Your well could lower your heating and cooling costs.
If your home has a well, you may be halfway to a geothermal HVAC system.
Your water well can make switching to a WaterFurnace geothermal heating and cooling system easier and more affordable. An existing well can often serve as part of the geothermal loop field, reducing installation timelines and costs. WaterFurnace delivers:
• Steady, year-round heating and cooling that’s twice as efficient and lasts 40% longer than traditional HVAC
• Savings of up to 70% on home energy costs
• Long-lasting HVAC system that adds home value
Contact your local WaterFurnace dealer to schedule a no-pressure home assessment for a personalized estimate.
Traverse City Geofurnace Htg & Clg (231) 943-1000 geofurnace.com
$2,250 rebate available through your co-op.
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.
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’S ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES
6 DISCOVERING MICHIGAN’S MAGIC: A hidden culinary gem in Leelanau.
RECIPE CONTEST
See details on page 10. Pizza, due July 1. Win a $100 bill credit!
MYSTERY PHOTO
See details on page 18. Win a $100 bill credit!
To enter contests, submit reader content & more, visit countrylines.com/community
10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN Salads with a Twist: Fresh. Fun. Unexpected.
14 ANGELINE BOULLEY: WRITING NATIVE STORIES ROOTED IN MICHIGAN Identity, belonging, and the Upper Peninsula.
18 NO BARRIERS WARRIORS Applications now being accepted for No Barriers outdoor adventures.
MI CO-OP Community
Safety: A Core Pillar and a Shared Responsibility
By Allan Berg, President & CEO
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Sandy Borowicz, Chairperson
231-627-9220 • Term Expires 2027
Daryl Peterson, Vice Chairperson
989-742-3145 • Term Expires 2027
Gerald Smigelski, Secretary 989-306-3750 • Term Expires 2026
Brentt Lucas, Treasurer
989-766-3678 • Term Expires 2028
John Brown
231-625-2099 • Term Expires 2026
Kurt Krajniak 989-884-3037 • Term Expires 2028
Sally Knopf
989-734-4196 • Term Expires 2027
Chris Nagel 616-240-8727 • Term Expires: 2026
Michael Libby 989-306-1730 • Term Expires 2028
President & CEO: Allan Berg aberg@pieg.com
Chief Marketing Officer: David Eiben deiben@pieg.com
Co-op Editor: Sommer Poquette spoquette@pieg.com
Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op 3149 Main Street (M-211) Onaway, MI 49765
Business Office & Billing: 989-733-8515
Toll-Free: 800-423-6634
Gas Emergency Toll-Free: 800-655-8565
PIE&G natural gas rates and charges are not regulated by the Michigan Public Service Commission.
Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Happy spring, PIE&G members. I’ve been using these monthly columns to highlight our cooperative’s core pillars, and this month is about safety. Safety is more than a priority at PIE&G—it’s something that guides every decision we make and every interaction we have with the communities we serve.
Internally, safety starts with our people. They are our most important asset, and no task is so urgent that it cannot be done safely.
The work our crews perform every day is essential, but it is not without risk. Whether restoring electricity after a storm, ensuring our natural gas distribution is protected, safe, and reliable, or advancing the installation of our fiber internet network and systems, our team operates in environments where attention to detail and adherence to safety protocols are critical. That’s why we invest heavily in training, equipment, and a culture that empowers every employee to speak up, slow down, and do the job right.
But safety doesn’t stop at our workforce—it extends directly into the communities we serve.
Electricity, gas, and fiber internet are indispensable resources we all use every day, but each must be treated with respect. We all share a role in preventing accidents and ensuring safe outcomes. That includes simple
but important actions: staying clear of downed power lines, calling 811 before digging, keeping the area around gas meters clear, maintaining a safe distance from utility equipment, and exercising caution when using generators and electrical systems.
Storm seasons and extreme weather events serve as reminders of how interconnected our safety truly is. When conditions are at their worst, our crews are working to restore service as quickly as possible. We are fortunate to have emerged from both the March 2025 ice storm and this past winter without any serious injuries, which is fantastic. We encourage PIE&G members to continue to help our crews by giving them the space they need to operate safely and efficiently.
Safety is also about preparedness. As an organization, we are constantly thinking about ways to get even better—ensuring our employees, our members, and our communities are safe. We continuously evaluate and improve our emergency response plans to ensure we are ready when our members need us most. For individuals and families, preparedness means having a plan, assembling emergency kits, and staying informed.
Ultimately, safety is a shared responsibility. It requires commitment from our employees, awareness from our members, and partnership across the communities we serve. When we all take it seriously, we not only reduce risk—we strengthen the trust that is at the heart of everything we do. At PIE&G, that trust is something we will continue to work hard to earn every day.
ANY QUALIFIED MEMBER CAN BE ELECTED TO SERVE. THE TERM OF OFFICE IS THREE YEARS.
YOUR BOARD IN ACTION
In March, the board of directors:
• Reviewed and accepted team reports
• Approved January new memberships
• Approved matching donations with the CoBank Sharing Success program for three grant requests
• Adopted Board Resolution 2026-06 applying an updated discount factor to early retirements of capital credits
Participate in Your Co-op’s Governance
It’s time to nominate potential directors.
Co-ops are self-governing entities led by members who actively participate in policymaking. Members serve as elected representatives on the cooperative board and are accountable to all members.
Participation is essential to the strength and success of Presque Isle Electric and Gas Co-op as it operates on democratic principles.
Any qualified PIE&G member-owner is eligible to serve on the board of directors, with each term lasting three years. In 2026, three positions will be open: Cheboygan District, Montmorency District, and Presque Isle District. Candidates must meet the eligibility requirements outlined in Article III, Section 2 of the PIE&G bylaws, available at pieg.com. Members interested in serving are encouraged to contact the cooperative office to learn more about the responsibilities. Board meetings are typically held on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 9:30 a.m.
To be considered for nomination, it is highly recommended that interested members submit a
letter of interest by May 29, 2026, to Executive Assistant Ellie McLellan, PIE&G, P.O. Box 308, Onaway, MI 49765.
Director candidates must then file a nominating petition with the cooperative. Each petition must include at least 25 signatures from current members in good standing who support the nomination. Petition forms are available at the PIE&G office and will be provided to any active member upon request. Completed petitions must be submitted to the cooperative no later than July 1 in the year of the election.
All candidates must comply with the cooperative bylaws, qualifications, and board policies. Nominating petitions are subject to review and may be denied or revoked if requirements are not met. Additional nominations may also be made from the floor at the Annual Meeting of members.
Further details about the Annual Meeting, scheduled for Oct. 23, 2026, at Posen High School, will be shared soon.
OFFICE CLOSED FOR MEMORIAL DAY
May 25, 2026
Please note that our office will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026, in observance of Memorial Day. We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, May 26.
Cassondra Wanders Adventure Series
A Hidden Culinary Gem in Leelanau
By Cassondra Scott
Throughout Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula, wine and cherries are widely popular staples, drawing visitors with their sweet appeal. But beyond those well-known flavors, the region is also home to a rich and delicious cheesemaking tradition.
A Small Creamery with Big Impact
Tucked away in Suttons Bay, Leelanau Cheese has been a standout in the craft cheese world for over 25 years. The creamery blends Michigan dairy with traditional European cheesemaking techniques, earning a respected place in the local food community.
Old World Tradition Meets Michigan Dairy
Like traditional European cheeses, Leelanau Cheese relies on climate and environment to shape its flavor and character. Its handcrafted cheeses have earned international recognition for their quality and authenticity.
A Legacy of Artisanal Excellence
Founded in 1995 by John and Anne Hoyt, Leelanau Cheese built its reputation on producing high-quality, preservative-free cheeses. Using locally sourced milk and cave-aging methods, the creamery creates cheeses known for their rich flavor and unique texture.
Award-Winning Raclette
In 2007, Leelanau Cheese’s raclette was named Best of Show by the American Cheese Society and received Super Gold at the World Cheese Awards—an honor given to only a select few cheeses worldwide.
What Makes Raclette Special
Raclette is a semisoft cow’s milk cheese from the Swiss Alps, known for its smooth texture and strong aroma when melted. With a short aging period and high moisture content, it melts beautifully and delivers a silky, rich experience.
From Alpine Tradition to Modern Tables
Traditionally melted over an open fi re and served with potatoes, raclette is now enjoyed in a variety of ways— from broiled and bubbling to sliced on charcuterie boards. Its versatility makes it a favorite for both casual meals and entertaining.
A Fresh Favorite: Fromage Blanc Leelanau Cheese also produces fromage blanc, a soft, fresh Frenchstyle cheese with a mild, tangy flavor. Its creamy texture makes it perfect for both sweet and savory dishes.
A Versatile Culinary Staple
Whether paired with fruit and honey or blended with herbs and garlic, fromage blanc is a delicious addition to crackers, sandwiches, and cheese boards.
Continuing the Tradition
Partners Gary Smith and Joshua Hall have operated Leelenau Cheese since 2021. They continue to honor the creamery’s legacy while celebrating Michigan’s agricultural roots.
Visitors can tour the facility yearround, sample products, and watch cheesemaking in action.
Celebrate at the Cheese Festival
The annual Leelanau Cheese Festival highlights the region’s dairy heritage with a full day of hands-on activities, tastings, and family-friendly fun. The 2026 festival begins at 10 a.m. on June 6.
Tours, Tastings, and Hands-On Experiences
Guests can enjoy guided tours of the cheese cave, meet local cheesemakers, and participate in workshops like wine and cheese pairing or cheesemaking demonstrations.
Fun for the Whole Family
From sampling local products to participating in the Cheese Olympics, there’s something for everyone. Kids can enjoy crafts, games, STEM activities, and even a petting zoo.
Discover Suttons Bay
Located along the eastern shore of Grand Traverse Bay, Suttons Bay offers scenic waterfront views, small-town charm, and plenty of opportunities for swimming and boating—making it the perfect backdrop for a day of cheesefilled fun.
Scan the QR code to watch a video of
Cassondra’s adventures to Leelanau Cheese.
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.
Cook Up Energy Savings in Your Commercial Kitchen
Is energy going down the drain in your commercial kitchen? Because food service buildings are four times more energy intensive than other commercial buildings in the U.S., it’s easy for energy use to get out of control.1
But where there’s a high level of use, there’s a high potential for savings. That’s where the Energy Optimization program comes in. Presque Isle Electric & Gas commercial electric members are eligible for rebates on energysaving upgrades to your commercial kitchen or food service facility.
Upgrading to efficient electric ENERGY STAR ® appliances, refrigeration equipment, or heating and cooling systems in your facility
can help significantly reduce energy consumption.2 An electric kitchen is also a safer kitchen, as open flames are eliminated and indoor air quality is improved.
Ready to craft your savings recipe? Visit michigan-energy.org and select the Presque Isle Electric & Gas 2026 Non-Lighting Application to find qualifying food service equipment and apply for your rebates.
Need assistance completing your application?
Looking for more ways to improve efficiency and save energy at your business? Our experts can help! Contact an Energy Advisor at info@michigan-energy.org to get started today.
Upgrade Your Commercial Kitchen with the Energy Optimization Program
Earn Rebates for Qualifying Energy-Saving Equipment:
X ENERGY STAR® electric steam cooker: Up to $1,650
X ENERGY STAR hot holding cabinet: $200 per unit
X ENERGY STAR commercial refrigerator or freezer: $50 per unit
X ENERGY STAR ice machine: $50 per unit
X Combination electric oven/steamer: $1,300 per oven
X And more!
Scan the QR code to view eligible rebates or visit michigan-energy.org
BIRDS
1. MOST VOTES Soaring the summer skyline. Julie Wright
2. Bon appétit. Gregory Nelson
3. Scowling at us because we interrupted his dear dinner. Diane LaHaie
4. Dove love. Amie Schoolcraft
5. Taking a break with a friend. Jean Peacock
6. “Clark” sighting in Onaway. Loretta Cordell
7. Promise of spring!! Kathryn Scoon
8. I never have a bad day! Gloria Zalewski
9. Captured south of Onaway. Eva Taffe
Enter to win a $50 energy bill credit!
Submit your Cute Pets photos by May 25 for the July/August issue! Submit your best photo and encourage others to vote! The photo receiving the most votes in our photo contest will be printed in an issue of Country Lines, along with some of our other favorites.
To enter the contest, visit pieg.com/photocontest. Enter your picture, cast your vote, and encourage others to vote for you as well. If your photo is printed in Country Lines during 2026, you will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of four $50 credits on your January 2027 bill.
SALADS WITH A TWIST
MEXICAN PASTA SALAD
Mary Card, Great Lakes Energy
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 ears of corn, husks removed
1 pound macaroni noodles, cooked, drained and rinsed
½ cup red onion, fi nely chopped
6 Roma tomatoes, seeded and chopped
½ cup sliced black olives, drained
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
Dressing:
1 cup salsa
1 cup sour cream
1 clove garlic, minced
¼ cup mayonnaise
½ teaspoon ground cumin
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro or chives
¼ cup fresh lime juice (about 2 small limes)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Preheat oven to 400 F. Cover a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil, then coat with the olive oil. Roll the ears of corn in the olive oil to coat and place on the baking sheet. Roast for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Cool and cut the corn kernels off of the cobs and transfer to a large bowl. Then add the cooked noodles, red onion, tomatoes, black olives, and black beans and gently combine. In a small bowl, mix together the salsa, sour cream, garlic, mayonnaise, cumin, cilantro or chives, lime juice, salt, and black pepper until well blended, then pour the dressing over the salad. Gently mix until everything is coated. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour before serving, and refrigerate leftovers for up to 2 days.
ROASTED VEGGIE SALAD WITH FETA SAUCE
Alexandria Marchi, Thumb Electric
1 medium head caulifl ower, cut into fl orets
3 large carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
1 butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
1 large onion, peeled and diced
4 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried parsley
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 (15-ounce) can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
1 (8.8-ounce) packet instant whole grain rice
• arugula or greens of choice, chopped
Yogurt Sauce:
1½ cups Greek yogurt
6 ounces feta cheese
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 lemon, zested and juiced
• salt and black pepper, to taste
Preheat oven to 400 F. In a large bowl, toss the caulifl ower, carrots, squash, and onion with the oil, garlic powder, oregano, paprika, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 25–35 minutes, stirring once, until tender and lightly browned. While vegetables roast, pat garbanzo beans completely dry. Toss in same bowl, adding a little oil and any leftover spices (add cayenne if using). Air fry at 400 F for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crispy. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can pan fry the garbanzo beans in a skillet over medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crispy. Cook rice according to packet instructions. Optional: Add rice to the oiled pan and cook until crispy. In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, feta, and garlic. Season with lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper, to taste. On a large plate or wide bowl, layer the rice, chopped arugula, and roasted vegetables. Top with yogurt sauce and crunchy garbanzo beans. Enjoy!
MARINATED CHICKPEA SALAD
Julie Duvall, Homeworks Tri-County
2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained
¼ cup fresh lime juice (about 2 small limes) or ¼ cup vinegar
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 garlic cloves, peeled and fi nely minced
2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper fl akes, optional
¼-½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Optional add-ins:
• cherry tomatoes, capers, olives, small cubes of feta cheese
In a bowl or jar, add all of the ingredients together and toss well to combine. Can be served immediately, but it tastes better after marinating in the refrigerator for a couple of hours. Store in a quart jar (with a lid) and shake it a few times while it marinates.
PEACHES & BURRATA WITH PICKLED SHALLOTS
Ralph Kridner, Great Lakes Energy
Pickled Shallots:
12 shallots, thinly sliced
²⁄3 cup white wine vinegar
3 tablespoons sugar
3 teaspoons salt
1 serrano chili, minced (optional)
Salad:
4 pieces burrata
2 ripe peaches, halved and sliced
2 ripe plums, halved and sliced
8 fresh basil leaves, chiffonaded
12 pickled shallots, plus 1 tablespoon of pickling liquid
To make the pickled shallots, place the sliced shallots in a small jar. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the vinegar, sugar, salt, and chili (if using) and bring to a gentle simmer, swirling the pan to help the sugar dissolve. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the shallots and let them cool to room temperature. Store the pickled shallots in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
When ready to serve, place 1 burrata each on the center of four plates. Arrange the peaches and plums around the burrata. Then place 3 pickled shallots on each plate and sprinkle with the basil. Drizzle lemon oil and 1 tablespoon pickling liquid evenly over the salad. Season with fl aky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Finish by zesting the lime over the salad. Serves 4.
FUEL MIX REPORT
The fuel mix characteristics of Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op as required by Public Act 141 of 2000 for the 12-month period ended 12/31/25.
*Regional average information was obtained from the MPSC website and is for the 12-month period ending 12/31/25. Presque Isle Electric & Gas purchases 100% of its electricity from Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative, Inc., which provided this fuel
For your safety and for the protection of underground utility lines, always follow these steps before starting any digging project:
1. Contact MISS DIG at 811 or missdig.org.
2. Wait three business days for utility owners to mark their lines.
3. Respect the marks. 4. Dig with care.
ACCESS TO RULES AND RATES
Please be advised that the following information is available to Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op 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 visiting pieg.com or contacting Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op at 989-733-8515.
Working Together to Keep Lines Clear
At Presque Isle Electric & Gas (PIE&G), we work to keep our community looking great while ensuring your power stays on. We do this by keeping power lines clear in areas called rights-of-way.
We know trees add beauty to our area, but trimming them in rights-of-way has three main benefits. First, a rightof-way is the land we use to build, fix, or maintain power lines, both above and below ground. These areas are usually on public land or near homes and businesses. PIE&G needs to keep these spaces clear to ensure power lines operate safely and reliably. Our goal is to give you dependable power while keeping our community beautiful. Taking care of trees and plants in these areas helps everyone in three important ways.
Safety
Your safety and our lineworkers’ safety always come first. When trees or plants grow too close to power lines, they can pose a danger. For example, if a tree
touches a power line in your yard, it could put your family at risk. Children might even climb those trees and get too close to the lines. Electricity can jump from a power line to a tree, which is very dangerous. By trimming trees ahead of time, we also reduce the risk of branches or trees falling during storms, making it safer and easier for our crews to restore power.
Reliability
Another big benefit of managing trees and plants is maintaining reliable power. Trimming trees helps prevent power lines from going down and causing outages. Healthy trees usually don’t fall on lines, and clear lines mean fewer problems. By trimming and pruning ahead of time, we help keep your lights on.
We also use the latest data and technology to make our work more efficient, including how we manage trees and plants. PIE&G maintains a 7 to 8-year circuit-clearing cycle and uses outage data to identify areas that
may need more immediate attention. We are also exploring a pilot program that uses satellite and aerial imagery to detect encroaching vegetation and trees in poor condition. In addition, field inspections and member reports help us address vegetation that could pose a risk to our system.
Affordability
PIE&G is a not-for-profit cooperative, so we work hard to keep costs low and rates affordable. This includes how we manage trees and plants. When trees get too close to power lines, repairs can get expensive. By trimming trees and properly managing plants, we help keep costs down for everyone.
Our community is special. We value the beauty that trees bring, but we also know you count on us for reliable energy. By managing trees and plants, we can keep power lines clear, prepare for storms, and ensure your power stays on.
BENEFITS OF TREE TRIMMING
Clearing trees and overgrown vegetation is vital to provide safe, reliable power to our consumer-members.
We clear certain areas in our service territory, known as rights-of-way, to:
• Keep power lines clear of tree limbs
• Restore power outages more quickly
• Keep crews and members of our community safe
• Reduce unexpected costs for repairs
Vegetation management improves service reliability for you—our members!
Angeline Boulley
Writing Native Stories Rooted in Michigan
By Emily Haines Lloyd
“I want Native girls to see themselves as the hero of the story. Native people are still here, living full lives.”
Every place has its own stories. In Michigan, many of them are tied to the land and to the Native communities that have lived here for generations.
For author Angeline Boulley, those connections are not just background. They shape everything she writes. Long before she became an
international bestselling author, her sense of identity and belonging was formed by the Upper Peninsula and her roots in the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.
The Long Road to the Page
For Boulley, storytelling has always been tied to where she comes from. The idea for her first novel,
“Firekeeper’s Daughter” first came to her when she was 18. It grew out of the people, places, and questions she carried with her from the Upper Peninsula and her family history.
That story stayed with her for decades.
It was not until her 40s, after years of working in Indian education, including serving as Director of the Offi ce of Indian Education at the U.S. Department of Education, that she fi nally put it on the page. When “Firekeeper’s Daughter” was published, it quickly found an audience. The book became a breakout young adult hit and introduced readers to a Native teenage protagonist whose strength comes from loyalty, determination, and community.
Boulley followed with “Warrior Girl Unearthed” and her most recent novel, “Sisters of the Wind.” Across her books, she blends mystery, family, and history, all set in the forests, shorelines, and small towns of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Her stories are set in the present and refl ect the lives of Native people today.
“We (Native communities) have rich histories, but we also live in the world as it is now,” Boulley said. “What better way to bring attention to our stories and issues than through a story where you care deeply about the characters?”
Writing Native Girls as Heroes
For many years, Native characters were rarely seen in children’s and young adult books. A 2018 study from the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Cooperative Children’s Book Center found that only 1% of books for young readers featured Native characters.
That gap is something Boulley writes directly against.
Her main characters are Native girls who are curious, determined, and imperfect. They make mistakes. They learn. They move between Indigenous and non-Indigenous worlds while managing family, school, and expectations that don’t always align.
“I want Native girls to see themselves as the hero of the story,” Boulley said. “Native people are still here, living full lives.”
She often hears from readers who see themselves in her characters for the fi rst time.
“A lot of people feel like they are not enough of something,” she said. “When readers tell me they fi nally feel seen, that means everything to me.”
Michigan as a Character
Although Boulley’s books are read around the world, they remain fi rmly set in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. “Firekeeper’s Daughter” was named
“A
lot of people feel like they are not enough of something. When readers tell me they finally feel seen, that means everything to me.”
one of Time magazine’s top 100 young adult novels of all time, but its setting is close to home.
“I have a real connection to Sault Ste. Marie and Sugar Island,” Boulley said. “Memories of visiting my grandparents, going into local stores that seemed to never change. Those places ground me. And my characters.”
Michigan readers often tell her they feel proud seeing familiar places refl ected in her books.
By writing Native stories grounded in real Michigan communities, Boulley pushes back against the idea that Native heritage belongs only in the past. Her characters are not symbols or artifacts. They are present-day Native girls navigating family, school, and identity in places that still exist and still matter.
Her books remind readers that Native stories are not outside Michigan’s story. They are part of it, and they always have been.
To learn more about Angeline Boulley or to purchase her books, visit: /angelineboulley/
Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op Communities First Fund Update
At a recent meeting, the PIE&G Communities First Fund Board of Directors finalized grants totaling $11,000 to the recipients listed below:
ALPENA
Foster Closet of Northern Michigan ($1,500) to continue providing aid to children in foster care in Northern Michigan. The Foster Closet provides items such as clothing, toys, shoes, and more to support foster children.
CHEBOYGAN
Northland Players Inc. ($2,500) for funding of new equipment and increased activities to be offered by their Summer Youth Theater program. They will replace their microphone system, upgrade lighting equipment, and stock costumes for upcoming productions.
MONTMORENCY
Atlanta Community Schools ($2,500) toward the purchase of a Bookworm vending machine to be used at the
school. Students can earn school currency to use in the vending machine to get a book of their own to keep.
Tri-Township Fire Department
($4,000) to fabricate and replace the water pump in their tanker truck. TriTownship Fire Department provides fire and rescue services to Briley, Avery, and Loud townships, and also offers mutual aid to surrounding area fire departments.
OTSEGO
Otsego County Fire Authority ($500) to be used to improve the condition of their current training room with updated tables, chairs, and other equipment. This will also provide personnel with a space to work and coordinate emergency response during disaster situations.
2025
Communities
First Fund Scholarships Awarded
The PIE&G Communities First Fund Board of Directors is pleased to announce that fifteen (15) $1,000 scholarships were awarded to the following high school seniors:
CHEBOYGAN
Presley Chamberlain, Andrew Kiefer, Carson Kiefer
HILLMAN
Gretchen Weiland
ATLANTA
Valerie Binge
INLAND LAKES
Andrea Vigneau
ONAWAY
Jonas Benson, Natalee Penfold, Ali Szymanski
POSEN
Ella Hincka, Alyssa Smigelski
ROGERS CITY
Chelsie Bielas, Sierra Grulke, Chelsea Myer, Justin Romel
The A. Barkley Travis Memorial Scholarship, valued at $500, was awarded to Kyliegh Burt from Cheboygan High School.
The Peterson Vocation School Scholarship, valued at $750, was awarded to Hunter MacNeill from Hillman Christian Academy.
Learn more about the PIE&G Communities First Fund.
The PIE&G Communities First Fund is a member-supported program that helps give back to local communities across the cooperative’s service area.
It was created in 1998 to collect and distribute funds for charitable, educational, and community-focused projects. The fund supports things like schools, emergency responders, youth programs, nonprofits, and other local organizations that strengthen the community.
Scan to join the PIE&G Communities First Fund
Fiber Internet Explained and Why it Matters
You’ve probably noticed more ads for fiber internet recently, but it’s important to know that not all fiber connections are the same. The kind of connection you get can really affect your speed, reliability, and overall experience.
PIE&G Connect brings real fiber-tothe-home internet, so the fiber-optic line goes straight to your home or business. Without old copper lines to slow things down, you get the fastest and most reliable connection possible.
There are three main types of fiber internet connections:
• FTTH, or fiber to the home, connects straight to your house and gives you the best speed and performance.
• FTTC, or fiber to the curb, brings fiber close to your home, but then uses coaxial cable for the last part. This can slow things down.
• FTTN, or fiber to the neighborhood, uses older wiring from a nearby spot, so it’s usually the slowest and least reliable choice.
At PIE&G Connect, we’re committed to giving you the best service with real fiber to the home. Some fun facts about FTTH:
• Fiber-optic cables are made from ultra-pure glass, which lets data move with almost no signal loss.
• These cables send information at amazing speeds, almost as fast as light itself.
• Each fiber strand is extremely thin— about as thick as a human hair—but it can carry huge amounts of data.
• Fiber is also very secure, so it’s much harder for anyone to interfere with or access your data without permission.
All these features add up to faster speeds, smoother streaming, better video calls, and reliable internet for your home or business.
See the difference with internet that’s built by our community, for our community.
Check if it’s available in your area and sign up today at piegconnect.com .
PIE&G Connect Update
We continue to make strong progress expanding fiber service across our community.
To date, we have completed 7,408 total services and 2,082 miles of fiber. Phases One and Two are now 100% complete, and Phase Three is 83% complete.
Phase Three includes the following areas: Posen, Grand Lake, Alpena, Hillman, and Avalon.
Here is how you will know when your Phase Three zone opens:
• You will receive automated emails and phone calls when your zone opens.
• All members receive a postcard when their zone opens.
• Zone openings are announced on Facebook and Instagram.
You can also find your zone information in the top-right corner of your bill.
Visit piegconnect.com to learn more about our plans, check availability, and sign up online.
APPLY BY MAY 15 TO BE CONSIDERED!
APPLY BY MAY 15, 2026 FOR IN-PERSON EXPEDITIONS & EXPERIENCES TAKING PLACE JUNE-SEPTEMBER
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’ multiday 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 qualified applicants
Don’t miss this chance to embark on an unforgettable journey.
Where In Michigan Is
Identify the correct location of the photo to the left by May 25 and be entered into a drawing to win a $100 electric bill credit. Enter your guess at countrylines.com/community
MARCH 2026 WINNER!
Our Mystery Photo winner is Sheri Welche, a Midwest Energy & Communications member who correctly identified the photo as the mini Mac at the Clare Welcome Center 634 Mile Marker, 160 US-127. Winners are announced in the following issues of Country Lines: January, March, May, July/August, September, and November/December.
