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:
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!
/homeworks.org
homeworks.org tricoenergy@homeworks.org
Portland office/Mail payments to: 7973 E. Grand River Ave. Portland, MI 48875
Open 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday Blanchard office: 3681 Costabella Ave. Blanchard, MI 49310
Open 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday Night deposit box available at both locations.
Electric bill/account questions: 517-647-7554 or 1-800-562-8232
Pay by phone, anytime: 1-844-963-2875
Service questions/outages: 517-647-7554 or 1-800-848-9333 (24 hours for emergency calls)
Tri-County Propane: 1-877-574-2740
HomeWorks Connect 1-800-668-8413
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
District 1 — John Lord, Vice-Chairman 2276 Plains Rd., Leslie, MI 49251 517-974-2518 • jlord@homeworks.org
District 2 — Jim Stebbins
7139 Peddler Lake Rd., Clarksville, MI 48815 517-930-8132 • jstebbins@homeworks.org
District 3 — Luke Pohl, Chairman 15560 W. Hanses Rd., Westphalia, MI 48894 989-292-0427 • lpohl@homeworks.org
District 4 — Jake Borton 7543 E. Edgar Rd., Vestaburg, MI 48891 989-506-3404 • jborton@homeworks.org
District 5 — Theresa Sopocy 6996 E. Wilson Rd., Bannister, MI 48807 989-292-0295 • tsopocy@homeworks.org
District 6 — Dave Livermore 8060 W. Airline Rd., Weidman, MI 48893 989-289-3019 • dlivermore@homeworks.org
District 7 — Shirley Sprague, Secretary-Treasurer 15563 45th Ave., Barryton, MI 49305 989-382-7535 • ssprague@homeworks.org
Editor: Charly Markwart, CCC cmarkwart@homeworks.org
EEvery Spare Cent Counts For The People Fund
By Michelle Huhn, Executive Assistant
very year during the giving season, I get the chance to share a column here telling you about the positive impact your spare change is making throughout our service territory via the Tri-County Electric People Fund. As our People Fund administrator, I have the opportunity to see firsthand the difference this program makes for your neighbors in need, and I love to share that story with you.
The People Fund is supported by members who volunteer to participate in our Operation Round Up program. As its name suggests, this program rounds up participating members’ monthly HomeWorks bill to the nearest dollar. 100% of those rounded-up funds are then granted back out to individuals, families, and organizations with special needs within the communities we serve. You might find it hard to believe, but since the People Fund was founded in 1993, we’ve been able to take your rounded-up dollars, which averages out to just $6 per member annually, and give back more than $2.65 million in rural mid-Michigan!
Our grants are dispersed by our volunteer People Fund board that consists of seven directors, one from each HomeWorks district. Every six weeks or so, this devoted group comes together to pore over the grant applications we receive from every corner of our service footprint. The board responds to requests from families who can’t afford to pay utility bills to keep their home warm due to financial hardships beyond their control, nonprofit organizations striving to stamp out hunger in our local communities, secondary schools and youth sports groups trying to help underprivileged children get started on the right foot, and so much more. And, thanks to generous members like you, our People Fund is able to answer many of those dire needs.
I know times are tough financially right now, with expenses on the rise everywhere due to inflation. If you haven’t opted in to round up your bill and you can’t afford to do so due to the current financial strain, we completely understand. But today’s economy has also caused significant additional need for People Fund grants throughout our rural service territory, so if you are able to spare your extra change each month, we would greatly appreciate if you’d consider opting in to Operation Round Up.
Now that I’ve seen the program from the inside, I’m here to tell you that it’s much more than spare change to our grant recipients. As I’ve said before, it’s an answered prayer, a sigh of relief, and a newfound hope for the future. So many times, I’ve heard from our grant recipients how the People Fund money came as a blessing in their time of need and changed their life for the better.
The holiday season is a wonderful time for giving, but the need exists year-round. For our members who participate in Operation Round Up, I can promise you that our People Fund board and I will continue to make sure to put your monthly donation to good use in the lives of your neighbors in need.
Opt in to round up your bill for the People Fund via our SmartHub app, leave us a note on your next payment stub, or give us a call at 800-562-8232.
“So many times, I’ve heard from our grant recipients how the People Fund money came as a blessing in their time of need and changed their life for the better.”
• An all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., paid for by your Michigan Electric Cooperative
• A week of visiting historic monuments, touring world-class museums, and meeting elected officials.
• Developing life-long friendships with delegates from across the country!
H OW TO APPLY
• Applicants must be a sophomore or junior in high school.
• You and your parents or guardian must be served by HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative.
• Be the first to know when applications are open: Scan the QR code or visit www.cooperativeyouthtour.com!
MICHIGAN INSTAGRAM: MI.COOP.YOUTH.TOUR
Help Shape the Future of Our Community! Wolverine Power Cooperative, our power supplier, is developing a community benefits plan to create programs that support HomeWorks Tri-County Electric members and the communities we serve. You’re invited to share your thoughts by visiting wolverinepowercooperative.com/CBP. Complete a brief survey by Nov. 17 to be entered into a drawing to win $200 or register to attend a community meeting. Share Your Input for a
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.
Find Holiday Savings for Your Home
is the season to save when shopping for energyefficient upgrades for your home. Be sure to add new ENERGY STAR® appliances to your wish list! You can take advantage of retail holiday sales AND rebates from the HomeWorks Energy Optimization (EO) program! After those upfront savings, you’ll save for years to come with lower energy costs.
Gift Yourself ENERGY STAR® Appliances
More Ways to Save This Season
In addition to new appliances, there are many simple ways you can save energy and money while celebrating the holidays at home.
• Switch to Holiday LED Lights. LED string lights are sturdier, last longer, and consume 70% less energy than conventional incandescent light strands. You can save even more money by putting your lights on a timer.
• Use a Draft Stopper. A draft stopper can be used on doors or windows to prevent cold air from entering your home and prevent heat from leaving it.
Dryer: Heat Pump
Star qualified heat pump dryer. Limit 1.
Energy Star qualified. Minimum 10 cu. ft. capacity. Limit 1.
Chest or Upright Freezer
Star qualified. Limit 1.
Induction Range/Stove Induction range, stove, or cooktop with a minimum of 3 burners. Electric only. Limit 1.
• Set Ceiling Fans to Run Clockwise. In the winter, set your ceiling fans to turn clockwise on the lowest speed. This creates an updraft and allows for the heat to be pushed down from the ceiling. In the warmer months, set your fans to turn counterclockwise to push cold air down through the room.
For a complete list of EO rebates and ways to save year-round, visit homeworks.org/eo or call 877-296-4319.
Enter to win a $100 energy bill credit!
Submit Your “Musical Moments”
Photos By Nov. 25!
Each month, HomeWorks members are able to submit photos on our website for our photo contest. The photo receiving the most votes is published here, along with some other selections from that month. Musical Moments photos can be submitted through Nov. 25 to be featured in our February 2025 issue.
To enter the contest, visit HomeWorks.org/ photocontest. Enter your picture, cast your vote, and encourage others to vote for you, too. If your photo is published in Country Lines during 2025, you will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of four $100 credits on your December 2025 HomeWorks bill!
MOST VOTES
1. My granddaughter, Tis, shopping for her first Christmas tree! Tom Adams, Evart
2. Homemade with some homegrown materials. Carol Brown, Stockbridge
3. Cardinals appear when loved ones are near. Jennifer Farr, Grand Ledge
4. Fun summer wreath. Ann Shanteau, Remus
5. Christmas joy. Bridget Gregus, Charlotte
6. A “four seasons wreath” handmade by my daughter, Mikenna Bayless, while in Gatlinburg, TN, over a Christmas/New Year’s holiday vacation. Casie Bayless, Portland
7. Cheerful sunflowers decorate Momma's door. Debra Cook, Mt. Pleasant
8. My spouse makes custom Christmas wreaths for family and friends. This one has bobbers and shotgun shells for a family member who is a fisherman and hunter. Donna Rohrs, Hersey
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!
HomeWorks Shines In Most Recent Electric Performance Measures Report
HomeWorks distributes electricity to 23,000 members spread across 13 counties of rural mid-Michigan. This sparsely populated service territory requires our line crews to respond to outages and service requests that are located farther apart than the meters of larger investor-owned utilities (IOUs) serving more densely populated areas of the state. This presents a challenge, but our employees work safely and efficiently to deliver prompt service and get the job done for you. This is reflected in our 2023 Michigan Public Service Commission Performance Measures Report, which shows that HomeWorks once again far exceeded the standard in every category. We’re proud to provide this level of service to our members year in and year out!
Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) Performance Measure
MSA Wire Down Relief Factor
Number of minutes until guarded downed wires reached
Non-MSA Wire Down Relief Factor
Number of minutes until guarded downed wires reached
Meter Reading
Percentage of meters read
15 Days New Service Installation
Percentage of new services installed
3 Days Complaint Response
Percentage of formal complaints responded to
Average Call Answering Time
Outage Restoration in Normal Conditions
Percentage of customers restored
Outage Restoration in Catastrophic Conditions
Percentage of customers restored
Outage Restoration in All Conditions
Percentage of customers restored
Same Circuit Repetitive Interruption
Your Board In Action
Meeting in Blanchard on Sept. 23, your board of directors:
• In a special open member meeting, unanimously approved an electric rate adjustment to meet the financial needs of the Cooperative.
• In a special open member meeting, voted unanimously to establish a ceiling of $.00856 per kWh as the Power Supply Cost Recovery factor for all rate classes subject to the PSCR, by tariff, in accordance with P.A. 167, to take effect during the January 2025 billing cycle.
• Reviewed a presentation on the five-year plan of the Co-op’s power supplier, Wolverine Power Cooperative.
• Discussed and accepted Co-op bylaw sections 20-21, as revised.
• Authorized management to continue with Slipstream as the third-party administrator of the Co-op’s Energy Optimization program for another one-year term.
• Reviewed and authorized management to file the Co-op’s completed IRS Form 990 and 990-T.
• Acknowledged the August safety report, listing employee training as well as minor employee and public incidents involving electric, propane, or fiber optic.
• Acknowledged the August physical and cybersecurity report, listing any security incidents of note, along with any measures taken to bolster security.
Time Set Aside for Members to Comment Before Cooperative Board Meetings
The first 15 minutes of every board meeting are available for members who wish to address the board of directors on any subject. The next meetings are scheduled for 9 a.m. on Nov. 25 at Blanchard and 9 a.m. on Dec. 16 at Portland. Members who wish to have items considered on the board agenda should call 517-647-7554 at least a week in advance of the meeting.
Operation Round Up Helps People Fund Support
Local Causes
Meeting in Blanchard on Sept. 23, our People Fund board made four grants totaling $4,228.03, including:
• $1,770 to a Mecosta County family, to help with truck and pellet stove repairs;
• $1,500 to the Crossroads Compassionate Center in Greenville, to purchase food for a food pantry;
• $524 to the IM Safe Child Advocacy Center in Fenwick, to support services for abused children; and
• $434.03 to an Ingham County family, to help cover utility bills.
How to Apply for a Tri-County Electric People Fund Grant
Last Call For Classroom Grant Applications!
Teachers, the deadline to apply for our 2024-25 Classroom S.T.E.A.M. Grants of up to $2,000 is almost here! We’d love to support an innovative project in your classroom, so click the Community tab at HomeWorks.org to apply by Nov. 15!
The Tri-County Electric People Fund provides grants to individuals and organizations in the Coop’s service area for food, shelter, clothing, health, and other humane needs, or for programs or services that benefit a significant segment of a community. Write to 7973 E. Grand River Ave., Portland, MI 48875, for an application form and grant guidelines, or visit the People Fund page at HomeWorks.org. Note: Applications must be received by Dec. 10 for the December meeting.
Sign up for Operation Round Up to round your monthly electric bill up to the nearest dollar by calling us at 800-562-8232
Make a one-time donation at HomeWorks.org/PeopleFund
Make A Difference With Your Spare Change! HOW TO
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.
January Rate Increase Will Help Cover Co-op’s Increased Costs
By Chris O’Neill, CEO
As your CEO, I’m very proud that HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative maintains one of the best electric distribution systems in the state, providing you with power that was over 99.95% reliable again last year. Unfortunately, as utilities across the state and the nation are experiencing, the costs of providing reliable electric service continue to rise rapidly due to persistent inflationary pressures. At the same time, our electric sales are down significantly over the past two years due to mild weather, and our co-op’s rate of membership growth is down as well. Due to the combination of these factors, our current electric revenues are simply not keeping up with today’s rate of inflation. As such, after careful consideration, our board of directors has deemed that a rate adjustment is necessary in order to cover the Co-op’s expenses. At an open member meeting in September, the board voted unanimously to enact an electric distribution rate increase that will take effect Jan. 1, 2025.
The main driver behind this rate adjustment is the rising cost of maintaining a reliable electric system, from contractor, material, and operations costs to the expenses associated with hardening our system and keeping the rights-of-way around our lines clear of trees. Since these are fixed costs of making electricity available to you, which means our costs remain the same no matter how much power you use, the board voted to implement this rate increase into our fixed availability charge. The rate adjustment will vary depending on rate class, but for residential members in single-family dwellings, the availability charge will increase from the current $33 per month to $41 per month in January. The kilowatt-hour charge will remain unchanged.
The good news is that at the same meeting in September, our board approved lowering our power supply cost recovery factor to $.00360, effective in January 2025, which will save the average residential member $3.93 on their monthly bill. This means that with both adjustments taken into account, the average residential member will see their bill increase by $4.23 per month (including tax), or 2.8%.
Please know that as your not-for-profit electric cooperative, we remain very mindful of the need to maintain affordable electricity for you. We have to cover our expenses in order
What Is An Availability Charge?
When you buy or lease a vehicle, your monthly car payment is fixed—in order to have the vehicle available to you whenever you need it, you must pay the full payment amount, regardless of how often you drive that month. Our availability charge is similar to a car payment in that it is the fixed portion of the HomeWorks electric bill, designed to cover the expenses we must pay to maintain a distribution system to serve you, regardless of how much electricity you use. This includes the costs of operation, maintenance, and upgrade of equipment in order to ensure power is available whenever you turn your light switch on. The availability charge is carefully set based on our cost to serve each rate class, helping us to ensure that all members are paying their fair share to maintain the system that provides them with electricity. That’s the Co-op way.
to continue providing you with the superior electric service you’ve come to expect from us, but we are committed to serving you as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible, now and into the future. This efficiency is reflected in the fact that even with the January rate adjustment, our electric rates will remain in line with the rates of our neighboring investor-owned utility (IOU), despite our rural service territory being far less densely populated than theirs (we serve only approximately eight meters per mile, compared to 32 meters per mile for the average IOU).
As a co-op member-owner, you can rest assured that our rates will always be based solely on the cost of providing you with reliable electricity. You can also rely on the fact that, just as we have for the past 85 years, we will continue to work to make sure that your electricity will remain a great value for years to come. If you have any questions about the January rate adjustment, or if you are struggling to pay your bill, please give us a call at 800-562-8232. For your convenience, our full rate book is available to download at HomeWorks.org/rates.
Thanks in large part to our investment in the careful maintenance of our electric system, your power was 99.95% reliable again last year.
How Will The Rate Adjustment Affect My Availability Fee?
Rate Class
Residential - Single Dwelling
Residential - Multiple Dwelling
Residential - Time Of Day (TOD)
General Service - Single Phase
General Service - Three Phase
General Service - TOD Single Phase
General Service - TOD Three Phase
Minimum Charge - TOD
Large Power Service
Current Avail. Charge New Avail. Charge
$33.00/month
$41.00/month
$24.00/month $32.00/month
$38.00/month $46.00/month
$38.00/month $45.00/month
$59.00/month $66.00/month
$40.00/month $47.00/month
$64.00/month $71.00/month
$60.00/month $67.00/month
$98.00/month $105.00/month
Large Power Service - TOD $110.00/month $117.00/month
Optional Irrigation TODSingle Phase $34.00/month $41.00/month
Optional Irrigation TODThree Phase $58.00/month $65.00/month
Net Metering
Distributed Renewable Energy1 Phase
$38.00/month $40.00/month
$38.00/month $40.00/month
Distributed Renewable Energy3 Phase $59.00/month $61.00/month
Note: Time-of-day (TOD) kWh rates listed in the chart above reflect the intermediate energy charge, unless otherwise noted. For on-peak and offpeak rate information, or for information on any rate classes not listed here, please see our full rate book at HomeWorks.org/rates.
Notice to Members of HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative
Sept. 23, 2024, Open Member Meeting Results
The HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative Board of Directors, at a special open meeting held Sept. 23, 2024:
1. Unanimously elected to revise the Cooperative’s electric rates to meet the financial needs of the Co-op, in accordance with P.A. 167 and P.A. 95, effective Jan. 1, 2025; and
2. Unanimously voted to establish a Power Supply Cost Recovery (PSCR) factor ceiling of $.00856 per kWh for all rate classes subject to the PSCR, by tariff, in accordance with P.A. 167, effective Jan. 1, 2025.
For specific details of any HomeWorks tariffs or fees, please visit HomeWorks.org or call us at 800-562-8232.
FUEL MIX REPORT
The fuel mix characteristics of HomeWorks TriCounty Electric Cooperative as required by Public Act 141 of 2000 for the 12-month period ended 6/30/24.
average information was obtained from the MPSC website and is for the 12-month period ending 12/31/23. HomeWorks purchases 100% of its electricity from Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative, Inc., which provided this fuel mix and environmental data.
Mystery
Photo
Win a $100 energy bill credit!
Where In Michigan Is This?
Identify the correct location of the photo above by Nov. 27 and be entered into a drawing to win a $100 electric bill credit. Enter your guess at countrylines.com/community
September 2024 Winner! Our Mystery Photo winner is Pamela Bown, a HomeWorks Tri-County Electric member, who correctly identified the photo as the Water Maiden statue in Pentwater, Michigan.
Winners are announced in the following issues of Country Lines: January, March, May, July/ August, September, and November/December.
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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