May 2025 Alger by Country Lines

WATERFURNACE UNITS QUALIFY

Lasting is believing.

When you pay good money for something, you think it should last. We agree. Especially when it’s your family’s comfort.

The lifespan of even the most expensive conventional a/c is just 15-18 years. With a WaterFurnace geothermal unit, you can expect a lifespan of 25 years—sometimes even more. Plus, the life expectancy of the underground infrastructure is at least double that. Longer unit life means less cost to you and less waste in our landfills. And that makes WaterFurnace the better choice.

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

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

Big Rapids

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

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

Grand Rapids

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunfield

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

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

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

CO-OP REBATE INCENTIVES

Alger Delta Electric: up to $2,000

Cherryland Electric: up to $2,500

Cloverland: up to $6,275

Great Lakes Energy: up to $5,000

Homeworks/Tri-County Electric: up to $4,750

Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op: up to $4,750

Thumb Electric: up to $2,000

EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Casey Clark

EDITOR: Christine Dorr

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Karreen Bird

RECIPE EDITOR: Christin Russman

COPY EDITOR: Yvette Pecha

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Emily Haines Lloyd

PUBLISHER: Michigan Electric Cooperative Association

Michigan Country Lines, USPS591-710, is published monthly, except August and December, with periodicals postage paid at Lansing, Mich., and additional ofﬁces. It is the ofﬁcial publication of the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association, 201 Townsend St., Suite 900, Lansing, MI 48933.

Subscriptions are authorized for members of Alger Delta, Cherryland, Great Lakes, HomeWorks Tri-County, Midwest Energy & Communications, Ontonagon, Presque Isle, and Thumb electric cooperatives by their boards of directors.

POSTMASTER:

Send all UAA to CFS.

ASSOCIATION OFFICERS: Chris O’Neill, HomeWorks TriCounty Cooperative, chairman; Gabe Schneider, Cherryland Electric Cooperative, vice chairman; Shaun Lamp, Great Lakes Energy Cooperative, secretary-treasurer; John Kran, president and CEO.

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 $4.43 per year, paid as part of members’ electric bills. The current magazine cost is 56 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.

MI CO-OP Community

RECIPE CONTEST

See details on page 10. Best Potato Dishes, due July 1. Win a $100 bill credit!

GUEST

COLUMN

Share your fondest memories and stories. Win $200 for stories published!

MYSTERY PHOTO

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

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

6 CELEBRATING THE MAGICAL NORTHERN MICHIGAN MOREL SEASON

An annual springtime festival in Boyne City offers foraging, feasting, and festivities.

10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN

Mushroom Masterpieces: Savor the earthy goodness of these mushroom recipes.

14 RESTORING POWER, REBUILDING TOGETHER

After a historic ice storm, co-ops and communities rallied to restore power— and hope—across Northern Michigan.

18 NO BARRIERS WARRIORS

Applications now being accepted for No Barriers outdoor adventures.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

District 1—Big Bay

Darryl Small

906-345-9369 • d1director@algerdelta.com

District 2—Harvey/Deerton

Karen Alholm

906-249-1095 • d2director@algerdelta.com

District 3—Grand Marais Tim Jenkins 586-306-2141 • d3director@algerdelta.com

District 4—Cedar River/Palestine Bill Wotruba 414-507-9787 • d4director@algerdelta.com

District 5—Gourley/LaBranche/Cornell/Harris Steve Wery 906-295-1255 • d5director@algerdelta.com

District 6—Nathan/White Rapids Jesse Betters 715-923-4946 • d6director@algerdelta.com

District 7—Stonington/Rapid River Kirk Bruno 906-399-1432 • d7director@algerdelta.com

District 8—Nahma/Isabella Don Johnson 906-280-0867 • d8director@algerdelta.com

District 9—Hiawatha/Maple Ridge Stephen Dausey 906-202-3899 • d9director@algerdelta.com

GENERAL MANAGER: Mike Furmanski mfurmanski@algerdelta.com

HEADQUARTERS: 426 N. 9th St, Gladstone, MI 49837 906-428-4141 • 800-562-0950 Fax: 906-428-3840 • admin@algerdelta.com algerdelta.com

OFFICE

7 a.m.–5 p.m. (EST)

Keep Your Account Up to Date for Reliable Service

By Mike Furmanski, General Manager

Your Alger Delta account is your connection to reliable service and important updates. Keeping your account details accurate ensures smooth communication, protects your account, and helps avoid service disruptions. Whether it’s a change of address, phone number, or payment info, small updates can have a big impact.

Here’s why it matters:

1. Don’t Miss Important Notifications

Up-to-date contact info ensures you receive key updates:

• Outage Alerts – We’ll notify you during outages and after restoration.

• Voting Rights – Board election ballots are mailed every three years. An incorrect address could mean missing your chance to vote.

• Digital Communication – If your email is outdated, you won’t receive important messages.

• Payment Notices – Expired autopay cards or old billing details can lead to missed payments.

2. Avoid Record Issues

Accurate records prevent confusion and delays:

• Capital Credits – Checks go to the primary account holder. If they’ve passed away, we need a death certificate to update the account.

• Name/Marital Status Changes – A marriage license or divorce decree helps keep records current.

• Prevent Miscommunication – Wrong info can send notices or payments to the wrong person.

3. Protect Your Account

Keeping your information current helps secure your account:

• Identity Verification – We confirm your identity using the details on your account.

• Authorized Contacts – We can only speak with those listed on the account. Call us to update or add someone.

Keep It Simple, Stay Connected

Taking a few minutes to update your account info can save time and hassle. Call us today to ensure your records are current—your connection to Alger Delta starts with accurate information.

Join Us for Alger Delta’s 86th Annual Meeting – June

We’re excited to invite you to Alger Delta’s 86th Annual Meeting on June 25, at 5 p.m. at the beautiful Island Resort and Casino in Harris, Michigan. This is more than just a meeting—it’s a chance to connect with fellow cooperative members, enjoy a delicious buffet dinner, win exciting prizes, and hear from a special guest speaker! In addition to great food and prizes, the business meeting is a key part of the event.

You’ll:

• Meet the newly elected board of directors and learn more about their roles

• Learn about the cooperative’s performance and future goals

• Participate in a Q&A session with board members and staff

This is your cooperative, your voice, and your opportunity to stay informed and engaged. Mark your calendar and join us for an evening of community, conversation, and celebration!

We can’t wait to see you there!

WHEN : Wednesday, June 25, at 5 p.m.

WHO : Alger Delta members (Limit: 2 people per membership)

WHERE : Island Resort and Casino, Harris, MI

HOW TO REGISTER: Register online at algerdelta.com

RESERVATIONS OPEN MAY 19 AND CLOSE JUNE 2 Space is limited to 450 attendees, so be sure to reserve your spot early!

Notice to Alger Delta Members: Summer Inspections & Vegetation Management

This summer, Alger Delta will be conducting important equipment inspections and vegetation management across our service territory. To complete this work, we’ve partnered with two trusted companies:

• Karcz Utility Services will perform pole inspections and testing in the White Rapids and Harvey/Deerton areas. This includes evaluating poles and electrical transmission equipment to ensure reliability and safety.

• Bugle Contracting will handle vegetation trimming in the White Rapids, Isabella, and Gourley areas to help maintain clear and safe power lines.

What You Need to Know

• Clearly Marked Vehicles: All contractor trucks will display Alger Delta contractor markings and use flashing lights.

• Identification & Safety Gear: Contractors will carry photo ID badges and wear protective equipment.

• Property Access: If entry to your property is required, workers will knock on your door to introduce themselves and explain their work.

• Vegetation Disposal: Any trimmed vegetation will remain the responsibility of the property owner or the local county/state agency if located in the rightof-way.

We appreciate your cooperation as we work to keep your electric service safe and reliable. If you have any questions, please contact Alger Delta. Thank you for your support!

Celebrating the Magical Northern Michigan Morel Season

Every spring, a charming lakeside Michigan town gathers to celebrate the marvelous morel mushrooms. For more than 60 years, those merry for morels have traveled far and wide to Boyne City, Michigan, for the National Morel Mushroom Festival.

Held annually on the weekend after Mother’s Day, the National Morel Mushroom Festival is a one-of-akind event, drawing hundreds of mushroom hunters and food lovers from all corners of the country. During this four-day, fungi-ﬁ lled celebration, festivalgoers come to indulge in nature’s delectable treat and be immersed in the magic of the morel season.

Recognized for their nutty, earthy ﬂavor and honeycomb-like appearance, morel mushrooms are rare and highly sought-after. The

mushroom’s ﬂ eeting season usually lasts from mid-April to mid-May. Michigan’s climate, with its mix of hardwood forests and rich soil, provides the ideal conditions for morels to thrive.

The morel’s mystique makes it a prized ﬁ nd among foragers, and competitive mushroom hunts are a popular annual tradition of the National Morel Mushroom Festival. Participants venture into nearby forests, armed with baskets and a little luck, in search of these elusive fungi. Given an allotted amount of time to hunt morels, the person who ﬁ nds the most is awarded a prize.

Savor the Flavor:

stuffed ravioli to creamy morel soups and savory morel stroganoff, food is at the heart of the festival.

A Culinary Celebration of Morels

During the festival’s premiere event, Taste of Morels, local chefs not only showcase their creativity but also compete for the top-three winning morel-infused dishes. Boyne City restaurants and food vendors rise to the occasion, crafting this rare and ﬂavorful mushroom in a variety of intriguing ways.

The largest concentration of morel mushroom cooking in the world takes place at the National Morel Mushroom Festival. From morel-

Another signature sellout festival event is Morel Wine & Dine, held at the Beach House Restaurant on Deer Lake. This is a must-visit experience to savor scenic lake views alongside morel-inspired hors d’oeuvres plates, each paired with ﬁ ne wines.

Art, Music, and Morel Magic: A Festival of Creativity & Entertainment

Beyond its culinary delights, the festival comes alive with nightly entertainment and vibrant daytime activities. As the sun sets, live music takes center stage, with local bands and regional talent bringing high-energy performances to the Motherload Bash—perfect for dancing the night away.

By day, visitors can stroll through rows of canopy tents ﬁlled with handcrafted goods, morel-themed art, and unique souvenirs at the arts & crafts show. Artisans and vendors showcase their work, while live demonstrations, fresh mushrooms, and morel-infused teas tempt curious taste-testers.

Festivalgoers can snack their way through an array of delicious options, from crowd-pleasing burgers and food truck favorites to international ﬂavors and indulgent desserts.

For those looking to get creative, Duncan Studios hosts Painting in the Park, offering guided painting sessions where participants can craft and take home their own morelinspired masterpiece. Adults can also join a Paint & Sip event, enjoying a complimentary glass of wine or beer while following step-by-step instructions to create Michiganthemed morel art.

Aspiring foragers can attend a free morel hunting seminar, where experts share tips on identifying, harvesting, and preparing these prized mushrooms while teaching the difference between true morels and potentially poisonous look-alikes for safe foraging.

Families will love the festival’s classic carnival experience, featuring thrilling rides, competitive midway games, and all the nostalgic fair food favorites. Whether you’re looking for adventure, creativity, or a chance to indulge, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

The National Morel Mushroom Festival in Boyne City is more than just a celebration of a seasonal delicacy—it’s a testament to smalltown hospitality and a community’s love for nature, food, and togetherness. Whether you come for the gourmet dishes, exploring the woods in search of morels, or simply soaking in the festive atmosphere, you embark on an unforgettable adventure.

Boyne City’s 65th Annual National Morel Mushroom Festival is Thursday, May 15, through Sunday, May 18, 2025. More information and a full schedule of events can be found at bcmorelfestival.com or on their Facebook page.

Scan the QR code to watch a video of our visit to the National Morel Mushroom Festival

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.

SUNRISE TO SUNSET

In our March/April issue, we regretfully printed incorrect captions that did not match the correct photos in our Sunrise to Sunset contest. We sincerely apologize for this error.

To ensure our participants receive the recognition they deserve, we are reprinting the corrected contest page in this issue. We appreciate your understanding and thank all who participated.

Thank you for being part of our community!

1. A Superior morning paddle. Adam Lacy

2. Fire in the sky — Lake Huron Sunrise August 23, 2024, 6:36 a.m., St. Ignace. April Wilbur

3. Beautiful day coming to an end. Ivana Enright

4. A playful summer sunset. Diane Lang

5. September skies. Kendall Fladung

6. St. Joseph’s sunset in Northland, Michigan. Tina Hiironen

7. Good morning from Big Bay de Noc. Jeanne Kennedy

8. Sunset over Menominee River on a July evening. Christy Herrild

9. Sunrise on Lake Powell. Sheryl Anderson

10. End of the day at Shakey Lakes Park. Jan Gratteau

MICHIGAN’S FARMLANDS

1. Country bliss. Arlene Marohnic

2. Start them off right! Sonja LeRoy

3. Abandoned country farm somewhere in Menominee County. Connie Lindstrom

4. Tree-framed farm scene. Michele Trotter

5. Fall hay harvest. Kathy Mihalko

6. Barn reflected in the beaver pond. Adam Winkler

7. “It’s a cluck, not a clique.” Mikala Goldman

8. Sunset harvest. Diane Lang

Submit Your Photos & Win A Bill Credit! Alger Delta members whose photos we print in Michigan Country Lines during 2025 will be entered in a drawing. Four lucky members will win a $50 energy bill credit on their December 2025 bills!

Upcoming Photo Topics and Deadlines:

Michigan’s Waterfalls, due May 25 (July/August issue)

College Towns, due July 25 (Sept./Oct. issue)

Pets, due Sept. 25 (Nov./Dec. issue)

To submit photos, go to http://bit.ly/countrylines We look forward to seeing your best photos!

MUSHROOM MASTERPIECES

Explore creative and ﬂavorful ways to cook with mushrooms.

RECIPE CONTEST Win a $100 energy bill credit!

WINNING RECIPE!

CRAB STUFFED MUSHROOMS

Amanda Herbert, Midwest Energy & Communications

2 (8-ounce packs) fresh mushrooms

³⁄4 cup melted butter

1 cup ﬁ nely chopped fresh spinach

1 cup crab meat

12 ounces cream cheese

¹⁄2 teaspoon garlic salt

¹⁄2 teaspoon lemon pepper

3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

¹⁄2 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese

2 dashes of Tabasco sauce

³⁄4 teaspoon white wine

Preheat oven to 350 F. Take stems out of mushrooms, rinse, then place in 13x9-inch baking dish. Mix all ingredients together. Top mushrooms with mix. Bake immediately for 15 minutes, then broil till golden brown. Serve and enjoy.

Best Potato Dishes, 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

MOREL MUSHROOM MOUSSE

Tamara Elhart, Great Lakes Energy

8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature

¹⁄4 cup (4 tablespoons) butter, room temperature

³⁄4 teaspoon ground white pepper

1 tablespoon butter

¹⁄4 cup ﬁ nely chopped onion

¹⁄2 cup chopped fresh morel mushrooms

2 tablespoons Marsala wine

Using an electric mixer, combine cream cheese, butter, and white pepper. Mix until cream cheese and butter are fluffy. Melt another tablespoon of butter in small skillet over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until onions are tender. Add mushrooms and sauté for 1 minute. Add Marsala wine to the skillet and allow juices to reduce to about 2 tablespoons of liquid. Remove from stove and allow mushroom mixture to cool completely. Add mushroom mixture into cream cheese mixture and blend using electric mixture until fluffy and combined. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Remove and allow mousse to come to room temperature—serve with crackers.

STUFFED MUSHROOMS

Debra Buback, Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op

1 pound large whole white mushrooms

1 tablespoon butter

¹⁄2 cup ﬁ nely chopped onion

¹⁄2 cup ﬁ nely chopped green pepper

1 (5-ounce jar) Kraft Old English cheese spread 1 tablespoon Frank’s hot sauce, optional or to taste.

Preheat oven to 350 F. Wipe mushrooms clean, do not wash. Remove stems and ﬁ nely chop (I use a mini food processor to ﬁ nely chop stems and veggies). In medium sauté pan, melt butter on medium heat, and add stems, onions, and green pepper. Sauté until soft and most of the liquid is cooked off. Add cheese spread. Stir and mix well until cheese is melted. Add Frank’s hot sauce, if using. Turn heat to low, and stuff mushrooms. Fill each as much as possible. Place on a sheet pan and bake about 25 minutes. Serve immediately.

SULPHUR SHELF SNACK (AKA – CHICKEN OF THE WOODS)

Kim Ison, Midwest Energy & Communications

1 tablespoon chopped onion

2 tablespoons of butter

2 cups cleaned sulphur shelf mushrooms, cut into bite-size pieces

³⁄4 cup chicken broth

1 clove of ﬁ nely chopped garlic

¹⁄4 cup sour cream

1 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Sauté the onion in butter for 1 minute, add mushrooms, and stir until the butter is absorbed. Add the broth and cook for 15 minutes or until mushrooms are tender.

Add the garlic, sour cream, and salt. Stir over low until well blended. Sprinkle with parsley, and serve with crackers or toast rounds. Serve immediately.

The Woodland Artist

By Yvonne M. Whitman

Buffalo, New York, native Dan Ferrentino traveled a long way to carve out a peaceful and artistic retirement in the Upper Peninsula. After graduating from college with degrees in biology, geology, and computer science, he had a decadeslong career in the greater Washington, D.C., area, working for the Department of Defense as a computer scientist. After retiring in 2012, he and his partner Jen began to explore their options and where they may like to relocate to. Specifically, someplace less hectic. “Jen went to school at NMU and has family in the area,” Dan said. “We spent some summer vacations here, and we both loved it. So, we got on Zillow, and then we jumped in the car, and 18 hours later, we were here looking at houses. And we’re still here.” They chose a lakeside home nestled in the peaceful woods outside of Gwinn—quite different from the hustle and bustle of D.C. “I just didn’t want a lot of neighbors anymore. I wanted peace and quiet,” he says thoughtfully.

For the first three years, Dan did some remodeling projects in their home. Once the work was completed, he began thinking about what he would like to do and exploring his options. “I have always loved wood—the different types of wood, the characteristics, everything,” he said. “And with my background in geology, I also had an innate love of rocks. I thought to myself, how can I combine these two things.” he said. It turns out that the answer was right outside his door.

A burl is a woody outgrowth on a tree that forms when a tree’s growth is disrupted. Burls are prized for their unique wood grain patterns and are often used in woodworking. They are readily found on trees in the Upper Peninsula, and Dan found his medium for what he wanted to create art from. He watched some tutorials online in his initial efforts, but he is a self-taught artist. “I wanted to do things my own way and create something unique,” he says.

“I love to keep the natural beauty of the wood and its imperfections. And to me, I love some cracks and holes in the wood and the character it brings to each piece I create.”

When creating a piece, Dan stays true to the integrity of the original product. “I love to keep the natural beauty of the wood and its imperfections,” he said. “And to me, I love some cracks and holes in the wood and the character it brings to each piece I create.” Initially, he purchased the burls, but as Dan says, “Word got around, and people just started to bring them to me. I would tell them, ‘If you give me a piece, I’ll make something for you.’” His walks in the forest surrounding his woodland home also yielded raw products for his artistry.

He uses a variety of native trees, such as maple, cherry, and ironwood. Once he has the burl in his workshop, “It tells me what it wants to be,” he says with a grin. Mantle clocks, bowls, wet and dry vases, bar stools, bookends, tables, and decorative boxes are just some of the items he creates from tree burls.

The process begins with using a chainsaw to either slab or cut the burl into pieces, whether it’s going to be for a bowl, a clock, or something else. Next is power carving using various grinders with different blades and labor-intensive carving and sanding. “I’m meticulous, and I like to take my time,” he said. He incorporates his love of geology by using geodes in many of his pieces and using genuine stone, minerals, and metal for the inlay in his works. Turquoise, malachite, chrysocolla, red coral, pipestone, powdered copper, bronze, and aluminum can be found inlaid in much of his artistry. Dan first sieves all the stone material to different sizes, from larger chips to fine powder, to fill cracks. After a glue application, he sands the wood several times to achieve an incredibly smooth and visually impactful surface.

When he first began creating his burl artwork pieces, he gifted them to family and friends. He also began filling his home with them and amassing quite an inventory. With a chuckle, he says, “My wife is very patient, but at a certain point, she said we needed to find another home for my continued endeavors.” As such, Dan Ferrentino’s artwork can be seen at Zero Degrees Gallery in Marquette, Michigan.

RESTORING POWER, REBUILDING TOGETHER

By Emily Haines Lloyd

Ice can be beautiful— but not when it brings disaster to a region.

In Northern Michigan, beauty turned brutal in hours. What began as a quiet snowfall late on March 28 quickly escalated into a catastrophic ice storm, coating counties at the tip of the mitten in a thick, glassy shell. Trees snapped under the weight of more than an inch of ice, power lines were pulled down like string, and thousands of electric poles splintered or collapsed under the strain. Nearly 100,000 cooperative member homes and businesses lost power—many for far longer than expected.

This storm was one of the most challenging Michigan co-ops had ever faced. The damage wasn’t just widespread—it was layered and diffi cult to access. Heavy ice brought down trees and power lines, while relentless waves of snow, wind, and freezing rain made conditions too diffi cult and dangerous for crews to begin restoration work until day three. Downed lines were buried beneath tangled debris, and poles had snapped in remote, hard-to-reach areas. Great Lakes Energy (GLE), which typically replaces around 800 poles per year, replaced that many within the fi rst three days once restoration could begin. Crews worked around the clock in brutal conditions, pushing through exhaustion and emotional strain, knowing thousands were still without power, heat, internet, and water.

Meteorologists called it a “generational” storm—comparable to a multi-day Category 5 hurricane. After the ﬁ rst wave, 99% of Presque Isle Electric & Gas (PIE&G) members had lost power— something that had never happened in the co-op’s 88-year history.

“We call this storm ‘unprecedented,’ because it is,” said Allan Berg, PIE&G CEO. “No other network in our state has been completely taken down like this. But our restoration work is also setting records.”

In a unique show of cross-functional mutual aid, not just lineworkers—but engineers, IT and administrative staff, vegetation management teams, logistics coordinators, and communicators— joined the effort. The situation called for everyone.

Despite the scope of damage, progress was steady. By April 14, most electric outages had been restored, with remaining pockets on track for rebuild and restoration in the days ahead. The work now shifts to ﬁ ber network restoration alongside continued recovery of the electric system, including debris removal over thousands of miles of infrastructure.

But even amid crisis, the storm revealed something extraordinary: the strength and heart of the community.

Every Michigan co-op sent support, and others came from across the

country. Mutual aid crews worked side by side with local teams, sharing tools, resources, and long days. Their dedication was nothing short of heroic.

Community members stepped up, too. Great Lakes Energy and Presque Isle Electric & Gas set up “Storm Camp” at the Otsego County Fairgrounds outside Gaylord. Staffed by volunteers, the site provided bunkhouses, meals, and laundry for a capacity of 1,200 ﬁ eld crews. Neighbors opened their homes. Businesses donated supplies. Across Northern Michigan, people came together—not because they had to, but because that’s who we are.

"It's been amazing to see our team, but also contractors, families, mutual aid workers from across the country, volunteers from other co-ops, and our community—all show up to get power restored,” said Shaun Lamp, GLE CEO. “When you see people show up for one another, it’s humbling.”

Yes, ice can be beautiful—but its beauty fades when it freezes life in place. What lasts longer is the spirit of the people who faced it together: neighbors helping neighbors, strangers becoming friends, and a region proving that even in the harshest conditions, we endure—and we power on.

Follow the day-by-day restoration story at meca.coop/outage-center.

The Cooperative Difference

While Northern Michigan battled ice, Southern Michigan was also hit hard. On March 30, 2025, severe thunderstorms tore through Midwest Energy & Communications (MEC)’s service area, bringing 80 mph winds and two tornadoes. The storm snapped 140 poles and knocked out power to over 10,000 members at the peak—the largest storm the co-op had faced in at least 30 years.

MEC crews worked tirelessly through ongoing storms to restore service. Everyone—from lineworkers to dispatchers to warehouse teams—came together to get the lights back on.

Then, they packed up and headed north.

Once their own system was restored, MEC crews joined mutual aid efforts to help storm-ravaged communities in Northern Michigan.

That’s the cooperative difference. We don’t just serve—we show up. Local teams. National reach. A shared commitment to keeping the lights on—together.

Photo by Jeremy Bassett

S oaring Demand

A er decades of flat or declining electricity demand, the United States is in the midst of a boom in power use. Recent government data shows that power consumption nationwide is set to increase by at least 38 gigawatts between now and 2028. This trend would ordinarily be great news for the power industry. But government policies aimed at shutting down fossil-fuel-based generation and years-long delays in permitting and siting for new transmission lines are turning this power boon into a capacity crisis. Here are the primary demand drivers:

Electrification

A 2024 report showed electric vehicle adoption, electrification of home heating, and industrial electrification would increase overall U.S. energy consumption by 1% per year through 2026.

Data Centers

Driven by explosions in artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency, and cloud computing, total U.S. data center load is projected to increase by 65% by 2050.

Economic Growth

Residential power consumption is expected to increase by 14% to 22% through 2050 due to increases in population and steady economic growth.

New, expanding, and “onshored/reshored” manufacturing capacity driven by federal incentives is expected to increase industrial demand by 13,000 GWh per year.

Total Demand

Analysts predicted in 2023 that U.S. peak demand will increase by at least 38 GW over the next five years, nearly double the growth rate predicted in 2022.

Summer Office Hours

Effective April 21 to Oct. 3, the summer office hours are Monday–Thursday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For after-hours emergencies, please call (800) 562-0950.

Memorial Day and Fourth of July Office Closures

Closed Monday, May 26, Thursday July 3 and Friday, July 4.

Access to Rules and Rates

Please be advised that the following information is available to Alger Delta Cooperative 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 Alger Delta Cooperative at 800-562-0950.

FUEL MIX REPORT

The fuel mix characteristics of Alger Delta Co-op Electric Association as required by Public Act 141 of 2000 for the 12-month period ending 12/31/24.

NO BARRIERS 2025

No Barriers Programs Serve:

• People with disabilities

• Veterans with disabilities

• Youth with disabilities & their families

• Family caregivers

Michigan electric cooperatives believe there should be “No Barriers” for people affected by disabilities. That’s the name and idea behind CoBank’s No Barriers initiative. Michigan cooperatives are seeking affected adults, veterans*, youth, and caregivers from our local community to participate in No Barriers’ multi-day basecamp experiences and backcountry experiences, where participants will learn to overcome challenges and leave ready to elevate their lives and communities.

Full and partial scholarship opportunities for qualiﬁ ed applicants**

*Must have VA disability rating to be eligible.

**Fundraising required for those who do not qualify for a scholarship.

Apply by May 15 to be considered!

In-person programs run from June to September

Learn more & apply: nobarriersusa.org Contact us: info@nobarriersusa.org 970-484-3633, ext. 201

Don’t miss this chance to embark on an unforgettable journey. Apply today!

Where In Michigan Is This?

Identify

March 2025 WINNER!

Our Mystery Photo winner is Daryl Feldpausch, a HomeWorks Tri-County Cooperative member who correctly identiﬁed the photo as the Scott Sunken Garden in Lansing, Michigan.

Winners are announced in the following issues of Country Lines: January, March, May, July/August, September, and November/December.