May 2023 HomeWorks

Not hearing is believing.

Many homeowners have come to accept that a noisy A/C is a fact of life. But with WaterFurnace, you don’t have to settle.

Nothing can disrupt a perfect summer afternoon in your backyard more than a loud air conditioner. Geothermal users are never disturbed from outside HVAC noise because there’s no outdoor equipment to make any. All the complicated work takes place underground—out of earshot. With WaterFurnace, your peace and quiet is assured. To learn more, contact your local WaterFurnace dealer today.

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

YOUR LOCAL WATERFURNACE DEALERS

Allendale

Allendale Htg & Clg (800) 327-1937

allendaleheating.com

Bad Axe/Ubly

Cutting Edge Htg & Clg (989) 551-0986

Berrien Springs

Waterfurnace Michiana (269) 473-5667

gogreenmichgeo thermal.com

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

stratzgeocomfort.com

Clifford Orton Refrig & Htg (989) 761-7691

sanduskygeothermal.com

Hart Adams Htg & Clg (231) 873-2665

adamsheating cooling.com

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

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

Lowell Arctic Inc. Htg. & Clg. (616) 897-4213 heatingcoolingonline.com

Mancelona

Top Notch Htg, Clg, & Geothermal (231) 350-8052

Topnotchheatandair.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

Muskegon Adams Htg & Clg (231) 873-2665 adamsheatingcooling.co

Portland ESI Htg & Clg (517) 647-6906 esiheating.com

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

Traverse City

D&W Mechanical (231) 941-1251 dwmechanical.com

CO-OP INCENTIVES

Cloverland: up to $4200

Great Lakes: up to $3000

Homeworks/Tri-County: up to $3000

Presque Isle: up to $2700

Cherryland: up to $2500

Thumb Electric: up to $2000

Alger Delta: up to $2000

Michigan’s Electric Cooperatives

EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Casey Clark

EDITOR: Christine Dorr

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Karreen Bird

RECIPE EDITOR: Christin McKamey

COPY EDITOR: Yvette Pecha

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Emily Haines Lloyd

PUBLISHER: Michigan Electric Cooperative Association

Michigan Country Lines, USPS-591-710, is published monthly, except August and December, with periodicals postage paid at Lansing, Mich., and additional offices. It is the official publication of the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association, 201 Townsend St., Suite 900, Lansing, MI 48933. Subscriptions are authorized for members of Alger Delta, Cherryland, Great Lakes, HomeWorks Tri-County, Midwest Energy & Communications, Ontonagon, Presque Isle, and Thumb electric cooperatives by their boards of directors.

Postmaster: Send all UAA to CFS.

Association Officers: Tom Sobeck, Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op, chairman; Gabe Schneider, Cherryland Electric Cooperative, vice chairman; Chris O’Neill, HomeWorks TriCounty 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 Country Lines, Your Communications Partner

For more than 40 years, our co-op members have received Michigan Country Lines because it is the most effective and economical way to share information. Michigan Country Lines keeps members up-to-date about everything going on within their electric co-op. Issues contain news about co-op services, director elections, member meetings, and management decisions that members need to know about as owners of the co-op. The magazine also includes legal notices that would otherwise have to be placed in local media at a substantial cost. Sending Michigan Country Lines helps the co-op fulfill one of its essential principles—to educate and communicate openly with its members. The board of directors authorizes the co-op to subscribe to Michigan Country Lines on behalf of each member at an average cost of $4.15 per year, paid as part of members’ electric bills. The current magazine cost is 52 cents per copy. Michigan Country Lines is published, at cost, by the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association in Lansing. As always, we welcome your comments at editor@meca.coop.

#micoopcommunity

Instagram contest winner

Weathered and wonderful @lexannrebecca

(LexAnn De Weerd)

6 CASTING FOR RECOVERY

An unconventional, but life-changing, retreat helps women fish their way toward healing from breast cancer.

10 MY CO-OP KITCHEN Breakfast for Dinner: Change up your routine and delight your taste buds.

14 AMERICA'S ONLY NICKEL MINE IS IN THE UPPER PENINSULA

From stainless steel to EVs, Eagle Mine meets the ever-rising demand for nickel—in a sustainable and responsible way.

18 GUEST COLUMN

Reflections on Our Pond: A GLE member recalls how a tiny body of water had a huge impact on her family.

MI Co-op Community

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

Instagram Contest

Use #micoopcommunity for a chance to be featured here and on our Instagram account. Win $100 for photos published!

Recipe Contest

See details on page 10. Chocolate due July 1. Win a $100 bill credit!

Guest Column

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

Mystery Photo

See details on page 18. Win a $100 bill credit!

homeworks.org

/homeworks.org

tricoenergy@homeworks.org

Portland office/Mail payments to:

7973 E. Grand River Ave.

Portland, MI 48875

Open 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Monday–Friday

Blanchard office:

3681 Costabella Ave.

Blanchard, MI 49310

Open 8 a.m.–4 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:

1-877-999-3395

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

616-693-2449 • jstebbins@homeworks.org

District 3 — Luke Pohl, Chairman

15560 W. Hanses Rd., Westphalia, MI 48894

989-292-0427 • lpohl@homeworks.org

District 4 — Kimber Hansen

6535 N. Wyman Rd., Edmore, MI 48829

989-506-5849 • khansen@homeworks.org

District 5 — Theresa Sopocy

6996 E. Wilson Rd., Bannister, MI 48807

989-292-0295 • tsopocy@homeworks.org

District 6 — Ed Oplinger, Secretary-Treasurer

10890 W. Weidman Rd., Weidman, MI 48893

989-506-1639 • eoplinger@homeworks.org

District 7 — Shirley Sprague

15563 45th Ave., Barryton, MI 49305

989-382-7535 • ssprague@homeworks.org

Editor: Charly Markwart, CCC

What Factors Into Your Monthly Electric Bill?

By Chris O’Neill, President/CEO

As a member of HomeWorks, you probably know that we are a not-forprofit electric cooperative owned by you and your neighbors who receive our electric service. We don’t have investors, and any margins we earn are eventually returned to you in the form of capital credits. Since our business model is not based on profit, we are able to charge you electric rates that are solely based on the cost of providing service to you, and nothing more. As a HomeWorks member myself, it’s reassuring to me to know that my electric rates won’t go up simply to meet investor demands or to fulfill an arbitrary profit target.

Still, in order to maintain a financially stable and healthy cooperative, we do have to adequately cover our costs. Just like our margins are allocated back to our members based on their patronage, our cost of service is shared evenly by our members, as well. As a member-owner with a vested financial interest in your Cooperative, I think it’s important that you understand the factors that affect your energy costs. Four of the main factors impacting your monthly electric bill are:

• Fuel Costs: When the costs of the fuels used to generate electricity go up, our power supply costs go up. As you are probably well aware, fuel costs are volatile right now. Our power supplier, Wolverine Power Cooperative, works hard to minimize this impact as much as possible by maintaining a very diverse fuel mix, but volatility in the fuel market still significantly affects our costs.

• Operations, Equipment, & Labor Costs: The expenses of the day-to-day operations to run your Co-op and the pricing for the equipment, materials, and contractors needed to maintain our electric system can fluctuate, and like everything right now, these prices are increasing. These are the types of costs that go into the fixed availability charge on your electric bill, which covers the funds we must invest to build, maintain, and operate an electric distribution system to deliver electricity to your home, before you even flip on the switch.

• Weather: It’s easy to understand how weather plays a major role in our energy costs. Extreme temperatures increase the demand for cooling or heating, and this puts pressure on fuel sources and prices.

• Energy Use: This one is obvious: the more electricity you use, the higher your energy bill. This is why you might see your electric bill noticeably increase during the coldest months of winter and the hottest months of summer. (If you would prefer to pay the same amount every month, we do offer a budget billing option; call us at 800-562-8232 for more information.) To learn ways to use less energy by making your home more energy efficient, visit our Energy Optimization page at HomeWorks.org/eo.

We can’t control the weather, and although we do everything we can to keep our expenses as low as possible, some of the fluctuations in the external prices that factor into our cost of service are largely beyond our control, as well. We can and we will, however, continue to work diligently, efficiently, and cost effectively to provide reliable electricity that remains a good value for our members, now and into the future. That’s the Cooperative way.

HomeWorks is committed to providing you with safe, affordable, and reliable electricity. While the costs of living are going up everywhere, including the cost to provide power to your home, we are proud to say that your electricity remains a great value.

Based on $0.12680 cents per kWh, a $5 cup of coffee, and a coffee maker that uses 1,000 watts/hr.

Casting for Recovery Michigan

An unconventional, but life-changing, retreat helps women fish their way toward healing from breast cancer

By Yvette Pecha

In late August, 14 women who have been afflicted with breast cancer will gather at the beautiful Barothy Lodge in Walhalla, Michigan, on the Pere Marquette River for a weekend of camaraderie, discussion, medical and psychological guidance, and, surprisingly enough, fly fishing. It’s all part of a Casting for Recovery (CfR) retreat, where participants get a few days to set aside worries about their diagnosis, doctor appointments, and fear of the future, and come away from their respite equipped with powerful tools that enable them to face challenges moving forward.

Casting for Recovery is a nonprofit organization that was established in 1996 in Vermont. It was created by a breast cancer reconstructive surgeon and a professional fly fisher, with the idea to take the healing power of nature and combine it with the casting motions of fly fishing. These motions closely mimic those that are prescribed to breast cancer patients after radiation or surgery to help them increase mobility in the arms and upper body.

Karen O’Briant, the co-coordinator of the CfR Michigan program, and a Great Lakes Energy Cooperative member, came upon the organization in an unfortunate manner—she

was diagnosed with breast cancer herself in 2020, right at the beginning of the pandemic. “Normally, when you go through chemo, you can take someone with you for support,” she said. “But I had to go through it by myself.” O’Briant, who said she was not big on support groups at the time, found herself looking for some comfort. One day in her surgeon’s office, she was discussing her hobby of fly fishing with a nurse, and the nurse told her there was a group that offered a fly fishing retreat for breast cancer patients. After investigating and discovering CfR, O’Briant applied for the 2021 retreat and got in as an alternate. The experience meant so much to her that she jumped at the chance to work for the organization, where she now helps arrange and fundraise for the annual retreat.

CfR retreats run for two and a half days. They are totally free for the women in attendance, who are chosen through a drawing of applicant names, and all of the fishing equipment, food, and lodging is provided. The guided fly fishing excursion occurs on the last day of the retreat. In preparation for that, the women learn about things like tying fishing knots, casting, bugs they’ll find on the water, the flow of the river, etc. When not in educational sessions, the women participate in discussions with each other and

the volunteer medical and psychological facilitators. The conversations help in two ways—the women get to talk about their own experiences and feel the catharsis that comes with opening up, while also benefitting from hearing the stories of people who are going through the same thing they are. Reflecting on her own experience, O’Briant said, “We all laughed and cried. I hadn’t really been able to talk to others about it because they didn’t understand. The emotions you go through are healing, and you can find inspiration and hope from the other women. I’ve made lifelong friends.” After two days of learning, talking, and eating the meals provided by the Pere Marquette Bistro in Reed City—which O’Briant says is amazing—the women are ready to hit the river. Each participant pairs up with one of the volunteer river helpers, who are all experienced anglers, and the groups are assigned to particular stations (with accommodations given to those who need them). Whether they catch anything or not, the experience is transformative. “It’s so tranquil just being there and listening to the water,” O’Briant said. The day concludes with a lunch and a graduation ceremony, where women take pictures with their helpers, and receive a certificate and a lanyard.

CfR is still accepting applications for this year’s retreat. O’Briant said she strongly recommends that you apply if you are a woman who has or has had breast cancer. “There is no experience like it,” she said. “It totally changed my outlook on cancer and treatments, and it gave me hope for the future.”

FAST FACTS

• Retreats are appropriate for women in all stages of treatment and recovery, and are open to women of all ages.

• There are 40+ retreats nationwide, and CfR has inspired similar programs in six countries outside the U.S.

• To date, CfR has helped over 10,000 women with breast cancer.

CfR relies on the support of more than 1,800 volunteers nationwide, including medical and psychosocial professionals, fly fishing instructors, and alumnae. It also relies heavily on fundraising. If you would like to donate money or your time, visit castingforrecovery.org and click on “Ways to Help.”

Support the Michigan program by directing your donation to the secure online form at castingforrecovery.org/program/ and choose Michigan or use this QR code.

“ We all laughed and cried. I hadn’t really been able to talk to others about it because they didn’t understand. The emotions you go through are healing, and you can find inspiration and hope from the other women. I’ve made lifelong friends.”

Goodbye, Junk— Hello, Summer

Need to make some room in your garage for new summer toys? Want a bit more summer spending money in your pocket? HomeWorks’ Energy Optimization program is here to help with Appliance Recycling! When it’s time to replace that old refrigerator, freezer, dehumidifier, or room AC, HomeWorks will pick it up for FREE, and then send you a rebate check!

Replacing your appliances with new, more efficient ENERGY STAR® products may also qualify you for additional incentives from $30–$500.

Refrigerator Recycling Realities

You’re not the only one who profits from recycling outdated equipment. Appliance recycling has major benefits for the environment, too.

• An older refrigerator uses twice as much energy as a new ENERGY STAR refrigerator.

• Recycling old refrigerators prevents refrigerants and foam from entering the environment, preventing 10,000 pounds of carbon pollution.

• Refrigerators that are 10+ years old can consist of 120 pounds of steel, which can be recycled and reused.

Enter to win a $100 energy bill credit!

Submit Your “Camping” Photos By May 20!

Each month, members will be 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 Camping. Photos can be submitted through May 20 to be featured in our July/August issue.

To enter the contest, visit HomeWorks.org/photocontest. Enter your picture, cast your vote, and encourage others to vote for you, too. The photo receiving the most votes will be printed in an issue of Country Lines, along with some other favorites. If your photo is published in Country Lines during 2023, you will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of four $100 credits on your December 2023 HomeWorks bill!

MOST VOTES

1. Yeah, it’s a girl’s bike. Lyndsey Dickinson, Remus

2. Tequila sunrise. Carolyn Spindler, Remus

3. Biking with Daddy at the Dragon Trail. Shanda Reichert, Blanchard

4 Rocky and friends! Phyllis Snider, Barryton

5. Farm life 1940s, big brother and little sister. Theresa Miller, Nashville

6. My crazy daughter in the sporting goods section! Casie Bayless, Portland

7. School transportation. Gene Comero, Lake Odessa

8. Biking the Portland Trail on a nice summer day! Mickey Burns, Eagle

BREAKFAST FOR DINNER

Fun to eat morning and night.

Recipe Contest

Win a $100 energy bill credit!

Chocolate recipes due July 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

FLAVORFUL COMFORT QUICHE

Ann Utter, Presque Isle

1 pound mild pork sausage (or substitute w/ small cubes of cooked ham)

12 eggs

2 cups (16 ounces) small curd cottage cheese

3 cups (12 ounces) shredded Monterey

Jack cheese (or pepper jack cheese)

1 cup (4 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten free)

½ cup butter or margarine, melted

1 teaspoon baking powder

2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms, optional

¾ cup onion, finely chopped

1 (4-ounce) can chopped green chilies, drained

• grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 375 F. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook sausage (if using) until no longer pink; drain. In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs, cheeses, flour, butter, and baking powder. Stir in mushrooms, onion, chilies, and sausage (or ham). Transfer to two greased 9-inch round baking dishes (dishes will be quite full). Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Makes two quiches (6–8 servings each). Divide recipe ingredients in half to make one quiche.

Watch a video of this month’s winning recipe at

MEXICAN EGG SAUSAGE ENCHILADAS FOR DINNER

Janet Cather, Midwest Energy

1 pound ground pork, browned (I use chorizo, but you can use plain/ Italian too)

2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheddar cheese, divided

1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles, drained

8 (8-inch) flour tortillas (I use whole wheat)

6 large eggs

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup unsweetened milk of choice (I use unsweetened soy milk)

1 tablespoon flour

• favorite jarred salsa

• diced green onions, for topping, optional

Optional Serving Sides:

• sour cream

• hash browns/tater tots

• Mexican street corn

• additional salsa

Spray 9x13 metal pan with cooking spray (if using glass, cooking time may vary).

Combine browned sausage with 1 cup cheese and diced green chiles. Place ¹⁄ 8

(around ½ cup+) of the mixture down the center of each tortilla. Roll up and place seam side down in the baking dish. In another large bowl, whisk/beat the eggs, heavy cream, milk, and flour (note: it’s best to first shake the flour with a portion of the milk in a small lidded container, around 4 ounces, to ensure the flour is blended in). Pour egg mixture evenly over the tortillas in the pan. Cover the dish and place in fridge for 6+ hours (this allows the tortillas time to absorb the egg mixture and prevent it from being too runny). Preheat the oven to 350 F when ready to bake. Remove cover from the dish and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup cheese over the tortillas. Bake covered with foil for 40–45 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 10–15 minutes. Remove dish from oven and spread as much salsa as you want on top of the tortillas. You can add the diced green onions at this point too. Serve with remaining salsa along with any other chosen sides. Enjoy! Note: I prep this recipe around 10 a.m. for a 7 p.m. dinner. Or, you can prep the night before for a hearty breakfast.

BACON BREAKFAST PIZZA

Deanne Quain, Great Lakes Energy

1 (13.8-ounce) tube refrigerated pizza crust

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

6 large eggs

2 tablespoons water

6–8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 400 F. Unroll and press dough onto the bottom and ½ inch up

the sides of a 15x10x1-inch pan. Prick thoroughly with a fork, then brush with 1 tablespoon oil. Bake until lightly browned, 7–8 minutes. Meanwhile, whisk egg and water. In a nonstick skillet, heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Add eggs and scramble over medium heat until thickened, slowly moving the eggs around until softly scrambled and fluffy. Spoon over crust and sprinkle with bacon and cheese. Bake until cheese is melted, about 5–7 minutes.

BACON AND SAUSAGE GRAVY BREAKFAST CASSEROLE

Jack Schonert, Great Lakes Energy

1 pound bacon, divided

1 pound ground sausage, divided

1 (8-count) can biscuits

1 cup finely chopped onion

2 cups grated cheese, divided

6 eggs

3¹⁄ ³ cups milk, divided

¹⁄ 8 teaspoon nutmeg

½ cup flour

¹⁄ 8 -¼ teaspoon salt

¹⁄ 8 -¼ teaspoon black pepper

• Optional: mushrooms, diced red or green bell pepper, red pepper

flakes

Preheat oven to 350 F. Fry the bacon and sausage; drain grease. Cut or crumble the

bacon into pieces and place both together back into a big frying pan or saucepan. Grease sides and bottom of 9x13 pan. Cut biscuits into quarters and place in bottom of the pan. Layer a quarter of both the bacon and sausage over the biscuits; sprinkle with onion and 1 cup cheese. Whisk eggs in a bowl; stir in ¹⁄ ³ cup milk and nutmeg. Pour evenly over the biscuits. To the remaining ¾ of sausage and bacon, add flour, salt, and pepper (and optional ingredients), and remaining 3 cups milk. Cook over medium heat until bubbly and thickened. Pour over biscuits and sprinkle with remaining 1 cup cheese. Bake for 45 minutes.

Who Owns What?

HomeWorks-Owned Equipment vs. Member-Owned Equipment

As a HomeWorks member, it’s important to understand the point at which you, the homeowner, takes responsibility for the power coming into your residence. This graphic depicts equipment owned by the Co-op (in blue) and the member (in red). In the event that a storm damages member-owned equipment, the member is responsible for hiring a licensed electrician to make repairs before our crews can restore power to your home.

Owned by Co-op

Owned by Member Power distribution lines

Tree trimming

Trimming trees around service line is the member’s responsibility

Meter socket and jaws

socket

Note: Your home has either overhead or underground service. This graphic depicts both.

Your Board In Action

Meeting in Portland on March 27, your board of directors:

• Approved allocation of 2022 margins to members based on their patronage, including $2,844,146 for HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative and $2,163,200 for Wolverine Power Cooperative.

• Approved management’s recommendation to delay consideration of a general capital credit retirement until the fourth quarter of 2023.

• Authorized an estate capital credit retirement of $15,291 to member estates, discounted to present value.

• Authorized management to donate $5,000 apiece in unclaimed capital credits from 2017 to IM Kids 3rd Meal and the Elsie Baby Pantry, two charitable organizations serving residents within our service area. These funds will be matched

by the CoBank Sharing Success program offered by the Co-op’s lender, bringing the donation up to $10,000 for each organization.

• Approved management’s recommendation that the remaining balance of $344,631 of unclaimed capital credits from 2017 be retired to donated capital.

• Accepted the Co-op’s annual audit report from a representative of Eide Bailly, LLP, a third-party CPA firm.

• Learned that the Co-op’s members, directors, and employees contributed $16,960 to the 2023 Action Committee for Rural Electrification (ACRE) fundraising campaign.

• Approved March 3, 2023, as the Record Date for determining the members entitled to receive notice of the Co-op’s 2023 district meetings and acknowledged the official Record Numbers of active members per district as of that date.

People Fund Grants Over $11,000 To Support Local Communities

Meeting remotely on April 5, our People Fund board made eight grants totaling $11,168, including:

• $2,500 to the St. Mary’s St. Vincent de Paul Society in Charlotte, to provide temporary shelter and utility assistance;

• $2,500 to United Way of Gratiot and Isabella counties, for community assistance;

• $2,000 to Habitat for Humanity of Ionia County, for supplies for a Habitat house build project;

• $1,500 to the 2nd Chance Corporation of Lakeview, to purchase a new septic system;

• $1,000 to Boy Scout Troop 129 of Portland, to provide assistance with summer camp costs;

• $1,000 to a Clare County family, to provide utility assistance;

• $418 to a Montcalm County family, to provide utility assistance; and

• $250 to Cub Scout Troop 258 of Portland, to help with the costs of an award ceremony.

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 June 27 for the July meeting or by Aug. 1 for the August meeting.

• Discussed and accepted Cooperative Bylaw Sections 2.102.13, as revised.

• Learned there were 52 new members in February.

• Acknowledged the February safety report, listing employee training as well as minor employee and public incidents involving electric, propane, or fiber optic.

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 May 22 and June 26 at Portland. 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.

Offices Closed Memorial Day

Please note that our offices will be closed on Monday, May 29, in honor of Memorial Day

While we are closed, you will still be able to reach us at 800-848-9333 to report an outage, or at 877-999-3395 to pay your bill via phone.

NICKEL MINE IS IN THE UPPER PENINSULA

By Emily Haines Lloyd

Not many business models begin with an ending in mind. But that’s how Eagle Mine in western Marquette County started its business activity.

“With the last 10 years or so, that’s what sustainable mining means,” said External Communications Manager Matt Johnson of Lundin Mining Co., which owns Eagle Mine. “You design a mine for closure. Before you even open, you have to prepare to close it responsibly.”

Eagle Mine is the only active nickel mine in the United States right now, with a concentration on unearthing an ore body that hopes to produce enough nickel to meet the ever-rising global demand.

Nickel doesn’t have the same cachet as gold and silver, but it is an absolute necessity in the production of things like stainless steel products. Consider your favorite kitchen upgrade with a stainless refrigerator, stove, and dishwasher. Each of those appliances benefits from the antimicrobial, anti-rust, and anti-corrosion attributes of stainless steel, but the nickel makes them even stronger and more resistant to wear and tear.

In fact, there is an even greater demand for nickel these days as we see energy-efficient electric vehicles hitting the scene. Nickel is a mineral that helps increase energy storage in lithium-ion batteries, boosting the range electric cars can drive on a single charge.

“At this point in our country’s production history, we need minerals, and those minerals need to be mined. But we’re going to make sure it’s done sustainably, responsibly, and transparently.”

—Matt Johnson, External Communications Manager

“There is no electric vehicle battery without nickel,” notes Johnson. “In 2017, about 3% of nickel went into the EV industry. In the next 10 years, we’re looking at closer to 40%.”

It’s a complex cycle of electric vehicles helping to reduce emissions and the impact on the climate, and encouraging additional production of environmentally friendly cars. However, mining is at the heart of that production stream. While nickel could be mined and purchased from other countries, many of them have much looser rules and guidelines regulating them. There are big benefits to having a U.S.-based mine that holds itself to the highest environmental and social standards.

“Part of our company’s mission is to fund and partner with groups to delve deeper into the research, create bestpractice critical material development, and create a new stream for critical minerals for batteries,” said Johnson. “The increased demand for nickel is nearly 100 times what it was just a decade ago. So, we need to increase our level of responsibility to make sure we are helping to solve problems, not create more.”

Eagle Mine has developed many relationships to help create better systems for solving those problems. They’ve partnered with Michigan Technological University to develop new research technologies that create sustainable processes in order to supply critical minerals for battery manufacturing, as well as to make a concentrated effort to improve battery recycling. These efforts are necessary, but are also just the beginning to meet the ever-increasing demand for metal in new products and technologies.

“We are leaders in mining best practices,” said Johnson. “We need to balance meeting the demand with making sure our impact is as limited as possible.”

While Eagle Mine is identifying the environmental impacts, they also concern themselves with community impact. They hold local forums every six months to engage in folks’ questions and concerns and ensure they are responding in kind.

“Constructive dialogue is critical to what we do. We don’t have all the answers, because we can’t know all the questions. We listen and respond seriously to the community,” said Johnson. “We don’t just have a responsibility to the community while the mine is open, we need to make sure we don’t have a negative impact once it closes as well.”

Right now it looks like the mine could close sometime in the next four years, unless bigger ore stores are discovered. For now, Eagle Mine is keeping the nickel coming with the help of their nearly 400 employees to meet the needs of the electric vehicle industry and cleaner transportation.

“At this point in our country’s production history, we need minerals, and those minerals need to be mined,” said Johnson. “But we’re going to make sure it’s done sustainably, responsibly, and transparently.”

For more information:

NO BARRIERS 2023

Michigan electric cooperatives believe there should be “No Barriers” for veterans with disabilities. That’s the name and idea behind CoBank’s No Barriers initiative. Michigan cooperatives are looking for qualified veterans* from our local community to participate.

No Barriers is a five-day, allexpenses-paid expedition in Colorado, designed to help veterans with disabilities transform their lives through curriculumbased experiences in challenging environments (climbing, rafting, and hiking).

If you are a disabled veteran, or you know of a disabled veteran in our community who would like to participate in the No Barriers program, please complete the form on our website: countrylines.com/nobarriers

*Must have VA disability rating to be eligible.

Notice Of Member Access To Rules And Rates

As a member-customer (member) of HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative (Cooperative), the following information is available to you from the Cooperative, upon request:

1. Complete rate schedules;

2. Clear and concise explanation of all rates that the member may be eligible to receive; and

3. Assistance from the Cooperative in determining the most appropriate rate for a member when the member is eligible to receive service under more than one rate.

For more information, visit homeworks.org or call 800-562-8232.

Fuel Mix Report

Comparison Of Fuel Sources Used

The fuel mix characteristics of HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative as required by Public Act 141 of 2000 for the 12-month period ended 12/31/22. *Regional

Your Co-op’s Fuel Mix Regional Average Fuel Mix

NOTE: Biomass excludes wood; solid waste incineration includes landfill gas; and wind includes a long-term renewable purchase power contract in Wolverine’s mix.

Emissions And Waste Comparison

for the 12-month period ending 12/31/22. HomeWorks purchases 100% of its electricity from Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative, Inc., which provided this fuel mix and environmental data.

May Is Electrical Safety Month

Follow these simple tips to prevent electrical hazards in your home and help keep you and your family safe. For more electric safety tips, visit HomeWorks.org/electricsafety.

Never overload your electrical system. Overloaded electrical circuits are a major cause of residential fires.

Don’t use light bulbs that are above the maximum wattage listed on the lamp or fixture. Exceeding that wattage can cause overheating and fire hazards.

Never use electrical cords that feel warm to the touch or are damaged in any way. Replace old cords when needed.

Frequently tripped circuit breakers and blown fuses are clear warning signs of faulty electrical wiring. Contact a licensed electrician for an inspection.

Reflections On Our Pond

By Kathy Fila, a Great Lakes Energy Cooperative member

Our 24-year-old son came over today with youthful enthusiasm and energy, claiming he would get the pond ready to skate on. Last year, to my delight, he and his girlfriend (now his wife) did the same thing.

Why is this a moment? It blesses me to my core. For over 20 years, my husband and I spent many winter afternoons using shovels to clear the pond so the kids could skate after school. It became my aerobic exercise for the day. What a treat it was to have our little sanctuary of winter fun, and now as we approach our senior years, our youngest son is taking it over and continuing the tradition—albeit in a different manner. Rather than shoveling, he tows the snowblower, mounted on the snow scoop, and pulls them both behind the snowmobile to take down to the pond. After removing the snow, he cuts a hole in the pond and spreads a fresh sheen of ice over its entirety with fivegallon buckets.

That pond has such precious memories. The children and I have had picnics on its shore in the spring before the mosquitoes hatch. One Father’s Day, we spent the day crafting a log raft. We have “fished” for leaves in the surrounding swamp. There have been turtle-catching days, especially for the elusive old man snapper. There was even a campout that my husband had with the two older boys in a tent on the pond’s shore while spring peepers and bullfrogs hammered in their ears. He didn’t get any sleep that night.

Many children have shared the joys of our little slice of nature as the kids have brought friends to share in the fun. My oldest son had the “best night of his life” and the “worst night of his life” on that pond within a span of 20 minutes. What started as an exciting night of potential hockey with brooms and a block of wood for a puck was quickly terminated shortly after we stepped onto the ice. Not only were we going to skate by the light of the moon, but stepping onto the ice made the loudest crack I’d ever heard. Images of being swallowed up in the dark, murky water took over my mind and ended our adventure—Ahh— the disappointments of youth.

Mystery Photo

Win a $100 energy bill credit!

There have even been a few magical winters when the swamp froze along with the pond. My daughter and youngest son would skate with me throughout the woods, circling trees and bushes in what felt like a magical fairyland. My husband and I bought this 12-acre parcel 25 years ago. That pond and its surrounding swamp have been our little escape from the world’s hubbub. It has felt like our own special ecosystem that has welcomed various birds and wildlife and given us a peaceful reminder of the beauty of God’s creation. The kids have all grown and have homes of their own now, but the memories remain. And now it’s time for me to go as my youngest has returned with the announcement, “The pond’s ready to skate on, Ma.” Let me grab my skates and head on down!

About The Author: Kathy is a retired physical therapist. She enjoys many outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, camping, birdwatching, and cross-country skiing with her husband and friends. She and her husband are beginning the grandparent stage of their lives with two beautiful granddaughters.

Guest Column

Win $200 for stories published!

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

Where In Michigan Is This?

Identify the correct location of the photo to the left by May 24 and be entered into a drawing to win a $100 electric bill credit. Enter your guess at countrylines.com/community

March 2023 Winner!

Our Mystery Photo winner is Brian Soop, a Cherryland Electric Cooperative member, who correctly identified the photo as the Belle Isle Conservatory in Detroit. Winners are announced in the following issues of Country Lines: January, March, May, July/ August, September, and November/December.

HEATING WITH WELL-CONNECT IS LIKE PAYING 70¢ Per Gallon of Propane

•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 or excavation is required.

HEAT FOR AS LOW AS $600 ALL WINTER

COOL FOR AS LOW AS $50 ALL SUMMER