Harvesting a Dream
Korson’s Tree Farms Heads to the White House
Time is running out to take advantage of a 30% tax credit for geothermal You may not realize it, but right beneath your feet is an almost unlimited reservoir of stored solar energy. A WaterFurnace geothermal system taps into this free and renewable resource to provide savings of up to 70% on heating, cooling, and hot water—with a comfort you have to experience to believe. Right now, you can save thousands on installation, thanks to a 30% federal tax credit. But don’t wait—this credit ends on Dec 31, 2025. Contact your local WaterFurnace dealer today to learn more!
YOUR LOCAL WATERFURNACE DEALERS
Allendale
Allendale Htg & Clg (800) 327-1937 allendaleheating.com
Berrien Springs WaterFurnace Michiana (269) 473-5667 gogreenmichgeo thermal.com
Big Rapids
Stratz Htg & Clg, Inc. (231) 796-3717 stratzgeocomfort.com
Filion/Bad Axe
Air-O-Dynamic Htg & Clg (989) 582-0137 aod-hvac.com
Grand Rapids
Bel Aire Htg & Clg 1-888-235-2473 belaire.com
Hart Adams Htg & Clg (231) 873-2665 adamsgeothermal-mi.com
Holland G.H.P. Systems Inc. (616) 396-5833 ghpsystems-inc.com
Indian River M&M Plmb & Htg (231) 238-7201 mm-plumbing.com
Lansing
Candor Mechanical (517) 920-0890 candormechanical.com
Michigan Center Comfort 1/Aire Serv of Southern Michigan (517) 764-1500 airserv.com/southernmichigan/
Mt Pleasant Walton Htg & Clg (989)772-4822 waltonheating.com
Portage Bel Aire Htg & Clg 1-888-235-2473 belaire.com
Portland ESI Htg & Clg (517) 647-6906 esiheating.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
CO-OP REBATE INCENTIVES
Alger Delta Electric: up to $2,000
Cherryland Electric: up to $2,500
Cloverland: up to $6,275
Great Lakes Energy: up to $5,000
Homeworks/Tri-County Electric: up to $4,750
Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op: up to $4,750
Thumb Electric: up to $2,000
EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Casey Clark
EDITOR: Christine Dorr
GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Karreen Bird
RECIPE EDITOR: Christin Russman
COPY EDITOR: Yvette Pecha
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Emily Haines Lloyd
PUBLISHER:
Michigan Electric Cooperative Association
Michigan Country Lines, USPS-591-710, is published monthly, except August and December, with periodicals postage paid at Lansing, Mich., and additional offices. It is the official publication of the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association, 201 Townsend St., Suite 900, Lansing, MI 48933. Subscriptions are authorized for members of Alger Delta, Cherryland, Great Lakes, HomeWorks Tri-County, Midwest Energy & Communications, Ontonagon, Presque Isle, and Thumb electric cooperatives by their boards of directors.
POSTMASTER: Send all UAA to CFS.
ASSOCIATION OFFICERS: 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.
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. 2025. 13. Extent and nature of circulation:
MI CO-OP Community
RECIPE CONTEST
See details on page 10.
Chocolate, Reimagined due Dec. 1, Global Comfort Food due Jan. 1, Rice Dishes due Feb. 1.
Win a $100 bill credit!
GUEST COLUMN
Share your fondest memories and stories.
Win $200 for stories published!
MYSTERY PHOTO
See details on page 18. Win a $100 bill credit!
To enter contests, submit reader content & more, visit countrylines.com/community
6 ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
Helping to keep the lights on for the 25-26 heating season.
10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN
Holiday Mains: The heart of the holiday table.
14 HARVESTING A DREAM: KORSON’S TREE FARMS HEADS TO THE WHITE HOUSE
Generations of grit and growth earn the Korson family a place in history.
18 SHOP MEMBER EXCLUSIVES
Discover unique gifts from your co-op community—order the ‘Best of Michigan Country Lines Cookbook’ for holiday giving, and enjoy member pricing on the beautiful ‘Birds Doing Stuff’ 2026 calendar by Steve Jessmore.
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS AND CASSOPOLIS SOLUTIONS CENTER
60590 Decatur Road, Cassopolis, MI 49031
M–F 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
TECUMSEH SOLUTIONS CENTER
5050 South Occidental Hwy., Tecumseh, MI 49286
M–F 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
CONTACT US
Midwest Energy & Communications
800-492-5989
teammidwest.com
Email: info@teammidwest.com
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Clarence “Topper” Barth, Chairperson, Three Rivers 269-279-9233
Clarence.Barth@teammidwest.com
Dan Bodette, Vice Chairperson, Wauseon 419-344-4015
Dan.Bodette@teammidwest.com
Ron Armstrong, Secretary, Lawton 269-299-0443
Ron.Armstrong@teammidwest.com
John Green, Treasurer, Dowagiac 269-470-2816
John.Green@teammidwest.com
Gerry Bundle, Cassopolis 269-414-0164
Gerry.Bundle@teammidwest.com
Erika Escue-Cadieux, Onsted 419-346-1088
Erika.Escue-Cadieux@teammidwest.com
Fred Turk, Decatur 269-423-7762
Fred.Turk@teammidwest.com
Jim Wiseley, Bloomingdale 269-760-4619
Jim.Wiseley@teammidwest.com
Jeff Diehl, Union 574-274-6693
Jeffery.Diehl@teammidwest.com
PRESIDENT/CEO: Terry Rubenthaler
DIRECTOR, CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING: Amy Pales
COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST: Grant Zamora
Midwest Energy & Communications is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Please note: electric customers of MEC must adhere to our bylaws, which can be found at teammidwest.com/bylaws.
A New Energy Waste Reduction Program Coming To MEC
By Terry Rubenthaler, President/CEO
My wife has been pestering me for a while to clean out the garage, the shed, and the barn.
I am obviously a pack rat because I filled up a 30-yard dumpster with all the items I have been saving just in case I needed them. In the midst of cleaning out my barn, I found a box of something I didn’t expect; the box contained eight new LED light bulbs that I had purchased from MEC when we had our Energy Optimization (EO) program. As a reminder, several years ago, the state of Michigan had an EO program that required utilities to offer rebates on appliances and HVAC systems, as well as provide weatherization and other assistance to residents and businesses.
To pay for the program, utilities had to implement a surcharge on customers’ bills. You may remember that EO charge or perhaps the store we had with power strips, light bulbs, and more. The calculated savings assumed that customers would actually use what we provided. Like me, customers did not always install their light bulbs.
Well, when the state sunset the program in 2021, some utilities decided to establish their own programs. MEC chose to eliminate ours because we didn’t want to charge all customers for services that not everyone could take advantage of.
Then, in 2023, the state of Michigan passed the Clean and Renewable Energy and Energy Waste Reduction Act (EWR), which requires utilities to again meet energy waste reduction standards and effectively reinstates an EO program. We are required to launch the new EWR Program in 2026.
I’m happy to share that the new program offers improvements over the previous one. Overall, it has been tightened up, making administration more efficient. You’ll have access to more tech-forward products and services, such as smart thermostats. Plus, you’ll be able to utilize an Amazon storefront to purchase rebate-eligible products with ease.
What’s Included in the Program
• Rebates for energy-efficient appliances, heating & cooling systems, and thermostats
• Free energy-saving kits
• Business support, including energy assessments and rebates
• Additional support for incomequalified households
Additionally, starting in January, you will see an EWR PA 295, as amended, tax surcharge on your bill. The surcharge will be $.00204 per kWh for residential customers. See page 8 for a breakdown of additional maximum charges by rate classification.
I encourage all of you to take advantage of this program. It can save you money both on purchases and through reduced electricity usage. Additionally, it can help everyone by reducing the strain on the grid. That’s something you know I’m passionate about—and you should be too!
We’ll have all the details and the storefront available on our website at teammidwest.com/energy-savings early next year. Stay tuned to Country Lines and our Plugged In monthly e-newsletter for more details.
Just so you know, light bulbs will not be part of the program—because many of us still have a few around.
Get Outage, Account, & Propane Notification Texts
Did you know you can receive text notifications about your MEC account? Texts are available for:
• Electric Outages
• Account & Billing Updates
• Propane Deliveries— new!
• And much more!
Log into your SmartHub mobile app or our website at teammidwest.com:
1. Go to Settings , then Contact Methods to add your phone number.
• On the app, look under Add New Contact Method Choose Phone
• On desktop, click Add Phone
2. Enter your phone number, and select Yes under Receive Text Messages. Click Save
3. Go to Manage Notifications under Settings to choose the notifications you want to receive.
4. Find the type you want to receive. For example:
• To get notified when your Scheduled Propane Delivery is on its way, look under On Demand
• To receive Power Outage Updates , look under Service
• To get a text when your monthly bill is available, look under Billing
5. Select the appropriate phone number and click Save.
Happy Holidays
HOLIDAY OFFICE CLOSINGS
Our solutions centers will be closed on the dates listed below. Make a payment or report an electric outage via SmartHub. Dropbox payments made at our solutions centers will be processed on the next open business day.
Thanksgiving: Thursday, Nov. 27 & Friday, Nov. 28
Christmas: Wednesday, Dec. 24 & Thursday, Dec. 25
New Year’s Day: Thursday, Jan. 1
Internet Bill Assistance
MEC proudly participates in the Lifeline Program, a federal initiative that provides a monthly credit on telephone or internet bills for income-qualified customers.
Qualifying customers can receive a $9.25 credit on internet, phone, or bundled service. Residents of Tribal lands can get a $34.25 credit on internet, phone, or bundled service. Seniors can get a $12.35 credit on phone service. Visit teammidwest.com/lifeline to see if you qualify.
OUR MISSION: Delivering first-in-class innovations and solutions where others won’t OUR VISION: Creating vibrant, relevant, sustainable rural communities®
Energy Assistance Programs 2025-2026 Season
Winter Protection Plan
Contact: Local Utility Company
Add
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.
Home Heating Credit
Contact: Michigan Dept. of Treasury
You can apply for a Home Heating Credit for the 2025 tax year if you meet the income guidelines listed above (110% of poverty level) or you qualify based on alternate guidelines including household income, exemptions, and heating costs. Additional exemptions are available for seniors, disabled claimants, or claimants with 5% or more of their income from unemployment compensation. If you qualify, you may receive assistance to help pay for your winter heating bills. Forms are available mid-to-late January, wherever tax forms are provided or from the Michigan Dept. of Treasury (517-636-4486 or michigan.gov/treasury). The Home Heating Credit claim form must be filed with the Michigan Dept. of Treasury no later than Sept. 30 each year.
State Emergency Relief Program (SER)
Contact: Local Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services (DHHS), michigan.gov/mdhhs
You do not have to be a DHHS client to apply for help with a past-due bill, shut-off notice, or the need for deliverable fuel through the SER. This program, available Nov. 1–May 31, provides most of its utility assistance during this crisis season. However, limited assistance is available outside the crisis season.
If you receive a DHHS cash grant, you may use part of it toward heat and electric bills. Apply online at the MI Bridges website: Michigan.gov/mibridges.
Low-Income Weatherization Assistance Program
Contact: Local Community Action Agency
You may be able to receive help with weatherizing your home to reduce energy use if you meet low-income eligibility guidelines (200% of poverty guidelines) or if you participate in the Dept. of Health and Human Services Family Independence Program or receive SSI. Weatherization may include caulking, weather-stripping, and insulation. Contact your local Community Action Agency for details. Visit mcaaa.org to find one in your area.
United Way
Contact: Call 2-1-1 or UWmich.org/2-1-1
2-1-1 is a free phone service operating 24 hours daily to provide information about help that may be available in a particular area with utilities and other needs. Dial 2-1-1 or visit mi211.org to find available services.
Medical Emergency Protection
Contact: Local Utility Company
You are protected from service shut-off for nonpayment of your natural gas and/ or electric bill for up to 21 days, possibly extending to 63 days, if you have a proven medical emergency. You must provide written proof from a doctor or a public health or social services official that a medical condition exists. Contact your gas or electric utility for details.
Shut-off Protection For Military Active Duty
Contact: Local Utility Company
If you or your spouse has been called into active military duty, you may apply for shut-off protection from your electric or natural gas service for up to 90 days. You may request extensions. You must still pay, but contact your utility company and they will help you set up a payment plan.
Michigan Veterans Trust Fund Emergency Grant Program
Contact: MI Veterans Trust Fund
The Trust Fund provides temporary assistance to veterans and their families facing a financial emergency or hardship, including the need for energy assistance. Contact the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund at 800-642-4838 or michiganveterans.com.
MI Energy Assistance Program
Contact: Utility or 2-1-1 in late November: 2-1-1 or 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.
Standing Up for Michigan’s Co-op Members
Statewide Effort
Reaches the White House
By John Kran, President & CEO, Michigan Electric Cooperative Association
When Michigan’s electric cooperatives faced one of the most destructive ice storms in state history last March, line crews braved freezing rain, fallen trees, and impassable roads to rebuild miles of damaged power lines and restore service to tens of thousands of homes The storm caused more than $300 million in damage across rural Michigan, with the most severe impacts in Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op’s and Great Lakes Energy’s service territories.
Because electric cooperatives are not-for-profi t and member-owned, every dollar spent on storm recovery ultimately affects local families, farmers, and small businesses. Without federal help, those costs fall directly on the people the co-ops serve.
Progress Achieved
After months of unified advocacy, President Donald Trump approved a federal disaster declaration on July 22, unlocking emergency funds to help rural communities recover. We’re grateful to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Michigan’s bipartisan congressional delegation, and state legislative leaders for coming together to support co-op communities.
That approval was a critical fi rst step, but it didn’t go far enough. The declaration covered emergency cleanup, but not the long-term rebuilding aid known as Category F (Utilities) funding.
Why Category F Matters
Category F assistance helps utilities rebuild permanently after disasters by repairing poles, wires, and substations so systems are stronger for the future. Without it, Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op and Great Lakes Energy will face lasting fi nancial strain from the storm’s damage.
To put the challenge in perspective:
• Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op faced about $150 million in recovery costs, roughly $4,500 per member.
• Great Lakes Energy’s initial storm rebuilding and recovery cost was about $155 million, or 40 times its annual storm budget.
These fi gures refl ect the storm’s extraordinary impact on northern Michigan and why continued federal support is essential to full recovery.
“Michigan’s electric cooperatives acted quickly, restored power safely, and stood by their communities in a time of crisis. Now, we’re asking Washington to stand by them.”
A Unified Grassroots Response
To help secure full recovery support, the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association (MECA) partnered with the cooperatives and National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) to mobilize the Voices for Cooperative Power (VCP) platform. Together, we launched the Michigan Ice Storm Petition, urging the White House and FEMA to approve Category F funding for Michigan’s co-ops.
The petition focused on the hardest-hit areas served by Presque Isle and Great Lakes and gathered nearly 12,500 signatures from co-op members and advocates statewide. We recently delivered those signatures to the White House, ensuring that Michigan’s rural voices were heard at the highest level.
The Power of Cooperation
This effort shows what makes electric cooperatives unique. Working through MECA and NRECA, Michigan’s co-ops speak with one strong, unifi ed voice representing rural homes, farms, and businesses across the state and nation.
Michigan’s electric cooperatives acted quickly, restored power safely, and stood by their communities in a time of crisis. Now, we’re asking Washington to stand by them.
Energy Waste Reduction Maximum Surcharge Amounts
Christmas Lights and Your Electric Bill
You can save energy while still enjoying your favorite decorations—here’s how.
Consider Switching to LEDs
While you can still buy some types of incandescent specialty lights, such as Christmas lights, LED lights come with several advantages:
• Efficiency: According to the Department of Energy, LED lights use up to 90% less electricity than incandescent bulbs and can last about 25 times longer.
• Safety: While incandescent bulbs run hot, LEDs are cool to the touch, reducing the risk of fire or burnt fingers.
• Durability: LEDs are made with epoxy lenses rather than glass, so they don’t break as easily.
• Installation: You can connect more strings of LEDs without overloading your wall socket.
Use Light Timers or Smart Lights
Light timers let you schedule times for your lights to turn on and off, eliminating the risk that you’ll forget to unplug them and accidentally use several extra hours of energy.
Smart lights can be controlled and scheduled from a smartphone app. Some smart lights even allow you to change their colors or set blinking patterns.
Swap String Lights for Spotlights
Instead of traditional Christmas light strings, some LED spotlights can light up your decorations just as effectively and use even less energy.
To enhance the effect, try sparkly or reflective decorations to catch as much light as possible.
THE PROGRAM:
Add funds to your account and we’ll make deductions each day based on the energy you use, plus a $3 monthly program fee.
Your service is remotely disconnected if the account balance is depleted and reconnected when a payment is received.
WHAT YOU GET:
Pay for your electric service in advance and say goodbye to some extra fees.
OWN IT gives you more control over your electricity expenses. You put funds on your account whenever you want and avoid deposits, late charges, and collection/reconnection fees.
HOW TO SIGN UP:
Visit teammidwest.com/prepaid-signup to get started.
HOLIDAY MAINS
The Heart of the Holiday Table
RECIPE CONTEST Win a $100 energy bill credit! Chocolate, Reimagined due Dec. 1, Global Comfort Food due Jan. 1, Rice Dishes due Feb. 1. Submit your favorite recipe for a chance to win a $100 bill credit and have your recipe featured in Country Lines with a photo and a video. Submit your recipe at micoopkitchen.com, or send it via email (include your full name and co-op) to recipes@countrylines.com
WINNING RECIPE!
SIRLOIN TIPS WITH MUSHROOMS
Terry Baxter, Great Lakes Energy
2 tablespoons butter, divided
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1¼ pounds sirloin steak, cubed
1 clove garlic, minced or pressed
¾ pound fresh mushrooms, sliced (about 4 cups)
¹⁄3 cup beef broth
¹⁄3 cup dry red wine or water
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard
1 teaspoon cornstarch
½ cup whipping cream
• chopped parsley, for garnish
Preheat oven to 300 F. In a wide skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of butter and the oil. Add the meat, brown slightly, then add garlic and stir. When meat pieces are browned (but not cooked through), transfer to a casserole dish with a lid. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter to the skillet. Sauté the mushrooms for 1–2 minutes, then add to the meat mixture. Cover. Bake slowly for 45–50 minutes until the meat is tender. Meanwhile, add the broth, wine or water, and soy sauce to the pan in which the meat was browned. Boil, stirring up the brownings until reduced to about half. In a small bowl, blend the mustard, cornstarch, and cream until smooth. Add to the pan, stir, and boil sauce until thick. When the meat has fi nished cooking, transfer only the juice from the meat into the sauce. Stir and bring to a boil, while whisking, until smooth and thick. Add the meat to the sauce and stir in. Sprinkle with parsley. This can be served over white rice or wide egg noodles. Makes 4 servings.
Watch a video of this month’s winning recipe at micoopkitchen.com/videos
BAKED SALMON
Ann Pihlaja, Ontonagon REA
4 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, minced
2–3 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons lemon juice, divided
1 salmon fi llet (1½–2½ pounds), deboned
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1–2 tablespoons minced parsley, divided
• cooking spray, optional
Preheat oven to 450 F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil that overlaps the sides of the pan. In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onion and cook on medium heat for about 3 minutes or until the onions are softened. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring. Remove from
heat and stir in half the lemon juice. Cool slightly. Place the salmon, skin side down, diagonally to fi t across the aluminum foil, making sure it is completely deboned. (Note: If you don’t add cooking spray to the foil, the salmon comes off the foil without the skin.) Season with salt and pepper. Spoon the butter mixture over the salmon covering the entire surface. Sprinkle with half of the minced parsley. Roast in the oven for 12–17 minutes, depending on how thick the salmon is. The best way to check for doneness is to use a fork to gently prick the salmon, and if it flakes easily, it’s ready. Either use several spatulas to take the salmon off the baking sheet in one piece, or cut it into sections. Squeeze the remaining half of the lemon juice over the fish and sprinkle with the remaining parsley. Serve immediately.
SUPERB SPINACH LASAGNA ROLLUPS
Deb Finedell, Great Lakes Energy
8 lasagna noodles
1¾ cups ricotta cheese
2 cups cottage cheese
2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded & divided
1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded & divided
3 cups fresh baby spinach, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
3 cups spaghetti sauce, divided
• fresh parsley, chopped
Preheat oven to 350 F. Cook the lasagna noodles in boiling water to al dente, then
drain and cool. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta and cottage cheese, 1½ cups Monterey Jack, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, spinach, garlic, and salt and pepper. Spread half of the sauce into the bottom of a 9-inch broiler-safe baking dish. Lay the lasagna noodles evenly on a large cutting board or fl at surface. Spread the fi lling mixture evenly onto each noodle. Gently roll up each noodle lengthwise and place seam side down in the baking dish. Drizzle rollups with remaining sauce and top with remaining cheese. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and broil for 1–2 minutes, or until the cheese is dark golden brown. Garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy!
SLOW COOKER BEEF STEW
Ruth Armbrustmacher, HomeWorks Tri-County
2 pounds beef stew meat (such as chuck roast), cut into 1-inch cubes
¼ cup fl our
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 onion, chopped
1½ cups beef broth
3 potatoes, peeled and diced
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water
1 (10-ounce) bag frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
Place beef in a slow cooker. In a small bowl, mix together the fl our, salt, and black pepper. Pour over meat, and stir to coat it evenly. Add the garlic powder, bay leaf, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, onion, beef broth, and diced potatoes to the slow cooker. Stir to combine all ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 10–12 hours. To thicken, in a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with the cold water until smooth. Add to the slow cooker and stir. Add the thawed mixed vegetables to the slow cooker. Stir and serve.
MEC IN THE COMMUNITY
Fremont Harvest Festival: Propane Service Tech Bob drove a propane truck in the Fremont Harvest Festival Parade, while Service Tech Reese and his wife Kendra walked alongside and passed out candy.
Tech Talks LIVE: At the Cass County Council on Aging, Techie Sergio taught community members how to use email, text, and video calls, with tutorials for Gmail, FaceTime, Zoom, WhatsApp, and more. Visit teammidwest.com/classes for more free classes.
Thanksgiving? Hosting
Set up a separate guest Wi-Fi network in seconds with CommandIQ. You can even send the login straight to their phones!
It’s free for MEC fiber internet customers on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Fiber
Digital Skill-Building Classes: MEC held a class at the Galien Township Public Library to explore telehealth, streaming TV, and other ways internet can make your life more convenient. Visit teammidwest.com/classes for more free classes.
SMC Futures Fair: MECers Nick and Lexie staffed a booth at Southwestern Michigan College’s career expo. They chatted with students about how MEC uses technology and the career paths available at our cooperative.
MEC Purchases 4-H Animals
Each year, we purchase animals at our local county fair 4-H auctions. We donate the resulting meat products to local food pantries to provide fresh protein options for families in the community who are experiencing food insecurity.
Berrien County Youth Fair: We bought three pigs and donated 569 pounds of pork products to the Berrien Community Foundation in Saint Joseph and the Salvation Army in Niles.
Cass County Fair: We bought two pigs and donated 363 pounds of pork products to Marcellus Community Food Pantry, Vandalia Church of God Food Pantry, Our Lady of the Lake in Edwardsburg, Helping Hands of Cass County in Cassopolis, and Dowagiac Area Churches Together In One Network (ACTION).
Lenawee County Fair: We bought three pigs and donated 437 pounds of pork products to Daily Bread of Lenawee and Share the Warmth of Lenawee in Adrian.
St. Joseph County Grange Fair: We bought two pigs and donated approximately 392 pounds of pork products to Mendon Food Pantry and White Pigeon Food Pantry.
Van Buren Youth Fair: We bought three pigs and donated 437 pounds of pork products to Eleanor’s Pantry in Paw Paw, Wings of God Transitional Home in Paw Paw, Cooperating Ministries Food Pantry in Hartford, and Decatur Human Services Food Pantry.
Why MEC Buys 4-H Animals
Our vision at MEC is to build vibrant, relevant, sustainable rural communities. To us, 4-H is a major investment in the future of our local youth and the families who live here.
Life Skill Development
4-H helps local kids develop life skills they may not have a chance to learn through school, including:
• Budgeting: Anticipating costs and saving for the animal’s future needs.
• Supply Management : Keeping an up-to-date inventory of supplies, including obtaining more when stock gets low.
• Caretaking: Planning nutritious diets, looking for signs of illness, administering medicine, and developing compassion by considering and meeting the needs of another living being.
Future Planning
Kids often use the money from selling their animal to:
• Purchase their next 4-H animal, reinforcing what they’ve learned by participating again.
• Build their college fund, giving them a greater opportunity for higher education.
Community Participation
4-H can build a strong sense of community. A study by Tufts University that took place from 2002 to 2012 found that 4-H participants were:
• Nearly 4x more likely to make contributions to their communities.
• About 2x more likely to be civically active.
• Nearly 2x more likely to make healthy choices.
• About 2x more likely to participate in extracurricular science, engineering, and computer technology programs.
Marcellus Community Food Pantry
Dowagiac ACTION
Helping Hands in Cassopolis
Vandalia Church of God Food Pantry
Dream
Korson’s Tree Farms Heads to the White House
By Emily Haines Lloyd
For the Korson family of Montcalm County, life has always been measured by the seasons. Spring brings planting, summer calls for trimming, fall demands harvest, and winter delivers the reward—families gathered around Christmas trees that took a decade or more to grow. This year, that steady cycle of farm work has blossomed into a once-in-a-lifetime honor: One of their evergreens will soon stand tall in the White House Blue Room as the official Christmas tree of the United States. The Korsons earned this honor by winning a National Christmas Tree Association contest.
“This is our Super Bowl,” says Great Lakes Energy member Rex Korson, who now runs the farm his parents started back in 1973. “You don’t get here overnight. It’s years of work, of always asking yourself how to get better.”
A Family Business Built on Determination
The roots of Korson’s Tree Farms run deep. What began with Rex’s father Wayne, an accountant who turned to trees when steady work proved hard to fi nd, has grown into a 1,000acre operation that produces tens of thousands of trees and wreaths each year. Over the decades, Wayne, Rex, and now the next generation have poured themselves into the farm. Their journey refl ects what farming in Michigan means: resilience when times are lean and pride when the hard work pays off.
Rex’s children, including his oldest son, Jack, who recently finished his MBA
Photos by Cory Smith, DN Photo
Jack Korson uses a telescoping measuring stick to check the height of the tree that was selected as the official 2025 White House Christmas Tree.
Apply Now for a Trip to Washington, D.C.
Photos by MEC Delegate Jenna
High school students 15–17 years old can apply now for the 2026 National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Youth Tour trip to Washington, D.C.! The allexpense-paid educational trip gives students a chance to interact hands-on with our nation’s capital city and discover the history of American electric cooperatives.
MEC chooses up to two delegates each year, who join nearly 1,800 other high schoolers from across the country. The students spend one week in Washington, D.C., visiting historical sites, meeting lawmakers, and more.
Youth Tour 2025
This year’s delegate, Jenna, said her trip was a once-in-alifetime experience.
“On the trip, I learned a lot about our presidents and their pasts. I also learned how to talk to strangers and make new friends,” she says.
On Wednesday, Jenna met with other Michigan delegates in Grand Rapids. The group then flew to Baltimore to get settled in their hotel before exploring the National Harbor.
Thursday included visits to Navy Plaza, the National Archives, and Arlington National Cemetery, as well as a tour of the Capitol. On Friday, the group explored a number of monuments and memorials, as well as the Smithsonian museums. On Saturday, they spent time at the National Zoo and the Holocaust Museum, and on Sunday, they visited Ford’s Theater, the White House, and Mount Vernon.
“Throughout the week, we went to various different landmarks and memorials,” Jenna says. “Some were sad and eye-opening while others were gorgeous and fun. I was never really interested in history before but we learned some cool stuff.”
Time was set aside each night for a special group activity. These ranged from mingling opportunities, to bowling, to dinner and a musical.
“My favorite part of the trip was the activities in the hotel where we got to interact with other states,” Jenna says. “The one that I personally had the most fun at was the dance. Traveling with other students from Michigan was a lot of fun and I made many friends that I try and keep in touch with.”
Apply Now for 2026
NRECA is accepting applications for the 2026 Youth Tour trip at CooperativeYouthTour.com . The final day to apply is Wednesday, Dec. 31.
Applicants must be 15–17 years old and live in a household that receives MEC electric service. Children of MEC employees and board members are not eligible to apply.
Jenna’s advice? Dress for the weather.
“For students thinking about applying, I would suggest packing comfortable and breathable clothes,” she says. “It was insanely hot with only a few air-conditioned places. I would also insist that you get good walking shoes. You walk everywhere and your feet can start to hurt quickly.”
‘Birds Doing Stuff’ 2026 Calendar by Steve Jessmore
After last year’s feature, we’re thrilled to share Steve Jessmore’s fifth “Birds Doing Stuff” calendar—a collection that celebrates birds being, well, birds. From powerful raptors to playful ducks and the fragile Great Lakes piping plovers, each image offers a glimpse into their world—a reminder of how much life and wonder surround us when we take the time to look.
Jessmore, a five-time Michigan Photographer of the Year and multi-year National Audubon Photography Award winner, uses his lens to connect people with the birds and habitats that surround them—often right in their own backyards.
As a thank-you to readers, enjoy 20% off any order through Dec. 10, 2025, using code COOP20 at stevejessmore.com
Calendars, notecards, and fi ne-art prints are available online— perfect gifts for bird and nature lovers alike.
Cooking For A Cause
Make this holiday season special by ordering your copies and sharing the gift of community and care. Each purchase supports two deserving Michigan charities: Feeding America Local Food Banks and Cooperative Family Fund.
Where In Michigan Is This?
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
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.
SEPTEMBER 2025 WINNER! Our Mystery Photo winner is Gay Kellner, an Alger Delta Cooperative member who correctly identified the photo as the 32-foot-long Steel Sturgeon statue in Indian River, Michigan.
Pump-Down Credit
Switching to MEC propane? We’ll reimburse you up to $150 toward your current provider’s pump-down fee. A pump-down invoice is required for reimbursement. Secure rate protected from market instability.
Refer-a-Friend Credit
Share MEC propane with a friend! We’ll give you BOTH a $100 credit once their tank is set and their service is activated.
Energy Star Propane Rebates
The Michigan Propane Commission offers rebates of up to $250 when replacing an electric or oil furnace, water heater, or boiler with a new ENERGY STAR® propane furnace, water heater, or boiler.
Appliances must be installed by Dec. 31, 2025. Apply for the rebate and get more info at MiPropaneRebates.com.
