May 2025 Ontonagon 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.

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 $4.43 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.

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 • district7@ontorea.com

Calvin Koski, Vice President Aura District

906-524-6988 • district4@ontorea.com

Mildred Ann Gasperich, Secretary Boston District

906-337-5079 • district6@ontorea.com

Randy Myhren, Treasurer Green/Firesteel/Toivola District 906-884-4092 • district1@ontorea.com

Jack Lehto, Director Pelkie/Herman/Aura District 906-353-6684 • district3@ontorea.com

Paul Koski, Director Ewen/Trout Creek/Lake Mine District district2@ontorea.com

Michael Gaunt, Director Chassell/Keweenaw Bay District 906-370-8133 • district5@ontorea.com

PERSONNEL

Dallas Aho, CEO/General Manager

Alex Watson, Billing Clerk

Justin Sironen, Operations Manager Kelsey Preiss, Administrative Assistant

OTHER INFORMATION

Date of Incorporation: Sept. 30, 1937 Fiscal year-end: Dec. 31 countrylines.com/coops/ontonagon

Ontonagon County REA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Powering Through Summer: How We Are Outage Ready

By Dallas Aho, General Manager

Summer is almost here, and families are gearing up for a few months of fun and relaxation. While summer brings much fun in the sun, it can also get the occasional severe storm. In the event of a power outage, you can trust that Ontonagon REA is ready to respond.

The major cause of most power outages is damage to power lines caused by falling trees and branches. We work yearround—through right-of-way clearing—to ensure power lines in our service territory stand little risk of being damaged by trees, branches, or other types of vegetation.

Despite our best efforts, transmission stations, substations, and power lines can be damaged during major storms. When this happens, our first priority is to safely restore power to as many members as possible in the shortest amount of time.

We start by mobilizing our line crews and other critical staff. Every phone line available is utilized to take your outage report calls. The big problems are handled first—like damage to transmission lines, which serve thousands of people. These problems must be corrected before we can focus on other areas where more localized damage may have occurred.

Ontonagon’s line crews inspect substations to determine if the problem starts there or if there could be an issue down the line. If the root of the problem is at the substation, power can be restored to thousands of members.

Next, line crews check the service lines that deliver power to neighborhoods and communities. They repair the damaged lines, restoring power to hundreds of people. If you continue to experience an outage, a tap line outside of your home or business may be damaged. Make sure you notify Ontonagon REA so crews can inspect these lines.

We will do our best to avoid power outages, but sometimes Mother Nature has other plans. Be sure to check our website and Facebook page on your smartphone for the latest updates during a power outage.

Ontonagon County REA/Dec. 31, 2024, & Dec. 31, 2023

Consumer Cooperative Act Disclosure

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.

Electrical Safety Tips for Your Home

May is Electrical Safety Month—a great reminder that while electricity powers our lives, it must be used carefully to avoid risks like fires and injuries. Your electric cooperative is committed to helping you stay safe, not just in May but all year long.

Here are five quick tips to reduce electrical hazards at home:

CHECK YOUR WIRING

Inspect your home regularly for damaged cords or outdated wiring. Frayed extension cords are a major fire hazard—use them temporarily, not as a permanent solution. If needed, have an electrician install additional outlets.

USE SURGE PROTECTORS WISELY

Protect electronics from power surges with quality surge protectors. Remember: Not all power strips offer surge protection, and older ones may need replacing.

DON’T OVERLOAD OUTLETS

Spread out high-powered appliances like space heaters and microwaves. Overloaded outlets or power strips can overheat and spark fires.

KEEP ELECTRICITY AWAY FROM WATER

Always keep electrical items dry and away from water sources. Install GFCI outlets in bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas, and never touch appliances with wet hands.

TALK ABOUT SAFETY

Teach your family—especially children—about the dangers of electricity. Create and practice an emergency plan that includes electrical safety.

By following these simple steps, you can help keep your home and family safe. Electrical safety starts at home—and it starts with awareness, all year long.

MICHIGAN’S FARMLANDS

1. Time to make hay on Golden Glow Rd. Lisa Rhodes

2. Farmer girls working the field. Danielle Impola

3. Retired but not forgotten on the backroads of Chassell. Kevin Stevens

4. A tractor sits under towering silos near Tapiola. Nathan Miller

5. Teddy got through the fence. Dora Silk

6. Where cattle once roamed. Sandy Menge

Submit A Photo & Win A Bill Credit! Ontonagon REA members whose photos we print in Michigan Country Lines during 2025 will be entered in a drawing. Four lucky members will win a credit of $50 on their December 2025 energy bills!

Upcoming Topics and Deadlines: Michigan’s Waterfalls, due May 25 (July/Aug. issue) College Towns, due July 25 (Sept./Oct. issue)

To submit photos, and for details and instructions, 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.

FUEL MIX REPORT

The fuel mix characteristics of Ontonagon REA as required by Public Act 141 of 2000 for the 12-month period ending 12/31/24.

NOTICE OF 2025 ANNUAL MEETING OF MEMBERS OF ONTONAGON COUNTY RURAL ELECTRIFICATION ASSOCIATION

Date of Notice: May 20, 2025

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 21, 2025.

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;

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

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.

Ontonagon REA Summer Office Hours

Effective May 5 to September 2, the office hours are Monday–Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. REGIONAL AVERAGE FUEL MIX

Memorial Day and Fourth of July Office Closures

Cooperative offices will be closed on Monday, May 26, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday and Friday, July 4, for Independence Day.

*Regional average information was obtained from the MPSC website and is for the 12-month period ending 12/31/24. 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.

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.

Three Board Seats Up for Election in June

Your voice matters in our cooperative’s upcoming board elections. As a member of the cooperative, you’re not just a customer—you’re an owner. And owners have a say in who leads them.

The Ontonagon County Rural Electrification Association is governed by a seven-member board, with directors serving three-year terms.

This year, three districts are up for election:

District 1: Green/Firesteel/Toivola

District 3: Pelkie/Herman/Aura

District 5: Chassell/Keweenaw Bay

Key Dates:

• May 5: Deadline for nominating petitions

• After May 5: Ballots will be mailed to members in Districts 1, 3, and 5

• June 16, 2025: Ballots must be returned to our office by this date

Ballots should be mailed or delivered to: 500 J.K. Paul St., Ontonagon, MI 49953

Have questions? Give

•

• Participate

•

Voting Districts

District 1: Green/Firesteel/Toivola 618

District 2: Ewen/Trout Creek/Lake Mine ...749

District 3: Pelkie/Herman/Aura 643

District 4: Aura/Skanee 681

District 5: Chassell/Keweenaw Bay .......701

District 6: Boston 785

District 7: Lake Linden 852

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

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.

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.