May 2023 Ontonagon

May/June 2023

MICHIGAN

COUNTRY LINES Ontonagon County Rural Electrification Association

America’s Only

NICKLE MINE IS IN THE UPPER PENINSULA

Join Us For The Annual Meeting On June 17

Two Director Seats Up For Election

Northern Michigan’s Natural Treasure— The Petoskey Stone

WATERFURNACE UNITS QUALIFY FOR A 30% FEDERAL TAX CREDIT

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

CO-OP INCENTIVES

Allendale Allendale Htg & Clg (800) 327-1937 allendaleheating.com

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

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

Bad Axe/Ubly Cutting Edge Htg & Clg (989) 551-0986

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

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

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

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

Mancelona Top Notch Htg, Clg, & Geothermal (231) 350-8052 Topnotchheatandair.com

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

Michigan Center Comfort 1/Air Serv of Southern Michigan (517) 764-1500 airserv.com/southernmichigan/

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

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

visit us at waterfurnace.com/mi

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

WaterFurance is a registered trademark of WaterFurance International, Inc. ©2023 *30% through 2032, 26% through 2033 and 22% through 2034

Contents countrylines.com

/michigancountrylines

May 2023 Vol. 43, No. 5 /michigancountrylines

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

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.

Breakfast for Dinner: Change up your routine and delight your taste buds.

Win $100 for photos published!

14 AMERICA'S ONLY

See details on page 10. Chocolate due July 1.

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.

Recipe Contest

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!

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

3

ontonagon.coop /OntonagonCountyREA 500 J.K. Paul Street Ontonagon, MI 49953 906-884-4151 800-562-7128 After hours: 866-639-6098 OFFICERS & DIRECTORS

William Hodges, President Lake Linden District 906-934-3743 • mistermich52@gmail.com Calvin Koski, Vice President Aura District 906-524-6988 • cgkoski@up.net

Join Your Fellow Co-op Members at the 2023 Annual Meeting

Mildred Ann Gasperich, Secretary Boston District 906-337-5079 • anngasperich@yahoo.com Randy Myhren, Treasurer Green/Firesteel/Toivola District 906-884-4092

Jack Lehto, Director Pelkie/Herman/Aura District 906-353-6684 • jlehto@up.net

Michael Urbis, Director Ewen/Trout Creek/Lake Mine District 906-988-2344 • mdurbis@yahoo.com

Michael Gaunt, Director Chassell/Keweenaw Bay District 906-370-8133 • budget2019@gmail.com PERSONNEL

Eugene Soumis, General Manager Dallas Aho, Administrative Assistant Fay Hauswirth, Billing Clerk Mark Urbis, Line Superintendent 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.

Eugene Soumis, General Manager

I

t’s that time of year again; Ontonagon REA is gearing up for the 2023 Annual Meeting, which will be held at Chassell High School on Saturday, June 17, at 10 a.m. The Annual Meeting is a special time for co-op members to gather, share experiences, hear from co-op leadership, and, perhaps most importantly, vote to elect your new board members.

Ontonagon REA employees work hard to host this fun event, and we encourage you to attend and exercise some of the many rights you have as a member of an electric cooperative.

We know the food, games, and prizes are the best parts of the meeting, but there is so much more to the event.

Did you know the Annual Meeting is an occasion to discuss and learn more about the issues affecting our community? Our cooperative has faced some challenges in 2022, including increased cost of fuel, materials, and equipment along with long delivery times (2+ years) on special equipment, including

4 MAY 2023

transformers. This is an opportunity to learn more about the topics that impact you and talk about what we as a community can do to address our most pressing challenges and take advantage of available opportunities.

Your Annual Meeting is also the occasion to exercise one of the greatest benefits of being an electric co-op member: voting for the upcoming year’s board of directors.

Far-away investors do not own your electric cooperative, and an appointed board of directors does not run it.

Your electric cooperative is run by a democratically elected board that is given the privilege to serve because of your vote.

So, at this year’s Annual Meeting, not only will you have a blast (and maybe win a prize!), but you will feel good knowing that you had a voice in a very important decision that impacts one of our most vital resources, electricity.

From all of your friends at Ontonagon REA, we hope to see you in June at the Annual Meeting.

Ontonagon County REA/Dec. 31, 2022, & Dec. 31, 2021 Financial Statement Balance Sheets Assets

2022

2021

Less—Accumulated depreciation Net utility plant

$34,759,280 1,693,944 36,453,224 (12,398,397) 24,054,827

$32,475,722 1,387,291 33,863,013 11,493,016 22,369,997

INVESTMENTS & OTHER ASSETS: Total investments and other assets

1,250,695

4,204,196

UTILITY PLANT: Electric plant in service Construction work in progress

CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and cash equivalents Cash—Construction funds Accounts receivable (less accumulated provision for uncollectibles of $40,000 in 2021) Accounts receivable—Other Renewable energy credits Materials and supplies Prepayments Total current assets Deferred charges TOTAL ASSETS

458,195 1,425,650 611,560

460,654 11 566,445

89,204 39,875 370,227 2,843 2,997,555 73,749

43,847 48,000 254,779 37,968 1,411,693 95,543

$28,376,826

$28,081,429

Members’ Equities and Liabilities EQUITIES: Memberships Patronage capital Other equities Total equities

$22,745 7,899,803 32,497 8,037,561

LONG-TERM LIABILITIES: Rural Utilities Service (RUS) mortgage notes FFB National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (NRUCFC) supplemental mortgage notes CoBank, ACB mortgage note Less current portion Post-retirement benefit obligation Total long-term liabilities

$22,745 6,976,150 32,497 7,955,045

7,283,719

7,479,171

10,413,658

10,951,181

$17,697,377

$18,430,352

139,796 $17,837,173

127,796 $18,558,148

Members’ Equities and Liabilities (continued) CURRENT LIABILITIES: Current maturities of long-term liabilities Line of credit notes payable Accounts payable Customer deposits Other current liabilities Total current liabilities Deferred credits TOTAL EQUITIES AND LIABILITIES

2022

2021

712,092 443,294 14,700 508,893

733,459 267,240 13,800 472,834

1,678,979

1,487,333

823,114

80,903

28,376,826

$28,081,429

Statement of Revenue and Expenses Ending Dec. 31, 2022, & Dec. 31, 2021 OPERATING REVENUES

$6,667,377

$6,826,447

OPERATING EXPENSES: Cost of purchased power Distribution—Operations Distribution—Maintenance Consumer accounts Customer service and informational Sales expense Administrative and general Depreciation Taxes Other deductions

2,170,246 258,521 1,218,287 313,162 81,732 816,689 892,746 343,000 36,188

2,099,223 355,938 811,438 274,978 114,996 551,124 849,456 310,302 20,484

Total operating expenses

$6,130,571

$5,387,939

Operating margins before interest expense

$536,806

$1,438,508

Interest expense

670,040

687,782

Operating margins (loss) after interest expense

(133,426)

$750,726

Capital credits

31,879 55,774 $120,988 94,984

8,263 (121) $68,142 104,784

NET (LOSS) MARGINS

$82,546

$923,652

NONOPERATING MARGINS: Interest and investment income Other nonoperating income (expense)

Consumer Cooperative Act Disclosure Name

Address

Email

Title and District

Term*

Eugene Soumis

500 James K. Paul St., Ontonagon, MI 49953

esoumis@ontorea.com

General Manager

William Hodges

5166 S. Big Traverse Bay Road, Lake Linden, MI 49945

district7@ontorea.com

Director—President Lake Linden District

2024

Calvin Koski

18338 Aura Road, L’anse, MI 49946

district4@ontorea.com

Director— Vice President Aura

2024

Mildred Ann Gasperich

58807 Lakeshore Drive, Calumet, MI 49913

district6@ontorea.com

Director—Secretary Boston

2023

Randy Myhren

35401 Woodspur Road, Ontonagon, MI 49953

district1@ontorea.com

Director—Treasurer Green/Firesteel/Toivola

2025

Jack Lehto

16772 Gristmil Road, Baraga, MI 49908

district3@ontorea.com

Director Pelke/Herman/Aura

2025

Michael Urbis

21346 Hwy. M-28, Ewen, MI 49925

district2@ontorea.com

Director Ewen/Trout Creek/Lake Mine

2023

Michael Gaunt

P.O. Box 497, Chassell, MI 49916

district5@ontorea.com

Director Chassell/Keweenaw Bay

2025

*All terms expire in June.

Board members are compensated $325 per board meeting (president $350). General manager is compensated $128,500 annually.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

5

Casting for Recovery Michigan An unconventional, but life-changing, retreat helps women fi sh their way toward healing from breast cancer

By Yvette Pecha

I

n 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

6

MAY 2023

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

“ 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 fi nd inspiration and hope from the other women. I’ve made lifelong friends.”

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.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

7

TWO-THIRDS PAGE 4.625 X 10

Know What’s Below

Steps for Safe Digging

5 STEPS FOR SAFE DIGGING Working on an outdoor project? Careless digging poses a threat to people, pipelines, and underground facilities. Always call 8-1-1 first.

Here are five easy steps for safe digging:

pring is just around the corner, and there’s never been a better time to get outside and enjoy the fresh air.

Perhaps you’re making plans for a new garden or a lawn makeover.

However, if you’re planning to revamp your backyard oasis, remember to keep safety in mind for all projects—especially those that require digging near underground utility lines.

S

Most of us never think about the electric, gas, water, and other utility lines buried below the ground, but hitting one of these lines while digging is not the reminder you’ll want—trust us! Ontonagon REA reminds all members who are planning a digging project to call 811 at least three business days before you start. Or you can submit a request online by visiting www. call811.com/811-In-Your-State. Here’s how the process works: After you call 811 or submit your request online, all affected utilities will be notified of your intent to dig.

It may take the utilities a few days to get to your request, so please be patient. The affected utilities will send someone out to mark the buried lines with paint or flags. Before you break ground, confirm that all the utilities have responded to your request. If you placed your request by phone, use the process your 811 call center representative explained.

If you submitted your request online, refer to your 811 center ticket to confirm everything.

By taking this important step before you break ground on your project, you can help protect not only yourself but our community. Disrupting an underground utility line can interrupt service, cause injuries, and cost money to repair, so remember to call 811 first and know what’s below.

8 MAY 2023

1. NOTIFY

Call 8-1-1 or make a request online two to three days before your work begins. The operator will notify the utilities affected by your project.

2. WAIT

Wait two to three days for affected utilities to respond to your request. They will send a locator to mark any underground utility lines.

2-3

3. CONFIRM

Confirm that all affected utilities have responded to your request by comparing the marks to the list of utilities the 8-1-1 call center notified.

4. RESPECT

Respect the markers provided by the affected utilities. The markers are your guide for the duration of your project.

5. DIG CAREFULLY

If you can’t avoid digging near the markers (within 18-24 inches on all sides, depending on state laws), consider moving your project location.

Source: call811.com

Bikes

PHOTO CONTEST

1

2

3

4

5

6

Enter to win a $50 energy bill credit!

Submit A Photo & Win A Bill Credit!

Ontonagon REA members whose photos we print in Michigan Country Lines during 2023 will be entered in a drawing. Four lucky members will win a credit of $50 on their December 2023 energy bills!

Upcoming Topics and Deadlines: Camping, due May 20 (July/Aug. issue) Porches, due July 20 (Sept./Oct. issue) Celebrations, due Sept. 20 (Nov./Dec. issue) To submit photos, and for details and instructions, go to http://bit.ly/countrylines. We look forward to seeing your best photos!

1. Birthday bike. Danielle Impola

2. A mountain biker navigates the tricky On the Edge boardwalks at the Copper Harbor Trails. Nathan Miller 3. Sisters out for a bike ride along the Houghton waterfront. Jaclyn Johnson

4. Skanee, Michigan, boat ramp. Suzuki 650 V-Strom XT Adventure. Thomas Jannuzzi

5. A group of guys poses at a scenic overlook at the Copper Harbor Trails on a mountain biking adventure.

Nathan Miller 6. Our daughter was all set for the Fourth of July parade.

Benji Hainault

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

9

MI CO-OP Recipes

Photos by Robert Bruce Photography || Recipes submitted by MCL readers and tested by recipe editor Christin McKamey

BREAKFAST FOR DINNER Fun to eat morning and night.

WINNING RECIPE! 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

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.

10 MAY 2023

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 micoopkitchen.com/videos

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.

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 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.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

11

Fuel Mix Report The fuel mix characteristics of Ontonagon REA as required by Public Act 141 of 2000 for the 12-month period ending 12/31/22.

Comparison Of Fuel Sources Used Fuel source

Your co-op’s fuel mix

Regional average fuel mix

Coal

20.215%

33.472%

Oil

0.248%

0.476%

Gas

18.407%

29.441%

Hydroelectric

0.518%

0.873%

Nuclear

40.632%

25.901%

Renewable Fuels

19.980%

9.837%

Biofuel

0.316%

0.662%

Biomass

0.181%

0.417%

Solar

0.856%

0.766%

Solid Waste Incineration

0.080%

0.011%

Wind

18.341%

7.567%

Wood

0.206%

0.414%

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

Your Co-op’s Fuel Mix

Notice Of 2023 Annual Meeting Of Members Of Ontonagon County Rural Electrification Association Date of Notice: May 16, 2023

Please be advised that, pursuant to Article II, Section 3, and Article XIV of the Ontonagon County Rural Electrification Association’s bylaws, the Annual Meeting of the members of the Ontonagon County Rural Electrification Association is hereby called by the secretary of the association. The purpose of the Annual Meeting is to seat the new directors, pass reports covering the previous fiscal year, and transact any other business as may properly come before the meeting. The Annual Meeting of the members of the Ontonagon County Rural Electrification Association shall occur at Chassell High School, 41585 U.S. Highway 41, Chassell, MI 49916, promptly at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 17, 2023.

Ontonagon County Rural Electrification Association Mildred Gasperich, secretary

Access To Rules And Rates Please be advised that the following information is available to Ontonagon County REA members: 1. Complete rate schedules; 2. Clear and concise explanation of all rates that the member may be eligible to receive; 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; 4. Clear and concise explanation of the member’s actual energy use for each billing period during the last 12 months.

The information can be obtained by contacting Ontonagon County REA at 906-884-4151.

Regional Average Fuel Mix

Ontonagon REA 2023

Emissions And Waste Comparison lbs/MWh

Type of emission/waste

Your co-op

Regional average*

Sulfur Dioxide

0.50

0.92

Carbon Dioxide

634.8

1,061.3

Oxides of Nitrogen

0.43

0.84

High-Level Nuclear Waste

0.009

0.006

*Regional average information was obtained from the MPSC website and is for the 12-month period ending 12/31/22. Figures for Ontonagon County REA are based on those of its power supplier, Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative, Inc., which provided this fuel mix and environmental data.

12 MAY 2023

Summer Office Hours Effective May 1 to Sept. 1, the summer office hours are Monday–Thursday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Copper Harbor

Two Director Seats Up For Election The Ontonagon County Rural Electrification Association is comprised of seven districts, with directors elected for three-year terms.

Boston

Lake Linden

Houghton Toivola

Chassell

Ontonagon Firesteel

Pelkie

Green

Keweenaw Bay

L’Anse

Aura

Lake Mine Herman

Bruce Crossing

This year, the terms will expire for:

Ewen

District 2: Ewen/Trout Creek/ Lake Mine

Trout Creek

District 6: Boston These two director seats are up for election this June and ballots for those elections will be mailed after May 1, 2023, the due date of the nominating petitions.

The ballots are due to our office no later than Monday, June 12, 2023, at 500 J.K. Paul St., Ontonagon, MI 49953.

Please call our office if you have any questions.

Voting Districts District 1: Green/Firesteel/Toivola. . . . . . . . . . . . 619 District 2: Ewen/Trout Creek/Lake Mine . . . . . . . 747 District 3: Pelkie/Herman/Aura . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 692 District 4: Aura. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 666 District 5: Chassell/Keweenaw Bay. . . . . . . . . . . 697 District 6: Boston. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 779 District 7: Lake Linden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 840

OFF

ICE CLOSURES

MEMORIAL DAY & INDEPENDENCE DAY Cooperative offices will be closed on Monday, May 29, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday and Tuesday, July 4, for Independence Day. Payments may be made at the drop box and will be posted on the next open business day.

From our family to yours, enjoy the holidays.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 13

America’s Only

NICKEL MINE IS IN THE UPPER PENINSULA

By Emily Haines Lloyd

N

ot 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.

14 MAY 2023

“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%.”

“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.”

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.

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.

“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.

“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: eaglemine.com

/lundineaglemine

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

15

NORTHERN MICHIGAN’S NATURAL TREASURE

The Petoskey Stone

By Emily Haines Lloyd

hen you think of searching out fossilized rock formations, you’re likely to conjure movie icons like Indiana Jones, Dr. Alan Grant, or Lara Croft. But along the coastlines in northern Michigan, you’ll see plenty of regular people flocking to the beaches and shoreline to do just that, in search of the state’s favored Petoskey Stone.

W

As told by the Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau, well before dinosaurs roamed the earth, over 350 million years ago,

16 MAY 2023

the land we know as Michigan was located near the equator. Covered by a warm, shallow, saltwater sea, the colonial coral hexagonaria percarinata thrived with other marine life in tropical reefs. The earth’s plates moved and pushed Michigan north to the 45th parallel and above sea level, which created dry land formations.

More recently, about 2 million years ago, glacial action scraped the earth and spread the fossils across the northern Lower Peninsula, depositing major concentrations in the

Petoskey area. The prehistoric fossil is called the Petoskey Stone, and it became Michigan’s official state stone in 1965.

While the history lesson is cool, what makes the Petoskey Stone such a coveted treasure by visitors and residents alike?

“Petoskey Stones are unique looking, and actually quite easy to spot on the beach,” said Jim Powell, the bureau’s executive director. “But I tell

SAFETY FIRST Always be careful and mind your surroundings— especially if you’re walking on rocks, which can be slippery. Also, keep an eye out for wave action, and don’t get too close to the breakwater.

PUBLIC VS. PRIVATE Be aware of your location. While public beaches and parks offer full access to visitors, make sure you haven’t wandered onto someone’s private property. Bayfront Park or Magnus Park are good places to start.

HOW MANY IS TOO MANY?

“ W hile you’re busy looking down at the sand, rocks, and waterfront, don’t forget to look up every once in a while. There’s so much natural beauty to take in all around you.”

Is there a limit if you’ve gotten the hang of Petoskey Stone hunting? According to the Michigan DNR, you are only allowed to remove 25 pounds of stones per year. So, unless you’ve got some massive plan for making a Petoskey Stonehenge—consider leaving some for other rock hunters.

WHERE TO BEGIN?

you, once you find your first one—you get hooked.”

Both the stone and the town that is home to this geological treasure are named in honor of a local chief of the Odawa Nation and well-respected businessman, Chief Ignatius Petoskey, and symbolize the area’s rich history.

Whether people are walking along the water’s edge or visiting the town from out of state, the sheer number of gift shops and stores offering the stones or trinkets made out of the fossils speaks to the demand for the keepsake.

“We’ll get people in at the visitor’s center on a drizzly day wondering what to do,” said Powell. “I tell them, consider it good luck because that’s the best time to look for Petoskey Stones.”

With the faint outline on the stone, you can sometimes miss the intricate

fossilized coral imprint. However, the outline becomes clearer and easier to find when the stones are wet. Which often leads to the question—are Petoskey Stones hard to find? Powell says, “no.”

“Each spring, after the ice recedes, the weather, wind, and waves bring new stones to the surface,” said Powell. “By the end of summer, they may seem pretty picked over, but one good storm can always stir up more.”

Powell adds, “While you’re busy looking down at the sand, rocks, and waterfront, don’t forget to look up every once in a while. There’s so much natural beauty to take in all around you.”

This is just one of many tips the Visitors Bureau can offer. Powell has several helpful suggestions if you’re a newbie rock hound.

As we said, spring is the optimal season, but you might find some newly turned rocks after a big storm. Bring along a bucket or other container to carry back your finds. Also, pack a garbage bag to pick up trash along the way. It’s the best way to thank the land for your treasures.

WHAT NEXT? Petoskey Stones are beautiful just as they are, but they can also be sanded or polished with rock polish or mineral oil. Never put a Petoskey Stone in a rock tumbler. They are highly porous and will disintegrate— putting all your hard work to waste.

If you’re planning on being in the area, check out the Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau website to help make it a trip to remember—PetoskeyArea.com.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 17

MI CO-OP Guest Column

Reflections On Our Pond

By Kathy Fila, a Great Lakes Energy Cooperative member

ur 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.

O

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.

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.

Mystery Photo

Win a $100 energy bill credit!

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.

Guest Column

Win $200 for stories published!

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

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.

Geothermal Made Affordable

H E AT IN G W I T H W E L L-CON N ECT IS LIKE PAY IN G

70¢ Per Gallon of Propane

ENJOY YEAR-ROUND

COMFORT

HEAT FOR AS LOW AS

$600 ALL WINTER

COOL FOR AS LOW AS

$50 ALL SUMMER

HOW DOES THE SYSTEM WORK?

•

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.

70° AIR

50° WATER

95° AIR

38° WATER

Hybrid Geothermal

Installs in one day, any time of year. No drilling or excavation is required.

EXISTING FURNACE

Financing, 30% tax credit, and rebates up to $2,000 available.

E IN

SCAN HERE TO SCHEDULE A PHONE CALL AN

•

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

M I C HI

G

•

Attaches to your home’s existing heating system, it does not replace it.

MAD

•

1-833-GEOWELL wellconnectgeo.com

Ontonagon County Rural Electrification Association /OntonagonCountyREA

ontonagon.coop

Join us on June 17

Attend Your Co-op’s

ANNUAL MEETING Saturday, June 17, 10 a.m. / Chassell High School 41585 U.S. Hwy. 41, Chassell, MI 49916

The board of directors and employees of your electric co-op invite you to join them at the 2023 Annual Meeting. This is a chance to visit with your neighbors and friends from throughout our five-county service area and participate in your co-op’s affairs. There will be drawings for cash prizes and a lunch will be served.