Nov/Dec 2024 Thumb

November/December 2024

MICHIGAN

COUNTRY LINES Thumb Electric Cooperative

ROGERS CITY ROCKS World’s Largest Open Pit Quarry

Christmas Light Extravaganza

Co-op Updates

Safety Tips for Hunters

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

CO-OP REBATE INCENTIVES

Allendale Allendale Htg & Clg (800) 327-1937 allendaleheating.com

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

Muskegon Adams Htg & Clg (231) 873-2665 adamsheatingcooling.com

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

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

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

Lowell Arctic Inc. Htg. & Clg. (616) 897-4213 heatingcoolingonline.com

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

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

Traverse City D&W Mechanical (231) 941-1251 dwmechanical.com Geofurnace Htg & Clg (231) 943-1000 geofurnace.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

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

visit us at waterfurnace.com/mi

Alger Delta Electric: up to $2,000 Cherryland Electric: up to $2,500 Cloverland: up to $6,275 Great Lakes Energy: up to $5,000 Homeworks/Tri-County Electric: up to $4,750 Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op: up to $4,750 Thumb Electric: up to $2,000 .

The Reliable Renewable is a trademark of WaterFurnace International, Inc 1. ENERGY STAR rated units qualify for 30% through 2030 and 26% through 2032 and 22% through 2033 .

Contents countrylines.com

November/December 2024 Vol. 44, No. 10

/michigancountrylines

/michigancountrylines

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.

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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

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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: Avg # of copies Actual # of copies of single issues each issue during preceding 12 mo. published nearest to filing date A) Total No. of copies................................. 246,919 ...................... 246,921 B) Paid and requested circulation ............ 246,070 ...................... 246,199 C) Total paid and requested circulation ... 246,070 ...................... 246,199 D) 1) Free distribution by mail.......................... 157 .............................. 109 2) Free distribution outside mail ................. 849 .............................. 722 E) Total free distribution ................................1,006 .............................. 831 F) Total distribution................................... 247,925 ...................... 247,030 G) Copies not distributed.......................................0 ...................................0 H) Total ....................................................... 247,925 ...................... 247,030 I) Percent paid and/or requested circ.......... 99.7% .......................... 99.9%

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!

16. Publication of statement of ownership: November 2024 17. Signature and title of editor: Christine Dorr, editor

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

3

The Changing Landscape of Power Supply

tecmi.coop /thumbelectric

Brad Essenmacher, General Manager

@thumbelectric

THUMB ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE 2231 Main Street Ubly, MI 48475-0157 1-800-327-0166 or 989-658-8571 E-mail: tec@tecmi.coop

BOARD OF DIRECTORS HURON COUNTY Randall Dhyse, Treasurer District 1 • 989-658-6013 Craig Osentoski, Director District 2 • 989-658-6003 Erica Peruski, Director District 3 • 989-658-6004 SANILAC COUNTY Kim Nunn, Vice President District 1 • 989-658-6005 Mike Briolat, Secretary District 2 • 989-658-6006

Duane Kursinsky, Director District 3 • 989-658-6007 TUSCOLA COUNTY Louis Wenzlaff, Director District 1 • 989-658-6008

Jonathan Findlay, President District 2 • 989-658-6010 Matt Sommer, Director District 3 • 989-658-6012

Brad Essenmacher, General Manager Marketing and Communications: Mitch Hirn, CCC, mhirn@tecmi.coop

PAYMENT STATIONS Huron County Bad Axe—Northstar Bank Pigeon—Northstar Bank Tuscola County Akron—Northstar Bank Caro—Northstar Bank Mayville—Mayville State Bank Millington—Mayville State Bank Thumb Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

HURON

TUSCOLA

SANILAC

4 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024

ike other industries and households, inflation is affecting the cooperative. Upward pressure on power supply costs, due to the changing landscape of generation and overall inflation in everyday goods and services, has caused the costs needed to provide reliable electric service to rise.

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Essentially, your electric rate is a combination of two factors—power supply and distribution. Power supply is the cost associated with purchasing the power from a generation facility. Distribution, on the other hand, is what it costs at the co-op to deliver power to your home. At Thumb Electric Cooperative (TEC), we pride ourselves on keeping distribution costs low with a staff who works hard to eliminate waste and improve efficiency.

However, the power supply side of the rate is going through some unprecedented changes here in the state of Michigan and, for the most part, nationwide. For the past 10 years or so, Thumb Electric was the beneficiary of one of the best power supply agreements in the Midwest, which kept costs relatively low, but a lot has changed in recent years.

Coal power plants across the region are being shut down (and torn down). Natural gas prices, once tied to higher and lower electric prices, are no longer coupled together since the overall demand for power continues to rise. Essentially, there is now more demand for power and less power available in the Midwest.

This trend in power supply isn’t new, and the co-op has been keeping a watchful eye on the developments in the industry.

Thumb Electric, like all power distributors, is required to provide a four-year capacity demonstration to the Michigan Public Services Commission to show that we have a power purchase agreement in place and that our members won’t be caught without power to their homes. A plan was in place, looking far into the future, to prepare the membership for an increase in power costs that would soon affect their rates. Then, the unexpected happened.

In November 2023, Michigan passed Public Act 235 (PA 235), which is the most aggressive renewable energy standard in the country. This legislation created even more upward pressure on power supply costs as everyone in the state began to scramble to secure renewable power that, honestly, may or may not exist today. With the new standards in the law, the state took away our ability to adjust rates over a large time period and caused the cooperative to accelerate changes in the rate structure.

PA 235 states that 15% of our supply MUST come from actual clean energy generation (wind and solar) and not just renewable energy credits like in the past.

Wolverine Power Cooperative (WPC), which we will soon be a member of, has been instrumental in stabilizing rates, both immediately and, most importantly, several years into the future. Since both TEC and WPC are nonprofit cooperatives, this allowed us to put our members in the best position possible for 2025 and well into the future, with the planned reopening of the Palisades Nuclear facility.

For your household, the unfortunate reality in the short term is that your monthly bill will increase. Although a short-term burden, it staves off a much more significant burden in future years. TEC still has the most favorable household rates in the Thumb region, and we have been working hard to keep them that way for next year and beyond.

Fortunately, our fiber optic internet build remains separate from the electric rates, and the project is unaffected by these outside market forces. Your monthly internet bill will not increase next year and will likely not increase for quite some time.

Overall, Thumb Electric has been able to leverage its position as a nonprofit cooperative to weather this storm and lay the foundation for a future of secure, controlled power supply. It has been a difficult 12 months trying to comply with Michigan’s new renewable energy mandate, new realities in supply markets, and the accelerated timeline of both.

However, our belief in the cooperative model has never been stronger.

Five Ways to Safeguard Your Home This Winter s temperatures drop, heating equipment, candles, and increased electrical use can lead to more home fires. Here are five ways to protect your home this winter:

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1. Check Carbon Monoxide & Smoke Detectors: Replace batteries annually, test monthly, and dust detectors to keep sensors clear.

2. Inspect Electrical Cords: Ensure cords aren’t frayed, especially for holiday lights or heaters. Keep space heaters three feet from flammable items, use auto shutoff models, and never plug them into power strips.

3. Avoid Overloading Outlets: Overloaded outlets and power strips can overheat. Use ones with surge protection to handle the electrical load safely.

4. Clean Your Fireplace: Creosote buildup in chimneys can cause fires. Clean your chimney annually to reduce fire risks and improve air quality.

5. Practice Kitchen Safety: Don’t leave food unattended on the stove, clean cooking surfaces regularly, and keep flammable items away from heat sources.

Stay safe and cozy this winter!

Notice to Members of Thumb Electric Cooperative — Tariff Changes The Thumb Electric Board of Directors will consider changes to the cooperative’s rates and tariffs at its Nov. 19, 2024, meeting. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. at the cooperative office at 2231 Main St., Ubly, MI. It is open to all members of Thumb Electric Cooperative, in accordance with PA 167 of 2008. The session will begin with an opportunity for members to provide input to the board of directors on the items being considered. Time constraints on each member’s comments will be at the discretion of the board chairman, but members are asked to keep comments to less than five minutes.

Notice of changes or additions to the cooperative’s rates or service rules shall be sent to all members, as required by P.A. 167, by publication in Michigan Country Lines at least 30 days prior to their effective date.

Participation: Any interested member may attend and participate. The location of the board meeting site is accessible, including accessible parking. Persons needing any accommodation to participate should contact Thumb Electric Cooperative at 800-327-0166 a week in advance to request mobility, visual, hearing, or other assistance. Comments may also be made before the meeting date by calling General Manager Brad Essenmacher, or by email at bessenmacher@tecmi.coop.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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Energy Assistance Programs 2024-2025 Season Winter Protection Plan

Low-Income Weatherization Assistance Program

Contact: Local Utility Company

Contact: Local Community Action Agency

Income Guidelines 2024–2025 # in Household

1 2 3 4

150% Poverty Guide Maximum Income

# in Household

$21,870 29,580 37,290 45,000

5 6 7 8

Add $7,710 for each additional household member.

150% Poverty Guide Maximum Income

$52,710 60,420 68,130 75,840

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.

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.

Home Heating Credit Contact: Michigan Dept. of Treasury # Exemp.

0–1 2 3 4

Max. Income

$16,038 21,692 27,346 33,000

# Exemp.

5 6 7 8

Add $5,654 for each exemption over 8.

Max. Income

$38,654 44,308 49,962 55,616

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.

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024

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.

Dial 2-1-1 for more information on heating and other human services programs.

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.

FUEL MIX REPORT

The fuel mix characteristics of Thumb Electric Cooperative as required by Public Act 141 of 2000 for the 12-month period ended 12/31/23.

COMPARISON OF FUEL SOURCES USED Fuel source

Your co-op’s Regional average fuel mix fuel mix

Coal

0%

26.446%

Oil

0%

0.428%

Gas

85%

35.916%

Hydroelectric

0%

0.724%

Nuclear

0%

26.167%

Renewable Fuels

15%

10.319%

Biofuel

0%

0.760%

Biomass

15%

0.364%

Solar

0%

1.170%

Solid Waste Incineration

0%

0.006%

Wind

0%

7.616%

Wood

0%

0.403%

Happy Holidays Holiday Office Closings

Thumb Electric’s office 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 Years: Tuesday, Dec. 31, and Wednesday, Jan. 1

ANNUAL ELECTION NOTICE On June 7, 2025, Thumb Electric will hold its Annual Meeting and director election. Members served by the cooperative will have an opportunity to vote for board of director candidates in District 1— Huron, Sanilac, and Tuscola counties. Currently, those positions are held by Randall Dhyse, Kim Nunn, and Louis Wenzlaff.

YOUR CO-OP’S FUEL MIX

If you are interested in running for a director position, per the bylaw change passed at the 2023 Annual Meeting, you can request a nominating petition form. Eligible members in good standing can have them printed and made available at Thumb Electric Cooperative’s main office. Information on qualifications and other requirements will be provided at that time.

If you would like more information, please contact the co-op’s general manager, Brad Essenmacher, at 989-658-8571.

REGIONAL AVERAGE FUEL MIX

ACCESS TO RULES AND RATES Please be advised that the following information is available to Thumb Electric Cooperative members: EMISSIONS AND WASTE COMPARISON lbs/MWh Type of emission/waste

Your co-op

Regional average*

Sulfur Dioxide

0.25

0.95

Carbon Dioxide

897

1,092

Oxides of Nitrogen

0.23

0.78

0

0.006

High-Level Nuclear Waste

* Regional average information was obtained from the MPSC website and is for the 12-month period ended 12/31/23.

The fuel mix data presented by Thumb Electric is the data from CMS Energy, which supplies nearly all of Thumb Electric’s purchased power.

8 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024

1. Complete rate schedules; 2. Clear and concise explanation of all rates that the member may be eligible to receive; 3. Assistance from the cooperative in determining the most appropriate rate for a member when the member is eligible to receive service under more than one rate; 4. Clear and concise explanation of the member’s actual energy use for each billing period during the last 12 months.

The information can be obtained by contacting Thumb Electric Cooperative at 800-327-0166.

Wreaths

PHOTO CONTEST

1

3 Enter for a chance to win a $50 energy bill credit!

Submit Your “Historical Treasures” Photos by Nov. 25!

2

4

5 MOST VOTES 1. Homemade antler wreath from a friend, the perfect centerpiece! Brianna Guza

Submit your “Historical Treasures” photos by Nov. 25 for the January/February issue. Submit your best photo and encourage your friends to vote! The photo receiving the most votes will be printed in an issue of Country Lines along with some of our other favorites.

2. A bare wall, nevermore! Tia Bracken

Enter Your Photos And Win A Bill Credit!

3. My son is a Marine. Debra Hammond

To enter the contest, visit tecmi.coop/photo-contest. Enter your picture, cast your vote, and encourage others to vote for you as well. If your photo is printed in Country Lines during 2025, you will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of four $50 credits on your December 2025 bill.

4. Farm made & repurposed! April Taylor 5. Welcome fall. Makenzie Hitsman

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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MI CO-OP Recipes

HOLIDAY TREATS Delightful recipes to sweeten the season.

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

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.

10 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024

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

CRANBERRY NUT COFFEE CAKE Janice Harvey, Great Lakes Energy

¼ cup brown sugar 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

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

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.

Icing: ½ cup confectioners’ (powdered) sugar ½ teaspoon vanilla 1 tablespoon warm water

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!

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

11

Nicol Family Christmas Light Extravaganza very winter, spectators from across Michigan travel to 6250 Germania Road in Cass City to see one of the best Christmas light shows in the state. Thumb Electric members Joel and Jaime Nicol have helped keep this tradition for over 40 years!

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Joel’s parents, John and Gayle Nicol, began their Christmas Light Extravaganza in 1981 at their home on Robinson Road. Gayle, originally from Essexville, Michigan, remembers, as a little girl, loading up in the car with her parents and four siblings and driving around to see all the Christmas light displays in the area. When she and John got

12 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024

married, they decided they wanted to hang up some lights of their own.

The Nicols and their three children, Jason, Joel, and Jessica, would put up Christmas lights every winter, and their display grew each year.

As the children grew up and moved out of the house, John and Gayle stopped doing their light show, which became too large of a task for them to maintain.

After Joel and Jaime got married, they realized that they wanted to start doing their own Christmas light show, and it was soon that the props began heading to their house.

The show has grown tremendously throughout the years. The lights

are now programmed to “dance” to the Christmas music that is playing through the speakers. However, Joel and Jaime still proudly display some of the original props from over 40 years ago, including the lighthouse, Ferris wheel, merry-go-round, Santa in a hot air balloon, the castle, shooting stars, and more! Some new additions include the Big Five Trees, the fireworks tree, snowflakes on the lawn, the train (built from scratch with instructions from Popular Mechanics Magazine), the giant snowman, and the new surprise item. Jaime said, “What people do not know is that most of our props are built from scratch. We do not build the lawn ornaments and wireframes, but the big stuff we do. We start building in June and July and have to wire and program it into the computer. We work on Christmas lights basically all year round.” This year’s show will contain 300,000 Christmas lights, and it is all set up by Joel and Jaime, their two kids, Justin (12) and Jenna (10), and Joel’s parents, John and Gayle.

A show this big is bound to have some challenges. The biggest is the technology used to synchronize the lights with the music. Jaime said, “The ability to add special pixel lights helps to do fun things in our display, like making the lights “dance” to the music. This can get complicated and time-consuming. A good song can take eight–12 hours of programming.

The show runs on a computer, so Cat 5 cables must be run through the yard… and then they have to get enough

“ I go out in the driveway often, talk to people, and hand out candy canes. I love talking to people—making new friends and running into old friends!”

electricity to support the data for the show to run smoothly.”

They also want the light show to focus on the traditional feel of the Christmas lights. They carefully select songs to help keep the original show’s spirit.

Jaime also mentioned that sometimes the weather can affect the show, but that is something they cannot control.

The show may have challenges, but it is also a very rewarding experience for the Nicol family. Joel loves making his ideas come to fruition. He has spent countless hours crafting, painting, wiring, and programming the special new item for this year’s show. However, this item will remain a secret until the big reveal! They also love how they have become a part of the community and a new tradition for many friends and family members.

Jaime mentioned, “So many people have told us that they used to visit the display on Robinson Road, where my in-laws had it, and now they come to our place. I go out in the driveway

often, talk to people, and hand out candy canes. I love talking to people— making new friends and running into old friends!”

The Nicols start putting the lights up in early October. The show begins in early December and runs through Dec. 31. Starting Jan. 1, all of the lights start coming down. This process takes about a week, and not one single strand stays up for the rest of the year.

In addition to being TEC members, the Nicols also have TEC Fiber service. Not only do they have our internet, but they happened to be the 2,000th customer we installed. Regarding the internet service, they said, “We cannot believe how fast it is. We are super happy with our customer service and support and have a strong and consistent signal throughout our home.”

Whether you are a regular at the Nicols’ Christmas Light Extravaganza or have never seen them, the show is worth adding to your holiday traditions!

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 13

ROGERS CITY ROCKS WORLD’S LARGEST OPEN PIT QUARRY

By Emily Haines Lloyd | Photography by Tyler Leipprandt, Michigan Sky Media

A QUARRY OF EPIC PROPORTIONS

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.

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.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

15

APPLY FOR A

TRIP OF A LIFETIME

2025 DATES ANNOUNCED SOON! AN ALL-EXPENSE-PAID TRIP TO WASHINGTON, D.C.

WHAT IS YOUTH TOUR? •

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!

HOW TO APPLY •

Applicants must be a sophomore or junior in high school.

•

You and your parents or guardian must be served by Thumb Electric Cooperative.

•

Be the first to know when applications are open: Scan the QR code or visit www.cooperativeyouthtour.com!

LEARN MORE AT WWW.COOPERATIVEYOUTHTOUR.COM NRECA FACEBOOK/INSTAGRAM: NRECAYOUTHTOURDC MICHIGAN INSTAGRAM: MI.COOP.YOUTH.TOUR

New Employee Spotlight:

Jacob Adam

We’re excited to welcome Jacob Adam, who joined us as a broadband construction technician on Aug. 26. Jacob, the son of Brian and Tina Adam, has two sisters, Maddie and Harper.

He brings valuable experience from his work in the welding and environmental cleanup industries, and in his free time, Jacob enjoys staying active by running, as well as playing and watching sports. He also has a passion for farming.

We’re thrilled to have Jacob on board and look forward to seeing the great work he will contribute to our team!

250 Mbps for *

$

77

.50

per month

$

*

1 Gig for

117

.50

per month

*Pricing based on discounts offered by TEC Fiber to TEC members. All TEC members who are also signed up for paperless billing on their electric accounts will receive a discount of $5 per month.

An additional discount of $2.50 per month is offered to any customer who prepays their monthly fees 12 months in advance. Prices before discounts are $85 for 250 Mbps and $125 for 1 Gig.

To preregister, register, or get more information, go to tecmi.coop/fiber or scan the QR code with your phone’s camera.

MI CO-OP Guest Column

A Thrice-Worn Dress 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.

By Laura Payne, Great Lakes Energy Cooperative member

A

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.

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.

18 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024

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...”

Guest Column Win $200 for stories published!

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

Visit countrylines.com/community to submit.

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Thumb Electric Cooperative tecmi.coop facebook.com/thumbelectric

ELECTRICAL SAFETY TIPS FOR HUNTERS

This hunting season, we encourage all members to be aware of electrical equipment and take necessary precautions while hunting. Keep these safety tips in mind as you enjoy the great outdoors.

1

Take notice of posted warning signs and keep clear of electrical equipment.

4

Be especially careful in wooded areas where power lines may not be as visible.

2

Do not shoot at or near power lines or insulators.

5

Do not place deer stands on utility poles or climb poles. Energized lines and equipment can conduct electricity to anyone who comes in contact with them, causing shock or electrocution.

3

Know where power lines and equipment are located on the land where you hunt.

6

Do not place decoys on power lines or other utility equipment. Any nonelectrical equipment attached to a pole can pose an obstruction and serious hazard to our line crews.