March 2026 HomeWorks

HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative

March 2026

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

Tapping into the Sweet Tradition of Michigan’s

MAPLE SYRUP SEASON Happy Birthday, HomeWorks!

Mike Coyne Appointed To People Fund Board Apply For A College Scholarship

THERE’S A TREASURE BENEATH YOUR FEET and it can provide you with total home comfort

You may not realize it, but your home is sitting on a free and renewable supply of energy. A WaterFurnace geothermal comfort system taps into the stored solar energy in your own backyard to provide savings of up to 70% on heating, cooling, and hot water. And with a 5 Series hydronic unit, you can get radiant floor heat that’s just as comfortable as the air for total home comfort. That’s money in the bank and a smart investment in your family’s comfort. Contact your local WaterFurnace dealer today to learn how to tap into your buried treasure.

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

Grand Rapids Bel Aire Htg & Clg 1-888-235-2473 belaire.com

Mt Pleasant Walton Htg & Clg (989) 772-4822 waltonheating.com

Three Rivers Bel Aire Htg & Clg 1-888-235-2473 belaire.com

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

Hart Adams Htg & Clg (231) 873-2665 adamsgeothermal-mi.com

Traverse City Geofurnace Htg & Clg (231) 943-1000 geofurnace.com

Big Rapids Stratz Htg & Clg, Inc. (231) 796-3717 stratzgeocomfort.com

Muskegon TMC Mechanical LLC (231) 865-1114 www.tmcmechanicalllc.com

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

Cadillac Wilder Htg & Clg (231) 645-4822 wilderheatingandcooling.com

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

Filion/Bad Axe Air-O-Dynamic Htg & Clg (989) 582-0137 aod-hvac.com

Lansing Candor Mechanical (517) 920-0890 candormechanical.com

Gaylord Family Plmb & Htg (989) 732-8099 familyplumbingandheating.com

Michigan Center Comfort 1/Aire Serv of Southern Michigan (517) 764-1500 airserv.com/southern-michigan/

WaterFurnace is a registered trademark of WaterFurnace International, Inc.

Portage Bel Aire Htg & Clg 1-888-235-2473 belaire.com

CO-OP REBATE INCENTIVES

Portland ESI Htg & Clg (517) 647-6906 esiheating.com Sparta West Michigan Geothermal (616) 887-1290 westmigeothermal.com

$2,250 rebate available through your co-op.

Sunfield Mark Woodman Plmb & Htg (517) 886-1138 mwphonline.com

visit us at waterfurnace.com/mi

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

Contents countrylines.com

March 2026 Vol. 46, 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; John Kran, president and CEO.

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CONTACT US/LETTERS TO EDITOR: Michigan Country Lines 201 Townsend St., Suite 900 Lansing, MI 48933 248-534-7358 editor@countrylines.com

MI CO-OP Community

CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Please notify your electric cooperative.

See page 4 for contact information.

See details on page 10. Grilled to Perfection, due April 1; Chill Out! No-Cook Recipes, due May 1.

Win a $100 bill credit!

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

MICHIGAN’S ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES

RECIPE CONTEST

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 UNDERSTANDING

POWER SURGES How to safeguard your home electronics from unexpected voltage spikes.

10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN

Global Comfort Foods: Taste the world, from home.

14 TAPPING INTO THE SWEET TRADITION OF MICHIGAN’S MAPLE SYRUP SEASON The rhythm and rewards of sugaring season.

18 GUEST COLUMN

Sounds of the Past: A journey through summer sounds from a bygone era.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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Our Roots Run Deep:

HomeWorks Remains True To Founding Principles

By Chris O’Neill, President/CEO OSCEOLA

CLARE

MECOSTA ISABELLA

MONTCALM GRATIOT

IONIA

BARRY

SAGINAW

CLINTON

EATON

INGHAM

JACKSON

Portland office/Mail payments to: 7973 E. Grand River Ave. Portland, MI 48875 Open 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday Blanchard office: 3681 Costabella Ave. Blanchard, MI 49310 Open 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday Night deposit box available at both locations.

Electric bill/account questions: 517-647-7554 or 1-800-562-8232 Pay by phone, anytime: 1-844-963-2875 Service questions/outages: 517-647-7554 or 1-800-848-9333 (24 hours for emergency calls) Tri-County Propane: 1-877-574-2740 HomeWorks Connect 1-800-668-8413 BOARD OF DIRECTORS District 1 — John Lord, Vice-Chairman 2276 Plains Rd., Leslie, MI 49251 517-974-2518 • jlord@homeworks.org District 2 — Jim Stebbins 7139 Peddler Lake Rd., Clarksville, MI 48815 517-930-8132 • jstebbins@homeworks.org District 3 — Luke Pohl, Chairman 15560 W. Hanses Rd., Westphalia, MI 48894 989-292-0427 • lpohl@homeworks.org District 4 — Jake Borton 7543 E. Edgar Rd., Vestaburg, MI 48891 989-506-3404 • jborton@homeworks.org District 5 — Theresa Sopocy 6996 E. Wilson Rd., Bannister, MI 48807 989-292-0295 • tsopocy@homeworks.org District 6 — Dave Livermore 8060 W. Airline Rd., Weidman, MI 48893 989-289-3019 • dlivermore@homeworks.org District 7 — Shirley Sprague, Secretary-Treasurer 15563 45th Ave., Barryton, MI 49305 989-382-7535 • ssprague@homeworks.org Editor: Charly Markwart, CCC cmarkwart@homeworks.org

March is a special month for HomeWorks—it’s the month the Cooperative was founded. Many of you know the history by now.

In the 1930s, as electricity was changing the lives of our big-city brethren, residents of rural America were being left in the dark.

Here in Michigan, like in other parts of the country, the state’s large investor-owned utilities didn’t have an interest in serving sparsely populated areas where they couldn’t turn a profit.

But, as they often do, rural mid-Michigan families came together and found a way to take care of themselves. In HomeWorks’ case, a group of farmers from Eaton, Ingham, and Jackson counties officially formed the Cooperative we know and love today on March 26, 1937, after collecting a few dollars from each rural family in the area that wanted to be served with electricity. They used those funds to purchase the necessary equipment, and some of the farmers themselves set our first electric poles and helped build the system that serves over 23,000 homes and businesses across 13 mid-Michigan counties today.

Today, just like back then, HomeWorks remains a not-for-profit cooperative owned by the rural members we serve and committed to our core mission to provide safe, reliable, and affordable services that enhance your quality of life. We’ve come a long way in the last 89 years, but we’ve remained true to the principles and values that we were founded upon, and that is worth celebrating. In honor of our March 26 “birthday,” I thought I’d give you a few ideas of how you can celebrate your Co-op this year.

• Get engaged with your Co-op by attending our events: Your first great opportunity to do this is coming up at your virtual district meeting in May, where you can learn more about the Co-op and the things we’ve been working on over the past year, take part in your district’s annual business meeting, and have the chance to win big prizes.

After district meetings, there will be several chances to engage with us in person at our HomeWorks Park Parties throughout the summer and our annual meeting of delegates in August.

• Vote in your district’s director election: Every three years, your HomeWorks district participates in the most important part of the democracy of the Co-op when you elect someone from among your membership to represent you on our board of directors.

The board of directors sets the direction of the Co-op and votes on matters of relevance to our members. This year, elections are being held in District 2 (Barry and Ionia counties) and District 4 (most of Montcalm County). If you live in one of those areas, watch your April Country Lines for information on your candidates and details on how to vote via electronic or mail-in ballot.

• Donate to the Tri-County Electric People Fund: Concern for the communities we serve is one of the seven Cooperative Principles that guide electric co-ops in all that we do.

Here at HomeWorks, the People Fund is one of the major ways that we embrace that principle. The People Fund is a charitable program that grants money to organizations and families in need throughout our service territory. It is funded entirely by our members who opt in to round up their monthly electric bill to the nearest dollar. That extra change adds up, and since 1993, we’ve been able to grant nearly $3 million to worthy causes that have made a positive impact across rural mid-Michigan. If you haven’t yet opted in to round up your bill for the People Fund, you can do so by leaving a note on your next payment stub or calling us at 800-562-8232. You can also make a one-time donation at HomeWorks.org/PeopleFund. homeworks.org

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MARCH 2026

/homeworks.org

tricoenergy@homeworks.org

HomeWorks was founded on March 26, 1937, which means that this month, we’re celebrating 89 years of serving rural midMichigan families like yours. As we look back, we’ll also look forward to the next eight-plus decades and beyond of providing safe, quality, and affordable services you can rely on.

Surge Protection

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A power surge is an unexpected increase in voltage, and it can occur from a variety of sources. Regardless of the cause, power surges can majorly damage electronic devices and equipment in your home.

Let’s take a look at common causes of power surges and how you can protect your sensitive electronics.

One of the most common causes of a power surge is lightning.

Most of us have experienced this during a severe thunderstorm. When lightning strikes an electrical system, the excess current must be channeled somewhere— unfortunately, in many cases, it’s sent through a home. Your best bet is to unplug all unused devices and electronics during severe thunderstorms.

Another common cause of power surges is electrical overload.

This happens when devices or appliances are plugged into an outlet that can’t handle the required amount of voltage, or if multiple devices are plugged into one outlet through an extension cord. If you’re experiencing power surges due to electrical overload, it’s time to call a qualified electrician to evaluate your home’s circuits and electrical needs.

Faulty wiring in a home can also cause power surges.

Damaged or exposed wires can cause spikes in voltage, creating a potentially dangerous situation. If you notice signs of faulty wiring, like visible burns on outlets, buzzing sounds from outlets, or frequently tripped circuit breakers, your home may be due for electrical wiring repairs and updates.

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MARCH 2026

Surges can also occur after a power outage.

Sometimes, when electricity is being restored and reconnected, it’s common to experience a quick surge in current. Similar to advice for a surge caused by lightning, it’s best to unplug sensitive electronics during the outage— then wait to plug them back in after power is fully restored.

Aside from unplugging devices when you suspect a power surge, there are two ways you can take additional precautions to protect electronics in your home.

Point-of-use surge protection devices, like power strips, can protect electronics during most surges. But remember, not all power strips include surge protection, so read the packaging label carefully before you buy, and don’t overload the power strip with too many devices. You can also install specialized electrical outlets that offer additional surge protection. Talk to a trusted electrician to learn more.

Another option is a whole-home surge protector, which can help protect your home from larger, more powerful surges.

In most cases, whole-home suppressors are connected to your home’s service panel and include features like thermal fuses and notification capabilities that indicate when a device has been impacted by a surge. Whole-home surge

protection prices vary based on the size of the home and suppressor. Whole-home suppressors should always be connected by a licensed electrician, so consider the cost of installation as well.

Occasional power surges are inevitable, but by unplugging devices when you think a surge may occur and using additional levels of protection like power strips or wholehome suppressors, you can better safeguard your sensitive electronics and devices.

TIPS TO AVOID

ENERGY SCAMS Scammers and cybercriminals look for weak points to exploit before software companies can fix them. Update software programs on your computer, tablet, and mobile phone as soon as possible when a newer version becomes available.

Software updates often contain critical patches and protections against security threats. Turn on automatic updates to automatically update your security software, internet browser, operating system, and mobile apps.

Source: consumer.ftc.org

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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Spring into Savings with an AC Tune-Up Fewer Unexpected and Costly Breakdowns

A regular air conditioning tune-up is one of the best ways to prepare your home for warmer weather. Even when your system appears to be running normally, routine maintenance can improve performance, efficiency, and reliability before summer demand puts extra strain on your equipment.

During a tune-up, a trained technician can identify minor issues before they turn into major, costly repairs. Catching problems early can help avoid inconvenient system failures when you need cooling the most.

Regular tune-ups can extend the life of your air conditioning system. Just like a car that receives routine maintenance, an A/C system that’s properly cared for tends to last longer and perform more reliably. This can delay the need for a costly replacement and help you get the most value from your equipment.

Improve Efficiency Over time, normal wear and tear can reduce your system’s performance, even if everything seems to be working fine.

A professional tune-up ensures your A/C is operating efficiently before the hottest months of the year. Scheduling an air conditioning tune-up is one of the simplest ways to protect your comfort and your investment.

Lower Energy Costs When components are clean, properly adjusted, and running smoothly, your system doesn’t have to work as hard to cool your home. This improved efficiency can reduce energy use, which may lead to lower electric bills.

To make routine maintenance even more worthwhile, qualifying A/C tune-ups are eligible for a rebate credited directly to your electric bill. This incentive helps offset the cost of maintenance while encouraging energy-efficient operation.

Visit homeworks.org/eo to learn more about all the rebates and energy-savings incentives HomeWorks is offering.

COMFORT THAT PAYS YOU BACK. Get your system ready for warmer days and earn a rebate on your energy bill!

Benefits of regular maintenance include: • • •

Improved system efficiency Reduced energy use Fewer unexpected and costly breakdowns

Complete a qualifying A/C tune-up this spring and receive a rebate credited directly to your HomeWorks bill. Visit homeworks.org/eo for more information on rebates and to view all available energy-saving incentives!

Spring into Savings With an A/C Tune-Up

Scan the QR code to view eligible rebates or visit homeworks.org/eo HomeWorks.org facebook.com/homeworks.org

MI CO-OP Snap Shot

SUNRISE TO SUNSET MOST VOTES

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1. MOST VOTES North Breakwater Light in Ludington. Kari Dalrymple, Barryton 2. Beautiful sunset over Crystal Lake.

Melissa Kline, Crystal 3. Sunny new beginnings. Happy New Year from Panama City Beach, Florida! (Taken Jan. 1, 2025) Casie Bayless, Portland 4. Sunset’s beautiful reflection.

Monica Withey, Blanchard 5. Peace. Kurt Faust, Stanwood 6. Sunrise in Blanchard. James Danielson, Blanchard 7. Poggy Lake sunrise.

Cindy Maneke, Evart 8. Sunset at Kouw Park, Port Sheldon Township. Teresa Larsen, Lakeview 9. Sunrise over Chippewa Lake!

Glenda Adams, Evart 10. Lake Michigan sunset.

Tonya Jerome, Stockbridge

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Enter to win a $100 energy bill credit!

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Submit Your “Birds” Photos by March 25 for the May Issue! Each month, HomeWorks members are able to submit photos on our website for our photo contest.

The photo receiving the most votes is published here, along with some other selections from that month. Our May theme is “Birds.” Photos can be submitted through March 25 to be featured in our May issue.

To enter the contest, visit HomeWorks.org/photocontest.

Enter your picture, cast your vote, and encourage others to vote for you, too. If your photo is published in Country Lines during 2026, you will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of four $100 credits on your December 2026 HomeWorks bill!

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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MI CO-OP Kitchen

GLOBAL COMFORT FOODS Taste the world, from home.

WINNING RECIPE!

HALUSKI

Adrienne Kral, Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op 1 (16-ounce) bag wide egg noodles 6 tablespoons butter, divided 1 pound kielbasa, cut into thin, round slices 1 large yellow onion, finely sliced or chopped 1 medium head green cabbage, 2–3 pounds, cored and roughly chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup cottage cheese, optional ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste) ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste) Cook egg noodles to al dente, according to package instructions. Drain, reserving ¼ cup of pasta water and set aside. To a large skillet or Dutch oven over mediumhigh heat, add 2 tablespoons butter and melt. Add kielbasa and cook until browned, 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove slices with a slotted spoon and set aside (keeping any remaining liquid in the pan).

Reduce heat to medium, and add 2 more tablespoons of butter and the onions. Sauté until the onions are translucent. Add cabbage and garlic. Cook 8-10 minutes until cabbage reaches desired tenderness, stirring occasionally. Add the cooked noodles, kielbasa, remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, and reserved pasta water. Mix well and cook until heated through. Stir in cottage cheese, if using. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Serve immediately.

Watch a video of this month’s winning recipe at micoopkitchen.com/videos

LINSENEINTOPF (ONE-POT GERMAN LENTIL STEW)

Grace Nelson, Cherryland Electric Cooperative 2 tablespoons canola oil 1 large onion (or 2 small), peeled and chopped into large cubes 1 medium/large potato, peeled and cut into large cubes 3 carrots, peeled and cut into round chunks 2 stalks celery, finely diced 2 cups water 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed 3 cups vegetable or beef broth 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or white wine or balsamic) 1 tablespoon fresh chopped thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried) 2–3 German-style sausages (bratwurst, etc.), cut into chunks

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• salt and pepper, to taste 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley (or 2 teaspoons dried) • Tabasco sauce (red), a few drops In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the onions in canola oil for a few minutes until soft.

Add the potato, carrots, and celery and continue to sauté, adding more canola oil if necessary.

Add the water and lentils and bring to a light boil. Simmer until the lentils start to absorb the water. Add the vegetable broth, vinegar, and thyme. Bring back to heat, then allow to simmer until the lentils are soft to taste, about 35 to 45 minutes (green lentils will take longer to cook).

Add the sausage and bring to heat. Simmer an additional 4–5 minutes, or until the sausage is thoroughly cooked. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Sprinkle with parsley. Serve with tabasco sauce and crusty bread.

Irish mixed spice (makes more than needed): 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 teaspoon ground allspice ½ teaspoon ground cloves ½ teaspoon ground ginger ½ teaspoon mace (optional, for extra warmth)

IRISH BREAD PUDDING WITH WHISKEY SAUCE Julie Kenney, Great Lakes Energy

1 cup raisins 1 cup dried cranberries ½ cup Irish Mist whiskey (or whiskey of your choice) ½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened (for brushing/greasing) 8 slices fresh bread (not day-old) 2 cups heavy whipping cream 6 large eggs ½ cup white sugar ½ cup packed brown sugar 1 teaspoon Irish mixed spice (see right) 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract Whiskey sauce: • reserved whiskey from soaking fruit 1 cup sugar ¾ cup heavy whipping cream 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract ½ teaspoon Irish Mixed Spice

Combine the cinnamon, coriander, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, ginger, and mace (if desired) to make the Irish mixed spice mix; set aside. Soak the raisins and cranberries in the whiskey for several hours or overnight, then drain the fruit and reserve the soaking liquid for the sauce.

Preheat the oven to 400°F and butter a 7x11-inch baking dish, then butter both sides of the bread slices and cut them diagonally. In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, eggs, white sugar, brown sugar, Irish mixed spice, and vanilla extract. Layer the bread and soaked fruit in the prepared dish, pour the cream mixture over the top, and press gently so all the bread is well soaked. Place the filled dish into a larger

9×13–inch pan, carefully add hot water to the larger pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the smaller dish, and bake for 40–50 minutes until set and lightly golden. While the pudding bakes, combine the reserved whiskey, sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, and Irish mixed spice in a saucepan, bring to a boil, and cook for 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand. Once the pudding is done baking, slowly pour the warm whiskey sauce over the hot pudding a little at a time, pressing gently to help it absorb the sauce.

Allow it to cool slightly before serving.

GOLDEN COCONUT CURRY COMFORT CHICKEN Katie Schneider, Midwest Energy

Rice: 2 cups jasmine rice 2½ cups water ¼ teaspoon salt Curry: 2 tablespoons coconut oil 1 onion, diced 4 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons curry powder 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1½ pounds boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size chunks 1 (13 ½-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk 1 cup chicken broth 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 red bell pepper, sliced 1 cup sliced carrots 1 cup fresh baby spinach • juice of ½ lime • salt, to taste • black pepper, to taste • chopped cilantro for garnishing, optional Rinse the jasmine rice until the water runs clear, then combine it with the water and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. Remove from heat and set aside. Meanwhile, heat the

RECIPE CONTEST

coconut oil in a large skillet or wide saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, until softened, stirring occasionally. Then add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently. Stir in the curry powder, turmeric, coriander, and ginger and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Add the chicken pieces and stir to coat them in the spices, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes until the chicken begins to turn opaque. Pour in the coconut milk, chicken broth, brown sugar, and soy sauce, stirring to combine, then add the bell pepper and carrots. Simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in the baby spinach just until wilted, remove from heat, add the lime juice, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Spoon the curry over the cooked jasmine rice and garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.

Cooking For A Cause Order your copy and share the gift of community and care.

Each purchase supports two deserving Michigan charities— Feeding America Local Food Banks and Cooperative Family Fund.

Just scan the QR code or go to amazon.com and search “Michigan Country Lines Cookbook.”

Win a $100 energy bill credit!

Grilled to Perfection, due April 1; Chill Out! No-Cook Recipes, 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.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 11

Notice to Members of HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative A Special Member Meeting is set for March 23, 9 a.m., at the Cooperative’s Portland office The board of directors will consider the item(s) listed below at its meeting on March 23, 2026, to be held at the Cooperative office at 7973 E. Grand River Avenue, Portland, Michigan. The meeting will start at 9 a.m. and is open to all members of HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative. The session will begin with an opportunity for members to provide direct input to the board of directors, without filing a formal request under the Cooperative policy.

Interested members are asked to come to the lobby by 9 a.m. and request to speak to the board; staff will direct members to the meeting room. Time constraints on each member’s comments will be at the discretion of the board president, but members are asked to keep comments to less than five minutes.

The following item(s) will be discussed and considered: 1. Participation in the Michigan Energy Assessment Program (MEAP) at the cost of a surcharge, to be determined by the state, on each residential customer’s monthly energy bill.

Notice of changes or additions to the Cooperative’s rates or service rules shall be sent to all members, as required

by P.A. 167, by publication in Michigan Country Lines at least 30 days prior to their effective date.

Participation: Any interested member may attend and participate. The location of the board meeting site is accessible, including accessible parking. Persons needing any accommodation to participate should contact HomeWorks Tri-County Electric at 800-562-8232 at least a week in advance of the meeting to request mobility, visual, hearing, or other assistance. Comments may also be made prior to the meeting date by calling CEO Chris O’Neill at 517-647-1284, or contacting him by email at coneill@homeworks.org. Notice of the board meeting shall be sent to all members, as required by P.A. 167, by publication in Michigan Country Lines.

ATTEND YOUR VIRTUAL 2026 DISTRICT MEETING!

2026 Learn About Your Co-op 2026 Virtual District Meetings Are Coming Up In May!

Engage With Your Co-op

Win Big Prizes!

HomeWorks' virtual district meetings will take place May 4-14 this year. As the meeting dates near, we'll provide more details on your district's specific meeting date and how to attend. We hope to "see" you there!

Your Board In Action Meeting in Portland on Jan. 27, your board of directors: • Acknowledged the retirement of longtime District 2 People Fund Director and Chair Jerry Supina, and unanimously approved a resolution honoring and thanking him for his service to the Cooperative.

• Appointed Mike Coyne of Portland as the new volunteer People Fund director for District 2.

• Approved the extension of the Co-op’s distributed generation tariffs.

• Approved the Co-op’s revised Schedule SB—Standby Electric Service tariff.

• Performed an annual review of director compensation and expenses.

• Approved Board Policy 108—Indemnification of Directors, as revised.

• Approved Board Policy 201—Safety, as revised.

• Learned there were 90 new members in December 2025.

Time Set Aside for Members to Comment Before Cooperative Board Meetings: The first 15 minutes of every board meeting are available for members who wish to address the board of directors on any subject. The next meetings are scheduled for 9 a.m. on March 23 at Portland and 9 a.m. on April 27 at Blanchard. Members who wish to have items considered on the board agenda should call 517-647-7554 at least a week in advance of the meeting.

Co-op Principle #2:

Democratic Member Control

Every member has a voice and a vote.

Districts 2 and 4 have director seats up for election this year. If you are a member of one of those districts, watch your April Country Lines for your mail-in ballot and information about your director candidates!

People Fund Grants Nearly $4,000 To Support Local Families In Need Meeting remotely on Jan. 29, our People Fund board made three grants totaling $3,949, including: • $2,000 to Chippewa Lake Community Church to support fresh produce distribution to families in need; • $1,449 to an Ionia County family to help cover housing expenses; and • $500 to an Eaton County family to help cover utility expenses.

How to Apply for a Tri-County Electric People Fund Grant: The Tri-County Electric People Fund provides grants to individuals and organizations in the Co-op’s service area for food, shelter, clothing, health, and other humane needs, or for programs or services that benefit a significant segment of a community.

Write to 7973 E. Grand River Ave., Portland, MI 48875 for an application form and grant guidelines, or visit the People Fund page at HomeWorks.org.

Note: Applications must be received by April 15 for the April meeting or by May 27 for the June meeting.

Mike Coyne Joins People Fund Board At its Jan. 27 meeting, the TriCounty Electric Cooperative board of directors appointed Mike Coyne of Portland to serve as the District 2 volunteer representative on the board of the Tri-County Electric People Fund. Coyne was selected to replace Jerry Supina, who retired from the People Fund board in January.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 13

DISCOVERING MICHIGAN’S MAGIC Cassondra Wanders Adventure Series

When the Weather Gets It Just Right Maple syrup depends on Michigan weather doing what it does best— changing its mind.

Alternating warm days and freezing nights create pressure inside the tree, encouraging sap to flow. Each freezethaw cycle can trigger a steady drip for eight to 15 hours, continuing as long as the temperature pattern lasts.

Tapping into the Sweet Tradition of

Michigan’s Maple Syrup Season

By Cassondra Scott

As spring begins to emerge in Michigan, a sweet seasonal tradition takes center stage—maple syrup production. It’s a time when communities, farmers, and producers gather to tap maple trees, harvesting nature’s satisfying reward. Whether it’s visiting a sugar shack, attending a festival, or enjoying a stack of pancakes drizzled with fresh maple syrup, Michiganders celebrate the simple pleasures of maple syrup season, one drop at a time.

Maple syrup production is the oldest agricultural enterprise in the United States, a process dating back to the earliest Native Americans. It’s not only the first farm crop of the year but an integral part of the state’s agricultural heritage. Maple sugaring contributes millions of dollars to the state’s economy, from agriculture to tourism.

Michigan produces an average of 136,000 gallons of syrup per year, maintaining its status as fifth in the nation for maple syrup production.

Collecting Liquid Gold The state’s forests are rich with sugar maple trees, providing the perfect

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environment for this age-old practice.

As spring days grow longer, more sunshine brings warmer temperatures, and sugar maple trees begin to release their sap. With a natural sugar content of about 2%, sugar maples are the star of Michigan’s syrup season.

Sugaring season is short but sweet, typically lasting just four to six weeks.

In southern Michigan, producers may begin tapping trees as early as February, while the season can stretch well into April in the Upper Peninsula.

Timing matters, and no two seasons are exactly alike.

But the window is narrow. Once buds begin to form on the trees, sap production stops and the flavor changes, signaling the end of the season. For producers, it becomes a race against the calendar and the forecast.

From Sap to Syrup Producing maple syrup blends generations-old tradition with modern efficiency. Michigan is home to an estimated 500 commercial producers, along with roughly 2,000 hobbyists and backyard sugar makers who tap trees for personal use.

The process begins with a small hole drilled into a sugar maple and a tap, also called a spile, inserted into the trunk. Clear, watery sap is collected in buckets or tubing systems and transported to a sugarhouse for processing. It takes about 40 gallons of sap to make just one gallon of syrup. In an average season, each tap yields roughly 10 gallons of sap, enough for a single quart of syrup.

That sap, which is about 98% water, becomes syrup when it is boileddown at 219 degrees Fahrenheit.

This evaporation removes excess water, leaving behind the thick, golden sweetness Michigan families know well.

Many modern sugarhouses use advanced tools such as reverse osmosis machines and high-

efficiency evaporators to speed up the process. Others stick with wood-fired boilers and traditional techniques, valuing the hands-on approach and the flavor it produces.

Celebrating the Season As sap begins to flow and syrup makers fire up their boilers, communities across Michigan celebrate a tradition that blends agriculture, history, and a bit of springtime magic. Maple syrup festivals invite visitors to experience the sights, smells, and tastes of the season firsthand.

Mary Ann Hayes, co-president of the Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival—the longest running maple syrup festival in the state—has been involved in the planning of their annual event for 20 years. Her husband Steve, president of the organization, has been involved even longer since a random day when he offered help to some men building a platform for the upcoming festival in the 1990s. She’s watched the event grow from maple syrup stands, a pageant, and a flea market to a juried arts and crafts show, vendor market, food trucks, and fair rides.

“We love that we’ve been able to grow the festival, but also keep it free for our community,” said Mary Ann. “We have this great opportunity to celebrate maple syrup and all the amazing people who make the industry so great.”

A Sweet Michigan Tradition From forest to festival, maple syrup season is a reminder that some of Michigan’s best traditions arrive quietly, one drip at a time. Whether touring a sugarhouse, attending a local festival, or pouring syrup over a stack of pancakes at home, each golden drop reflects patience, craftsmanship, and the sense of community that defines spring in Michigan.

Plan Your Own Adventure Multiday festivals draw thousands each year with pancake breakfasts, parades, craft shows, and live entertainment, including: • Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival (since 1940), April 24–26 syrupfest.org • Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival, April 23–26 shepherdmaplesyrupfest.org Sixteen sugarhouses across the state will also open their doors during Michigan Maple Syrup Weekends, giving visitors the chance to tour sugar bushes, see tapping demonstrations, learn how sap becomes syrup, and sample pure Michigan maple products.

Michigan Maple Syrup Weekends 2026 michiganmaple.org

• Southern Lower Michigan, March 21–22 • Northern Lower Michigan, March 28–29 • Upper Michigan, April 11–12 Meet the sugar makers who work their maple magic, discover new recipes, and even learn how to try sugaring yourself.

Cassondra Scott is a content creator, writer, and social media influencer at Cassondra Wanders—sharing small businesses and sights to see all over the state of Michigan.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 15

YOU’RE PART OF A LARGER POWER GRID Every time you charge your phone, you’re connecting to more than just an outlet—you’re plugging into a complex power grid.

The Interconnected Power Grid HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative, along with four other cooperatives, gets its power from Wolverine Power Cooperative.

Together, we co-own Wolverine, which makes power more affordable and reliable than operating on our own.

Wolverine and HomeWorks are a part of an even bigger network that extends from Canada to Louisiana, connecting various power generators and high-voltage transmission companies.

How Being Connected Impacts You The connected grid works great as long as there is enough supply to meet demand. In recent years, utilities have faced increasing pressure to retire coal plants faster than they can replace them, resulting in a reduction of power supply reserves. Even though Wolverine has secured more than enough power for HomeWorks members, we share the grid and its power supply with other utilities.

WE SHARE POWER

Being connected allows regions to share power and send it to where it’s needed most. This provides you with enhanced reliability and reduced energy costs.

WE SHARE RISK

If one part of the region has an electricity shortage, it can spread through the connected grid like a contagious illness.

WE SHARE RESPONSIBILITY

Even though HomeWorks has more than enough power to meet your needs, during a grid shortage, rules can require us to participate in rolling blackouts or ask you to conserve energy.

So, the next time you switch on a light or plug in your gadgets, remember that you’re plugging into a network of collaboration.

Visit www.homeworks.org/optimized-wifi to learn more!

MI CO-OP Guest Column

Sounds of the Past

By Martin Stec, a Presque Isle Electric & Gas Cooperative member

The following story is based on the memories of Marty Stec of Parrot’s Point and was composed by his daughter, Nicole Heggelund.

These days, the sound of Mullet Lake on a summer afternoon is the growl of an outboard motor or the drone of a jet ski. But it was not always this way. The sound I remember from my childhood on Mullet Lake is the sleepy, rhythmic creak and splash of wooden oars at sunset.

It was the summer of 1947, and I was 6 years old. The creaking oars belonged to Mr. and Mrs. Schrek of Parrot’s Point, a kind elderly couple who hosted me for a season on the east side of Mullet Lake. In the evenings, Mr. Schrek would ready his rowboat, and Mrs. Schrek, her oversized sun bonnet a dash of color against the sky, would climb in, ready for the sunset fishing trip.

As the dusk deepened, home they would return, Mrs. Schrek’s bonnet hid her face, and he patiently pulled the oars. Waiting by the shore, the strained croak of oar against oarlock was the only sound other than the gentle lapping of waves at the shore.

As night fell, I would lie in bed and listen to the low rumble of Mr. Schrek’s rocking chair against the old floorboards. Next to him was the brass spittoon, and occasionally a ping sounded from within, courtesy of Mr. Schrek’s chewing tobacco. The kerosene lamp flickered, and to these sights and sounds, I drifted to sleep.

Morning would arrive, and the lake glimmered in buttery August light.

The sound of a stainless steel can opener popping the seal on a can of sweet PET milk signaled that breakfast had arrived. In this way, dreamy summer days passed until the arrival of fall.

School days at the one-room Koehler Township schoolhouse on Hackleberg Road had a unique soundtrack.

I remember working on arithmetic at my desk while listening to the iron clang and squeal of the water pump.

Under the watchful eye of our teacher, Mrs. Hackleberg, my classmates and I would take turns filling the class water pail and hauling it to the tank that supplied our faucet.

Where In Michigan Is This?

Oct. 31 had a sound all its own. On that magical night, when the wind smacked gray waves to the shore, and the leaves rustled, I would rub rosin on a string, preparing to surprise our neighbors, who would gamely pull their shades and wait for their prank.

Outside their window, I ran my fingers along the rosined string, creating an unearthly howl. From inside, the mock terrified shout of “Halloweeners!” could be heard. Moments later, they opened the door to distribute treats to the “monster” waiting outside.

More than 70 years have passed since those days, and now, along with the sound of motorboats and the pop of fireworks, I hear my grandchildren splashing and playing in Mullet Lake.

I appreciate these sounds, but some evenings I wish I could, once again, fall asleep to the sounds of an earlier time and hear that old rowboat come home once again.

GUEST COLUMN Win $200 for stories published!

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

18 MARCH 2026

About the Author: Martin is a former Wayne County Deputy Sheriff, retired after 33 years of service. He enjoys fishing and swimming on Mullet Lake. His family has been a customer of PIE&G since electricity came to Parrot’s Point on Mullet Lake.

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 2026 WINNER! Our Mystery Photo winner is Crystal Fox, a Thumb Electric Cooperative member who correctly identified the photo as the bear statue outside of Wood Winds Restaurant in Onaway, Michigan.

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n, o i t n e t l t o A o h c S h Hig s! r o i Sen

Apply for one of our $2,500 college scholarships!

Deadline extended to March 31!

To apply, click the outreach tab at HomeWorks.org