Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op
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
Community First Fund Annual Report
Home Heating Assistance
Cooperative Youth Tour
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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BOARD OF DIRECTORS Sandy Borowicz, Chairperson 231-627-9220 • Term Expires 2027 Daryl Peterson, Vice Chairperson 989-742-3145 • Term Expires 2027 Gerald Smigelski, Secretary 989-306-3750 • Term Expires 2026 Brentt Lucas, Treasurer 989-766-3678 • Term Expires 2028 John Brown 231-625-2099 • Term Expires 2026 Kurt Krajniak 989-884-3037 • Term Expires 2028 Sally Knopf 989-734-4196 • Term Expires 2027 Chris Nagel 616-240-8727 • Term Expires: 2026 Michael Libby 989-306-1730 • Term Expires 2028 President & CEO: Allan Berg aberg@pieg.com Chief Marketing Officer: David Eiben deiben@pieg.com Co-op Editor: Sommer Poquette spoquette@pieg.com
By Allan Berg, President & CEO
Looking back on 2026, I’m grateful this year has been one of steady progress. We’ve shifted from recovering from the historic March 2025 storm to building a stronger cooperative with the operational preparedness and culture to withstand anything. While 2025 was a rebuilding year, this one has been focused on using those hard lessons to become stronger and more resilient. This includes establishing new strategic pillars to guide our work: Reliability, Safety, Member Trust, People, and Financial Stewardship. These pillars guide every decision we make as we work to improve electric, natural gas, and fiber broadband reliability and expand highspeed fiber internet service throughout our region.
Gas Emergency Toll-Free: 800-655-8565
Reliability and Safety will always be our most important pillars, because we know our members depend on us every day, and we can’t take care of our People and community if we’re not being safe. Our crews have worked hard this year to improve right-ofway clearing, upgrade poles and wire, and enhance our grid monitoring capabilities. To our line workers, natural gas operators, fiber team, engineering, and the entire PIE&G team: Thank you for everything you do.
PIE&G natural gas rates and charges are not regulated by the Michigan Public Service Commission.
We also focused this year on improving Member Trust by being as transparent as possible about the FEMA recovery
Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op 3149 Main Street (M-211) Onaway, MI 49765 Business Office & Billing: 989-733-8515 Toll-Free: 800-423-6634
Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
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Thankful That 2026 Has Been a Year of Progress
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026
pieg.com
process and our Financial Stewardship efforts following the March 2025 storm. After months of advocacy by our political leaders at the state and federal level, and our own team and members, FEMA reversed course and approved funding for utility infrastructure damages. Thank you to everyone who helped make this happen. Thanks to everyone’s collective efforts, PIE&G has submitted more than $150 million in eligible storm costs to FEMA and received $13.3 million. Our goal has always been to communicate every step of the way— emailing members regular updates, posting regularly to social media, and holding our first webinar to explain our status with FEMA. We also launched a FEMA page on our website, where we post updates as soon as new information becomes available. We look forward to building on this progress with FEMA in 2027, which is critical to ending the storm recovery fee and securing our future. As we close out the year, I also want to thank our members for generously rounding up your utility bills to support vital local causes like the Alpena Youth Center, Montmorency County VFW 2356, and Alcona Community Schools. Your willingness to give back is exactly what the cooperative spirit of “neighbors helping neighbors” is all about!
From all of us at Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op, I wish you and your family a safe, warm, and joyful holiday season.
/PIEGCooperative
/PIEGCooperative
FUEL MIX REPORT
CO-OP NEWS
The fuel mix characteristics of Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op as required by Public Act 141 of 2000 for the 12-month period ended 6/30/2026.
Board in Action • Set the board meeting schedule for 2027 • Received updates from staff on cooperative finances and strategic plan progress • Heard team reports from all cooperative departments • Recognized retiring director John Brown for over 30 years of dedicated service
Autopay Notice! If you use a credit or debit card for PIE&G AutoPay, please take a moment to ensure your payment information is up to date. We were recently made aware that Straits Area Credit Union has issued new cards to its members. If you bank with Straits Area Credit Union and received a new card, the card information saved to your PIE&G AutoPay account may need to be updated. If it is not updated, your automatic payment could be interrupted. This is also a good reminder for all members enrolled in AutoPay: Whenever your bank or card issuer sends you a replacement card with a new card number, expiration date, or other updated information, please review your AutoPay settings to help prevent a missed payment. Visit pieg.com/payment-options to learn more about AutoPay and manage your payments.
Update Your Contact Information Please call our office at 1-800-4236634 to confirm we have your most up-to-date contact information. Having your current phone number, mailing address, and email on file is crucial for power outage updates, emergencies, and billing information. It also ensures you receive our monthly eNews.
COMPARISON OF FUEL SOURCES USED Fuel source
John Brown, Director, Cheboygan District Sandy Borowicz, Chairman, Cheboygan District
Thank you, John Brown After more than 30 years of faithful service to the co-op and of representing Cheboygan County, John Brown is retiring from our board of directors. During his tenure, John helped guide the co-op through many changes, always focused on strengthening the organization and doing what was right for our members. He served as board chairman and vice chairman and also represented the co-op on Wolverine Power’s board of directors.
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.
YOUR CO-OP’S FUEL MIX
John’s kindness, thoughtfulness, leadership, and integrity have made a lasting impact, and he will be greatly missed. Thank you, John, for more than three decades of dedicated service to our members and community. We wish you all the best in retirement!
REGIONAL AVERAGE FUEL MIX
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
PIE&G will be closed on the following dates: THANKSGIVING: Nov. 26–27 CHRISTMAS: Dec. 24–25 NEW YEAR’S DAY: Jan. 1 Report outages or natural gas emergencies anytime by calling 800-423-6634. Access your accounts anytime at pieg.com, on the SmartHub mobile app, or with pay by phone at 855-939-3541.
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. Presque Isle Electric & Gas purchases 100% of its electricity from Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative, Inc., which provided this fuel mix and environmental data.
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.
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 Presque Isle Gas & Electric. 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 pieg.com/energy-optimization-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 Presque Isle Gas & Electric Presque Isle Gas & Electric administers its own Energy Waste Reduction (EWR) plan in order to comply with PA-295. As part of that EWR plan administration, the Presque Isle Gas & Electric Board of Directors has approved a Smart Thermostat Demand Response Pilot Program Tariff. The Tariff will become effective Feb. 1, 2027. A copy of the Tariff can be obtained from Presque Isle Gas & Electric.
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 Presque Isle Gas & Electric on the purchase of a smart thermostat and it really is the season for savings.
‘Tis the Season
Scan the QR code to view eligible rebates or visit pieg.com/energy-optimization-rebates/
For Energy Savings
MI CO-OP Photo Contest
TREASURED TRADITIONS MOST VOTES
1
2
3
4
Enter to win a $50 energy bill credit! Submit your Made By Hand photos by Nov. 25 for the February issue! Submit your best photo and encourage others to vote! The photo receiving the most votes in our photo contest will be printed in an issue of Country Lines, along with some of our other favorites. To enter the contest, visit pieg.com/photocontest. 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 into a drawing for a chance to win one of four $50 credits on your January 2028 bill.
1. MOST VOTES Christmas at Santa’s. Gayle Dolinger 2. The annual 4th of July parade on Bois Blanc Island, MI, has become a cherished island tradition that brings the community together to celebrate our country’s independence and looking forward to a summer of island fun. Brandie Dunn 3. Every year we do a Festivus Party with high school friends who all live in Presque Isle County. Heidi Witucki 4. Three bucks grazing in a Southfield neighborhood! Chuck Hill
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.
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
Powered by Our Members
Celebrating the Communities First Fund’s 2025 Contributions Thanks to the generosity of our Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op members, the PIE&G Community Fund (CFF) continues to make a real difference for individuals and organizations across Northeast Michigan.
2025 PIE&G Communities First Fund Awards:
$55,157.11
The fund is managed by an independent, all-volunteer board and is supported by members who choose to round up their energy bill to the next whole dollar. For those who participate, this averages just 50 cents per month—but together, these small contributions create a BIG impact in our communities. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to every member who has joined this effort. Your support truly embodies the cooperative spirit and helps neighbors in need. If you aren’t already enrolled, we encourage you to consider this simple but powerful way to give back. Together, we can continue to strengthen our communities. The enrollment form can be found on page 13.
2025 Communities First Fund Grant Summary
High School Scholarship Recipients
Tri-Township Ambulance Center
Sadie Decker
$1,000.00
Grace Watson
$1,000.00
Aubrey Kowalski
$1,000.00
Maddison Styma
$1,000.00
Alexis Bedard
$1,000.00
Ainslee Glass
$1,000.00
Kylee Hopp
$1,000.00
Autumn Lis
$1,000.00
Brooklyn LaBrecque
$1,000.00
Nola Ecker
$1,000.00
Ema DeMaestri
$1,000.00
John Ennest
$1,000.00
Brianne Hickel
$1,000.00
$1,000.00
Lily Wright
$1,000.00
$5,000.00
Kailyn George
$1,000.00
Kason Hart
$750.00
Lena Bisson
$500.00
Amelie Hanson
$1,000.00
Andrew Budnick
$1,000.00
Cold Weather Gear
Alpena Youth Center
Cooking for Kids — Ovens
Alverno Fire B's Association
Community Open House/Youth Fire Safety
Hillman Community Schools
Band Chairs & Stands
Presque Isle Conservation District
Turnpike Improvement for Recreational Safety
Foster Closet of Northern MI
Basic Needs/Special Events
Forest-Waverly Township Fire Dept.
Self Contained Breathing Apparatus Packs
Rivertown Follies, Inc
Rivertown Follies 2025 Show
Montmorency County VFW 2356 Installation of Sign
Alpena Area Senior Citizens Council, Inc
Liquid Nutrition Program
Oscoda Montmorency Child Protection Council
Montmorency County Project Connect
Presque Isle County Historical Museum Bradley House Roof Replacement
Alcona Community Schools
Reimagining our Library
Posen Consolidated School District
Great Lakes Plastic Pollution Trip
The Refuge in Otsego County
Provide Temporary Housing in Cold Weather or Disaster
12 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026
$2,200.00 $1,200.00 $499.00 $2,000.00 $2,000.00 $2,500.00 $5,000.00 $508.11 $2,500.00 $2,500.00
$3,500.00 $4,000.00 $2,500.00
PIE&G Communities First Fund Statements of Financial Position: Dec. 31, 2024, and 2025 ASSETS
2025
2024
CURRENT ASSETS: Cash
$
Cash – restricted
$
3,000
Accounts receivable TOTAL ASSETS
115,771
121,321 3,000
329
4,469
$
119,099
$
128,790
$
96,739
$
96,149
NET ASSETS Unrestricted Unrestricted, designated
19,361
29,641
Permanently restricted
3,000
3,000
TOTAL NET ASSETS
119,099
128,790
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
$
119,099
$
128,790
$
54,870
$
49,936
ACTIVITIES AND CHANGE IN NET ASSETS REVENUE Contributions – members Contributions – PIE&G
17,633
18,479
Scholarship contributions
1,500
2,000
Interest
120
TOTAL REVENUE
111
$
74,122
$
70,525
$
32,019
$
31,991
EXPENSES Grants Scholarships
29,250
10,164
Professional fees
3,200
4,400
Program expense
13,263
12,972
Directors’ expense
1,170
1,106
TOTAL EXPENSE
78,902
60,633
CHANGE IN NET ASSETS
(4,780)
9,892
NET ASSETS, beginning of year NET ASSETS, end of year
HOW CAN I HELP MY COMMUNITY? The PIE&G Communities First Fund was created in 1998. Funds for this program are generated when PIE&G members volunteer to “round up” their utility bills to the next whole dollar. The average contribution is about 50 cents per month per meter. All contributions are tax-deductible. Please call our Member Services Department at 800-423-6634 to join. You may also mail the completed enrollment form on this page with your utility payment or find the form at pieg.com/communities-first.
112,793 $
119,099
118,898 $
128,790
Enroll To Help Your Community!
Yes!
I want to participate in the COMMUNITIES FIRST FUND. Please enroll me and round up my bill to the next highest dollar each month.
Name (please print) Account Number(s) Mailing Address
Signature Date Include this coupon in your next bill payment, or mail to: PIE&G COMMUNITIES FIRST FUND, P.O. Box 308, Onaway, MI 49765 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 Does Fiber Get to Your Home? Have you ever wondered what happens before PIE&G Connect fiber internet becomes available at your home? Building a fiber-to-the-home network involves much more than simply installing a line. From planning and preparing the route to installing, splicing, and testing the fiber, our crews complete several important steps before an area is ready for service. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how PIE&G Connect fiber gets from our network to your home.
Step 1: Planning the Route Before construction begins, our team surveys the area and plans the fiber route. We evaluate poles, existing infrastructure, property access, and other conditions to determine how fiber can be safely and efficiently brought through the area.
Step 2: Preparing for Fiber Next, we prepare the route for construction. This may include trimming vegetation, rerouting existing lines, or creating additional clearance on utility poles. This important work helps make sure the route is safe and ready before the new fiber is installed.
Step 3: Building the Fiber Network Once the route is ready, crews begin installing the main fiber lines throughout the area. These lines create the network that will eventually bring high-speed fiber internet directly to homes. But installing the cable is only part of the job.
Step 4: Splicing and Testing Inside each fiber cable are tiny strands of glass that carry data using light. To connect different sections of the network, technicians perform a precise process called splicing. During splicing, individual glass fibers are carefully aligned and fused together to create a continuous connection. Once the splicing is complete, the network is tested to make sure everything is operating properly.
Step 5: Your Area Opens for Service Once construction, splicing, and testing are complete, the feeder can be opened, and PIE&G Connect service becomes available to eligible locations within that area. Members can then check their address, complete an application, and begin the process of getting fiber connected to their home.
Ready to Get Connected? Building a fiber network takes careful planning, construction, precision, and testing, but the result is a connection designed to serve our members for years to come. Want to know if PIE&G Connect is available at your home? Visit piegconnect.com to check availability and sign up online today.
16 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026
How will you
MAKE YOUR MARK?
Youth Tour was so much fun and I am so glad I applied for it! – Mallory Ekdahl
I loved meeting new people and making some amazing friends. Going to places I always dreamed of going and seeing them in person is an experience I will always be grateful for. – Cassidy Karsten
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 Presque Isle Gas & Electric Cooperative.
You and your parents or guardian must be served by Presque Isle Gas & 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
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
pieg.com
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