Cherryland Electric Cooperative
November/December 2026
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
D N A L R E D N O W A WINTER ’s r e n n o r B t a r a e Y 36 1 Days a Built for the Long Haul
Students Apply Now for Youth Tour 2027
Something Worth Keeping
THERE’S A TREASURE BENEATH YOUR FEET 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. Plus, with the groundbreaking variable speed 7 Series that operates at exactly the level needed in any heating or cooling situation, you’ll get the ultimate comfort, performance, and savings. Contact your local WaterFurnace dealer today to learn how to tap into your buried treasure. YOUR LOCAL WATERFURNACE DEALERS Allendale Allendale Htg & Clg (800) 327-1937 allendaleheating.com
Grand Rapids Bel Aire Htg & Clg 1 (888) 235-2473 belaire.com
Berrien Springs WaterFurnace Michiana (269) 473-5667 gogreenmichgeothermal.com
Hart Adams Htg & Clg (231) 873-2665 adamsgeothermal-mi.com
Big Rapids Stratz Htg & Clg, Inc. (231) 796-3717 stratzgeocomfort.com
Holland G.H.P. Systems Inc. (616) 396-5833 ghpsystems-inc.com
Cadillac Wilder Htg & Clg (231) 645-4822 Wilderheatingandcooling.com
Indian River M&M Plmb & Htg (231) 238-7201 mm-plumbing.com
Filion/Bad Axe Air-O-Dynamic Htg & Clg (989) 582-0137 aod-hvac.com
Lansing Candor Mechanical (517) 920-0890 candormechanical.com
Gaylord Family Plmb & Htg (989) 732-8099 familyplumbingandheating.com
Manistique Hoholik Enterprise Inc. (906) 286.0572 bhoholik@gmail.com
WaterFurnace is a registered trademark of WaterFurnace International, Inc.
Michigan Center Comfort 1/Aire Serv of Southern Michigan (517) 764-1500 airserv.com/southern-michigan
Mt Pleasant Walton Htg & Clg (989) 772-4822 waltonheating.com Muskegon TMC Mechanical LLC (231) 865-1114 tmcmechanicalllc.com
Sunfield Mark Woodman Plmb & Htg (517) 886-1138 mwphonline.com Three Rivers Bel Aire Htg & Clg 1 (888) 235-2473 belaire.com Traverse City Geofurnace Htg & Clg (231) 943-1000 geofurnace.com
Portage Bel Aire Htg & Clg 1 (888) 235-2473 belaire.com
CO-OP REBATE INCENTIVES
Portland ESI Htg & Clg (517) 647-6906 esiheating.com
$500–$2,250 may be available through your co-op.
Sparta West Michigan Geothermal (616) 887-1290 westmigeothermal.com
visit us at waterfurnace.com/mi
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Casey Clark
Contents countrylines.com
November/December 2026 Vol. 46, No. 10
/michigancountrylines
/michigancountrylines
EDITOR: Christine Dorr GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Karreen Bird RECIPE EDITOR: Christin Russman COPY EDITOR: Yvette Pecha CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Emily Haines Lloyd, Chris Lewis 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.
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POSTMASTER: Send all UAA to CFS. ASSOCIATION OFFICERS: Chris O’Neill, HomeWorks Tri-County Cooperative, chairman; Gabe Schneider, Cherryland Electric Cooperative, vice chairman; Shaun Lamp, Great Lakes Energy Cooperative, secretary-treasurer; John Kran, president and CEO. CONTACT US/LETTERS TO EDITOR: Michigan Country Lines 201 Townsend St., Suite 900 Lansing, MI 48933 248-534-7358 editor@countrylines.com CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Please notify your electric cooperative. See page 4 for contact information.
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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: 10/1/25. 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. 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: John Kran, 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. 2026. 13. Extent and nature of circulation: Actual # of copies of single issues Avg # of copies each issue during published nearest to filing date preceding 12 mo. 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% 16. Publication of statement of ownership: November 2026 17. Signature and title of editor: Christine Dorr, editor
MI CO-OP Community RECIPE CONTEST
See details on page 10. Favorite Side Dishes due Dec. 1; Air Fryer Favorites due Jan. 1; Sheet Pan Meals due Feb. 1. Win a $100 bill credit!
GUEST COLUMN
See details on page 18. Share your fondest memories and stories. Win $200 for stories published!
MYSTERY PHOTO
See details on page 18. Win a $100 bill credit!
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6 ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS Helping to keep the lights on for the 26-27 heating season.
10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN
Heirloom Recipes: Made with memories.
14 A WINTER WONDERLAND— 361 DAYS A YEAR Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland remains the world’s largest Christmas store.
18 GUEST COLUMN To enter contests, submit reader content & more, visit countrylines.com/community
Memories Made in a Little Neighborhood: A Cloverland member looks back at childhood's simple pleasures.
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
3
CO-OP NEWS Cherryland Retires $600,000 In Capital Credits To Members In December LEELANAU BENZIE
GRAND TRAVERSE
MANISTEE
WEXFORD
KALKASKA
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Gabe Schneider, President 517-449-6453 gschneider@cherrylandelectric.coop Valarie Handy, Senior Vice President 231-392-4705 vhandy@cherrylandelectric.coop Melinda Lautner, Secretary 231-947-2509 mlautner@cherrylandelectric.coop Dean Adams, Treasurer 231-642-0014 dadams@cherrylandelectric.coop Terry Lautner, Director 231-883-6455 tlautner@cherrylandelectric.coop David Schweitzer, Director 231-883-5860 dschweitzer@cherrylandelectric.coop Tom Van Pelt, Director 231-386-5234 tvanpelt@cherrylandelectric.coop CEO Rachel Johnson CO-OP EDITORS: Courtney Doyle: cdoyle@cherrylandelectric.coop Nick Bostwick: nbostwick@cherrylandelectric.coop
Cherryland’s board voted to retire approximately $600,000 in capital credits to members this December. Members receiving a capital credit retirement can find their individual amount on their December billing statement. Over the last 20 years, Cherryland has retired more than $39 million in capital credits back to members. Capital credits are one of the benefits of being part of a not-for-profit electric cooperative and represent members’ share of Cherryland’s margins from previous years.
Cherryland Office Closed Over The Holidays In observance of the holidays, Cherryland’s office will be closed on the following dates: Thursday, Nov. 26, and Friday, Nov. 27, for Thanksgiving Thursday, Dec. 24, and Friday, Dec. 25, for Christmas Thursday, Dec. 31, and Friday, Jan. 1, for New Year’s While the office is closed, line crews will remain on call to respond to outages and emergencies. Members can report an outage by texting OUT to 800-442-8616, logging into SmartHub, or calling 231-486-9200. Visit Cherryland’s Outage Center for additional outage information.
Christmas Tree Disposal Available At Cherryland Cherryland members are once again welcome to dispose of their Christmas trees at Cherryland’s office in Grawn after the holidays. Trees can be dropped off on the right side of the parking lot as you drive in, just beyond where the two parking lots meet. This service is available free of charge to Cherryland members. Please remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel, stands, and other decorations before dropping off your tree.
OFFICE HOURS
Members Support Local Nonprofits Through Cherryland Cares
Monday–Friday 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Small change can make a big difference through Cherryland Cares.
TELEPHONE NUMBERS 231-486-9200 or 1-800-442-8616 (Mich.)
Participating members round their monthly electric bill up to the nearest dollar, with those contributions combined to support nonprofit organizations throughout our local communities.
ADDRESS P.O. Box 298, Grawn, MI 49637
Members can enroll through SmartHub, call 231-486-9200, or email cec@cherrylandelectric.coop.
PAY STATION Cherryland Electric Cooperative office 5930 U.S. 31 South, Grawn MI, 49637
Local nonprofit organizations seeking financial assistance can learn more and apply at cherrylandelectric.coop/cherryland-cares.
Cherryland Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026
cherrylandelectric.coop
/cherrylandelectriccoop
@cherrylandec
Built for the Long Haul By Rachel Johnson, Cherryland CEO
There’s an old saying that you shouldn’t judge a ship by how it performs in calm water. I think there’s truth to that. The last few years have been anything but calm in the electric industry. The cost of nearly everything we use to serve you has gone up. We’re investing more in our electric system, preparing for significant growth, and navigating a power supply landscape that is increasingly expensive and complex. And yet, your cooperative remains financially strong. One small but meaningful example of that strength will show up on your December electric bill. This year, Cherryland will return nearly $600,000 in capital credits to our members. Capital credits are one of the things that make cooperatives different. We
don’t have outside investors expecting us to generate profits on their behalf. When our revenues exceed the cost of serving our members, those margins are allocated back to you, our member-owners. When the financial health of the cooperative allows, we return a portion of that money to you. That last part matters. Returning capital credits is always a balancing act. We have a responsibility to return money to our members, but we also have a responsibility to maintain a financially healthy cooperative and invest in the poles, wires, substations, technology, and people we rely on to keep your lights on. Doing both takes a long-term view. Over the last 20 years, Cherryland has returned over $39 million in capital credits to our members. At the same time, we’ve continued making significant investments in our electric system, maintained some of the best reliability in Michigan, and kept our electric rates competitive.
I’m proud of that track record. But I’m especially proud of it right now. Strong organizations aren’t built by reacting to whatever happens in a single year. They’re built by making careful decisions year after year— saving when you need to save, investing when you need to invest, and always remembering whose money you’re managing. At Cherryland, that money belongs to you. So, when you see your capital credit on your December bill, I hope you see more than a few extra dollars during an expensive time of year. I hope you see a small reflection of something much bigger: a cooperative built to weather rough water, invest for the future, and keep delivering value to its members for the long haul.
To hear more, listen to the Co-op Energy Talk Podcast
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
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Energy Assistance Programs 2026-2027 Season Winter Protection Plan
State Emergency Relief Program (SER)
Contact: Local Utility Company
Contact: Local Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services (DHHS), michigan.gov/mdhhs
Income Guidelines 2026–2027 # in Household
150% Poverty Guide Maximum Income
# in Household
150% Poverty Guide Maximum Income
1
$23,940
5
$58,020
2
32,460
6
66,540
3
40,980
7
75,060
4
49,500
8
83,580
Add $8,520 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 it 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 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.
Home Heating Credit
Contact: Michigan Dept. of Treasury # Exemp.
Max. Income
# Exemp.
Max. Income
0–1
$17,556
5
$42,548
2
23,804
6
48,796
3
30,052
7
55,044
4
36,300
8
61,292
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.
Add $6,248 for each exemption over 8. You can apply for a Home Heating Credit for the 2026 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.
MI Energy Assistance Program
Contact: Utility or 2-1-1 in late November: 2-1-1 or 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. 6
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026
Birds Doing Stuff 2027 Calendar, New Book by Steve Jessmore I’m excited to share two new projects that celebrate birds simply being birds—my sixth Birds Doing Stuff® calendar and my first coffee table book, "The Splendor Next Door: An Invitation to Discover Birds and Nature Close to Home." From powerful raptors to playful ducks and endangered Great Lakes piping plovers, each photograph captures authentic moments in the lives of birds and the habitats they call home. "The Splendor Next Door" grew from more than 250 mornings spent on a boardwalk at Reeds Lake in East Grand Rapids. By returning to the same place day after day, I discovered that
extraordinary wildlife and meaningful connections with nature can be found close to home. The result is a handsome hardcover book containing 129 bird-centric color photos. As a five-time Michigan Photographer of the Year and three-time National Audubon Photography Award winner, I use my camera to inspire appreciation for birds and the wild places that surround us. As a thank-you to co-op members, enjoy 15% off any order through Dec. 11 with code COOP15 at stevejessmore.com. Calendars, books, notecards, and fineart prints make meaningful gifts for bird and nature lovers.
The Recipe for Holiday Cheer COOKING FOR A CAUSE Make this holiday season special by ordering copies of our Country Lines cookbook and sharing the gift of community and care. Each purchase supports two deserving Michigan charities: Feeding America Local Food Banks and Cooperative Family Fund.
Order now in time for the holidays! Just scan the QR code or go to amazon.com and search “Michigan Country Lines Cookbook.” Please allow 7–10 days for shipping.
FUEL MIX REPORT
The fuel mix characteristics of Cherryland Electric Cooperative as required by Public Act 141 of 2000 for the 12-month period ending 6/30/26.
Notice to Members of Cherryland Electric Cooperative Rate Changes Effective January 2027
COMPARISON OF FUEL SOURCES USED
The Cherryland Electric Cooperative Board of Directors, at its meeting held on Sept. 28, 2026, approved the following:
Fuel source
Your co-op’s Regional average fuel mix fuel mix
Coal
18.020%
25.848%
Oil
0.331%
0.488%
Gas
24.648%
35.954%
Hydroelectric
0.569%
0.659%
Nuclear
32.964%
24.240%
Renewable Fuels
23.468%
12.811%
Biofuel
0.345%
0.517%
Biomass
0.151%
0.248%
Solar
2.631%
3.585%
Solid Waste Incineration
2.132%
0.128%
Wind
17.938%
7.907%
Wood
0.271%
0.426%
NOTE: Biomass excludes wood; solid waste incineration includes landfill gas; and wind includes a long-term renewable purchase power contract in Wolverine’s mix.
1. Revisions to the cooperative’s rates: • $0.0065/kWh increase to the energy charge for residential members. • $0.016/kWh increase to the on-peak energy charge for the optional residential time-of-use rate. • $0.0057/kWh increase to the energy charge for general service members. 2. The addition of new rate tariffs for optional member programs. These changes will be reflected on January 2027 bills. For specific details on any Cherryland tariffs or fees, please visit our website at cherrylandelectric.coop or call us at 231-486-9200.
Want to see what these changes could mean for your monthly bill? Visit cherrylandelectric.coop/billing/ to learn more and use our bill calculator to estimate your increase based on your energy use.
YOUR CO-OP’S FUEL MIX
Your Board In Action September 2026 REGIONAL AVERAGE FUEL MIX
• The board approved a 2027 rate adjustment that keeps the availability charge unchanged while increasing the energy charge from 13.1 cents to 13.75 cents per kWh, effective in January.
EMISSIONS AND WASTE COMPARISON lbs/MWh Type of emission/waste
Your co-op
Regional average*
Sulfur Dioxide
0.35
0.56
Carbon Dioxide
581.4
940.9
Oxides of Nitrogen
0.34
0.58
High-Level Nuclear Waste
0.0100
0.0060
* Regional average information was obtained from the MPSC website and is for the 12-month period ending 12/31/25. Cherryland purchases 100% of its electricity from Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative, Inc., which provided this fuel mix and environmental data.
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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026
• The board reviewed power supply conditions and long-term cost stability, including how Wolverine’s peaking plants are generating revenue that helps reduce power costs and stabilize rates during a volatile energy market. • The board received an update on the new headquarters, where site grading is underway and foundation work is expected this fall, followed by structural steel. • The board approved the retirement of $600,000 in capital credits, which eligible members will see as a credit on their December bills.
How will you
MAKE YOUR MARK?
“ Youth tour is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Everything we learned was fascinating, and I wish I could go again!” – Caden Ardan
“ I really enjoyed getting the opportunity to speak to our elected representatives about issues important to me and my community.” – Erica Jones
June 16 - 22, 2027!*
*
An all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. What Is Youth Tour?
How To Apply
•
Explore Washington, D.C., through historic monuments, world-class museums, and visits with elected officials.
•
Applicants must be between the ages of 15–17 years old on June 12, 2027.
•
Build leadership skills and discover how you can make your mark on the future.
•
You and your parents or guardian must be served by Cherryland Electric Cooperative.
•
Connect with students from across the country and form friendships that last a lifetime, all sponsored by Cherryland Electric Cooperative.
•
To apply, scan the QR code below or visit cooperativeyouthtour.com!
•
Deadline to apply is Jan. 6, 2027.
*Dates subject to change; for the most accurate information, visit: cooperativeyouthtour.com
Learn more: cooperativeyouthtour.com mi.coop.youth.tour
MAKE MARK! YOUR
MI CO-OP Kitchen
HEIRLOOM RECIPES Made with memories.
WINNING RECIPE! STUFFED GREEN PEPPERS Kathleen Atwater, Cherryland Electric 5–6 small green bell peppers 2 tablespoons butter 1 medium yellow onion, chopped 1¼ pounds ground beef 1 cup cooked instant white rice 1 egg 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon black pepper 2 (10.75-ounce) cans Campbell’s condensed tomato soup • water, as directed on soup cans Preheat oven to 350°F. Wash the peppers and cut around the stems to remove the tops. Remove the seeds and membranes and rinse the insides. Melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until tender and translucent. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, sautéed onion, cooked rice, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until combined. Spoon the beef mixture evenly into the peppers. Arrange the stuffed peppers upright and close together in a roasting pan or baking dish. In a large bowl, combine the condensed tomato soup with the amount of water directed on the cans and stir until smooth. Pour the tomato soup over the peppers. Cover and bake for 2 hours, or until the peppers are tender and the filling reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. The tomato soup will cook down and thicken into a gravy as the peppers bake. Serve with mashed potatoes and vegetables, if desired, spooning the tomato gravy over the peppers and potatoes. Note: This is a treasured family recipe that I never tire of making. I always think of my dad, who did the cooking when we were growing up. I especially love the smell as it cooks in the oven; it reminds me of walking into the house from outside when I was a kid. Watch a video of this month’s winning recipe at micoopkitchen.com/videos
RECIPE CONTEST
Win a $100 energy bill credit!
Favorite Side Dishes due Dec. 1; Air Fryer Favorites due Jan. 1; Sheet Pan Meals 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 2026
BOURBON STEAK MARINADE Phil Ehardt, Great Lakes Energy 1 cup bourbon or whiskey ½ cup vegetable oil ¼ cup soy sauce 4–5 cloves garlic, minced 2–3 tablespoons fresh ginger, peeled and minced or grated 2–3 pounds steak In a medium bowl, whisk together the bourbon, vegetable oil, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Place steak in a resealable plastic bag or covered container and pour the marinade over the meat, turning to coat. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for more flavor. Remove the steak from the marinade and discard the remaining marinade. Cook the steak as desired.
KAPUSTA (KIELBASA, SAUERKRAUT & POTATOES) Cynthia Hodges, Ontonagon REA ½ pound bacon, cut into small pieces 4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks 1 large onion, diced 1 pound kielbasa (smoked or fresh, or ½ pound each), cut into 2-inch pieces 1 (32-ounce) jar sauerkraut, drained, juice reserved • water, as needed In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon and reserve the drippings in the skillet. Place the potatoes in the bottom of a slow cooker and top with the cooked bacon. Add the onion to the reserved bacon drippings and sauté until tender. Pour the onion and bacon drippings over the potatoes. Add the kielbasa and top with the sauerkraut. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours. If the mixture becomes dry during cooking, add some of the reserved sauerkraut juice for additional tanginess or water for a milder flavor. Serve warm. Note: This is our Polish family’s heirloom recipe. It’s served at every holiday meal, family party, or anytime we have a crowd to feed.
EASY SLOW COOKER CREAMY POTATO SOUP Ronda Judge, Homeworks Tri-County 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen diced hash brown potatoes 1 (32-ounce) carton chicken broth 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened and cubed 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1 small package real bacon bits • salt and black pepper, to taste Add the frozen potatoes, chicken broth, cream of mushroom soup, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, bacon bits, salt, and black pepper to a large slow cooker and stir to combine. Cover and cook on high for 6–7 hours or on low for 8–10 hours, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and the soup is creamy. Stir well before serving. Note: This soup is also delicious the next day, after the flavors have had time to meld.
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 11
Something Worth Keeping
Cherryland’s Tammy Haworth turns local stones and family inspiration into one-of-a-kind creations. By Nick Bostwick
But the story behind Tammy’s jewelry reaches beyond the beach. It begins with a family connection. Many Cherryland members know Tammy through her work at the cooperative. She has been here for 20 years, first as a member representative and, since 2010, as our energy use advisor. Away from the office, she has found a creative outlet that has quickly become a passion. Her introduction came when her husband Roger showed her his grandfather’s lapidary pieces. Looking at those carefully shaped stones, Tammy could picture some of them set in silver. “I fell in love with the beauty of them,” she said. A visit to Crooked Tree Arts Center in Traverse City led her to a beach stone jewelry class in 2025. Her first project was a ring made with a Petoskey stone she had found and polished by hand. For Tammy Haworth, a stone found on a local beach can be the beginning of a ring, a pendant, or a gift for someone she knows. Its shape often helps determine the design. The finished piece will be unlike any other, because the stone itself is unique.
Tammy was hooked, and Roger encouraged her. For Christmas and birthdays, he gave her equipment to help establish a small workspace in their basement. That workspace has since expanded to occupy a portion of the basement. As one coworker said, “Tammy went all in.” About a year and a half into the craft, she can see how far she has come. So can the people around her. Family members and coworkers have been surprised to learn she made the pieces herself, and their reactions helped her recognize her progress.
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The finished work reveals an eye for the patterns within a stone. Rings and pendants frame those details in silver, while a stone-handled pocketknife shows how her creativity reaches beyond jewelry. Of course, getting there takes considerably more than finding a beautiful rock. After hunting for stones on local beaches, Tammy uses a trim saw to cut them into slabs. She selects a design or uses the natural shape of a smaller slab, then moves through all six wheels of her cabbing machine to shape and prepare it for its setting. The silverwork follows. A narrow border of fine silver must fit snugly around the stone. It is soldered, sanded smooth, and joined to a sterling silver back. Excess material is cut and sanded away, and the piece becomes a ring or pendant. Only after the stone is secured and the edges are smooth does it receive its final polish. Her first ring took eight hours, with the stone already prepared. Now, she can go from shaping a stone to finished jewelry in about four hours. Experience has made her faster, but each step still requires its own care. Tammy finds the work relaxing, challenging, and therapeutic— a little bit of everything. “I look forward to spending time in my workspace, putting on my headphones to classic rock, and just creating a new piece of jewelry that hopefully someone will want to wear and appreciate the time and energy it took to make it,” she said. After all the cutting, soldering, and polishing, that is what she hopes for: someone enjoying a piece she has spent hours making. For now, Tammy creates gifts and custom orders for family and
“ I look forward to spending time in my workspace, putting on my headphones to classic rock, and just creating a new piece of jewelry that hopefully someone will want to wear and appreciate the time and energy it took to make it.” friends. She hopes to eventually sell at local art and craft shows or through Etsy, and to devote more time to her craft when she retires. But when I asked which piece meant the most to her, her answer brought the story back to its beginning. Tammy used some of Roger’s grandfather’s stones to make a set of earrings and a necklace. The pieces that had helped spark her interest became part of her own work, with a connection to the family’s past still at their center. “This will be able to be handed down in his family,” she said. A grandfather’s stones, a husband’s encouragement, and Tammy’s own patient work are now connected in those pieces. They are new creations with a history already tucked inside them, ready to remain part of the family’s story. The silver gives those stones a setting. The people behind them give the finished pieces their meaning. And that is something worth keeping. MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 13
R E T N I AW D N A L R E D N WO
Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland Remains the World’s Largest Christmas Store By Chris Lewis
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s is often the case with familyowned businesses, Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland had very humble beginnings. Wally and Irene Bronner created the store, and his father, Herman, a stonemason, and his crew hand-built it. As it began focusing on Christmas decorations (in addition to signs), the little store soon expanded, relocated, and grew into what is now known as the world's largest Christmas store.
Steady Growth, Constant Evolutions Before it was ever Michigan’s go-to destination for everything related to Christmas, Bronner’s began in a rather unusual way. In 1951—while painting signs and working on other projects for Frankenmuth and mid-Michigan 14 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026
businesses—Wally Bronner received an order for 24 lamppost Christmas decorations. This order ignited a passion within him, as he decided to focus on Christmas décor, along with signs, from then on. As Bronner’s passion for Christmas increased, so did his business, leading him to open a store on East Tuscola Street in 1954. The business continued to expand as he added a lineup of Christmas gifts and home decorations in 1960. Within five years, he was directly importing Christmas decorations from Europe, too. Consequently, by 1966, he had no choice but to convert the nearby former Frankenmuth Bank building into Bronner’s Tannenbaum Shop, his second store.
“While the stores continued to grow, a third location, Bronner’s Bavarian Corner, opened in the former Hubinger Grocery Store in 1971,” explained Maria Sutorik, vice president of Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland, and Wally’s and Irene’s daughter. Despite Bronner’s three locations, the lines kept getting longer. To serve everyone efficiently and consistently, Bronner decided to consolidate his three businesses into one location. So, in 1977, he opened Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland, a 45-acre complex that has welcomed millions of people ever since. Over the years, the business has steadily evolved. In 1984, its screenprinting division (once a primary focus) was sold, allowing Bronner to
dedicate himself solely to Christmas decorations. Eight years later, Bronner’s Silent Night Memorial Chapel was opened. It is a replica of St. Nicholas Church, the Austria-based chapel where "Silent Night" was first sung in 1818. “Since then, it’s been open daily during store hours for visitation and meditation,” Sutorik said.
A Store for All Generations For nearly 50 years, Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland has been a store for all generations—not only for customers, but for employees as well. After all, Wally Bronner’s children assisted him with the business in some capacity for decades. Since his passing in 2008, they have owned and operated the business.
instead, looking at more than 50,000 trims and gifts, including roughly 8,000 ornament styles. Open 361 days a year (as it’s closed on Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day), the store is anticipating nearly 50,000 customers during the threeday weekend after Thanksgiving. Thousands more will be shopping online, too. As Sutorik looks ahead, she believes Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland’s
friendly, exemplary service, warm environment, and wide array of items will steadily draw customers for many generations to come. “Bronner’s offers the sights, sounds, tastes, smells, and touch of Christmas,” she said. “It brings the full Christmas experience to everyone—and will continue to do so for years to come.” To learn more or plan your visit to Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland, go to bronners.com.
Additionally, Bronner’s grandson, also an owner, serves as catalog and product development manager. In every sense of the word, Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland is a family business, first and foremost. Therefore, it’s not only overseen by a tight-knit family unit, but it also focuses on treating every customer like family. “Our emphasis on exemplary customer service and memorymaking experiences prevails today,” Sutorik said. To ensure the store provides “memory-making experiences” to guests of all ages it offers three main decoration themes: religious, toyland, and traditional. “Bronner’s appeals to people of all generations,” Sutorik added. “For example, mom used to come with grandma and Aunt Susie and the kids. So now, the kids are bringing their kids.” She continued, “My father always said, ‘It doesn’t cost anything to get in, and what it costs to get out is up to you.’” With this in mind, customers can simply explore the premises, including Silent Night Memorial Chapel, or they can just enjoy light meals and refreshments at Bronner’s Season’s Eatings snack area. Of course, many choose to explore the entire store
Chris Lewis is a freelance writer based in Northern Michigan. For more information, please visit chrislewiswrites.com or email him at lewis.christopherm@gmail.com.
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 15
Smarter Comfort with a Smart Thermostat Holiday schedules can be anything but predictable. Between overnight guests, busy days and time away from home, maintaining a comfortable temperature can require more adjustment than usual. A smart thermostat can help simplify the process while managing your home’s heating and cooling use. Depending on the model, a smart thermostat can follow a schedule, make automatic adjustments, and allow you to manage settings from your phone. These features can help prevent your heating system from operating at your usual comfort setting when no one is home, while ensuring you always remain in control of your home’s comfort. Traveling for the holidays? Use an energy-saving setting while you are away. Before returning home, adjust the temperature right from your smart device, so the house is comfortable when you arrive. According to ENERGY STAR, a certified smart thermostat can save the average household approximately 8% on heating and cooling use. Now may also be one of the best times to make the upgrade. Many retailers feature smart thermostats in Black Friday and Cyber Monday promotions, creating an opportunity to combine seasonal sale prices with a rebate from Cherryland Electric Cooperative. Before purchasing a smart thermostat, confirm that the model is compatible with your home’s heating and cooling system and qualifies for your cooperative’s rebate. Visit cherrylandelectric.coop/rebates to learn more about smart thermostat incentives and available rebates for qualifying energy efficient heating and cooling equipment and appliances and stay cozy all winter long.
PUBLIC ACT 295: THE CLEAN RENEWABLE AND EFFICIENT ENERGY ACT Energy Waste Reduction Pilot Program, Cherryland Electric Cooperative Cherryland Electric Cooperative administers its own Energy Waste Reduction (EWR) plan in order to comply with PA-295. As part of that EWR plan administration, the Cherryland Electric Cooperative Board of Directors has approved a Smart Thermostat Demand Response Pilot Program Tariff. The tariff will become effective Dec. 1, 2026. A copy of the tariff can be obtained from Cherryland Electric Cooperative.
KEEP YOUR HOME COZY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON With Smart Comfort and Energy Savings! Benefits of a Smart Thermostat: • • •
Auto adjusts to save energy Easy control from your phone Energy savings all winter long
Holiday deals are already great; pair them with a $50 rebate from Cherryland Electric Cooperative on the purchase of a smart thermostat and it really is the season for savings.
‘Tis the Season For Energy Savings
Scan the QR code to view eligible rebates or visit cherrylandelectric.coop/rebates
MI CO-OP Photo Contest
TREASURED TRADITIONS MOST VOTES
1. MOST VOTES Michell Clishe— “Annual ghoulish Halloween dinner.” 2. Kaley Taber—“Every summer we find monarch caterpillars to take care of and eventually release into butterflies. This year we planted tons of dill to hopefully attract swallowtails. We’ve had great success and ended up with four swallowtail caterpillars. This one took just a little longer to say goodbye and my girls absolutely loved it.” 3. Jeremy Swift—“Soulmates since 1968~love of fun in Michigan!”
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4. Heather Hess—“Skiing is our family tradition, it’s an adventure, and a way of life. From the hills of Northern Michigan to wherever the snow takes us, we’re grateful for the memories we make together.” 5. Cathy McKinley—“We are truly awed by the pageantry of the annual National Cherry Festival’s Air Show.” 6. Robert McKinley—“Every year during the third week of October, we go out to capture the grandeur and spectacular beauty of autumn in Northern Michigan.”
Enter to win up to $200 off your energy bill!
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Submit Your “Made By Hand” Photos by Nov. 25 for the February issue! Submit your best photo and encourage your friends to vote! The photo receiving the most votes in our Facebook contest will be printed in an issue of Country Lines, along with some of our other favorites. Enter Your Photos and Win a Bill Credit! To enter the contest, visit cherrylandelectric.coop/ photo-contest or visit facebook. com/cherrylandelectriccoop for a link to the current 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 2027, you will be entered to win a credit of up to $200 on your December 2027 bill.
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 17
Where In Michigan Is This?
MI CO-OP Guest Column
Memories Made in a Little Neighborhood By Linda Livermore, a Cloverland Electric Cooperative member
MYSTERY PHOTO Win a $100 energy bill credit! Identify the correct location of the photo above by Nov. 25 and be entered into a drawing to win a $100 electric bill credit. Enter your guess at countrylines.com/community.
SEPTEMBER 2026 WINNER! Our Mystery Photo winner is George Sever, an Ontonagon REA member who correctly identified the photo as the statue in downtown Flushing, Michigan, at Cornwell Park. Winners are announced in the following issues of Country Lines: January, March, May, July/August, September, and November/December.
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Like all young girls, I was no exception. Living in St. Ignace, in what was known as the third ward, also called Vide-Puche, French for “empty pockets,” the neighborhood was filled with kids my age and was a fun place to grow up. Playing dress-up, building snow forts, going to the local theatre, holding hands for the first time with a classmate you had a crush on—life was good in the 1950s. The big two-story brick schoolhouse was a place of safety, learning, friendship, and memories to carry into old age. I was afraid that, starting kindergarten, I would forever be known as a “kindergarten baby.” I was made to stay after school because, for the life of me, I could not make the number eight. I could not understand why a circle on top of a circle was not good enough. Moving through the grades, there were only six; each one held a special memory, from learning to do the Virginia reel with precision to decorating your very own valentine box and hoping it
would be full, to a field trip across the road to the woods to gather materials to make a wooden flute. Thanks, Mr. Hagen. But, for me, the very best times were in the winter when the sandlot/playground would be flooded to make a perfect skating rink so that during recess and after school and in the evenings and sometimes all day Saturdays, we could ice skate to our hearts, content. As a young girl, I would lace up the skates and glide (I thought) like an Olympic skater. If I closed my eyes and still was upright, I could picture myself with my skirt gently lifted as I skated to the music coming from the warming shack and see myself standing on the podium receiving the gold medal, hanging tightly to the bouquet of flowers given to the winner. That dream never became a reality, but lots of dreams don’t, and the memory has lasted into old age. Linda is retired from the 92nd District Court in St. Ignace. She has written a column for the St. Ignace News for the last 35+ years.
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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cherrylandelectric.coop
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.
Take notice of posted warning signs and keep clear of electrical equipment. Do not shoot at or near power lines or insulators. Know where power lines and equipment are located on the land where you hunt. Be especially careful in wooded areas where power lines may not be as visible. 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. 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.