HomeWorks Tri-County 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 Apply For Youth Tour!
More Tales From The HomeWorks Road Trip
People Fund Makes A Difference For Those In Need
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
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Thank You For Supporting Your Neighbors In Need Through The People Fund By Michelle Huhn, Executive Assistant/People Fund Administrator OSCEOLA
CLARE
MECOSTA ISABELLA
MONTCALM GRATIOT
IONIA
BARRY
SAGINAW
CLINTON
EATON
INGHAM
JACKSON
Portland office/Mail payments to: 7973 E. Grand River Ave. Portland, MI 48875 Open 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday Blanchard office: 3681 Costabella Ave. Blanchard, MI 49310 Open 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday Night deposit box available at both locations. Electric bill/account questions: 517-647-7554 or 1-800-562-8232 Pay by phone, anytime: 1-844-963-2875 Service questions/outages: 517-647-7554 or 1-800-848-9333 (24 hours for emergency calls) Tri-County Propane: 1-877-574-2740 HomeWorks Connect 1-800-668-8413 BOARD OF DIRECTORS District 1 — John Lord, Vice-Chairman 2276 Plains Rd., Leslie, MI 49251 517-974-2518 • jlord@homeworks.org District 2 — Jim Stebbins 7139 Peddler Lake Rd., Clarksville, MI 48815 517-930-8132 • jstebbins@homeworks.org District 3 — Luke Pohl, Chairman 15560 W. Hanses Rd., Westphalia, MI 48894 989-292-0427 • lpohl@homeworks.org District 4 — Jake Borton 7543 E. Edgar Rd., Vestaburg, MI 48891 989-506-3404 • jborton@homeworks.org District 5 — Theresa Sopocy 6996 E. Wilson Rd., Bannister, MI 48807 989-292-0295 • tsopocy@homeworks.org District 6 — Dave Livermore 8060 W. Airline Rd., Weidman, MI 48893 989-289-3019 • dlivermore@homeworks.org District 7 — Shirley Sprague, Secretary-Treasurer 15563 45th Ave., Barryton, MI 49305 989-382-7535 • ssprague@homeworks.org Editor: Charly Markwart, CCC cmarkwart@homeworks.org
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Every year during the giving season, I get the opportunity to share a column here to thank you for the incredible impact your spare change is making throughout our service territory via the Tri-County Electric People Fund. As our People Fund administrator, I get to see firsthand the difference this program makes for your neighbors in need, and I love to share that story with you, the generous donors responsible for making it happen.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026
The People Fund is supported by members who volunteer to participate in our Operation Round Up program. As its name suggests, this program rounds up participating members’ monthly HomeWorks bill to the nearest dollar. 100% of those rounded-up funds are then granted back out to individuals, families, and organizations with special needs within the communities we serve. It’s hard to believe, but since the People Fund was founded in 1993, we’ve been able to take your rounded-up dollars, which averages out to just $6 per member annually, and give back more than $2.8 million in rural mid-Michigan! Our grants are distributed by our volunteer People Fund board that consists of seven directors, one from each HomeWorks district. Every six weeks or so, this devoted group comes together to pore over the grant applications we receive from every corner of our service footprint. At our most recent meeting (held Sept. 28) alone, the board made five impactful grants totaling $7,500, including: • $2,500 to a Barry County family in need, to help pay property taxes; • $2,000 to the Friends of Jesus Fund in Ionia, to support shelter and utility assistance for clients in need; • $2,000 to the Soaring Above Ionia Teen Center, to provide food, personal care items, and other miscellaneous support; • $536 to a Clare County family in need, to help cover miscellaneous bills; and • $464 to an Ionia County family in need, to cover a utility bill. Thanks to generous members like you, the People Fund is able to support causes like these all year round. If you don’t currently round up your bill for the People Fund and you feel you are able to spare your extra change each month, we would greatly appreciate if you’d consider opting in to Operation Round Up. I can tell you that rounding up means so much more than spare change to our grant recipients. As I’ve said before, it’s an answered prayer, a sigh of relief, and a newfound hope for the future. So many times, I’ve heard from our grant recipients how the People Fund money came as a blessing in their time of need and significantly changed their life for the better. The holiday season is a wonderful time for giving, but the need exists all throughout the year. For our members who participate in Operation Round Up, I can promise you that our People Fund board and I will continue to make sure to put your monthly donation to good use in the lives of your neighbors in need. To apply for a People Fund grant, visit HomeWorks.org/PeopleFund. Applications are due by Nov. 11 for the November meeting or by Dec. 9 for the December meeting.
homeworks.org
/homeworks.org
tricoenergy@homeworks.org
n o i t a r e Op
p U d n u Ro
To Your Neighbors In Need, It’s So Much More Than Spare Change. Thank you to our members who round up their monthly bill for the People Fund! If you’d like to opt in to round up your bill for this impactful program, you can sign up via SmartHub, leave us a note on your next pay stub, or give us a call at 800-562-8232.
e v i g n a c u o Y the gift of hope!
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.
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 HomeWorks Tri-County 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 homeworks.org/eo 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.
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 HomeWorks 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 homeworks.org/eo HomeWorks.org facebook.com/homeworks.org
MI CO-OP Snap Shot
TREASURED TRADITIONS MOST VOTES
1. MOST VOTES Mecosta County Fair Celebrity Harness Race. George Groll, Canadian Lakes 2. Sending Christmas cards every year to stay in touch. Debra Cook, Mt. Pleasant 3. Let’s go, Tigers! MLB Stadium Tour #14 and counting… Casie Bayless, Portland 4. Best time of the year in the U.P.! Shirley Mensch, Pelkie
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5. Manistee sunset. Raymond Hall, Elwell
Enter to win a $100 energy bill credit!
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Submit Your “Made By Hand” Photos by Nov. 25 for the February issue! Each month, HomeWorks members are able to submit photos on our website for our photo contest. The photo receiving the most votes is published here, along with some other selections from that month. To enter the contest, visit HomeWorks.org/ photocontest. Enter your picture, cast your vote, and encourage others to vote for you, too. If your photo is published in Country Lines during 2027, you will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of four $100 credits on your December 2027 HomeWorks bill!
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
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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.
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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
The Canadian Lakes Cruisers at the Highlands Castle in Canadian Lakes. Photo courtesy of the Canadian Lakes Cruisers Car Club.
More Tales From The Road:
Canadian Lakes Cruisers Take The HomeWorks Road Trip By Maryland Yvon, Canadian Lakes Cruisers Car Club When the HomeWorks Road Trip was announced, members of the Canadian Lakes Cruisers Car Club eagerly accepted the challenge. They drove their classic cars to the eight main map locations around the Co-op’s mid-Michigan service territory, reveling in the ride, seeing new sights, and enjoying the camaraderie. “The trip sent us to places it’s likely we never would have visited otherwise,” says Phil Little, who, along with his wife Sherry, participated in their 2002 Thunderbird. Judy Smarch, who rode with Ron Stickney in his 1998 Chevy Cavalier, echoes the sentiment, with a bit of embarrassment—after all, Judy is the club’s cruise director—and she admits to getting lost in Six Lakes en route to Anderson & Girls near Stanton. But that was just part of the adventure. Other club participants were George Groll, John and Linda Barton, Tom and Karen Parks, and Marshall and Melanie Henry. Each uses similar words to describe the experience: fun, enjoyable, and interesting. Another recurring theme is the camaraderie.
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“Anytime you spend together with other people, you always learn more about them. So events like these are always such a treasure,” Karen says. Several club members were first-time visitors to some of the stops. Two particularly stood out to the Cruisers: MOO-ville for its iconic ice cream— “Who doesn’t like ice cream?” George Groll notes—and The Ledges of Grand Ledge. “The Ledges is something everyone should see,” Judy Smarch says, enthusiastically. Although participants who completed all eight sites by Labor Day received a $100 bill credit from HomeWorks, all agree that the trip itself was the real reward. As Ron Stickney observes, tongue-in-cheek, “We spent $150 for a $100 credit.” But no one complained as, over the course of three days, they covered sites from as far away as Grand Ledge and as close as the Castle in Canadian Lakes. Food is often part of a Cruisers trip, and this was no exception. Day 1 started at 2 p.m. and included dinner
at Chapz in Lakeview. Day 2 began at 8 a.m., with breakfast at Petticoat Junction in Alma and lunch at MOOville Creamery in Nashville—what’s better than ice cream for lunch? A few of the Cruisers took a third day to complete the eight stops. From seeing new sights, enjoying one another’s company, and driving their special cars on a lovely late-summer day, the Cruisers enthusiastically agree that a good time was had by all. They eagerly anticipate the next HomeWorks Road Trip. The Canadian Lakes Cruisers Car Club is a group of classic car enthusiasts, with or without vintage vehicles. Members enjoy dinner cruises, ice cream runs, and event participation. A highlight is the annual Cruisin’ at the Castle Charity Car Show, open to nonmembers, held the Sunday before Labor Day. For information on the show, contact Phil Little at plittle791@aol.com. To share your own HomeWorks Road Trip tale, email cmarkwart@HomeWorks.org.
Your Board In Action Meeting in Portland on Sept. 28, your board of directors: • In a special open member meeting, voted unanimously to establish a Power Supply Cost Recovery (PSCR) factor ceiling of $0.01000 per kWh for all rate classes subject to the PSCR, by tariff, in accordance with P.A. 167, to take effect during the January 2027 billing cycle. • Reviewed management’s proposal of a new Smart Thermostat Demand Response Pilot Program tariff and unanimously authorized management to implement the tariff, effective Jan. 1, 2027. (For specific details of any HomeWorks tariffs or fees, please visit HomeWorks.org or call us at 800-562-8232.) • Re-elected Director Jake Borton as the Co-op’s representative on the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association (MECA) board of directors for the next term, and appointed him as the Co-op’s voting delegate for the upcoming MECA Annual Meeting. • Reappointed Mike Coyne (District 2), Lisa Johnson (District 4), Margaret Remenar (District 5), and Cindy Kyser (District 6) to the Tri-County Electric People Fund Board of Directors for the next three-year term, expiring on Sept. 30, 2029. • Reviewed the results of the Co-op’s 2026 Annual Meeting survey. • Reviewed a minor reporting oversight that occurred in the Co-op’s 2024 IRS Form 990-T filing and authorized management to file an amended 2024 IRS Form 990 and 990-T to correct the misfiling.
FUEL MIX REPORT
The fuel mix characteristics of HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative as required by Public Act 141 of 2000 for the 12-month period ended 6/30/26.
COMPARISON OF FUEL SOURCES USED 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.
• Reviewed and approved management’s annual overall wage and salary recommendation for non-union employees. YOUR CO-OP’S FUEL MIX
• Reviewed and approved Board Policy 106 – Emergency Director Replacement, as revised. Time Set Aside for Members to Comment Before Cooperative Board Meetings: The first 15 minutes of every board meeting are available for members who wish to address the board of directors on any subject. The next meetings are scheduled for 9 a.m. on Nov. 23 at Blanchard and 9 a.m. on Dec. 21 at Portland. Members who wish to have items considered on the board agenda should call 517-647-7554 at least a week in advance of the meeting.
REGIONAL AVERAGE FUEL MIX
Public Act 295: The Clean Renewable and Efficient Energy Act Energy Waste Reduction Pilot Program HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative HomeWorks Tri-County 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 HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative Board of Directors has approved a Smart Thermostat Demand Response Pilot Program Tariff. The Tariff will become effective Jan. 1, 2027.
EMISSIONS AND WASTE COMPARISON lbs/MWh
A copy of the Tariff can be obtained from HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative.
Notice to Members of HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative Sept. 28, 2026, Open Member Meeting Results The HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative Board of Directors, at a special open meeting held Sept. 28, 2026: •
Unanimously voted to establish a Power Supply Cost Recovery (PSCR) factor ceiling of $0.01000 per kWh for all rate classes subject to the PSCR, by tariff, in accordance with P.A. 167, effective Jan. 1, 2027.
For specific details of any HomeWorks tariffs or fees, please visit HomeWorks.org or call us at 800-562-8232.
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. HomeWorks purchases 100% of its electricity from Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative, Inc., which provided this fuel mix and environmental data.
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
A
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
How will you
MAKE YOUR MARK? June 17 - 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.
•
•
Connect with students from across the country and form friendships that last a lifetime, all sponsored by Homeworks Tri-County Electric Cooperative.
You and your parents or guardian must be served by HomeWorks Tri-County 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
It’s time to apply for our 2026/27 classroom grants and college scholarships! For Teachers:
We offer grants of up to $2,000 to help teachers in our service area provide S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) education in their classrooms.
Applications due Dec. 14
For Students:
Current high school seniors living on our electric lines could be eligible for one of our one-time $2,500 scholarships to help with 2027-28 college expenses!
Applications due March 31
For more info or to apply, click the Outreach tab at:
HomeWorks.org
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.
18 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026
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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SCAN HERE TO LEARN MORE No Home Visit Required for a Free Estimate
HomeWorks.org homeworks.org facebook.com/homeworks.org facebook.com/homeworks.org Report Outages: 1-800-848-9333
’ T I S T H E S E A S O N TO
Give Big, Get Gig. Sign up for 1 Gig fiber internet from Nov. 1–Dec. 31 and we’ll donate $100 to the local charity you choose.
N E W TO H O M E W O R K S CO N N E C T ?
1 Gig Fiber Internet
$99.95
/month
Add Optimized Wi-Fi for $10 more per month for a lifetime warranty state-of-the-art Wi-Fi router, plus parental controls, network-wide cybersecurity, device monitoring, and more!
Become a Connector today!
ALREADY A CONNECTOR? Drop off three canned goods at a HomeWorks office and we’ll upgrade you to 1 Gig for the entire month of December!
H O M E P H O N E , TO O ! Phone packages start at $29.95, plus a $5 bundle discount for internet + phone subscribers. HomeWorks.org/internet or call 800-668-8413
Give Big, Get Gig offer valid Nov. 1–Dec. 31, 2026. Optimized Wi-Fi is an optional add-on. Home phone service is not regulated by the Michigan Public Service Commission.