October 2024 Midwest Energy & Communications

October 2024

MICHIGAN

COUNTRY LINES Midwest Energy & Communications

SOARING SUCCESS AWARD-WINNING PHOTOGRAPHY FROM STEVE JESSMORE

Leading the Way to Carbon-Free

Get to Know the MEC SMART Park

A Century of Family & Apple Butter

WATERFURNACE UNITS QUALIFY FOR A 30% FEDERAL TAX CREDIT

Not hearing is believing.

WaterFurnace doesn’t think you should hear your furnace and A/C more than you feel its heat and air.

You know when a traditional HVAC system is on. Stop and listen. Is the burner turning on? Are the blower and fan running? Is air blasting through your vents? With geothermal, those tell-tale signs are eliminated, because sound from the system is barely noticeable.

As a result, you get comfortable, consistent heating and cooling—and none of the noise.

With WaterFurnace, silence is golden.

Geothermal is the only renewable that provides reliable operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

YOUR LOCAL WATERFURNACE DEALERS

CO-OP REBATE INCENTIVES

Allendale Allendale Htg & Clg (800) 327-1937 allendaleheating.com

Indian River M&M Plmb & Htg (231) 238-7201 mm-plumbing.com

Mt Pleasant Walton Htg & Clg (989) 772-4822 waltonheating.com

Berrien Springs Waterfurnace Michiana (269) 473-5667 gogreenmichgeo thermal.com

Lansing Candor Mechanical (517) 920-0890 candormechanical.com

Muskegon Adams Htg & Clg (231) 873-2665 adamsheatingcooling.com

Lowell Arctic Inc. Htg. & Clg. (616) 897-4213 heatingcoolingonline.com

Negaunee J-Goods Plmb. & Htg. (906) 869-2522 jgoodsplumbingand heating.com

Big Rapids Stratz Htg & Clg, Inc. (231) 796-3717 stratzgeocomfort.com Clifford Orton Refrig & Htg (989) 761-7691 sanduskygeothermal.com Filion/Bad Axe Air-O-Dynamic Htg. & Clg. (989) 582-0137 Hart Adams Htg & Clg (231) 873-2665 adamsheating cooling.com

Manistique Hoholik Enterprises (906) 341-5065 hoholikenterprises.com Marinette, WI GPS Htg. & Clg (715) 732-2111 gpsheatingcooling.com Michigan Center Comfort 1/Air Serv of Southern Michigan (517) 764-1500 airserv.com/southernmichigan/

Portland ESI Htg & Clg (517) 647-6906 esiheating.com Sunfield Mark Woodman Plmb & Htg (517) 886-1138 mwphonline.com

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

Traverse City D&W Mechanical (231) 941-1251 dwmechanical.com Geofurnace Htg & Clg (231) 943-1000 geofurnace.com

visit us at waterfurnace.com/mi

The Reliable Renewable is a trademark of WaterFurnace International, Inc 1. ENERGY STAR rated units qualify for 30% through 2030 and 26% through 2032 and 22% through 2033 .

Contents countrylines.com

/michigancountrylines

October 2024 Vol. 44, No. 9 /michigancountrylines

Michigan’s Electric Cooperatives

EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Casey Clark

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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.

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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 YOUTH TOUR:

A LIVING EXAMPLE OF COOPERATIVE VALUES Co-op student delegates travel to Washington D.C.

10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN

Breads & Muffins: Get cozy with these baked goods.

14 SOARING SUCCESS

The journey of award-winning Michigan photographer Steve Jessmore.

18 GUEST COLUMN

The One-Room Schoolhouse: A PIE&G member recalls how a unique northern Michigan structure was transformed into a family haven.

MI Co-op Community

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

Recipe Contest

See details on page 10. Soups & Stews due Nov. 1; Sauces & Marinades due Dec. 1; Best No Bake Recipes 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!

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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VAN BUREN KALAMAZOO

CASS

LENAWEE

MONROE

ST JOSEPH

Leading the Way— 100% Carbon-Free by 2030

teammidwest.com /teammidwest CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS AND CASSOPOLIS SOLUTIONS CENTER 60590 Decatur Road, Cassopolis, MI 49031 M–F 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

PAW PAW SOLUTIONS CENTER 59825 S. LaGrave Street, Paw Paw, MI 49079 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, Wauseon, Vice Chairperson 419-344-4015 Dan.Bodette@teammidwest.com

Terry Rubenthaler, President/CEO

ichigan electric cooperatives carry the bold vision of the men and women in the 1930s who brought electricity to rural communities when no one else would. Neighbors came together with a collective determination, rolled up their sleeves, and lit up the countryside.

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Today, Michigan cooperatives continue to lead the way. From Michigan’s first community solar project and advanced smart grid technologies to the first commercial-scale wind farm in the state, we have a long history of providing innovative electric solutions for rural communities.

One way we do this is through our partnership with other Michigan electric distribution cooperatives and Wolverine Power Cooperative. Wolverine generates the power that we deliver to your homes and businesses, and we all work together to develop a resilient, diverse fuel mix that currently sits at about 20% renewable and over 60% carbon-free energy.

Then, in 2023, Michigan passed the Clean Energy & Jobs Act, which requires all Michigan utilities to provide 100% clean energy by 2040. This called for some creative innovation yet again.

Ron Armstrong, Secretary, Lawton 269-299-0443 Ron.Armstrong@teammidwest.com

I’m excited to announce that we will not only meet that standard, but we will do it a decade early—faster and more reliably than anyone else. Thanks to Wolverine’s long-term power purchase agreement with Palisades Nuclear Power Plant (set to reopen next year) and its continued development of utility-scale renewables, we are well-positioned to navigate the ever-changing energy landscape.

Gerry Bundle, Cassopolis 269-414-0164 Gerry.Bundle@teammidwest.com

While this huge milestone deserves celebration, we must keep the issue of reliability at the forefront of our industry. The ability to deliver power 24/7 remains a concern, not just for us but throughout the U.S. The nation’s grid is shifting to less reliable resources as electric demand rises. I will elaborate on that in future columns, and we have more information at teammidwest.com/reliability.

Fred Turk, Decatur 269-423-7762 Fred.Turk@teammidwest.com

Nonetheless, Wolverine and Michigan’s electric cooperatives remain committed to serving our communities, and that means delivering reliable power. With nuclear being the most reliable form of electricity out there, having Palisades in our tool belt is a huge win, and we will continue to do everything we can to provide service you can count on.

John Green, Treasurer, Dowagiac 269-470-2816 John.Green@teammidwest.com

Erika Escue-Cadieux, Onsted 419-346-1088 Erika.Escue-Cadieux@teammidwest.com

Jim Wiseley, Bloomingdale 269-760-4619 Jim.Wiseley@teammidwest.com

Jeff Diehl, Union 574-274-6693 Jeffery.Diehl@teammidwest.com

Once again, Michigan’s electric cooperatives not only light the way—they lead it.

PRESIDENT/CEO: Terry Rubenthaler

DIRECTOR, CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING: Amy Pales COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST: Grant Zamora

OUR MISSION

Midwest Energy & Communications is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Delivering first-in-class innovations and solutions where others won’t.

Please note: electric customers of MEC must adhere to our bylaws, which can be found at teammidwest.com/bylaws.

OUR VISION

4 OCTOBER 2024

Creating vibrant, relevant, and sustainable rural communities.

Why SMART Park? he Southwest Michigan Advanced Research and Technology (SMART) Park has come a long way! We recently opened its roads to the public, which were closed to protect crews working on park infrastructure. Additionally, we completed our new 4,750 feet nonmotorized walking trail.

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The non-motorized trail connects an existing pedestrian loop at the Cass County Council on Aging to a sidewalk network within the park. Residents and visitors now have a 3-mile trek available to them that will only grow with plans to extend the network both east and west of the SMART Park.

The main purpose of SMART Park, however, is to invest in Cass County by attracting jobs and tax revenue.

This work has already started, with aluminum recycling company Norsk Hydro opening its $150 million Cassopolis plant in 2023, creating 70 new livable-wage jobs.

Who SMART Park Benefits In Cass County, 42% of residents (almost 22,000 people) were either living below the federal poverty level or were “Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE)” as of 2022, according to the United Way’s most recent county report. ALICE individuals live above the federal poverty level, but they earn less than the cost of living.

Additionally, enrollment in rural schools has declined by 11% in the past decade, as reported by the Detroit Free Press. This is correlated with shrinking communities and often means fewer opportunities for rural students.

With SMART Park, our goal is to bring stable jobs with good pay to southwest Michigan. More jobs mean more reasons for families to live and

grow here as it helps them rise out of ALICE status, benefiting both their families and the local economy.

How SMART Park is Funded Government investment is critical to projects like SMART Park, and it helps develop strong partnerships that can benefit our region for years to come.

Regardless of personal beliefs surrounding tax use, these grant monies are invested in one community or another. It's in Cass's best interest to bring the dollars here to benefit residents of the area.

Our current funding sources are: • The U.S. Economic Development Administration •

A U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development grant for offsite improvements

•

A Michigan Department of Transportation grant for railroad development

• Money from selling SMART Park land to Norsk Hydro • A U.S. Department of Agriculture (Rural Development) grant for rail planning

We continue to seek outside investments through government sources and land sales for companies investing in the park. We’re also working with the State of Michigan to identify resources and opportunities for additional investment in SMART Park’s growth.

Many funding opportunities require us to show our financial commitment to SMART Park. To that end, our board of directors has also approved some of our own money for financing if needed. However, we’re trying to moderate that amount and fully engage the state of Michigan in this process.

More to Come At the time of writing, we are working with the state of Michigan to certify SMART Park in their MI Sites program, which connects businesses with information about places they can relocate or expand their operations to.

So far, only a select few sites are being considered for this program.

SMART Park is an unprecedented opportunity to give back to our southwest Michigan home. We’ll keep you informed about new developments, but know that we are working hard to make Cass a place that future generations will be proud to call home.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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Youth Tour

A Living Example of Cooperative Values

ctober is National Cooperative Month, a time when we take the opportunity to reflect on the unique role cooperatives play in our communities.

A perfect example of our values and mission in action is Youth Tour, a program that brings the seven cooperative principles to life and cultivates a new, diverse generation of energy leaders.

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Youth Tour is sponsored by Michigan Electric Cooperative Association (MECA) in conjunction with the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). Together, the organizations coordinate activities, learning sessions, and face-to-face meetups with their local lawmakers over the course of a week-long visit to Washington D.C. In 2024, students from 44 states, including 17 Michigan delegates representing all MECA member co-ops, embarked on a journey to the nation’s capital to learn about our

country’s history and their roles as informed citizens.

Cultivating Future Energy Leaders By bringing together students from diverse backgrounds, Youth Tour promotes inclusivity and open membership, which are core cooperative principles. These students learn the value of cooperative democratic member control as they engage with the political process and understand how their voices can make a difference.

Students are encouraged to think independently, form their own opinions, and understand the importance of personal and collective responsibility. Landen Winsor, student delegate from Wolverine Power Cooperative, attended this year’s tour and found it to be eye-opening.

“One thing I took away was the importance of advocacy. Sometimes

Understanding the Seven Cooperative Principles— America’s Electric Cooperatives 6

OCTOBER 2024

Voluntary and Open Membership

it feels like the world is too big for you to change anything about it,” said Winsor. “Hearing how [lawmakers] were addressing issues related to rural Michigan was enlightening and encouraging.”

For many of these students, the Youth Tour is a transformative experience.

“It’s amazing to watch students grow and gain self-confidence as they navigate a myriad of new situations on the trip,” said Michigan Youth Tour Director Katie Deller. “This journey is more than an educational trip; it’s an empowering experience that instills confidence and a sense of responsibility in each participant.”

Education and Community Involvement Youth Tour is a testament to the cooperative principle of education, training, and information as well.

Students gain invaluable insights into the energy sector and the workings

Democratic Member Control

Members' Economic Participation

of government, preparing them to be informed, active citizens. This educational journey fosters a deep sense of community concern and highlights the cooperative commitment to nurturing the next generation. “The students not only get to experience historical sites, monuments, and memorials firsthand, they learn about the history of electric cooperatives,” said Deller. “How co-ops are different than other types of utilities and the incredible work they have done and continue to do across rural America.”

Michigan delegates met with Sen. Debbie Stabenow, as well as engaged in a candid conversation with staffers from Rep. Jack Bergman’s office.

Great Lakes Energy CEO Shaun Lamp attended this year’s Youth Tour as a chaperone. He invited students along for his morning runs, where they asked him questions about the industry and career paths. He was impressed by their thoughtfulness and preparedness.

“The engagement, knowledge level, and enthusiasm of the delegates was fantastic,” noted Lamp. “We didn’t prep them with questions for their meeting with [Rep. Bergman’s] staff, but they asked really good and relevant questions on their own. It’s a reminder that their generation is going to do some great things.”

Autonomy and Independence

Education, Training, and Information

Cooperation Among Cooperatives Through Youth Tour, there is a continuous connection to “cooperation among cooperatives,” another key principle. This national initiative sees cooperatives across the country working together to create a unified and enriching experience for all participants. It’s a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we collaborate and support each other.

“My favorite part of Youth Tour was the people. My peers were not only willing to push me intellectually, but also physically as we did many miles of walking,” said Winsor. “The sights and experiences would not have been as memorable if not for the people I was with.”

Youth Tour exemplifies the very essence of cooperative principles. By investing in our youth and providing them with these enriching experiences, we are cultivating a new generation of leaders who are committed to reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy.

“I cannot say enough how impressed I am with all 17 delegates from Michigan. It was an honor and privilege to spend time with these young people,” reflected Lamp.

“They give me great confidence that our future is in good hands.”

Cooperation Among Cooperatives

Concern for Community

Youth Tour couldn’t exist without the dedication of staff, directors, coordinators, chaperones, bus drivers, and the many volunteers. Their commitment to the enrichment of the students in our cooperative footprint is nothing short of astounding.

A special thanks to the many folks from Michigan who made this experience possible: MECA Youth Tour Director Katie Deller and Wolverine VP of Administration Dawn Coon, who breathed new life into the program after the pandemic and provided a safe environment for the students to experience D.C. while also spreading their wings.

Volunteers and chaperones: Katie Deller (MECA), Dawn Coon (Wolverine), Shaun Lamp (Great Lakes Energy), Jamie Trommater (HomeWorks), and Kristen Hartley (Cherryland)

For more information on the seven principles, visit electric.coop/sevencooperative-principles

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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MEC's Load Management Programs

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emand for electricity goes up as people return home from work or school. More people using electricity means more strain on the electric grid.

If this strain gets too high, which typically occurs between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., load management programs help us reduce demand. If you participate, you get a reduction on your electric bill when eligible. Here's how each program works.

Interruptible Water Heating During peak demand periods, we remotely shut off your water heater. The hot water previously produced and stored in your tank will remain hot beyond the end of the control period. We usually control this about three to four times per month.

If you use 400 kWh or more in a month, you will receive a $4 credit on your account for that month.

Interruptible Heating and Cooling During peak demand periods, we remotely shut off your HVAC system. A backup heating system will take over until the control period is over.

Control periods are limited to a maximum of 400 hours per year and eight hours per day.

You get a reduced kWh charge ($0.109697 per kWh as of October 2024, vs. $0.127097 per kWh for standard customers) for all electricity consumed on the meter.

You also do not pay a distribution charge for electric heat or qualified air conditioning for the entire time you are enrolled in the program (not just during control periods).

Whole-Home Generator During peak demand periods, we transfer your electric usage from the grid to your whole-house generator.

Control periods are limited to a maximum of 400 hours per year and eight hours per day.

You get a reduced kWh charge ($0.066 per kWh as of October 2024, vs. $0.0785 per kWh for standard customers) for all electricity consumed on the meter.

Please note that before you consider joining our WholeHome Generator program, you should consider the cost of a generator if you do not already have one. In 2024, these are typically $4,000 or more, plus installation fees, according to the Forbes article “How Much Does a Generator Cost?”

You should also take into account the cost of fuel to operate the generator.

8 OCTOBER 2024

Interruptible Irrigation During peak demand periods, we remotely shut off your irrigation system.

You receive a reduced kW demand charge ($6.05 per kW as of October 2024, vs. $10.65 per kW for standard customers) for all electricity consumed on the irrigation account.

Time of Use Program Instead of MEC manually controlling load, you proactively shift your electric usage away from peak demand periods.

You pay a reduced kWh charge ($0.035269 per kWh as of October 2024, vs. $0.0785 per kWh for standard customers) for all electricity used during off-peak periods.

The trade-off is that during periods of peak demand, you pay more—about $0.18/kWh. The idea is that by being proactive, you can make the system work in your favor and get most of your energy for less than what’s standard.

Get Full Details For more information about our load management programs, or to sign up, visit our website at teammidwest.com/load-management.

MEC in the Community

Cass District Library

We have proudly sponsored the fireplace for the new Edwardsburg Branch Library scheduled to open next year.

Customer Appreciation Roughly 210 customers stopped by for hot dogs, ice cream, and a final chance to say farewell to former CEO Bob before his retirement.

Coloma Computer Classes

We sponsored a free series of computer classes at the Coloma Public Library. Attendees learned how to use their task manager, manage their files, and more.

Van Buren Youth Fair

The Van Buren Youth Fair needs to rebuild their aging and damaged horse stalls, and we proudly stepped up as a sponsor.

NISC Spotlight Award

The National Information Solutions Cooperative presented MEC Customer Solutions Supervisor Alyson with a Spotlight Award at their annual conference. Alyson received the award for streamlining our scheduling process for fiber installers.

Color Walk

We supported Woodlands Behavioral Healthcare Network’s Recovery Month & Suicide Prevention Color Walk.

Tecumseh Bicentennial

We sponsored the main stage at this historic event, which drew crowds of thousands to the town.

Southwestern Michigan College

We’re offering a one-course scholarship to cover ISYS 110 (Intro to Computer Technology) for SMC-bound students living in a home served by MEC. Visit teammidwest.com/smc-scholarship for details and to apply.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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MI CO-OP Recipes

BREADS & MUFFINS Get cozy with these baked goods.

WINNING RECIPE! LEMON CRUMB MUFFINS

Ruth Armbrustmacher, HomeWorks Tri-County 3 cups flour 1¾ cups sugar ¼ teaspoon baking soda ¼ teaspoon salt 4 eggs 1 cup sour cream 1 cup melted butter 1½ tablespoons grated lemon peel/zest 1 tablespoon lemon juice Topping: 6 tablespoons flour 6 tablespoons sugar ¹⁄ 8 cup cold butter, cubed Glaze: ¼ cup sugar 3 tablespoons lemon juice

Recipe Contest

Preheat oven to 350 F. Prepare 2 (12-cup) muffin tins with muffin cups. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, combine the eggs, sour cream, melted butter, lemon peel, and lemon juice. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients just until moistened. Fill muffin cups ¾ full. For the topping, combine the flour and sugar, then cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over the batter. Bake for 20–22 minutes or until a toothpick placed in the center of a muffin comes out clean. Meanwhile, to make the glaze, mix together the sugar and lemon juice. Allow the muffins to cool, but still be a bit warm, before topping with the glaze.

Win a $100 energy bill credit!

Soups & Stews due Nov. 1; Sauces & Marinades due Dec. 1; Best No Bake Recipes 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.

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

RUSTIC GARLIC PARMESAN HERB BREAD Kerri Hanson, Great Lakes Energy

1 tablespoon instant dry yeast 1 tablespoon sugar 1 cup warm water 1 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons dried rosemary 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon dried oregano 6 cloves garlic, minced 2–2½ cups all-purpose flour, divided ¹⁄³ cup grated Parmesan cheese 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon butter, divided In a large mixing bowl, add the yeast, sugar, and water. Stir in the salt, rosemary, basil, oregano, and garlic.

Add in 2 cups flour and the Parmesan

cheese and stir until combined.

Gradually add in the remaining ½ cup flour (if needed) until you have a smooth and elastic dough that is tacky but doesn’t stick to your hands. Transfer to a lightly greased mixing bowl, cover, and let rise until double in size, about 1 hour. Preheat oven to 375 F. Drizzle a baking sheet with the olive oil. Gently divide the dough in half and shape into two separate round loaves. Place loaves onto the prepared baking sheet.

Let rise another 15–20 minutes while oven is preheating. Top each loaf with ½ tablespoon butter (tuck into the center of each loaf). Bake for 18–20 minutes until golden brown.

“TO DIE FOR” BLUEBERRY MUFFINS Betsy Price, Great Lakes Energy

1½ cups flour ¾ cup sugar ½ teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons baking powder ¹⁄³ cup vegetable oil 1 egg ¹⁄³ cup milk 1¼ cups blueberries, fresh or frozen + 1 teaspoon flour Topping: ½ cup sugar ¹⁄³ cup flour 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon ¼ cup cold butter, cubed Preheat oven to 400 F. Grease 8 muffin cups or use muffin liners. Combine the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder in a medium bowl and set aside. Pour the

oil into a 1-cup measuring cup, then add the egg and milk to fill the cup. Pour into the flour mixture and stir with a spoon.

The batter will be very thick; add a bit more milk if it is difficult to stir. Mix the blueberries with a teaspoon of flour before adding to the batter (this will keep them from sinking to the bottom of the muffin cups). Fold blueberries gently into the batter. Fill the muffin cups to the top with the batter. To make the topping, in a small bowl, combine the sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Using a pastry blender or a fork, mix the cold butter into the flour mixture until the butter looks like crumbs. Spoon the topping onto each muffin. Bake for 20–25 minutes. Test with a toothpick after 20 minutes. Let the muffins cool for 10 minutes. Enjoy!

ORANGE-CRANBERRY NUT BREAD Mary Card, Great Lakes Energy

2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup granulated sugar 1½ teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon baking soda ¹⁄³ cup cold butter 1 egg, lightly beaten 1 teaspoon finely grated orange rind/zest ²⁄³ cup orange juice 1½ cups fresh cranberries, rinsed, patted dry & chopped 1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease a 9x5x3-inch loaf pan; set aside. In large mixing bowl, stir together the

flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Cut in the butter until the mixture is crumbly. Add the beaten egg, orange rind, and juice. Stir to “just combined” but not over-stirred. Fold in the cranberries and nuts. Spoon into the prepared pan and bake for 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes, checking with a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf, making sure it comes out clean. Cool in pan on cooling rack for 10 minutes, then turn out loaf onto cooling rack and cool completely. This bread is best the next day (if you can restrain yourself), sliced into 8–12 slices. Wrap in plastic wrap. Can store in refrigerator for up to 3 days.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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Watch Out for Vampire Loads id you know many of your household electronics continue to use electricity even when they aren’t on? This even includes device chargers that are left plugged in after the device has been removed.

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Activity monitor strips use motion sensors to look for signs of activity in the room. If no activity is detected, it shuts off the power. While convenient, this type isn’t always reliable—especially if Fido roams about.

This means your home is still using electricity even if you aren’t. According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory, this wasted energy can add up to about $200/year in electricity costs.

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Master-controlled strips turn off the power for the entire strip when the item designated as the “master” gets turned off. These power strips also often have an “always on” outlet in case you want to plug something in, such as a wireless router, that should always have power even if other devices plugged into the strip are turned off.

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Master-less power strips cut the power when all the devices connected to it are turned off.

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Remote switch strips allow you to turn off the power via a remote. However, you have to remember to shut it off.

Here are some tips to reduce the drain: • Unplug devices and chargers when they aren’t in use.

• Put your computer into sleep mode when unplugging it isn’t practical.

• For devices that aren’t easy to unplug, consider using an advanced power strip that can automatically shut off the power for you.

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Timer power strips shut off the power at a set time every day.

• When replacing or buying new electronics, select energy-efficient ones to reduce the amount of power consumed while in standby mode.

Winter Energy-Saving Tips Winter's cool temps driving your heating costs up? Try these tips to help save energy.

Find and Seal Leaks

• Install tempered glass doors and a heat-air exchange system that blows warmed air back into the room.

• Check the seal on the fireplace flue damper and make it as snug as possible. Also, add caulking around the hearth.

• Find and seal air leaks in your home. Common sources include utility cut-throughs and plumbing penetrations, gaps around chimneys and recessed lights, unfinished spaces behind cupboards and closets, window and door frames, and outlets and light switches.

Use Ceiling Fans

Maintain Your Heating System

Lower Your Thermostat

• Replace your filter every month.

• Have your furnace inspected by a professional every year. They will ensure everything is working as it should and can alert you to potential problems before they become an emergency.

• If you use a pellet or wood stove, clean the flue regularly.

• When it's time to replace your system, select an energyefficient model.

• Vacuum your vents and registers regularly, and ensure that vents aren't blocked by drapery and furniture.

• Turn down your thermostat by 10 degrees for eight hours and you could save up to 10% on your heating costs. Consider investing in a smart thermostat that will automatically adjust temperatures for you.

Maintain Your Fireplace • Keep the damper closed when not in use. Otherwise, warm air will escape up the chimney.

• When in use, lower the thermostat and open the nearest window slightly.

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• Set your fan to a low speed with the blades rotating clockwise. This will push the warm air collected at the ceiling around the room.

Let the Sunshine In • Open curtains or blinds on sunny days to let the sun help warm your rooms.

• Close blinds and curtains at night to prevent heat from escaping.

Visit energy.gov/energysaver for more tips on improving your home's efficiency all year long.

ROLLING BLACKOUTS AND THE GRID ver the last few years, the electric grid that spans Michigan and several neighboring states has faced the potential of rolling blackouts due to increasing demand and decreasing supply. We have details about what is causing this dilemma at teammidwest.com/reliability, and you may have read some information in past issues of Country Lines.

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Bottom line: If the grid becomes too taxed, one of our grid operators (a third party that manages electric supply for the nation’s grid) may tell us that we need to ask you to lower your power usage. If the emergency becomes too extreme, they’ll tell us to implement rolling blackouts.

However, blackouts are a last resort. Many other things happen behind the scenes that help us prevent blackouts.

Grid Monitoring and Electric Supply/Demand MEC doesn't generate power; we get it from Wolverine Power Cooperative. Even though Wolverine has secured more than enough power for MEC customers, we share the grid and its power supply with other utilities. Wolverine works closely with grid operators to keep the grid working smoothly. Wolverine also informs us of important grid issues or actions we need to take as required by grid operators.

Weather Alert Wolverine informs us that the grid operators PJM and MISO are keeping an eye on extreme weather conditions.

Extreme weather is a primary driver of rolling blackouts, as has been experienced by other states.

Conservative Operations The grid operator tells our power supplier, and power generators throughout the region, to cancel things like planned maintenance work to ensure as much electricity as possible is available.

Load Management When necessary, or when asked by a grid operator to reduce the demand on the grid, Wolverine and MEC implement load management on appliances such as water heaters, air conditioners, or irrigation wells.

Public Appeals The grid operator requires MEC to contact you and ask you to reduce your nonessential power usage. This is a last-ditch effort to avoid a rolling blackout, and we will only contact you if necessary. In an extreme emergency, there may not be time to make this appeal. That is determined by the grid operator.

Rolling Blackouts If asking for reduced electric usage doesn't work, the grid operator will call for rolling blackouts until the electric grid is no longer strained. This only happens if it's absolutely necessary and there are no other options.

Rolling blackouts won't impact all MEC customers at once, and some might not experience blackouts at all. The location and duration of the outage will depend on the situation.

MEC is preparing a contingency plan that has several options in case we must implement rolling blackouts. If we have time, we will notify you in advance. However, as is the case with public appeals, the grid operator may instruct rolling blackouts to begin immediately.

We’ve Been Lucky So Far On Christmas Eve of 2022, Winter Storm Elliott caused severe strain on the eastern electric grid, and several states experienced blackouts and outages. This hasn’t occurred here yet, but it could, and we need to prepare.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 13

SOARING SUCCESS AWARD-WINNING PHOTOGRAPHY FROM STEVE JESSMORE

By Emily Haines Lloyd

When the world seemed to slow down in 2020, award-winning photographer and photojournalist Steve Jessmore found himself with more time to reflect and appreciate the beauty around him. Instead of focusing on the quiet, he turned his skilled and artful eyes to his surroundings, capturing moments that revealed the extraordinary in the everyday.

THE ASSIGNMENT Jessmore’s workload had declined significantly, but as luck would have it, one of the few assignments he did land led to a major shift for him. He’d been hired to photograph people who had picked up outdoor activities during COVID. He was photographing kayakers, thinking he’d never been in a kayak himself.

It was Jessmore’s wife, Brenda, who sent him out on her own assignment.

“She told me to go out and create something every day,” said Jessmore.

“She said I had too much talent to just wait for the next job to come along.”

He found himself buying his own kayak, getting up before dawn and floating down the Torch River with his camera.

He wasn’t entirely sure what he was on the hunt for, but he kept his eyes open.

A STORYTELLER AT HEART Jessmore’s journey as a photographer didn’t start with snapping shots of

14 OCTOBER 2024

nature. Taking photos was a way for him to see bands when they came to town—offering local papers his images in exchange for free tickets.

Eventually, he even got paid for his efforts and saw over 100 concerts by the time he finished college.

His hobby evolved into a career.

Working in photojournalism for 30 years, Jessmore’s camera became a tool for storytelling, capturing human experiences. “I’ve never liked to pose pictures,” said Jessmore. “I like to capture authentic moments, reactions, interactions. I like telling stories of people just doing things.”

LOOKING UP His approach to authentic photography was an asset as his focus turned to the sky and he began to notice the amazing birds in his little ecosystem.“I like to wait patiently and observe birds living their lives without disturbing them. It’s the same ethics I use with photojournalism—you don’t contrive

shots. You capture the story without making the story,” said Jessmore.

The transition from photographing people to birds presented its challenges. While photographing people often involved capturing moments of emotion, photographing birds demanded patience, precision, and anticipating their behavior.

FINDING HIS FLOCK Jessmore honed his craft, capturing breathtaking images that encapsulated the essence of birdlife.

He posted photos on his Instagram account and was surprised by the response. “People would send me notes saying these photos were a bright spot in their day or made them smile even with the heaviness of COVID,” he said. “It was clear that nature was having a real effect on people besides me.”

His photographer friends nudged him to try his hand at some competitions—

with a big one thrown down as a challenge. The prestigious National Audubon Society hosts an annual contest that showcases especially beautiful images of avian life.

Jessmore’s friends told him there were over 10,000 entries each year, but to make it into the Top 100 would be a big deal.

That’s all Jessmore needed to hear.

It was “game on.” He gathered several of his photos and submitted them to the contest. Then something unimaginable happened. With Jessmore’s first submission to the contest, he swept the Professional Division of the competition—winning first place and honorable mention.

“I like to wait patiently and observe birds living their lives without disturbing them. It’s the same ethics I use with photojournalism— you don’t contrive shots.

You capture the story without making the story.”

Jessmore continued his journey of capturing “birds doing stuff” and the following year, his photo titled “Feeding Frenzy” won Audubon’s Fisher Prize for most creative approach to photographing birds.

The image graced the cover of the magazine’s awards issue. In addition, he held gallery and art shows and was featured in publications such as The Smithsonian and Ducks Unlimited.

We’re now a few years past the apex of the pandemic, but Jessmore still goes out on his kayak with his camera.

He visits and captures the beauty of the avian community that brought him more than a hobby—it showed him it’s never too late to spread your wings and fly.

SPECIAL OFFER As a valued reader of Michigan Country Lines, you can enjoy a 20% discount on Steve’s stunning prints and upcoming 2025 calendars. Use the code COUNTRYLINES at checkout on stevejessmore.com to bring a piece of Michigan’s natural beauty into your home.

Calendars will be available starting in October, and this exclusive discount is good through Nov. 15.

Jessmore’s first-place Michigan Audubon photo, “Feather for Its Mate.”

stevejessmore.com

/sjessmore

@sjessmo

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

15

COMMANDIQ 24.3 UPDATE The free CommandIQ app now responds to your device’s text size and text-to-speech settings. Simply make your adjustments in your Settings app under “Accessibility.” CommandIQ will do the rest.

CommandIQ and the 24.3 update are free for MEC fiber internet customers* on the Apple App Store and Google Play! * Requires GigaSpire router and MEC fiber internet. Find your router at teammidwest.com/which-router. If you don’t have a GigaSpire, call 800-492-5989 and we’ll mail you one free.

DOWNLOAD TODAY:

teammidwest.com/commandiq

NEED RELIABLE PHONE SERVICE? Get fiber phone w/ unlimited calls from MEC!

Residential: $39.95/mo. + tax Combine fiber internet & phone from MEC and enjoy a $10/mo. discount on your phone bill.

CHECK ELIGIBILITY: teammidwest.com/phone

Fiber phone services are not regulated by the Michigan Public Service Commission.

16 OCTOBER 2024

Apples and Isleys ur history as an electric cooperative dates back to the 1930s, when country residents came together to bring electricity where large providers wouldn’t. But as we recently found out, some of our electric customers have a tradition that goes back even further.

O

Every few years, several generations of the Isley family come together to make apple butter—and they’ve been doing it with the same copper kettle for more than 100 years.

Isley family members Judy Bowen (L), Norris Isley (C), and Loren Isley (R)

Michigan Roots After Thomas Isley immigrated to the U.S. from England in the 1840s, the Isley family eventually settled in southeast Michigan, where they remain to this day.

continuously so the apples don’t burn to the bottom of the kettle.

The family’s first year making apple butter out of the copper kettle was 1917. At the time, it was borrowed from their neighbors, but when the neighbors sold it a couple of years later, the Isleys quickly purchased it.

The kettle has been with the family ever since.

Around dinnertime, all the apples have had time to cook down to apple butter consistency. The Isleys stir in cinnamon and sugar, and then the completed apple butter is ready to can. They set up three tables and form an assembly line, dipping pots into the kettle, filling pint-sized jars from the pots, and putting the lids on to seal. When it’s time to go home, the jars (usually about 160 in total!) are divided up so everybody gets the same number.

The Process

No Signs of Stopping

It starts with about 40 gallons of cider.

The first day the family gets together, they use the kettle to boil the cider down until around 15 gallons are left.

While this is happening, they also pick five or six bushels of Grimes Golden apples from trees on the family’s property. The apples are peeled, cored, and sliced to prepare them for cooking.

Loren and Norris, two Isley cousins, were born into the apple butter tradition. Now, they’re at the point where it’s time to let the next generation take over. And although the Isleys have been making apple butter for over 100 years, there’s no question that they could keep making it for 100 more.

The next day, the cider gets brought back to a boil, a stirring mechanism (itself nearly 100 years old) is placed in the kettle, and the prepared apples are added in. The mixture gets stirred

Whether it’s providing excellent electrical service to rural residents or bringing your family together to make a delicious treat, one thing is clear: Some traditions are timeless.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 17

MI CO-OP Guest Column

The One-Room Schoolhouse

By Claudia Sanderson, a Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op member

he history of a one-room schoolhouse is embedded in my heart. I was born in 1951, which was the same year my grandparents purchased the oneroom school on Alcona Road between Harrisville and Black River, Michigan. My grandparents drove up from Detroit in January of that year. The immense snowfall prevented them from getting anywhere close to the front door. But they ultimately did go forward with the sale before they ever got a glimpse of the interior of this unique structure. It is much to our family’s good fortune that they decided to purchase this rare and one-of-a-kind former school.

T

One of the most significant artifacts left behind was the school bell (more about that shortly). Thus, we began reinventing this former schoolhouse into a family keepsake.

Family members did all of the work, most with minimal background in construction, plumbing, or electricity.

Eventually, this once-upon-a-time “learning center” that local students attended became a four-bedroom gathering place. Nothing can compare to the countless memories shared by five families and cousins galore who ventured to this haven in the north each summer.

We were all used to relatively modern conveniences available in the 1950s. So using an outhouse and hand pump from a well was quite an experience for city kids living in rural areas. When doing dishes, bath time, and nighttime trips to the outdoor “facilities,” these resources were functional but less than optimal. My dad (bless his sense of humor) loved to wake everyone up in his typical, subtle way.

He had been known to play “Taps” on his bugle for a get-up and get-going early rise. On a few occasions, he would pull the rope on the school bell, which, as we know, could be heard from a significant distance away. None of us minded his antics because it meant more time in the day to enjoy activities with extended family.

It was, eventually, decided by the collective family members that the bell should be given to Ralph Miller, the teacher/ 18 OCTOBER 2024

principal of Mt. Joy school. He lived and maintained the farm on the property next door to the school. However, after hauling the bell over to Mr. Miller’s property, someone took it from that location. Its whereabouts have never been discovered. And the precious sound of that memorable bell has never been heard again.

Rolling hills, farmland, and a peek-a-boo view of Lake Huron surrounded the schoolhouse. I can readily recall the sound of the rustling wind blowing through the leaves on the giant oak tree out back, as well as the feel of the northern air whenever you venture outside. And I can still capture the scent of the sandy beach on Lake Huron, which was frequently your private beach back in those early days. Twenty-one grandchildren had the privilege of sharing and celebrating this historic building. Five of those grandchildren became educators. Although our educational experiences were different, we greatly respect how lessons were presented to students who had attended this school.

In 2006, we re-enacted life in this rural one-room school and dedicated Mt. Joy School as a historic site. May we forever continue to appreciate the history and beauty of this area of the state.

About the Author: As a retired special education teacher, I have had the privilege of working with some amazing children and exceptional families.

It was truly a privilege to share in their early years and be able to impact their lives in such a positive way. I have a knack for writing poetry. Every family member or close friend has been the recipient of poetic verses that have been written specifically for them.

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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Credit check and 12-month contract required. Tank set fee of $1 plus applicable fees for trenching and securing township permits.

Propane services are not available in our southeast Michigan or northern Ohio electric service territories. Propane services are not regulated by the Michigan Public Service Commission.

Appliances must be installed by Dec. 31, 2024. Apply for the rebate and get more info at MiPropaneRebates.com.

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