March 2026 Ontonagon

Ontonagon County Rural Electrification Association

March/April 2026

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

Tapping into the Sweet Tradition of Michigan’s

MAPLE SYRUP SEASON April 18: A Day to Thank Lineworkers Hamilton’s North Coast: Built for Adventure Surge Protection

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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The Steady Hand on the High Line

Gil Martinez – Celebrating 25 Years of Service

By Dallas Aho, General Manager 500 J.K. Paul Street Ontonagon, MI 49953 906-884-4151 800-562-7128 After hours: 866-639-6098 OFFICERS & DIRECTORS Michael Gaunt, President Chassell/Keweenaw Bay District 906-370-8133 • district5@ontorea.com William Hodges, Vice President Lake Linden District 906-934-3743 • district7@ontorea.com Mildred Ann Gasperich, Secretary Boston District 906-337-5079 • district6@ontorea.com Randy Myhren, Treasurer Green/Firesteel/Toivola District 906-884-4092 • district1@ontorea.com Jack Lehto, Director Pelkie/Herman/Aura District 906-353-6684 • district3@ontorea.com Calvin Koski, Director Aura District 906-524-6988 • district4@ontorea.com Paul Koski, Director Ewen/Trout Creek/Lake Mine District district2@ontorea.com PERSONNEL Dallas Aho, CEO/General Manager Alex Watson, Billing Clerk Justin Sironen, Operations Manager Kelsey Preiss, Administrative Assistant OTHER INFORMATION Date of Incorporation: Sept. 30, 1937 Fiscal year-end: Dec. 31 countrylines.com/coops/ontonagon Ontonagon County REA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

KEWEENAW

HOUGHTON

ONTONAGON BARAGA

There’s a specific kind of silence that exists at 40 feet in the air, miles away from the nearest paved road, in the middle of a winter gale. It’s a silence only a lineman truly understands—the hum of the wires, the bite of the wind, and the heavy responsibility of keeping the lights on for thousands of families below. Being a lineman isn’t just a job; it’s a lifestyle that requires a unique brand of toughness. It’s about the 2 a.m. phone calls that pull you away from a warm bed because a transformer blew or a pine tree decided to take out a feeder line.

Retirement marks a shift in frequency. Instead of monitoring load balances and circuit breakers, the focus turns to: • Family Time: Making up for all those missed holidays and birthdays spent on storm duty.

• The Great Outdoors: Trading the utility pole for a fishing rod or a golf club.

• Sleep: Finally enjoying a night where the phone doesn’t ring at 3 a.m.

Over the years, Gil has seen it all. Whether it was routine maintenance or emergency restoration, his commitment to safety and precision set the standard for every crew he led. When Gil started two and a half decades ago, the gear was heavier, the trucks were louder, and the tech was a fraction of what it is today.

From the early days of manual climbs to the modern era of advanced bucket trucks and smart grids, he’s navigated the evolution of the industry with steady hands and a cool head. But while the tools changed, the core of the job never did.

It required a rare combination of physical toughness, technical precision, and— perhaps most importantly—an unwavering commitment to the person working the bucket next to you.

As a lead lineman, Gil managed more than outages; he managed people. He became the grid’s institutional memory, knowing every substation’s quirks and the history behind every problematic circuit in the county.

As he trades his hard hat for a fishing cap (or perhaps just a well-deserved recliner), we want to express our deepest gratitude.

Gil, as you descend the pole for the last time, know your legacy is wired into every home and business here. Thank you for 25 years of keeping us energized. The grid won’t be the same without you. Your impact will be felt each time a light switch flips on.

Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and for always keeping the power flowing. ontonagon.coop

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MARCH 2026

/OntonagonCountyREA

LINEWORKER APPRECIATION DAY APRIL 18, 2026

THANK YOU TO OUR LINEWORKERS! Today we proudly honor the dedicated men and women of Ontonagon Rural Electrification Association who work around the clock to keep the lights on and our communities powered—through storms, extreme cold, and long hours on the job.

Lineworkers are the backbone of our electric system. They climb poles, navigate rugged terrain, and respond during outages to ensure reliable power for homes, farms, and businesses throughout our service area.

Their skill, courage, and commitment make life brighter for all of us.

Please join us in saying THANK YOU to our lineworkers today— and every day! Ontonagon REA appreciates your service. #ThankALineworker

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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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 ontonagon.coop/energy-rebate.php to learn more about all the rebates and energy-savings incentives Ontonagon REA 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 Ontonagon REA bill. Visit ontonagon.coop/energy-rebate.php 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 ontonagon.coop/energy-rebate.php

MI CO-OP Photo Contest

SUNRISE TO SUNSET

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1. An April sunrise at Little Traverse Bay looking towards Louis Point.

Thomas Grimm 2. Lake Superior sunset kayak.

Stacey Flood 3. Sunset through the hard woods.

Dora Silk 4. Lake Superior mornings.

Cathy Codere 5. S wimmers start the Verna Mize Triathlon under a beautiful sunrise in Houghton. Mary Kaminski 6. Lake Superior sunset.

Leah Ollanketo 7. Fishing will have to wait—sunset at Tobin Harbor, Isle Royale.

Connie Pietila 8. Beautiful sunset, MTU lit up, and the bridge! George Sever 9. Daybreak at Big Traverse.

Hans Impola 10. An “almost hard to believe it’s real” winter sunrise!

Johanna Simula

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Enter to win a $50 energy bill credit!

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Submit A Photo & Win A Bill Credit! Ontonagon REA members whose photos we print in Michigan Country Lines during 2026 will be entered in a drawing.

Four lucky members will win a credit of $50 on their December 2026 energy bills!

Upcoming Topics and Deadlines: Birds, due March 25 (May/ June issue) Cute Pets, due May 25 (July/ Aug. issue) Iconic Landmarks, due July 25 (Sept./Oct. issue)

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To submit photos, and for details and instructions, go to http://bit.ly/countrylines.

We look forward to seeing your best photos!

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

Four Seasons of Adventure

Hamilton’s North Coast Adventures Prepares for a Bright Future

By Chris Lewis

When Steve Hamilton was just 5 years old, his parents bought a snowmobile.

Although they didn’t know it at the time, this purchase would have a profound impact on his life.

Fast-forward nearly 35 years, and today, he is the owner of Hamilton’s North Coast Adventures, one of Michigan’s most successful snowmobile rental businesses.

Ultra Motivated, Ultra Sincere Before he became involved with this highly popular, Ontonagon-based tourist destination, Hamilton served in the military. He also operated a photography business, which led him to photograph various snowmobile races.

Although he was able to experience snowmobiling regularly, something was missing. Hamilton wanted to be a part of the action and ride himself.

In addition, he desired to move from Waunakee, Wisconsin, to Wakefield, as he fell in love with the Porcupine Mountains while snowmobiling throughout the area for years.

So, in 2015, he decided to transform his dream into reality. Upon moving to Wakefield, he began to work for a plastic injection mold-making company. On the side, he also served numerous Western Upper Peninsula communities as a snowmobile and utility terrain vehicle (UTV) guide.

While offering “Borderland Waterfall UTV Tours” at the Montreal River Gorge—which features a 200-footdeep canyon on the border of

Michigan and Wisconsin—he realized he had a real opportunity to become self-employed.

In 2016, he named his business Hamilton’s North Coast Adventures to increase his snowmobile and UTV tour clientele and focus solely on them. Five years later, he purchased a 1,100-acre property, which he used to create a campground and to rent snowmobiles and UTVs. To truly differentiate Hamilton’s North Coast Adventures, he partnered with Polaris and the state of Michigan in 2024, via the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s office.

Through the partnership, Hamilton launched the world’s first fully electrified, off-road rental program.

As a result, customers can drive electric vehicles on the Pioneer ORV Trail, the United States’ first-ever allelectric, off-road trail system. Over 100 miles long, the trail system features four solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.

“We are very sincere and genuine with everything we do at Hamilton’s North Coast Adventures,” Hamilton said.

“We’re ultra motivated, ultra passionate, and pretty infectious with our love for the area, leading our customers to come back again and again.”

An Ambassador for Adventure Vehicles Over the past 10 years, Hamilton has become an ambassador for adventure vehicles, from snowmobiles to UVs to EVs. He strives to show not only how

Hamilton’s North Coast Adventures has become one of Michigan’s most successful snowmobile rental businesses.

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“ We’re ultra motivated, ultra passionate, and pretty infectious with our love for the area, leading our customers to come back again and again.” fun the vehicles can be, but also how safe they are.

“We specialize in teaching people how to snowmobile,” he emphasized. “If you’ve never snowmobiled before, we’ll turn you into the most experienced sledder in one or two days.”

Hamilton and his staff teach customers how to use trail maps, trail signage, and the snowmobiles themselves. They’ll also have an opportunity to ride various trails, including one to Porcupine Mountain State Park and Lake of the Clouds, arguably Michigan’s most photographed area.

But he doesn’t just work with beginners. He rents snowmobiles to experienced sledders, too, as he has multiple premium, turbocharged, and high-horsepower snowmobiles.

As the weather warms, he also welcomes guests to ride UVs on his own 15 miles of trails. If they’d like, they can ride on more than 600 miles of accessible public trails.

“We provide two-hour property tours in the summer,” Hamilton said. “Again, I focus on showing guests how fun adventure vehicles can be, while also riding them safely.”

Camping in Mother Nature Recently, Hamilton created a campground that is built around the property’s existing ash, aspen, and red and white oak trees. Featuring several sites ranging in length from 25 to 60 feet, the rustic campground also offers high-speed fiber Wi-Fi internet, two water spigots, and a septic pump.

“It’s the oldest-looking, brand-new campground most people have ever

Hamilton’s North Coast Adventures also offers customers a campground, along with UTV rentals.

Customers love the Upper Peninsula’s utter beauty and tranquility.

seen,” he noted. “We’re really excited about it.”

He’s excited about another aspect as well. In the near future, Hamilton’s North Coast Adventures will also have a new rental office, complete with running water, bathrooms, and showers. All customers will have access to it.

Therefore, each customer will have everything they need onsite, enabling them to fully relish their time at Hamilton’s North Coast Adventures during every season—spring, summer, fall, and winter.

“Our guests’ vacation time is limited, but their vacations never should be,” Hamilton said. “Now they’ll be able to enjoy our area’s hidden gems without having to drive for necessities.”

He added, “At Hamilton’s North Coast Adventures, the future is bright, and the sky is truly the limit. I can’t wait for what’s to come!”

Hamilton’s North Coast Adventures 906-884-3005 hamiltonsnorthcoast.com /HamiltonsNCA

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

Wade Rouse & Viola Shipman:

LAKE MICHIGAN’S STORYTELLERS

By Emily Haines Lloyd

B

efore Wade Rouse ever knew he would become a bestselling author, he knew the gentle weight of his grandmother Viola’s charm bracelet as she held his hand in church. He knew the sound of her recipe box opening like a treasure chest. He remembered sitting with her at the beauty parlor, listening to women share everyday heartbreaks and triumphs, and somehow knowing—these stories matter.

Those simple, unpolished moments would become the heartbeat of the fiction he would one day write. But it was not until he faced some of the hardest chapters of his own life that Rouse understood their deeper purpose. Standing in his childhood attic after losing his mother and watching his father succumb to dementia, he found Grandma Viola’s charm bracelet tucked in a box of keepsakes. Holding it, he realized the stories she passed down were not meant to fade. They were meant to be shared. That moment sparked the beginning of his decision to write under her name: Viola Shipman.

“ So many of our mothers and grandmothers sacrificed so much so we would not have to endure what they did. And they did it with such grace.”

16 MARCH 2026

From Loss to Legacy That act of remembrance grew into a body of fiction that honors the everyday people who hold families and communities together with quiet resilience.

“So many of our mothers and grandmothers sacrificed so much so we would not have to endure what they did,” he said. “And they did it with such grace.”

Rouse’s novels celebrate friendship, hope, and the strength of ordinary lives. His characters reflect the same small-town values that shaped his youth in the Ozarks.

“As a writer, I see myself as a vault for those voices,” he explains. “We live in a world obsessed with perfection, but that is not real. I write about the real people who make life meaningful.”

Finding Belonging in Michigan That sense of authenticity Rouse carried from his Ozark childhood eventually found a new home along the Lake Michigan shoreline. About 20 years ago, after a summer trip to Saugatuck, Rouse and his husband, Gary, traded the bustle of St. Louis for a knotty pine cottage tucked near the dunes. It was in that cabin, a purchase made with equal parts hope and recklessness, that Rouse began writing full time.

Michigan did more than spark his creativity. It echoed the feeling he once had sitting beside his grandmother Viola, surrounded by stories and love.

“Rural Missouri will always have a piece of my heart, but Michigan feels like home now,” he says. “The community is so generous and Lake Michigan has been both calming and centering. I love knowing that 100 years from now, it will still be there, unchanged.”

Stories Rooted in Simplicity and Strength Through the voice of Viola Shipman, Rouse writes about the small, steady

things that make a life whole: a warm meal, a quiet lake, the comfort of friends and neighbors.

“Michigan recentered me,” he says.

“It took me back to those summers with my grandparents, to a time when we bathed in the creek and I thought I had everything I needed.”

In many ways, that is the thread that ties his life together: the joy he found in the Ozarks, the belonging he built in Michigan, and the legacy he continues to carry forward through Viola’s name. The stories he tells now are rooted in both places, shaped by the people who showed him what home and love look like.

Full Circle Now, when Rouse sits at his desk, he often finds himself reaching instinctively for the memory of his grandmother’s hand in his, the steady comfort of her charm bracelet, the murmured gossip of the beauty parlor, and the warm clatter of her recipe cards on an Ozarks afternoon.

Those simple moments built him.

They shaped his voice. And in every novel he writes as Viola Shipman, he is still holding her hand, still listening, still honoring the woman who taught him that home is not a place. It is the people and moments we hold dear and the love we carry forward.

Rouse’s latest book “That’s What Friends Are For” releases March 3, 2026—inspired by the television show “The Golden Girls,” which is celebrating its 40th anniversary. violashipman.com /authorviolashipman /viola_shipman/

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 17

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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When the lights go out, lineworkers are ready to answer the call, day or night, to safely restore power and keep our communities moving forward. They take pride in powering the places we call home. Today and every day, we thank lineworkers for their service and commitment.

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Lineworker Appreciation Day April 18, 2026