COUNTRY LINES
CITY ROCKS
THERE’S A TREASURE IN YOUR BACKYARD
You may not realize it, but your home is sitting on a free and renewable supply of energy
A WaterFurnace geothermal comfort system taps into the stored solar energy in your own backyard to provide savings of up to 70% on heating, cooling, and hot water.
That’s money in the bank and a smart investment in your family’s comfort—and with a 30% federal tax credit1 available, now is a great time to contact your local WaterFurnace dealer to learn how to tap into your buried treasure.
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
Clifford Orton Refrig & Htg (989)761-7691 sanduskygeothermal.com
Filion/Bad Axe
Air-O-Dynamic Htg. & Clg. (989)582-0137
Hart Adams Htg & Clg (231)873-2665 adamsheating cooling.com
Indian River M&M Plmb & Htg (231)238-7201 mm-plumbing.com
Lansing Candor Mechanical (517)920-0890 candormechanical.com
Lowell Arctic Inc. Htg. & Clg. (616)897-4213 heatingcoolingonline.com
Michigan Center Comfort 1/Air Serv of Southern Michigan (517)764-1500 airserv.com/southernmichigan/
Mt Pleasant Walton Htg & Clg (989)772-4822 waltonheating.com
Muskegon Adams Htg & Clg (231)873-2665 adamsheatingcooling.com
Portland ESI Htg & Clg (517)647-6906 esiheating.com
Sunfield
Mark Woodman Plmb & Htg (517)886-1138 mwphonline.com
Traverse City D&W Mechanical (231)941-1251 dwmechanical.com
Geofurnace Htg & Clg (231)943-1000 geofurnace.com
CO-OP REBATE INCENTIVES
Al g e r Delta Electric: up to $2,000
C h erryland Electric: up to $2,500
Cloverland: up to $6,275
Great Lakes Energy: up to $5,000
H omeworks/Tri-County Electric: up to $4,750
Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op: up to $4,750
Thumb Electric: up to $2,000
Michigan’s Electric Cooperatives
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, USPS-591-710, is published monthly, except August and December, with periodicals postage paid at Lansing, Mich., and additional offices. It is the official publication of the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association, 201 Townsend St., Suite 900, Lansing, MI 48933.
Subscriptions are authorized for members of Alger Delta, Cherryland, Great Lakes, HomeWorks Tri-County, Midwest Energy & Communications, Ontonagon, Presque Isle, and Thumb electric cooperatives by their boards of directors.
Postmaster: Send all UAA to CFS.
Association Officers: Tom Sobeck, Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op, chairman; Gabe Schneider, Cherryland Electric Cooperative, vice chairman; Chris O’Neill , HomeWorks Tri-County Cooperative, secretary-treasurer; Craig Borr , president and CEO.
CONTACT US/LETTERS TO EDITOR:
Michigan Country Lines
201 Townsend St., Suite 900 Lansing, MI 48933
248-534-7358 editor@countrylines.com
CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Please notify your electric cooperative. See page 4 for contact information.
The appearance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised.
Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation
(Required by U.S.C. 3685) 1. Publication: Michigan Country Lines. 2. Publication No.: 591-710. 3. Filing date: 10/1/24. 4. Issue frequency: monthly, except Aug. and Dec. 5. No. of issues published annually: 10. 6. Complete mailing address of office of publication: Michigan Electric Cooperative Association, 201 Townsend St., Ste. 900, Lansing, MI 48933. 7. Complete mailing address of headquarters of publisher: 201 Townsend St., Ste. 900, Lansing, MI 48933. 8. Full names and complete mailing address of publisher, editors, and executive editor: Craig Borr, Christine Dorr, Casey Clark, 201 Townsend St., Ste. 900, Lansing, MI 48933. 9. Owner: Michigan Electric Cooperative Assoc., 201 Townsend St., Ste. 900, Lansing, MI 48933. 10. Known bondholders, mortgagees, and other security holders owning or holding 1% or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages, or other securities: None. 11. Tax status: has not been changed 12. Issue date for circulation data: Sept. 2024. 13. Extent and nature of circulation: A)
7 BEST OF MICHIGAN
COUNTRY LINES COOKBOOK
This compilation of our co-op members' most delicious recipes makes a great gift.
10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN
Holiday Treats: These festive desserts will bring joy to your taste buds.
14 ROGERS CITY ROCKS:
WORLD’S
LARGEST OPEN PIT QUARRY
The Carmeuse Calcite Quarry is a global giant in a small town.
18 GUEST COLUMN
A Thrice-Worn Dress: how frugality and a GLE member's costume-making skills resulted in a perfect wedding gown.
MI Co-op Community
To enter contests, submit reader content & more, visit countrylines.com/community
Recipe Contest
See details on page 10. Sauces & Marinades due Dec. 1; Best No-Bake Recipes due Jan. 1; Smoothies & Shakes due Feb. 1. Win a $100 bill credit!
Guest Column
Share your fondest memories and stories. Win $200 for stories published. Visit countrylines.com/community to submit.
Win $200 for stories published!
Mystery Photo
See details on page 18. Win a $100 bill credit!
/algerdeltaelectric
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 HOURS
Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–4 p.m. (EST)
Alger Delta Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
EThe Seven Cooperative Principles
By Mike Furmanski, General Manager
lectric cooperatives are based on seven principles. These principles really represent who we are as a cooperative and the spirit of cooperative members. These principles are the critical glue that holds us to a standard second to none and make a difference for people. These principles are:
Voluntary and Open Membership: Since this co-op started in 1937, everyone who wanted to become a part of this co-op has been allowed to join. Every person taking service from the cooperative becomes a member of the cooperative and is a part owner.
Democratic Member Control: Each member of the cooperative has a voice and a vote in how the co-op operates. The members elect a director from each of the nine districts to the board of directors. The board then hires the general manager. The board also sets policy for the entire organization.
Members’ Economic Participation: Members each pay an electric bill for co-op services to contribute their share of co-op costs. Part of the bill contributes equity to the co-op in the form of patronage capital, which becomes the member’s ownership share.
Autonomy and Independence: The ability of the cooperative to operate in a self-help, self-governed fashion and the ability to be local lends to its ability to serve the specific needs of its membership.
Education, Training, and Information: The cooperative program understands the need for education and focuses on all parts of the organization. Directors have access to industry best practices and training, staff has strong industry specific training, and members receive valuable information about the co-op and industry through Michigan Country Lines magazine.
Cooperation Among Cooperatives: There are over 900 electric-related cooperatives in the nation. By working together, we have surpassed the ability of other forms of utilities in many areas. We work together to share expertise and help one another. We belong to a network of cooperative organizations such as the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. We also have access to various financial institutions for capital investment assistance such as CoBank, Cooperative Finance Corporation, and Rural Utility Service.
Concern for Community: Cooperatives all over the country exercise commitment to the communities they serve. Cooperatives are working for the sustainability of our communities by promoting electrical safety, participating in community efforts, supporting education, and often having employees who serve as volunteers. We have employees who are on volunteer fire departments, do safety demonstrations, participate in various fundraisers such as walking in the UP Pink Power fundraiser, and teach hunter safety. We also have employees who are members of Rotary and the Elks club. We also donate over $30,000 from WPPI Energy to various clubs and organizations in our service territory each year.
Together, these seven principles guide our everyday actions and set the tone for what we do here for our member-owners.
Alger Delta Contributes to UP Honor Flight
UP Honor Flight is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to fly Upper Peninsula veterans to Washington, D.C. to see the memorials that stand in their honor. This tour of honor is FREE to the veteran. Airfare, meals, a deluxe tour bus, t-shirts, and other items are provided at no cost to the veteran.
Alger Delta Electric, in collaboration with CoBank and WPPI Energy, made a $5,000 donation to the UP Honor Flight. Pictured are Scott Knauf, president of the UP Honor Flight, and Mike Furmanski, general manager of Alger Delta Electric Cooperative.
Happy Holidays
Holiday Office Closings
Alger Delta will be closed on the following dates in observance of these upcoming holidays:
Thanksgiving: Thursday, Nov. 28, and Friday, Nov. 29
Christmas: Tuesday, Dec. 24, and Wednesday, Dec. 25
New Year’s Day: Wednesday, Jan. 1
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 12/31/23.
Energy Assistance Programs 2024-2025 Season
Winter Protection Plan
Contact: Local Utility Company
Add $7,710 for each additional household member.
The Winter Protection Plan (WPP) protects enrolled seniors and low-income customers from service shut-offs and high utility bill payments during the winter months. If you are eligible, your utility service will remain on (or restored with the WPP) from Nov. 1 through March 31, if you:
• pay at least 7% of your estimated annual bill each month, and
• make equal monthly payments between the date you apply and the start of the next heating season on any past-due bills.
When the protection period ends (March 31), you must begin to pay the full monthly bill, plus part of the amount you owe from the winter months when you did not pay the full bill. Participation does not relieve customers from the responsibility of paying for electricity and natural gas usage, but does prevent shut-off during winter months. You qualify for the plan if you meet at least one of the following requirements:
• are age 65 or older,
• receive Dept. of Health and Human Services cash assistance, including SSI,
• receive Food Assistance,
• receive Medicaid, or
• household income is at or below the 150% of poverty level shown in the Income Guidelines chart above.
Senior citizen customers who participate in the WPP are not required to make specific payments to ensure that their service will not be shut off between Nov. 1 and March 31. Service for seniors can be restored without any payments.
Note: All customers 65+ are eligible regardless of income. Customers are responsible for all electricity and natural gas used. At the end of the protection period, participants must make arrangements with their utility company to pay off any money owed before the next heating season.
Home Heating Credit
Contact: Michigan Dept. of Treasury
Add $5,654 for each exemption over 8.
You can apply for a Home Heating Credit for the 2023 tax year if you meet the income guidelines listed above (110% of poverty level) or you qualify based on alternate guidelines including household income, exemptions, and heating costs. Additional exemptions are available for seniors, disabled claimants, or claimants with 5% or more of their income from unemployment compensation.
If you qualify, you may receive assistance to help pay for your winter heating bills. Forms are available mid-to-late January, wherever tax forms are provided or from the Michigan Dept. of Treasury (517-636-4486 or michigan.gov/treasury). The Home Heating Credit claim form must be filed with the Michigan Dept. of Treasury no later than Sept. 30 each year.
State Emergency Relief Program (SER)
Contact: Local Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services (DHHS), michigan.gov/mdhhs
You do not have to be a DHHS client to apply for help with a past-due bill, shut-off notice, or the need for deliverable fuel through the SER. This program, available Nov. 1–May 31, provides most of its utility assistance during this crisis season. However, limited assistance is available outside the crisis season.
If you receive a DHHS cash grant, you may use part of it toward heat and electric bills. Apply online at the MI Bridges website: Michigan.gov/mibridges.
Low-Income Weatherization Assistance Program
Contact: Local Community Action Agency
You may be able to receive help with weatherizing your home to reduce energy use if you meet low-income eligibility guidelines (200% of poverty guidelines) or if you participate in the Dept. of Health and Human Services Family Independence Program or receive SSI. Weatherization may include caulking, weather-stripping, and insulation. Contact your local Community Action Agency for details. Visit mcaaa.org to find one in your area.
United Way
Contact: Call 2-1-1 or UWmich.org/2-1-1
2-1-1 is a free phone service operating 24 hours daily to provide information about help that may be available in a particular area with utilities and other needs. Dial 2-1-1 or visit mi211.org to find available services.
Medical Emergency Protection
Contact: Local Utility Company
You are protected from service shut-off for nonpayment of your natural gas and/or electric bill for up to 21 days, possibly extending to 63 days, if you have a proven medical emergency. You must provide written proof from a doctor or a public health or social services official that a medical condition exists. Contact your gas or electric utility for details.
Shut-off Protection For Military Active Duty
Contact: Local Utility Company
If you or your spouse has been called into active military duty, you may apply for shut-off protection from your electric or natural gas service for up to 90 days. You may request extensions. You must still pay, but contact your utility company and they will help you set up a payment plan.
Michigan Veterans Trust Fund Emergency Grant Program
Contact: MI Veterans Trust Fund
The Trust Fund provides temporary assistance to veterans and their families facing a financial emergency or hardship, including the need for energy assistance. Contact the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund at 800-642-4838 or michiganveterans.com.
MI Energy Assistance Program
Contact: Utility or 2-1-1 in late November: 2-1-1 or https://mi211.org/
The Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) includes services that will enable participants to become self-sufficient, including assisting participants in paying their energy bills on time, budgeting for and contributing to their ability to provide for energy expenses, and being energy efficient. Shut-off protection is provided Nov. 1–April 15 for all residential customers. The MEAP is supported by the state’s Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund (LIEAF). An electric utility that chooses not to collect for the LIEAF shall not shut off service to customers for nonpayment between Nov. 1 and April 15. For a list of electric providers that opt out of collecting the LIEAF, go to michigan.gov/energygrants.
GIVE THE GIFT OF MMM...
A decade of award-winning recipes from Michigan Country Lines.
COOKING FOR A CAUSE
Support two deserving Michigan charities with every purchase of this cookbook:
Feeding America Local Food Banks: Helping ensure that no one in our community goes without nutritious meals.
Cooperative Family Fund: Providing essential assistance to children of electric cooperative employees who have lost a parent while they were actively employed.
Make this holiday season special by ordering your copies today and sharing the gift of community and care.
Order now in time for the holidays! Please allow 7–10 days for shipping.
Energy Efficiency Tips Heating Your Home
As winter settles in, follow these tips to help reduce your winter energy usage:
Prevent Air Leakage 1
• The Department of Energy says sealing air leaks could cut your heating usage by up to 30%.
Common leaks include:
- Utility cut-throughs and plumbing penetrations
- Gaps around chimneys and recessed lights
- Unfinished spaces behind cupboards and closets
- Window and door frames
- Attic hatches
- Outlets and light switches
• ENERGY STAR® says nine out of 10 United States homes don’t have enough insulation. Consider adding more (for example, in your attic) to keep warm air inside your home. Visit energystar.gov and search “insulation” for details on how you can check your home’s insulation levels.
Maintain Your Heating System 2
• Replace your filter every month.
• Have a professional inspect your furnace every year. They will ensure everything is working and point out problems before they become an emergency.
• If you use a pellet or wood stove, clean the flue regularly.
• When it's time to replace your system, select an energy-efficient model.
• Vacuum your vents and registers regularly, and ensure that vents aren't blocked by drapery and furniture.
3
Maintain Your Fireplace
• Keep the damper closed when not in use. Otherwise, warm air will escape up the chimney.
• When in use, lower the thermostat and open the nearest window slightly.
• Install tempered glass doors and a heat-air exchange system that blows warmed air back into the room.
• Check the seal on the fireplace flue damper and make it as snug as possible. Also, add caulking around the hearth.
4
Use Ceiling Fans
• Set your fan to a low speed with the blades rotating in a clockwise direction. This will push the warm air collected at the ceiling around the room.
5
Lower Your Thermostat
• Turn down your thermostat by 10 degrees for eight hours, and you could save up to 10% on your heating costs. Consider investing in a smart thermostat that automatically adjusts temperatures.
6
Let the Sunshine In
• Open curtains or blinds on sunny days to let the sun help warm your rooms.
• Close blinds and curtains at night to prevent heat from escaping.
Visit energy.gov/energysaver for more tips on improving your home's efficiency all year long.
Submit a photo & win a $50 energy bill credit!
Submit Your Photos & Win A Bill Credit!
1. Home at last, 10-13-2018, WW2-KIA/MIA, Elwood R. Bailey. Connie Tingley
Alger Delta members whose photos we print in Michigan Country Lines during 2024 will be entered in a drawing. Four lucky members will win a $50 energy bill credit on their December 2024 bills!
Upcoming Photo Topics And Deadlines:
Historical Treasures, due Nov. 25 (Jan./Feb. issue)
Sunrise to Sunset, due Jan. 25 (March/April issue)
Michigan’s Farmlands, due March 25 (May/June issue)
To submit photos, go to http://bit.ly/countrylines. We look forward to seeing your best photos!
2. This wreath helped us celebrate our first Christmas as a married couple and our second Christmas in our new home! Lauren Culpepper
3. Lake Superior driftwood wreath. Anne Kirkpatrick
4. Fall beauty. Ivana Enright
HOLIDAY TREATS
Delightful recipes to sweeten the season.
Recipe Contest
Win a $100 energy bill credit!
Sauces & Marinades due Dec. 1; Best No-Bake Recipes due Jan. 1; Smoothies & Shakes due Feb. 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
WINNING RECIPE!
CHOCOLATE CHIP CHEESE BALL
Patricia Davio, Great Lakes Energy
1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
½ cup butter, softened
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
¾ cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
¾ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 (10-ounce) box Teddy Grahams or graham crackers/sticks
¾ cup chopped walnuts
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until fluffy. Gradually add in the sugars and beat until well incorporated. Mix in the chocolate chips until combined. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours. One hour before serving, remove from the refrigerator and shape into a ball. Roll in the chopped walnuts. Note: recipe is still delicious without the nuts if allergies are a concern. Serve with the Teddy Grahams or graham crackers/sticks on the side. Optional: you can also add a few drops of raspberry preserves to make it a chocolate/raspberry cheese ball, or you can use a combination of chips, such as white chocolate, peanut butter, butterscotch, etc.
Watch a video of this month’s winning recipe at micoopkitchen.com/videos
BAKLAVA
Karmen Nash, HomeWorks Tri-County Electric
1 cup sugar
1 cup honey
¾ cup water
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
½ teaspoon lemon zest
2 cinnamon sticks
¹⁄8 teaspoon ground cloves
¹⁄8 teaspoon ground cardamom
½ teaspoon rose water, optional
1 pound mixed nuts (pistachios, walnuts, pecans, almonds, etc.), finely chopped
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt (none if salted butter is used)
¼ cup brown sugar
2 sticks unsalted butter, melted
1 pound phyllo pastry sheets, thawed according to package instructions
Combine the sugar, honey, water, lemon juice, lemon zest, cinnamon sticks, cloves, cardamom, and rose water (if using) in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, until sugar has dissolved (15–20 minutes). Reduce heat to medium-low and cook until syrup is slightly thickened, about 10 minutes. Remove the cinnamon sticks and lemon zest and set syrup aside to cool. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chopped nuts, cinnamon, salt, and brown sugar; stir well. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat a 9x13-inch or 10x15-inch baking dish with melted butter. Position rack in center of oven
CRANBERRY NUT COFFEE CAKE
¼ cup brown sugar
Janice Harvey, Great Lakes Energy
½ cup chopped walnuts
½ teaspoon cinnamon
2 cups buttermilk biscuit mix
2 tablespoons sugar
1 egg
²⁄ ³ cup water
²⁄ ³ cup whole berry cranberry sauce
Icing:
½ cup confectioners’ (powdered) sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon warm water
and preheat oven to 350 F. Lay the phyllo sheets on a clean cutting board. Measure; if the sheets are approximately the same size as the baking dish you are using, proceed from here. If they are larger than your baking dish, use a sharp knife to cut approximately the same size as your baking dish. Cover sheets with plastic wrap and a lightly damp kitchen towel, as phyllo dries out very quickly if left uncovered. Uncover and recover without getting phyllo dough damp while you work. Place 2 sheets of phyllo in the bottom of buttered baking dish; lightly brush the entire top with melted butter. Place 2 sheets and butter the top. Place another 2 sheets and butter the top for a total of 6 phyllo layers. Spread at least ½ cup nut mixture evenly over buttered phyllo sheets. Repeat with 6 more sheets of phyllo, buttering every other layer, and topping with another ½ cup nut mixture until nut mixture is used up. Layer any remaining phyllo on top, buttering between each sheet, until all phyllo has been used. Use a sharp knife to make 4 cuts lengthwise through the layered phyllo at 1½ -inch intervals. Then cut diagonally across the strips at 1½ -inch intervals to form 36 diamond shapes. Bake the baklava until golden brown, uncovered, about 40 minutes. Remove from oven. Using a ladle or small measuring cup, slowly drizzle syrup over warm baklava. Allow to stand several hours before serving.
Preheat oven to 400 F. Mix brown sugar, walnuts, and cinnamon, then set aside. Combine biscuit mix, sugar, egg, and water and beat vigorously for 30 seconds. Spread in greased 9x9-inch pan and sprinkle with nut mixture. Also spoon cranberry sauce over top. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. To make icing, blend all icing ingredients, adding a few more drops of water, if necessary, for a drizzling consistency. While warm, drizzle cake with icing. Enjoy!
PISTACHIO ALMOND COOKIES
Deb Finedell, Great Lakes Energy
1 cup butter, softened
¾ cup sugar
1 egg yolk, slightly beaten
2 teaspoons almond extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup ground almonds
½ cup finely chopped pistachios
• pinch of salt
Add the butter and sugar to a medium bowl and mix well. Beat in the egg yolk and almond extract. Sift together the flour and a pinch of salt into the mixture. Add the ground almonds. Stir until thoroughly combined. Halve the dough. Shape into balls and wrap in
plastic wrap. Chill in refrigerator for 30–60 minutes. Note: Refrigerating chills the butter and will prevent the cookies from spreading flat in the oven. Preheat oven to 375 F. Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper. Roll out dough between 2 sheets of parchment paper to about ¹⁄ 8 -inch thick. Sprinkle the pistachios over the dough and roll lightly with a rolling pin. Cut into pieces or use cookie cutters to create shapes. Place cookies on prepared cookie sheets, spaced 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes. Let cool on cookie sheets for 5–10 minutes. Enjoy!
What is a
SERVICE CHARGE?
How does it differ from
ELECTRIC USAGE
Our energy rate includes wholesale power supply and any of our costs that vary depending on how much you use ELECTRIC USAGE
.poles, wires, and transformers that make up the co-op ’ s infrastructure. facilities and equipment needed to repair and maintain the distribution system.
How does Alger Delta’s service charge to others?
...people and supplies to run a successful electric cooperative
IS
AMOUNT SET? service charge of a
The amount of the charge varies utility to utility, depending on the number of people served. For example, for every mile of line a municipal utility serves, they may be able to divide their cost of service over 30 people Rural cooperatives, on the other hand, may only be able to divide that cost over 10 people in the same mile. Whether a person is served by a municipal utility or cooperative, the cost of the mile of line stays the same THE MORE PEOPLE A UTILITY SERVES PER MILE OF LINE, THE MORE PEOPLE TO DIVIDE THAT COST AMONG AND THE LESS THE CHARGE PER PERSON. The co-op ’ s COST OF SERVICE STUDY evaluates the cost of providing electricity to all of Alger Delta’s
classes, THE STUDY DETERMINES SERVICE COSTS across all types of members, including residential, commercial, agricultural, and industrial class is their service charge The fixed cost for each member
Fixed or Variable—Costs and Revenues
Our mission at Alger Delta is to provide safe, reliable, and efficient energy. Part of being reliable and efficient includes being financially responsible to ensure our members continue to benefit from our notfor-profit cooperative model, both now and well into the future. Taking a deeper look at the cooperative’s finances, its costs can easily be broken down into two categories— fixed and variable.
Fixed costs: Fixed costs are expenses the cooperative will bear no matter how much electricity is used. Even before a light switch is turned on, the cooperative needs to pay for poles, wires, transformers, and more. Inflation and parts shortages have increased the cost of these materials by as much as 50% over the past four years. And given our rural footprint, we need a lot of poles and wires. For 2023, our fixed costs totaled $9,371,625.
Variable costs: Variable costs are expenses that will change depending on how much power our members use. In 2023, the cooperative’s variable costs totaled $8,116,277.
Revenues: For 2023, we collected $4,967,940 through fixed charges, which show up on the bill as “Service Charge.” We also collected $13,263,935 through variable charges, which show up on the bill as “Electric Usage.” We also collected $278,002 from capital credits and investment income, for a grand total of $18,509,877.
Rate adjustments: Alger Delta’s bylaws state that rates should be designed to reduce or eliminate subsidization. Subsidization occurs when one member pays a greater share of costs than another member.
For 2023, we undercollected $4,403,685 in fixed costs. These costs are then paid for through energy sales. These numbers need to be better aligned. Alger Delta recently increased its service charges to reduce this shortfall. The rate for electric usage remained the same as last year.
Looking towards the future: The cooperative operates with members’ best interests in mind. The electric industry continues to experience sweeping changes, and Alger Delta is preparing for the future. Under Michigan’s state energy policy, Public Act 235 establishes a renewable energy standard of 50% by 2030 and 60% by 2035, along with clean energy requirements of 80% by 2035 and 100% by 2040. Keeping a healthy business model will set the cooperative up for success while navigating these changes. We remain committed to meeting these state requirements. Thank you for being a member and for your continued support.
Efficiency: Members can reduce their variable costs based on how much electricity they use each month. If you are interested in reducing your variable costs, please consider visiting www.algerdelta.com/energy-saving-ideas to learn how energy efficiency can help.
ROGERS CITY ROCKS
WORLD’S LARGEST OPEN PIT QUARRY
By Emily Haines Lloyd | Photography by Tyler Leipprandt, Michigan Sky Media
The list of natural and manmade wonders that can be seen from space isn’t a long one. The Grand Canyon or Great Barrier Reef may come to mind. Others might think of the Pyramids of Giza or Dubai’s Palm Islands. And while Rogers City, Michigan, home to about 3,000 residents along Lake Huron, may not strike the same familiar chord, its world record-holding Carmeuse Calcite Quarry has put it on the map. Or rather–the globe.
A QUARRY OF EPIC PROPORTIONS
The largest open pit quarry in the world, Carmeuse Calcite Quarry (usually just referred to as “Calcite”) stretches four miles long and one and a half miles wide and spans an astonishing 8,000 acres. This massive operation, visible even from space, is a critical source of high-calcium limestone—a vital ingredient in products and processes we encounter daily.
The steel in our cars? Limestone.
The cement in our roads? Limestone.
The antacid you take after too many hot wings? Limestone.
FROM LOCAL LANDMARK TO GLOBAL ICON
Founded in 1910 by the Michigan Limestone & Chemical Company, the quarry began operations in 1912. Over a century later, now owned and operated by Belgium-based Carmeuse, it remains an essential part of the global limestone supply chain, producing about 10 million tons of material each year. Carmeuse is a member of Wolverine Power Marketing Cooperative.
“If we keep mining Calcite Quarry correctly,” said Carmeuse Site Operations Manager Scott Grulke, “this mine will keep producing for another 120 years.”
Calcite’s impact extends far beyond Rogers City. Its limestone has played a pivotal role in the construction of major infrastructure projects, such as the Mackinac Bridge and the interstate highway system. During World War I and II, the quarry’s output was crucial to produce steel, helping to build warships and other military hardware.
Despite its global significance, Calcite has never lost its connection to the local community. Generations of Rogers City residents have worked at the quarry, with many families counting multiple generations of miners among their ranks. The quarry is not just a place of work; it’s a part of the town’s identity.
“Historically, Calcite has been a big part of the community,” said Grulke. “We want to make sure that continues.”
A TOURIST ATTRACTION WITH DEEP COMMUNITY ROOTS
In addition to its industrial importance, the Carmeuse Calcite Quarry has become a popular tourist attraction. The viewing area, originally established in 1949, was a response to growing public interest. The attraction quickly gained popularity, and by 1951, over 37,000 visitors had come to see the quarry.
Today, the quarry remains a draw for sightseers. The “Quarry View” site, located just south of Rogers City, offers a glimpse into the immense scale of the operation. Visitors can watch as 150-ton trucks haul limestone across the quarry, their size dwarfing anything else in view.
A LASTING LEGACY
As it approaches its 112th year of operation, the Carmeuse Calcite Quarry remains a powerful example of how a small town can have global influence. With its limestone used in everything from road construction to sugar production to pharmaceuticals, Rogers City’s Calcite proves that even the smallest places can have massive impact.
Visit rogerscity.com/harbor-view to learn more and plan a visit.
Birch Bark and Barbed Wire
The Art of a Native American Veteran
By Yvonne Whitman
Larry Godfrey’s road to art was not a straight line but rather one comprised of twists, turns, and sometimes rocky paths. The Vietnam veteran began to dabble in creating art after a 30-year career as a boilermaker. Both Godfrey’s time serving his country in the Army and his Native American heritage impact the subject of his artwork. Godfrey served two tours of duty in Vietnam. “While doing my work as a heavy armored equipment mechanic, I found myself getting to know many of the guys very well. I would retrieve and fix up the beat-up vehicles and they would go out again,” Godfrey said. “A few days later, that same APC would come back in blown up again. I suffered survivors’ guilt when some of these men did not come back. I’m one of the lucky ones that were able to return home.”
Once retired, Godfrey literally and figuratively went back to his roots and
started crafting baskets, containers, ornaments, and other items. His mother was a Native American artist who had learned the skill of basket making from her mother, and as he was growing up, he would help her harvest black ash and sweet grass for the baskets. “My mother still has a big influence on my love of working with my hands to bring a new item to life from combining the natural materials. I regret now not paying more attention to her technique and her stories,” he said.
“I work with the same natural materials that my ancestors used—birch bark, spruce root, cedar, and sweetgrass, all of which I gather during long treks in the woods,” he said. “My love for the traditional ways they used them brings me to a place where I feel close to them and happy that I am continuing in their footsteps.” Godfrey believes in passing on this knowledge to others and has always enjoyed teaching classes.
After connecting with a fellow Sault Tribe member who built birch bark canoes, Godfrey began an apprenticeship with him. Utilizing birch bark, spruce roots, and traditional building methods, he built a 12-foot canoe that took him three years to complete. Much to his delight, his inaugural launch on Little Bay de Noc proved his canoe to be fully seaworthy. In 2011, he donated the canoe to the Crazy Horse Museum in South Dakota, where it is viewed by people from around the world.
As a self-described mixed media artist, Godfrey is now exploring new avenues creating art from salvaged metal. He constructs large metal sculpture pieces from repurposed copper, antique barb wire, old saw blades, and propane tanks. His sculptures are not only displayed in his backyard but will also be part of his one-person show in Manistique in August of 2025. His
“When you concentrate on doing a project, you forget everything else.”
large 10- to 12-foot dream catchers are prominently displayed on the campus of Bay College and in the courtyard at The Bonifas Fine Arts Center in Escanaba and are part of the permanent art collections of both institutions.
Godfrey’s evocative work, “Tormented,” has a particularly special meaning. “This sculpture is constructed of parts, and each part has a story. What it means to me is what has gone through my mind since I left Vietnam. The barbed wire, with all its sharp points, represents all the different stories that Vietnam veterans came back with after their time in the country’s war. The old hand-forged chair is bent but not broken. I used a little iron rebar to help hold it up, just
like the help all of us veterans need from time to time,” he said.
The base of the piece is constructed of parts from an armored personnel carrier (APC) and copper plate. “The APC drive sprocket represents part of my time in the 4th Infantry in Vietnam and the work I did to keep the vehicles running. I hand-forged the copper plate and then shot it full of bullet holes, which reminded me of those in the damaged APCs that I worked to repair in the performance of my duties, and where the trauma of my story took place,” Godfrey said. “In Native American belief, two feathers represent fallen warriors. By putting these items together, I created this sculpture to honor all the of the veterans who each
came home with their own stories of their experiences of war.”
For Godfrey, creating art is therapy. “When you concentrate on doing a project, you forget everything else,” he said.
And while Godfrey terms his metal work “junkyard art,” Bonifas Fine Arts Museum President Al Hansen begs to differ. “Larry’s work is phenomenal,” Hansen said. “He uses natural and salvaged items and puts them together sculpturally in a way that represents raw emotion. His pieces are powerful and thought provoking. It’s everything that art should be.”
Mystery
Photo
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A A Thrice-Worn Dress
By Laura Payne, Great Lakes Energy Cooperative member
refreshing trend has begun in the world of weddings. Brides are not always looking for the newest and most expensive things to surround themselves with on their big day.
My aunt wore a lovely lace and tulle gown for her big day, and her oldest daughter decided she would escape the cost and hassle of finding a new wedding dress and would instead wear her mother’s wedding gown, as it fit her very nicely. But frugality runs deep in the family, so when the youngest daughter began planning her wedding, the dress now had a chance to serve not two but three brides. However, the youngest daughter wanted the dress altered to make it her own.
If you sew enough Halloween costumes, family members will eventually view you as a seamstress—even if you’re not. Thus, I was tasked with altering a 30-year-old wedding gown. I was excited, but I won’t lie—that first cut into my aunt’s beloved wedding dress was nothing short of terrifying. What if I couldn’t figure out what to do? What if I made a mistake and destroyed my cousin’s chances of wearing the dress altogether? But I was boldly determined to help my cousin create the gown of her dreams.
After staring at the dress on a dress form for weeks, I finally put a scissor blade on the cloth, and the creative process began. Finally, after several days of work, second-guessing myself more than once, and a few mistakes that had to be corrected, the dress was ready for my aunt’s youngest daughter to take her own trip down the aisle—a trip this dress now knew quite well. The wedding dress now qualified as “something old...something new... something borrowed...”
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