifi cant economic drivers in the local economies where they serve. They are signifi cant 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.”
Spring into Savings Invest in a Heat Pump Water Heater
It might surprise you to learn that water heating is on average the second largest home energy expense, accounting for about 18% of your energy bill.1 But when you think of all the things we do on a daily basis—showering, doing dishes, washing clothes—the amount of hot water used adds up quickly, as does the cost. Even if you’re doing all that you can to reduce water usage, a heat pump water heater can make a significant difference in the price you pay to heat the water you do use.
Why invest in a heat pump water heater?
Heat pump water heaters move heat instead of generating it, making them two to three times more energy efficient than your conventional electric water heater.2 Even in cold climates, modern heat pump water heaters are efficient and effective. The energy savings achieved add up to cost savings over time. In fact, compared to a standard electric resistant water heater, a heat pump water heater can save a
family of four an estimated $550 a year on their energy bill, or an expected average lifetime savings of more than $5,600!3
Get cash back for your investment!
While heat pump water heaters cost more than other models upfront, the significant energy cost savings mentioned above can help you recoup your investment. Plus, as a Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op member, you’re eligible for a $700 cash rebate on qualifying heat pump water heaters! Save now and for years to come when you make the switch. Visit pieg.com/eo to find the full details and application for this Energy Optimization program offering, or call (877) 296-4319 to learn more.
1 https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/reduce-hot-water-use-energy-savings
2 https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/heat-pump-water-heaters
3 https://www.energystar.gov/products/ask-the-experts/ heat-pump-water-heater-right-your-home
SUNRISE TO SUNSET
1. MOST VOTES Feeding the ducks at sunset. Megan Hagadone
2. Ess Lake sunset kayak cruise! Lori Kleinow
3. Sunset overlooking Mullett Lake and the mouth of the Indian River. Tracey Minarik
4. Frosty northern Michigan sunset. Chloe Bill
5. "Goodnight Northern Michigan." Kathryn Scoon
6. Glory in the heavens... Joy Ross-Klarich
7. A sunset in Cheboygan County. Donald Wilton II
8. Sunset on Lake Superior by Munising, Michigan. Gloria Zalewski
9. A foggy sunrise in Munro Township, Cheboygan. James Bur
10. Fire in the sky over Lake Huron near Cordwood Shores. Joseph Doyle
Enter to win a $50 energy bill credit!
Submit your Michigan’s Farmlands photos by March 25 for the May issue! Submit your best photo and encourage others to vote! The photo receiving the most votes in our photo contest will be printed in an issue of Country Lines, along with some of our other favorites.
To enter the contest, visit pieg.com/photocontest. Enter your picture, cast your vote, and encourage others to vote for you as well. If your photo is printed in Country Lines during 2025, you will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of four $50 credits on your January 2026 bill.
BEST NO BAKE RECIPES
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 fi rmly. 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.
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 fi lling
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 fi lling. 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.
Ever-Changing, Fast-Growing Demand For Electricity
How
the increasing need for power affects electric co-ops and their members
By Scott Flood
When rural electric cooperatives first strung power lines from farm to farm, across arroyos, and through remote forests less than a century ago, most members had but a handful of light bulbs to power. With time, they added appliances like refrigerators, but we’re sure they couldn’t begin to imagine the number and variety of electrical devices in today’s homes and garages.
Across the U.S., people use a growing amount of electricity at work, at home and, with the growth of electric vehicles (EVs), even on the road.
The demand for electricity increased by 2.5% in 2024 and is expected to grow by 3.2% this year. That was after co-ops saw a 4.8% increase in 2022. Through 2029, the nation’s peak demand is projected to grow by 38 gigawatts. That would be like adding another California-sized state to our nation’s power grid.
The rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) is driving the development of massive data center facilities, often placed in electric co-op service territories to take advantage of inexpensive land and fewer neighbors to complain. By 2022, these facilities accounted for 2.5% of the nation’s consumption of electricity—and by 2030, they’ll use 7.5% of all electric power.
Data centers and facilities like warehouses require a large, steady supply of electricity 24 hours a day. That means the electric co-ops supplying them can’t rely on intermittent sources of electricity such as solar or wind energy to handle the additional load. Instead, they need more of what’s known as baseload or always-available power, much of which is currently generated by burning fossil fuels. The more we depend on technology, the more we’ll need reliable baseload generation.
In Michigan, the challenge is further complicated by the state’s ambitious goal of achieving 100% carbon-free energy by 2040. Fortunately, PIE&G’s power supplier, Wolverine Power Cooperative, is well-equipped to help tackle this challenge. Wolverine has secured an agreement to source reliable, carbon-free baseload power from the Palisades Power Plant once it restarts. This innovative solution will provide the state with a consistent, competitively priced source of baseload generation for decades, supporting grid stability as electricity demand continues to rise. However, both Wolverine and PIE&G members are not immune to the broader challenges, as we share the grid and its power supply with other utilities.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration’s forecast expects coal-fired generation to drop to half of today’s levels by 2030. Renewable energy will capture a growing share of the supply, but as noted, much of renewable energy is not reliable enough to provide baseload power.
As electricity powers a growing share of life’s tools and conveniences, overall demand is expected to continue its steady growth through 2050. A great example is the efficiency of electric heat pumps. Federal and other subsidies and tax advantages are powering significant growth in their share of the home heating market.
In other words, at the same time everyone is using more electricity than ever, the supply of the most reliable source is drying up. Add in the uncertainty created by public policy debates around energy and climate change, and you can begin to understand why 19 states face a high risk of rolling blackouts between now and 2028.
“As electricity powers a growing share of life’s tools and conveniences, overall demand is expected to continue its steady growth through 2050.”
The energy industry studies demand closely because construction of all types of generation is costly and lengthy—often longer than a decade from groundbreaking to entering service.
As renewables become more efficient and cheaper to produce, their share of the power mix will only continue to grow. Someday soon, battery technology may reach the point where large-scale storage of renewable generation becomes possible, but until then, we’ll need more of those alwaysavailable power sources.
One more factor plays a key role in the ability of co-ops and the rest of the nation’s power industry to keep up with demand. That’s the supply chain, in which many U.S. suppliers simply can’t keep up with the nation’s needs for power equipment. When a co-op orders new transformers, it may have to wait two years or more for delivery and pay a significantly higher price.
Expect to hear more about the challenges created by record demand for electricity in the coming years.
S oaring Demand
A er decades of flat or declining electricity demand, the United States is in the midst of a boom in power use. Recent government data shows that power consumption nationwide is set to increase by at least 38 gigawatts between now and 2028. This trend would ordinarily be great news for the power industry. But government policies aimed at shutting down fossil-fuel-based generation and years-long delays in permitting and siting for new transmission lines are turning this power boon into a capacity crisis. Here are the primary demand drivers:
Electrification
Electric vehicle adoption, electrification of home heating, and industrial electrification are expected to increase overall U.S. energy consumption by 1% per year through 2026.
Data Centers
Driven by explosions in artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency, and cloud computing, total U.S. data center load is projected to increase by 65% by 2050.
Economic Growth
Residential power consumption is expected to increase by 14% to 22% through 2050 due to increases in population and steady economic growth.
Manufacturing Growth/Onshoring
New, expanding, and “onshored/reshored” manufacturing capacity driven by federal incentives is expected to increase industrial demand by 13,000 GWh per year.
Total Demand
Analysts predicted in 2023 that U.S. peak demand will increase by at least 38 GW over the next five years, nearly double the growth rate predicted in 2022.
“Embrace your weird thing. It’s what makes you stand out from the rest.”
Kalin Sheick’s journey from TV journalist to the founder of Sweetwater Floral is rooted in what she calls “delusional confi dence”— a spark of self-belief that dares to ask, “Why not me?”
BLOOM
WHERE YOU’RE PLANTED
The Journey of Kalin Sheick
By Emily Haines Lloyd
This mindset, characterized by a fearless willingness to pursue unconventional dreams, propelled Sheick to build a fl ourishing 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 fl owers; 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 fl owers as a life hack for joy and connection. The experience solidifi ed 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 confi dence” 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 refl ection 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 confi dence” 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
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST “Lucky Girls Don’t Quit” is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Streaming Video 101
with PIE&G Connect
What
is streaming video?
Streaming video refers to entertainment delivered via the internet rather than a traditional cable TV connection.
What equipment do I need?
To enjoy streaming video, you need:
● Fast and reliable internet.
● A streaming device such as:
o an Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, or Roku Streaming Stick that is connected to your TV and Wi-Fi. Streaming devices include a universal remote control to sync with your TV.
o a Smart TV that is connected to the internet.
o a tablet, laptop, or smartphone that is connected to Wi-Fi or data.
● A subscription to a streaming service or channel such as Netflix, Disney+, YouTube Live, HBO Max, Prime Video, or ESPN Plus.
How do I subscribe?
Subscribing to new streaming channels and services is simple. Once you have your streaming capable device connected to the internet and have set up an account, you can then simply navigate to the app menu in your device and select the desired service or channel to preview. Information will be included such as a description of the service and monthly cost. To subscribe, you select the desired service and agree to subscribe.
What channels or TV shows are included with a streaming service?
Services like https://mybundle.tv make it simple to view channels included. Simply navigate to “Find My Bundle,” enter basic information such as who is watching, your ZIP code, preferences, and favorite channels, and it will make a recommendation for you. You can even search for your favorite TV show to find new ways to watch it via streaming. Select “TV Shows & Movies” from the top menu to search for a specific show like “Gunsmoke.” You can also visit the website of specific streaming providers such as YouTube Live or Hulu Live and browse the individual channel lineups.
What are the benefits of streaming video?
● Cost savings. One of the main reasons people switch to TV streaming is to cut costs. Many free streaming channels are available, such as Peacock Free, Pluto TV, and Crackle. Netflix is less than $20 per month and is the most popular choice for movies and binge-watching TV. Disney+ is a highly rated service for family-friendly content and is less than $10 per month. Services with a channel lineup similar to traditional TV are also available, including YouTube Live, Hulu Live, and Sling. These services are generally $20-$30 less per month than similar offerings from cable TV providers.
● Convenience. Streaming TV lets you enjoy the services or channels you subscribe to in multiple places and on multiple devices. Unlike traditional TV, with most subscription streaming services, you can start a movie on your Smart TV at home, continue watching it on your smartphone while working out at the gym, and then finish it on your tablet out on your patio.
● Skip the commercials. Many of the most popular subscription streaming services let you watch your favorite shows whenever you want and completely commercial free!
What types of streaming services are available?
● On-Demand streaming. On-Demand streaming allows the subscriber to watch a selected movie or TV show whenever he or she likes. Many On-Demand providers allow viewers to pause, play, fast-forward, rewind, or rewatch shows as often as they like. Popular On-Demand providers include Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime Video.
● Live streaming. Live video streaming lets subscribers watch entertainment like local news, sports, and TV shows live. Features such as video recording, pause, and rewind vary by provider. Popular live streaming platforms include Twitch, YouTube Live, and Hulu Live.
● On-Demand and live streaming. Many providers with live streaming also offer On-Demand content. This means you can watch live shows as they are broadcast, go back and watch them later, or browse On-Demand content to watch whenever you like.
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Where In Michigan Is
This?
Farmyard Memories: The Chickens That Followed My Father
By Stanley Hagemeyer, a Great Lakes Energy cooperative member
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Attaches to your home’s existing heating system, it does not replace it.
Delivers 90% on average of your home’s heating needs and 100% of your home’s cooling needs.
If you have a well and are heating with propane, fuel oil, electric, or wood, your current heating and cooling cost is likely greater than it would be to fully finance and heat & cool with a Well-Connect.
Installs in one day, any time of year. No drilling required.
Communities First Fund
Members of the Communities
First Fund donate by rounding up their utility or fiber bills to the nearest dollar, averaging 50 cents per month or $6 annually per meter. Contributions are tax-deductible.
Enroll today at pieg.com/communities-first.