October 2023 PIE&G

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and it isn’t just corn.

YOUR LOCAL WATERFURNACE DEALERS

Michigan’s Electric Cooperatives

EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Casey Clark

EDITOR: Christine Dorr

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Karreen Bird

RECIPE EDITOR: Christin McKamey

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: Tom Sobeck, Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op, chairman; Gabe Schneider, Cherryland Electric Cooperative, vice chairman; Chris O’Neill, HomeWorks TriCounty Cooperative, secretary-treasurer; Craig Borr, president and CEO.

CONTACT US/LETTERS TO EDITOR: Michigan Country Lines 201 Townsend St., Suite 900 Lansing, MI 48933 248-534-7358 editor@countrylines.com

CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Please notify your electric cooperative. See page 4 for contact information.

The appearance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised.

6 FROM TRAVERSE CITY TO TIME MAGAZINE Andrea Kritcher named among 100 most

10 MI COOP KITCHEN Pumpkin: seasonal goodies that go way beyond pie.

14 SMALL-TOWN INNOVATION YIELDS BIG RESULTS AT GLEN OAKS COMMUNITY COLLEGE Fish manure was the impetus for a partnership between a Glen Oaks grad and his instructor.

18 GUEST COLUMN Sunken Treasure: A Great Lakes Energy member recalls how he made a mysterious barge even more intriguing.

MI Co-op Community

To enter contests, submit reader content & more, visit countrylines.com/community

Instagram Contest

Use #micoopcommunity for a chance to be featured here and on our Instagram account. Win $100 for photos published!

Recipe Contest

Vegetarian due Nov. 1; Best Layer Cakes due Dec. 1; Soups & Stews due Jan. 1

Win a $100 bill credit!

Guest Column

Share your fondest memories and stories. Win $200 for stories published. Visit countrylines.com/community to submit. Win $200 for stories published!

/PIEGCooperative

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Charles Arbour

23899 M32 S, Hillman MI 49746

989-657-4358 • Term Expires: 2023

Allan Berg, Vice-Chairman

8400 Lost Lake Rd., Hawks, MI 49743

989-734-0044 • Term Expires 2023

Sandy Borowicz, Secretary

5341 Carlson Rd.,Cheboygan, MI 49721

231-627-9220 • Term Expires 2024

John Brown, Chairman

21 W. Devereaux Lake Rd., Indian River, MI 49749

231-625-2099 • Term Expires 2023

Sally Knopf

1849 W. 638 Hwy., Rogers City, MI 49779

989-734-4196 • Term Expires 2024

Kurt Krajniak

7630 Wallace Rd., Alpena, MI 49707

989-884-3037 • Term Expires 2025

Brentt Lucas

15841 Carr Rd., Posen, MI 49776

989-766-3678 • Term Expires 2025

Daryl Peterson, Treasurer

P.O. Box 54, Hillman, MI 49746

989-742-3145 • Term Expires 2024

Raymond Wozniak

6737 State St., Posen, MI 49776

989-766-2498 • Term Expires 2025

President & CEO: Thomas J. Sobeck tsobeck@pieg.com

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

Gas Emergency Toll-Free: 800-655-8565

PIE&G natural gas rates and charges are not regulated by the Michigan Public Service Commission.

Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Why We Celebrate Cooperatives

Tom Sobeck, President & CEO

Every October, cooperatives from all sectors nationwide celebrate National Cooperative Month. The purpose of this annual celebration is to recognize the cooperative difference and remind you, the members of the co-op, about Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op’s purpose.

While many different “days” and “months” are celebrated, National Cooperative Month is genuinely an opportunity to celebrate. It gives us the opportunity to inform everyone about our unique business model, which is based on the Seven Cooperative Principles: Voluntary and Open Membership; Democratic Member Control; Members’ Economic Participation; Autonomy and Independence; Education, Training, and Information; Cooperation Among Cooperatives; and Concern for Community.

For co-op employees and members who are familiar with the principles, the month of October is an excellent opportunity to renew our connection to each other and the purpose of our co-op —to provide energy and other services to sustain and improve our members’ quality of life through a cooperative business structure.

In the U.S., more than 29,000 co-ops serve every industry. In October, many co-ops from different sectors will come together to educate community members about cooperatives.

Co-ops are even represented on the shelves at our local grocery stores, by brands such as Land O’Lakes, Welch’s, Organic Valley, Cabot Creamery, Sunkist, Ocean Spray, and many more.

According to the latest data, more than 130 million people belong to a co-op in the U.S. alone, and co-ops employ more than 2 million Americans. This speaks to the heart of why we must take every opportunity to celebrate and teach others about the cooperative business model.

SEVEN COOPERATIVE PRINCIPLES:

1. Voluntary and Open Membership

2. Democratic Member Control

3. Members’ Economic Participation

4. Autonomy and Independence

5. Education, Training, and Information

6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives

7. Concern for Community.

In two significant events, the cooperative business model will be displayed here at PIE&G this month. Our semi-annual Special Member Regulation Meeting is set to take place on Oct. 24 at the cooperative’s office in Onaway. This meeting is used to present the board of directors with recommendations for adjustments to our electric rates and terms of service. We expect there to be increases in distribution rates as the cost to serve continues to increase. As a cooperative, however, it is important to note that the focus is on the revenue necessary to provide service and ensure reliability. Our motivation is safe, reliable, and affordable service—and nothing more. You can be assured that your board of directors has this purpose as their sole objective. The second event that takes place this month is our Annual Membership meeting on Oct. 27 at Posen High School. Each year, I enjoy meeting all the familiar and friendly faces that attend this event. We will present a report on the financial operations of the cooperative, as well as current initiatives. I look forward to seeing you there.

Thank You for Your Dedication: PIE&G Employee Retirements

PIE&G’s board of directors extends their heartfelt congratulations to Kevin Grulke for his remarkable 32 years of unwavering and dedicated service. Kevin embarked on his journey with PIE&G on May 21, 1991, initially assuming the role of a groundman. His dedication led him to the position of apprentice lineman in July 1991. With relentless commitment, Kevin advanced to the position of lineman on Feb. 1, 1995, and later, on June 6, 2023, achieved the role of foreman in the Electric Operations Department. Kevin gracefully concluded his journey with PIE&G upon his well-deserved retirement on Aug. 1, 2023.

Furthermore, PIE&G’s board of directors proudly acknowledges the exemplary tenure of Mairè ChagnonHazelman, spanning an impressive 17 years of devoted service. The board commends her exceptional personal character, collaborative spirit, outstanding leadership, and steadfast dedication to PIE&G. Mairè embarked on her journey with PIE&G on May 1, 2006, stepping into the role of manager of member services. Her career trajectory continued to soar as she assumed the position of director of communications and member services on Jan. 1, 2018. On April 12, 2021, Mairè assumed the esteemed role of director of communications and marketing, where she continued to excel until her retirement on Aug. 25, 2023. Tom Sobeck, PIE&G CEO, noted, “Mairè has served the co-op with distinction, and her contributions are truly significant. We will undoubtedly miss her unwavering work ethic and unparalleled expertise, and we extend our warmest wishes for her future endeavors.”

Notice to Members of Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op

A Special Board Meeting is set for Oct. 24 at 9:30 a.m.

The board of directors will consider changes to the cooperative’s rates and tariffs at its special meeting on Oct. 24, 2023, to be held at the cooperative’s office at 3149 Main Street, Onaway, Michigan. The meeting will start at 9:30 a.m. and is open to all Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op members.

The following items will be discussed:

1. The board will establish the 2024 Power Supply Cost Recovery Factor to be applied to the cooperative’s retail member-consumers kilowatt-hour use. The Power Supply Cost Recovery (PSCR) Factor represents the power supply costs as established by the cooperative in conjunction with Wolverine Power Cooperative. The factor is established annually and reviewed monthly; and

2. Consideration of revisions to the cooperative’s electric rates and terms of service.

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

Participation: Any interested member may participate and should contact Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op at 800-423-6634 a week in advance to request information. Comments may also be made before the meeting date by calling CEO Thomas Sobeck at 800-423-6634 or by email at tsobeck@pieg.com.

“Basically, you are creating fusion reactions as you smash hydrogen isotopes together. It’s the same process that powers the sun. So, we’re making mini suns in our lab. Actually, we reach conditions hotter than the sun.”

Lead designer Andrea Kritcher (right) and lead experimentalist Alex Zylstra standing in front of the National Ignition Facility (NIF) target chamber where the fusion experiments are performed, holding an encased target.

From Traverse City to Time Magazine Andrea Kritcher Named Among 100 Most Influential People

By Emily Haines Lloyd

When you think of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People, you imagine seeing celebrities like Beyoncé, titans of industry like Elon Musk, and world leaders like Ukraine’s first lady Olena Zelenska gracing the pages. But under the “Innovators” section of the 2023 issue, Traverse City residents might see a familiar face and name—Andrea Kritcher.

Kritcher, who grew up in Traverse City as a Cherryland Electric Cooperative member, is a nuclear engineer and physicist who works at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California. She also just happens to be a worldclass scientist who was the principal designer in a breakthrough experiment that produced fusion ignition in a laboratory for the first time.

Igniting Big Ideas

Scientists fired 192 lasers at a target the size of a pencil eraser in the experiment, achieving “energy breakeven,” which means it produced more energy than was imparted to the target. The first-of-its-kind breakthrough is considered a major step toward a net-zero carbon future.

“Basically, you are creating fusion reactions as you smash hydrogen isotopes together,” said Kritcher. “It’s the same process that powers the sun. So, we’re making mini suns in our lab. Actually, we reach conditions hotter than the sun.”

How Hot?

You read that right—hotter than the sun. The implications of this discovery are massive and will likely result in many applications. Kritcher says that pilot plants for fusion energy are approximately 10–20 years away. Zero-emission energy projects take time to develop, build, and meet rigorous standards, but the end goal is for zero-emission energy plants to not only help alleviate our dependence on carbon-based energy sources, but to take us closer to a carbon-free power grid. As someone who grew up in Traverse City and enjoyed

nature deeply, this is an important prospect for Kritcher.

“I loved growing up in Traverse City and I got a lot of support from my family along the way,” said Kritcher. “It was a really great place to grow up and enjoy being outside and on the lake. It’s pretty idyllic.”

Small Town to Big Time

This small-town math and science student likely couldn’t have imagined that a career in physics would have led to so much time talking to the press.

Of course, that all changed with her December 2022 fusion experiment. Kritcher was suddenly getting calls for all sorts of interviews. When someone from the lab’s public relations department asked if she could do an interview with Time Magazine, Kritcher wasn’t fazed.

“We were just talking when he asked me to hold for a second. He asked me if I knew they were considering me for the award,” Kritcher said. “Then he said, ‘We just got word—you’re one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People.’ It was so surreal. Can you really be prepared to hear something like that?”

Influencing the Future

Kritcher understands that this success for her is really about the decades of passionate research from hundreds of scientists, engineers, and technicians that made the fusion breakthrough possible. Her hard work reflects that reverence, and she’s proud to be a woman in a field that is still dominated by men.

“Women are still underrepresented in physics, but I belong in this field as much as anyone,” said Kritcher. “Physics doesn’t have a gender. It just asks you to follow your curiosity and solve the problems most interesting to you.”

That sounds like a pretty good plug for future generations of scientists who will continue in her innovative footsteps.

Start Saving Schedule a FREE Energy Consultation

While we may enjoy a few weeks (or even a month or two) of comfortable weather in the fall, the heating season will be here before we know it. So, how do you prepare for the coming months of increased energy demands? How do you know your home, business, or farm is ready to confront extreme temperatures (in a way that won’t break the bank)?

Fortunately, Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op has a large array of energy efficiency rebates and incentives available through our Energy Optimization program for you to take advantage of.

Not sure where to begin? A home or business energy consultation is a great place to start!

PIE&G currently offers a FREE energy consultation for your home, business, or farm that allows you to get an

overall snapshot of where and how you are using energy, as well as areas where you might be able to save energy or use energy more efficiently.

How does an energy consultation work? For homeowners, the process is very simple. One of our energy advisors will come to your home and assess areas of improvement, talk about some of your energyrelated concerns, and help you better understand your utility costs. Then, after the consultation, you will receive a report with follow-up information and recommended improvements. As an added bonus, our energy advisor can even provide or install energy-saving products for you! To get started, give us a call at 877-296-4319 or send us an email at info@michigan-energy.org.

The process is very similar for business or farm owners—simply get in touch with us using the same contact information above and ask for a

referral to an energy advisor for an energy efficiency consultation for your farm or business.

So, what happens next?

After getting your personalized recommendations for your home or business, you’re always welcome to take part in any of our other Energy Optimization programs, including:

• Appliance recycling

• Incentives for purchasing energyefficient appliances

• Incentives for energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment for your home

• Incentives for Agriculture & Farm or Commercial & Industrial businesses

• Our Nonprofit Business Bonus … and more!

Visit pieg.com/eo or give us a call at 877-296-4319 to learn more about all of our available offerings.

Everything Fall

Enter to win up to a $50 energy bill credit!

Submit Your “Great Outdoors” Photos By Oct. 20!

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. Our October theme is the Great Outdoors. Photos can be submitted through Oct. 20 to be featured in our January 2024 issue.

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 2023, you will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of four $50 credits on your January 2024 bill.

2. The end is not the end. Kayln Stokes

3. Fall colors at their best, my beautiful rainbow maples. Lynn Shultz

4. Hey, we are going to get some pumpkins? Arlene Loca

5. Pure aged beauty. How many days until this iconic barn lies flat in the farm field? Charlotte Helman

6. Pumpkins and wagon rides. Shanna Gunter

7. Tahquamenon Falls at my favorite time of year. Wade Grulke

8. Into the woods I go, to lose my mind and find my soul. Gayle Dolinger

9. A fall reflection. Gloria Zalewski

10. It’s when a rainbow smiles that sadness is banished from the land. Heidi Witucki

11. Fall is a time to explore & find that special place to enjoy the wonders & beauty of Mother Nature. Peace. Carol May

1. Late September sunset. Darcy Mountjoy

PUMPKIN

Seasonal goodies that go way beyond pie

WINNING RECIPE!

STREUSEL PUMPKIN MUFFINS

Connie Pietila, Ontonagon County REA

¼ cup butter, softened

½ cup sugar

¼ cup packed brown sugar

²⁄ ³ cup canned pumpkin puree

½ cup buttermilk

2 large eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten

2 tablespoons molasses

1 teaspoon grated orange zest

2 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon baking powder

½ –1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

¼ teaspoon salt

Streusel Topping

¹⁄ ³ cup flour

3 tablespoons brown sugar

2 tablespoons cold butter

Recipe Contest

Win a $100 energy bill credit!

Vegetarian due Nov. 1; Best Layer Cakes due Dec. 1; Soups & Stews due Jan. 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

Preheat oven to 375 F. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Beat in the pumpkin, buttermilk, eggs, molasses, and orange zest until blended. In a second bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt; gradually add to pumpkin mixture just until blended. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. For topping, combine flour and brown sugar; cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle over batter. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the muffin comes out clean, 20–25 minutes. Cool in pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This fall breakfast favorite is perfect with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea.

Watch a video of this month’s winning recipe at micoopkitchen.com/recipe_ type/videos/

PUMPKIN CUSTARD

Janet Weber, Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op

¼ cup brown sugar

1½ tablespoons white sugar

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

½ (15-ounce) can pumpkin

¾ cup milk

2 eggs

Preheat oven to 325 F. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and beat until smooth. Pour into three or four custard cups or oven-safe bowls. Place in baking pan and pour very hot water around the custard cups to about 1 inch high. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Serve warm or chilled with whipped cream!

PUMPKIN DIP

Leslie Buerkle, Thumb Electric

2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened

4 cups powdered sugar

1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin

2½ teaspoons cinnamon

2 teaspoons ground ginger

1 (8-ounce) tub Cool Whip, thawed

Using a mixer, beat together the cream cheese and powdered sugar in a large bowl. Add pumpkin, cinnamon, and ginger; beat until combined. Fold in the Cool Whip until thoroughly combined. Store in refrigerator until ready to serve. Serve with ginger snaps.

CHARLIE BROWN GREAT PUMPKIN COOKIES

Leslie Brasure, Alger Delta

PUMPKIN CHIP MUFFINS

Joyce

4 cups flour

2 cups rolled oats

2 teaspoons baking soda

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 teaspoon salt

1½ cups (3 sticks) butter

2 cups brown sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin

12 ounces chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 F. In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, baking soda,

cinnamon, and salt. In another large bowl, cream the butter. Then gradually add the brown sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla; mix well. Alternate additions of dry ingredients and pumpkin to the bowl of wet ingredients, mixing well after each addition. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop dough

¼ cup at a time onto lightly greased cookie sheet (using a large cookie scoop or two spoons). Bake 20–25 minutes, until cookies are firm and lightly browned. Remove from cookie sheet; let cool on racks. Makes 3 dozen cookies.

4 eggs

1½ cups sugar

1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin

1 cup vegetable oil

½ cup orange juice

3 cups all-purpose flour (I use King Arthur White Whole Wheat Flour)

2 teaspoons baking soda

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon salt

2 cups (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 400 F. In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs, sugar, pumpkin, oil, and orange juice until smooth. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Add to pumpkin mixture and mix well. Fold in chocolate chips. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups threequarters full. Bake for 16–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the muffin comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack. Makes about 24 standard-size muffins.

Tamminga, Great Lakes Energy

Knaebe’s Apple Farm & Ciderworks Helping Visitors Create Bushels of Memories

By Yvette Pecha

There is nothing that provides a boost of autumn spirit quite like apple picking, and visiting orchards in the fall is an adventure that has been woven into many rich family traditions. Scott Kromer and his wife Alison PaolettiKromer are the folks who, along with their staff, provide this beloved experience at Knaebe’s Apple Farm & Ciderworks in Rogers City. This is the couple’s third year of running the orchard, which was founded by Ed “Doc” Knaebe, a dentist who discovered his true passion was farming and opened the orchard with his wife Dusty in the late 1980s. Doc and Dusty’s son Andy and his wife Dana took over the reins of the family business in 2015, and when they decided in 2021 that it was time to move on, they reached out to Scott—who was a logical choice as he

had grown up down the road from the farm and worked there throughout high school. At the time, Scott was living in Wisconsin with his family as a project manager for an electric company. It was a big decision, but Scott and Alison ultimately decided to give it a go. “Ed was like a dad, friend, and mentor, and it means a lot to me to carry on his legacy,” Scott said.

Having learned many years ago what Knaebe’s customers have come to expect and enjoy, Scott and Alison have kept things largely unchanged. “There’s a lot of charm to this place; we want to maintain that as much as we can,” Scott said. The orchard continues to offer close to 40 varieties of apples, which customers can pick themselves. The bakery features the same delicious homemade treats it

always has, including cakes, muffins, brownies, cookies, and Knaebe’s famous donuts, which you can wash down with a cup of fresh pressed apple cider or a cider slushie. The main barn still houses a quaint gift shop, complete with some new merchandise handpicked by Alison.

In the Tasting Room, you can sample the wood-fired pizzas with crust handmade by the staff. There are also several varieties of hard cider. One new addition since Scott and Allison came on board is beer. Scott says they got their microbrewing license earlier this year, and Knaebe’s is now the county’s first microbrewery.

There are plenty of activities for kids, including a wagon ride around the orchard, a barrel train ride, a petting

“It’s been a part of people’s lives around here for a long time. It means a lot to us to be able to help provide this tradition.”

zoo, a corn maze, and a playground. There’s also a u-pick pumpkin patch and a sunflower field, rounding out everything you’d expect to find in an idyllic autumn setting.

Scott says he loves the hustle and bustle of opening season, but one of his favorite aspects of the job is farming. “Growing apples requires year-round attention,” he said. “After the trees go into dormancy, we start pruning them in frozen conditions. And then the springtime is all about keeping the weeds down, keeping pests at bay, and feeding the trees with nutrients and plenty of water. Then you get the blossoms and the bees for pollination ... and everything else it takes to ensure we have a good, healthy crop. Before you know it, it’s July, and we’re in the Tasting Room serving hard cider and pizza. It’s a very rewarding process.” Knaebe’s is served by PIE&G, and Scott says

the co-op has been very helpful in responding to occasional power outages so that the farm can run at full capacity. He also noted that PIE&G recently installed an EV charging station on the property.

Scott marvels at how big the orchard has become. “When Ed started it all, it was more of a farm stand with a little bit of retail and a bakery,” he said. But it’s continued to grow year after year, and Scott says it’s become an unmissable destination for people in the area and around the state. “It’s been a part of people’s lives around here for a long time,” he said. “It means a lot to us to be able to help provide this tradition.”

And while the public is most certainly delighted by Knaebe’s, Scott says he, Alison and their sons, aged 7 and 5, have also been enriched by this new chapter in their lives. “The boys are

mmmunchykrunchyapplefarm.com

already helping out, and they love having all this acreage to explore. This farming lifestyle is one we’re happy to raise our kids in. They learn about resiliency and self-reliance. They see how much effort we put in every day to earn a living, and hopefully it will give them an appreciation of hard work and what it can do for you.”

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Hours through Nov. 4

Wednesday through Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Knaebe’s is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Admission to the farm and parking is free.

knaebesmmmunchykrunchyapplefarm.mi /knaebes

SMALL-TOWN INNOVATION AT GLEN OAKS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

By Grant Zamora

FISH POOP: Crops love it. Glen Oaks Community College in Centreville is at the heart of an agricultural innovation that prepares students for a lifetime of employment while also experimenting with what could be a game changer for crop yields: Fish Sh!t, an unusual, beneficial bacteria created by Fish Head Farms.

A SMALL COLLEGE AHEAD OF THE CURVE

The Agricultural Equipment Technology program at Glen Oaks Community College, taught by Reid Leaverton, is the only agricultural equipment repair program offered at a community college in Michigan. Classes take place at Burnips Equipment in Three Rivers, where students get real-world experience working on equipment that gets brought into the shop. In exchange, if Burnips decides to hire a student, Glen Oaks will pay for the student’s tuition as long as they’re employed by Burnips for the duration of the program.

The program got its start in 2017, when Glen Oaks President David Devier saw the need for trained repair

technicians in the largely agricultural St. Joseph County. Rather than wait for other colleges to train new employees, Glen Oaks led the charge in creating a program that could bring new talent to the area. Upon completion of the program, students are placed into equipment dealers or large farms through relationships Glen Oaks has with industry partners like Burnips, New Holland Agriculture, and local John Deere and Bobcat dealers. As of this year, 24 students have accepted jobs at local dealerships upon completing the program.

Students can take two routes through the program. One is a traditional degree route that grants an Associate of Applied Science in agricultural equipment technology. The other is a certificate route, which eliminates the need for general education classes and a high school diploma.

“[If] they have an interest in agricultural equipment, they can come to Glen Oaks and learn how to work on it,” Leaverton says.

Collin Dussel is a program graduate whose family owns Dussel’s Farm Market & Greenhouses in Cassopolis.

Collin Dussel prepares Fish Sh!t to use on crops.

Dussel, who originally brought Fish Sh!t to Leaverton’s attention, says the hands-on nature of the program was key to the learning process.

“We were in a real-world shop learning what other mechanics do,” Dussel says. “It wasn’t something we just tore apart that someone else tore apart before you. We were diagnosing real farmers’ equipment and trying to figure out the problem.”

LOCAL MARKET, CUTTING-EDGE TECH

The program goes beyond teaching students to repair equipment. It gives them problem-solving skills and the ability to innovate. Dussel took these skills and applied them to growing and improving his family’s farm using new and innovative products like Fish Sh!t.

After graduating from the program, Dussel took over his grandfather’s farm and began looking into alternative fertilizers, all the while keeping in touch with Leaverton, who would help him with larger projects on a friendly basis. In addition to running the farm, Dussel and his brother Nick founded Soil Production Solutions,

a company that helps farmers with their soil treatment plans. During their search for clean, efficient fertilizers, the brothers’ father Mark (who runs the store in Cassopolis) connected them with a promising lead: Fish Sh!t.

Fish Sh!t is an organic, living beneficial bacteria. It was created by Dave Barr, a high school biology teacher, and Tommy Fox, a medical caregiver, who founded Fish Head Farms. Fish Sh!t is derived from fi sh manure treated in an aquaponic system, which separates the beneficial bacteria from the waste. It has fewer synthetic chemicals than other fertilizers, which lends itself to creating a beneficial biosphere for plant growth, according to Leaverton. If a plant has to break down fewer synthetic chemicals and more organic material, the plant doesn’t have to work as hard to take in nutrients, allowing better growth and a higher crop yield.

SMALL-TOWN INNOVATORS JOIN FORCES

The Dussels first tested Fish Sh!t on their mom’s houseplants, with encouraging results. They then partnered with Leaverton to test it at

Glen Oaks, starting with soil samples and expanding to larger areas. When testing the product on corn, they found about a 26% increase in root mass and a yield increase of about a bushel per harvest.

Leaverton and the Dussels have used Fish Sh!t to revitalize a previously barren plot of land at Glen Oaks, now a field with healthy soil. Students in Leaverton’s program use the field to grow crops, which they then test the agricultural equipment on.

“What we’re doing is basically just making our plants and our soil happier from year to year to year,” Leaverton says.

The Dussels have also started selling smaller quantities of the product for home use at their store in Cassopolis.

Glen Oaks and the Dussels are living proof that you don’t always have to look to large, expensive universities to find promising new products and one-of-a-kind educational programs. Sometimes, small-town innovation can yield big results.

The Agricultural Equipment Technology program gives students state-of-the-art, hands-on training over the course of two years. Space is limited—each class can accommodate 20 students. To learn more and sign up, visit GlenOaks.edu and go to Academics > Programs of Study > Agriculture > Agricultural Equipment Technology.

To learn more about Dussel’s Farm Market, visit DusselsFarmMarketAndGreenhouses.com.

How Much Energy Does Palisades Produce?

PIE&G’s Power Supplier, Wolverine Power Cooperative, Enters into Historic Agreement to Restart Palisades Nuclear Power Plant

By Tom Sobeck, President & CEO

I

am pleased to share with you a groundbreaking development that will positively shape the future of energy in Michigan. With the support of PIE&G, our power supplier Wolverine Power Cooperative has entered into a historic agreement with Holtec International to restart the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant in southwest Michigan. This marks the first time in American history that a nuclear plant could reopen, and it’s a win for our members, the state of Michigan, and the environment.

Palisades closed in May 2022, and the plant was sold to Holtec. In September, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced her support to restart the nuclear power plant to prevent energy price spikes, shore up domestic energy production, and increase Michigan’s competitiveness for future economic development.

As the energy industry undergoes a transformation towards clean energy and electrifying the modern economy, the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant will play a pivotal role in ensuring a reliable, carbonfree power supply for our state. Holtec will own and operate the plant, and we have made a long-term commitment to purchase a majority of the output of that plant on behalf of our members. Power from the plant will help us address three critical challenges.

Electric Reliability Keeping the Lights On for Our Communities

At Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op, we prioritize electric reliability for our communities. While renewable energy sources are vital to our transition to clean energy, they are weather-dependent. The sun doesn’t always shine, the wind doesn’t always blow, and battery technology can’t yet fill the gap. By incorporating more carbon-free, always-available energy from a nuclear power plant into our portfolio, we enhance our ability to provide reliable electricity to our members, ensuring that the lights stay on even during peak demand or challenging weather conditions.

Decarbonization Tackling Climate Change Head-On

Nuclear energy is a well-established and dependable source of electricity that emits no greenhouse gases during the electricity generation process. As Michigan moves away from fossil fuel generation and embraces renewable and advanced technologies, nuclear power serves as a critical foundation for maintaining electric reliability.

Cost Stability Providing Stable Rates in an Era of Volatility

A long-term nuclear power supply contract allows us to provide reliable, clean energy at a predictable price point, shielding our members from the expected volatile power supply pricing fluctuations over the next 10–15 years.

The restart of Palisades Nuclear Power Plant also brings significant economic benefits to our state. It will protect hundreds of high-paying jobs and generate hundreds of millions of dollars in annual regional economic development.

In conclusion, restarting Palisades Nuclear Power Plant offers a unique strategic opportunity to position PIE&G at the forefront of the clean energy transition. It enables us to provide a stable power supply to our members, reduce our carbon footprint, and maintain stable rates in a volatile energy market, while we continue to invest in additional renewable energy sources. We are dedicated to fulfilling our cooperative’s mission of providing reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity to our members, and restarting Palisades Nuclear Power Plant is a crucial step towards achieving that goal.

Thank you for your continued support as we pave the way towards a brighter future for our communities.

Palisades

SPOOKY ENERGY SAVINGS

By Abby Berry

This spooky season, we’re sharing a few energy-saving tricks so you can treat yourself to lower energy bills. Here are four simple ways to summon the spirit of energy efficiency.

CONJURE INSTANT SAVINGS WITH A SMART THERMOSTAT.

One of the easiest ways to save energy is through thermostat control, since home heating and cooling account for a large portion of monthly energy use. Smart thermostats can help you manage heating and cooling costs by learning your daily routine and adjusting the temperature settings accordingly. You can control a smart thermostat from anywhere (through your smart phone), which allows you to prevent unnecessary energy consumption while you’re away. Sorcery!

Your Board In Action

GET RID OF GOOSEBUMPS BY ELIMINATING GHOSTLY DRAFTS.

The winter chill is just around the corner, so now is the time to seal air leaks around your home. Apply caulk and weatherstripping around drafty windows and doors to make your home more comfortable and lower energy use.

ILLUMINATE YOUR LAIR WITH ENERGY-EFFICIENT LIGHTING.

LED bulbs use 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent light bulbs. Make the switch to reduce energy used for lighting. Remember to use LEDs when it’s time to decorate for the upcoming holiday season. LED light strings offer an average of 88% energy savings compared to traditional incandescent light strings.

STIR UP SAVINGS WITH COUNTERTOP CAULDRONS.

Cooler weather summons our favorite soup recipes. Small countertop appliances like slow cookers use less energy than cooking meals on the stovetop. Grab your book of spells (or recipes) and start stirring up savings in the kitchen.

When we look around our homes, there are many opportunities to save energy. So this spooky season, investigate your space and unlock a different kind of magic—the kind that brings real energy savings.

At their most recent meetings, the PIE&G Board of Directors…

• Approved the 2024 General Plant Capital Expenditure Budget in the amount of $831,900.00.

• Approved Resolution 2023-11 acknowledging the retirement of Director of Communications Maire` Chagnon-Hazelman after 17 years of service to the cooperative.

• Rescinded the April 2023 resolution authorizing a Capital Credit retirement in the amount of $817,000.00 for 2023.

• Set the fall Member Regulation Special Meeting date and time for Oct. 24, 2023, at 9:30 a.m.

• Accepted Team Reports.

“To this day, as my children are now grown adults, we still go over that barge and fondly recall those memories of sunken treasure on Lake Charlevoix.”

Sunken Treasure

By Bob Wilson, a Great Lakes Energy Cooperative member

My family has owned a summer cottage on Lake Charlevoix since 1941, and just down the beach from where our cottage is located, there is an old barge on the lake bottom that wrecked in a storm in the early 1920s.

That barge has been visible for many years and was a source of mystery for my children as they were growing up. I used to take our small rowboat over the barge and we would talk about the chance that there might be sunken treasure down below.

Thinking about how I might add to their fascination with the barge, I found a few trinkets in the old shed next to our cottage and shined them up a bit, and then went out in my kayak and dove down on the barge and placed these trinkets along different parts of the wrecked hull.

Several days later, I took my kids out over the barge in our rowboat, and of course had my fins and snorkel and diving mask with me, and I told them that I was going to dive down and see if I could find any sunken treasure.

I went down on the wreck and, lo and behold, I pulled up the trinkets that I had placed there earlier. I was able to hand

them each their own trinket of sunken treasure from the wreck. They each were so excited to see real treasure from the same wreck that they had watched over the years.

To this day, as my children are now grown adults, we still go over that barge and fondly recall those memories of sunken treasure on Lake Charlevoix.

Bob Wilson spent 28 years working as senior counsel in the Michigan Senate Natural Resources Committee and has taught environmental law and policy at Michigan State University since 1999. His family has owned a summer cottage on Lake Charlevoix since 1941. Bob’s wife Cathy is head of governmental affairs for Consumers Energy, and his four children are Sarah, Aaron, Daniel, and Bobby.

Guest Column

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FOCUSED ON YOU.

Electric cooperatives were created to serve their members. Because we ' re a co-op, we ' re able to adapt to our community's unique needs. That's the power of co-op membersip.