MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
THE MAGIC ISN’T ALWAYS on THE FIELD.
You may not realize it, but you’re sitting on a free and renewable supply of energy. A WaterFurnace geothermal comfort system taps into the stored solar energy in your own backyard to provide savings of up to 70% on heating, cooling, and hot water with a comfort you have to experience to believe. Contact your local WaterFurnace dealer today to learn more about how geothermal can be a game changer for your home.
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/Air 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, USPS591-710, 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 TriCounty 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.
MICHIGAN’S ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES
MI CO-OP Community
RECIPE CONTEST
See details on page 10. Cozy Bowls, due Nov. 1. Win a $100 bill credit!
GUEST COLUMN
See details on page 18. Share your fondest memories and stories. Win $200 for stories published!
To enter contests, submit reader content & more, visit countrylines.com/community
6 POWER OF CO-OP COMMUNITIES
From the REA to today—the enduring power of connection.
10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN
Fall Favorites: From harvest to home— recipes to fall for. 14 ADAM NIGHTINGALE: SMALL
How small-town values shaped a championship culture at Michigan State.
The Best Garage Sale Find: A 1940 Dodge and a lifetime of memories.
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.
Celebrating MEC Propane
By Terry Rubenthaler, President/CEO
National Ice Cream Day was this past July 20. If you love ice cream, like I do, you find out where you can get the best deal that day. Same thing for hot dogs. We could sit and debate the nutritional value of hot dogs for days, but I like them. Sorry! Their day was July 16, a few days ahead of ice cream. If you’re lucky, you can find a restaurant that offers multiple dogs for the price of one. Not a bad deal. But if you miss out, like I did, you can always throw a few on your backyard gas grill.
Why do I bring this up? Well, as most of you are aware, MEC is a diversified energy company that offers propane services, along with electricity, fiber internet, and phone. That grill I just referenced? Mine is fueled by propane, just like 42 million other weekend grill masters across America. And, whether you’re grilling hot dogs, chicken, or hamburgers, you appreciate having your propane ready to get the job done for you, your family, and friends.
Which brings me to the fact that Oct. 7 is National Propane Day. Yes, propane has its day in the sun as well—as it should. Unfortunately, though, not everyone gets a deal like our propane customers. I won’t say we’re the cheapest, but consistently, year-over-year, MEC’s propane is well below what others pay statewide. Not only that, but our price is locked, and we don’t charge the myriad of fees like many of our competitors do. This is huge for the 8,750 customers who rely on us to procure fuel that is both reliable and affordable.
I think it’s a safe bet that most of us use more propane in January than in any other month. Revisiting the past several years, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (www.eia.gov) confirms MEC has been comfortably below the weekly Michigan propane residential price for any given week the past several years. For instance, in January 2021, the average price of propane in Michigan was $1.867/gallon. At that time, MEC was at $1.599/gallon. In January 2022, the price jumped to $2.502/gallon across the state, whereas MEC remained at $1.599/gallon. Even when low domestic inventories jumped our price to $2.149/gallon in January 2023, the average price in Michigan was $2.287/gallon. The past two years have been locked in for $1.979/ gallon for MEC customers, and whether it’s January or July, our price is consistently below the statewide average, and we’re very proud of that!
It’s not all about price, though. We recently surveyed our propane customers and 84% ranked us as “top of class.” That’s one of the highest scores in the industry. I’m convinced this is because our employees live and work where we serve, and many of them use propane. You can’t successfully sell a product you don’t understand from personal experience.
Approximately 320,000 households in Michigan rely on propane as their primary heating fuel. This is more than any other state in the U.S. Ohio and Indiana are not too far behind. So, if you happen to be grilling out on Oct. 7, raise a glass (or ice cream cone) in recognition of National Propane Day, knowing that MEC has your back!
Get Outage, Account, & Propane Notification Texts
Did you know you can 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.
a. On the app, look under Add New Contact Method . Choose Phone
b. 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:
a. To get notified when your Scheduled Propane Delivery is on its way, look under On Demand
b. To receive Power Outage Updates , look under Service
c. To get a text when your monthly bill is available, look under Billing
5. Select the appropriate phone number and click Save
Win a Steam Deck at the Fiber Cup
High schoolers—form a team with friends and compete in our Rocket League tournament!
On Nov. 8, up to 16 teams of 3 will compete in a double-elimination bracket at Southwestern Michigan College.
GRAND PRIZE Steam Deck for each teammate
SECOND $100 gift card for each teammate
THIRD $50 gift card for each teammate
Official school teams can also win a donation to their school.
Just want to watch? That’s cool too! We’ll have just-for-fun activities like Super Smash Bros., Mario Kart, and small giveaways.
Get full details and sign up at teammidwest.com/esports. All players and spectators must RSVP by Oct. 20.
College
SMC-bound students can apply for our one-course scholarship to cover Intro to Computer Technology. Get full details at teammidwest.com/ smcscholarship
The 2025 MEC x SMC Fiber Cup will be livestreamed at twitch.tv/teammidwest starting at 10:30 a.m.
Power of Co-op Communities: From the REA to Today—the Enduring Power of Connection
By Emily Haines Lloyd
When the Rural Electrification Act (REA) passed in 1936, it did more than bring electric lines to farms—it powered a movement. Built by neighbors for neighbors, electric cooperatives transformed rural life. Nearly 90 years later, that same spirit continues to connect Michigan’s rural communities—not just with electricity, but with tools for resilience, innovation, and opportunity.
This October, during National Cooperative Month, we’re reminded that co-ops are more than utilities—we are community builders. Michigan’s electric cooperatives honor that legacy by ensuring electric reliability and staying rooted in the values that built us: service, commitment, and cooperation.
Electric Reliability: Powering Rural Progress
Keeping the lights on in rural Michigan requires long-term planning and reliable generation. That’s why electric co-ops are investing in system upgrades, new energy resources, and smart technology to meet growing demand and withstand increasingly severe weather.
“Just like we brought power to the countryside nearly a century ago, co-ops are now bringing new and exciting energy options to the places that need it most,” said MECA CEO & President John Kran. “It’s not just about connection—it’s about unlocking potential in every rural home, farm, and business.”
Cooperatives ensure members have the dependable, affordable power they need—whether through traditional sources or renewable projects like solar, wind, and peaking plants. Reliability is the foundation of everything co-ops do, because when the power stays on, rural communities can thrive.
Democracy in Action: A Voice for Every Member
One of the most powerful aspects of the co-op model is that it’s not just a service—it’s a partnership. Co-ops are owned by the members they serve. That means you have a voice in how your co-op is run.
Every member has the right to vote for their board of directors, who set policy and guide decision-making. Even better? Members can run for the board themselves. It’s a grassroots, democratic process that ensures our direction is always grounded in the needs of the community—not outside investors.
Participation is at the heart of the cooperative difference. From attending your annual meeting to serving on the board, your voice helps shape the future of your electric cooperative.
The Power of Community
Electric cooperatives are neighbors, partners, and problemsolvers. Every decision same make starts with a simple question: What’s best for our members? That’s why same invest in schools, support scholarships, advocate for rural issues, and work 24/7 to restore power in any conditions.
“Electric co-ops were founded on the idea that we’re stronger together. Every pole we set, every line we run, every investment we make—it all comes back to serving people, not profi ts,” said Kran. “That’s the power of community.”
“Electric co-ops were founded on the idea that we’re stronger together. Every pole we set, every line we run, every investment we make—it all comes back to serving people, not profits.”
Part of a National Network
Michigan co-ops are not alone. We’re part of a national network of 942 electric cooperatives serving more than 42 million people across 56% of the landmass of the United States. That shared strength gives us access to resources, knowledge, and collaboration that help us better serve our nationwide communities—while still maintaining local control.
Spooky Energy Savings
Using less energy isn’t scary—it’s easy thanks to these Halloween efficiency tips!
Replace Old Halloween Lights
LED lights can bring your decorations to life while offering several advantages over older incandescent versions.
• 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.
Watch Out for Vampire Loads
Even when switched off, some appliances keep drawing energy.
• Unplug: When practical, remove devices and chargers from wall outlets.
• Sleep Mode: Some devices that aren’t practical to unplug, like your computer, have a sleep or standby mode to reduce their energy consumption.
• Power Strips: Many advanced power strips can cut the power for you. Some are timed or can detect motion, while others can be controlled remotely.
Insulate the Darkest Corners
Check your attic and basement for proper insulation, unwanted moisture, and air leaks. When air escapes your home, it makes your heating and air conditioning system work harder to maintain your preferred temperature.
Visit insulationinstitute.org for helpful insulation resources.
TIME OF USE RATES
Shift your electric use throughout the day to get most of your energy for less than the standard rate.
THE PROGRAM: Normally, customers pay the same rate for electricity throughout the day (about $0.08/kWh). Customers on the Time of Use program pay about $0.03/ kWh during off-peak times, and about $0.18/kWh during peak times.
WHAT YOU GET: By shifting your usage to off-peak times, you can get most of your energy for less than half of what’s standard.
This purchase will be reflected as a credit on your monthly electric bill.
HOW TO SIGN UP: Visit teammidwest.com/time-of-use to review program details and apply.
Above and Beyond at Hospice of Lenawee
“You matter because you are you. And you matter to the end of your life,” Cicely Saunders, the pioneer of hospice care, once said.
This is the belief that Hospice of Lenawee was founded upon over 40 years ago, and it’s what drives the organization to this day. Comfort is the number-one priority during a patient’s stay, with the option to enjoy serene grounds, visits from therapy animals, and a cozy family room complete with a kitchen and dining table.
That family room is now even cozier thanks to a new set of couches funded by a donation from MEC and a matching CoBank Sharing Success Grant—part of our vision of creating vibrant, relevant, sustainable rural communities.
What Sets Them Apart
Director of Development Heather Perez is proud of the fact that Hospice of Lenawee is a nonprofit organization that continually goes above and beyond to provide five-star care.
“We’re proud to sustain our mission like it was meant to be,” she says.
The organization does not turn anyone away, with an endowment helping to fund care for those in need. Once at the facility, each patient’s care is individualized to best meet his or her needs, overseen by a medical director with board certification in both hospice and palliative medicine.
In addition to patient care, Hospice of Lenawee’s bereavement program provides grief and loss counseling at no cost to the recipient. It’s available to both friends and family of patients, and to anyone in the community who has suffered a loss.
The organization also supports children with its Kaleidoscope program, which provides certified grief counselors either at the facility
“You matter because you are you.”
or by visiting children in Lenawee County schools, as well as educational materials for parents, guardians, and school officials.
Community Support
It’s thanks to donations and fundraising that Hospice of Lenawee can provide the kind of care and support programs it does.
One such donation was provided by MEC and matched by a grant from our financial partner CoBank. The donation funded new fire-resistant couches for Hospice of Lenawee’s family room, ensuring families have a comfortable space to take a break or eat a meal together.
Creating Experiences
Like MEC, Hospice of Lenawee believes in building a vibrant, relevant, sustainable rural community—evident in the lengths to which staff go to
meet the individual needs of patients and their families.
Over the years, patients have been able to have a Halloween movie night with friends, a daddy-daughter dance, and even a wedding and reception in the gardens. Whatever the request, Hospice of Lenawee employees see fulfilling it as a key part of giving patients the individual attention and care they deserve.
They’re united by a common belief: “You matter because you are you.”
Hospice of Lenawee provides free consultations and evaluations. Call 517-263-3328 or visit hospiceoflenawee.org for more information.
FALL FAVORITES
From Harvest to Home: Recipes to Fall For
RECIPE CONTEST Win a $100 energy bill credit!
Cozy Bowls, due Nov. 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!
PUMPKIN APPLESAUCE
MUFFINS WITH MAPLE CREAM
Phil Ehardt, Great Lakes Energy
MUFFINS:
3 large eggs
1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree/canned pumpkin
½ cup neutral fl avored oil, like canola, vegetable, avocado
½ cup unsweetened applesauce
1 cup granulated sugar
2½ cups all-purpose fl our
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
GLAZE:
1 cup powdered sugar
2–4 tablespoons heavy cream
½ teaspoon maple extract
Preheat the oven to 375 F. Line two standard muffi n tins with paper liners and set aside (24 muffi ns total). In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, pumpkin, oil, applesauce, and sugar.
In a separate bowl, stir together the fl our, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined (don’t overmix or the muffi ns may be dense/heavy). Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffi n tins, filling the cups about ⅔ full (or slightly more). You can use a cookie scoop to portion the batter into the muffi n tin. Bake for 15–20 minutes until the top of the muffi ns spring back to the touch and/or a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffi n comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Remove the muffi ns from the muffi n tin to a cooling rack to cool completely. For the glaze, whisk together the glaze ingredients, starting with the lesser amount of heavy cream and adding more as needed to make a pourable, but still thick, glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled muffi ns with a spoon or fork and serve.
Watch a video of this month’s winning recipe at micoopkitchen.com/videos
SLOW COOKER CHICKEN PASTA
Karla Oosting, Great Lakes Energy
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
16 ounces Olive Garden Signature Italian Dressing (or favorite Italian dressing)
½ cup shredded Italian cheese
¼ teaspoon black pepper
8 ounces cream cheese
16 ounces penne pasta
½ cup Parmesan cheese
Add chicken breasts to slow cooker. Pour in the Italian dressing and sprinkle with cheese and black pepper. Place cream cheese on top. Cover. Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 5–6 hours. About 10–15 minutes before the cooking time is done, start cooking the pasta according to the package directions; drain well. Shred the chicken with 2 forks. Then add the pasta to the slow cooker and stir. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
HARVEST PUMPKIN PIE
Mary Ellen Wynes, HomeWorks Tri-County
1 ready-made pie crust
1 teaspoon fl our
½ cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
1 (16-ounce) can (2 cups) pure pumpkin puree
1 (5-ounce) can evaporated milk
2 eggs, beaten
1 (8-ounce) container whipped topping, divided
½ cup chopped pecans
½ cup sour cream
Preheat oven to 425 F. Prepare pie crust according to package directions. In a large bowl, combine fl our, sugar, cinnamon, salt, cloves, pumpkin, evaporated milk, and eggs. Mix well. Fold in 1½ cups whipped cream (reserve remaining for topping) and pecans; stir. Pour into crust. Bake for 15 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 350 F and continue baking for 40–45 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool. In a small bowl, fold the sour cream into remaining whipped topping. Dollop on the cooled pie.
THREE BEAN CHILI FOR A CROWD
Gary Geyer, Presque Isle Gas & Electric
3 pounds ground chuck
2 (14-ounce) cans kidney beans, liquid reserved
2 (14-ounce) cans pinto beans, liquid reserved
2 (14-ounce) cans black beans, liquid reserved
2 medium onions, diced
2 green bell peppers, diced
1 bunch celery, thinly sliced
2 (4-ounce) cans diced green chilies
1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes, chili ready
2 cups water
2 (14½-ounce) cans tomato sauce
3 tablespoons chili powder + 1 teaspoon chili powder, divided
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons cumin
½ teaspoon seasoning salt
1–2 sliced jalapeños (for spicier chili)
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, diced green onions, fi nely diced onions, crackers, sour cream
In a large pot, cook the ground chuck until no longer pink. Drain excess fat. Add only the liquid from the cans of beans (setting the beans aside). Then add the onions, peppers, celery, green chilies, diced tomatoes, water, tomato sauce, chili powder, pepper, garlic, cumin, seasoning salt, and jalapeños (if desired). Stir and cook on high for 20 minutes, stirring often. Then reduce to a simmer for 2 hours while stirring occasionally to prevent sticking/burning. After 2 hours of simmering and stirring, stir in all the beans. If too thick, add small amounts of water and simmer another 10–15 minutes. Serve with optional toppings, if desired.
MEC in the Community
Day of Action
Sixteen MECers joined Habitat for Humanity and the Village of Mendon to give back to our community this summer. Combined, they donated more than 110 hours.
• HABITAT FOR HUMANITY: Volunteers worked at a Mendonarea home to build an accessibility ramp and storage room door, clean out a car port and storage room, and trim trees and bushes.
• VILLAGE OF MENDON: Volunteers painted curbs downtown, spread mulch at area parks and playgrounds, and power washed sidewalks, benches, picnic areas, and pavilions.
Decatur Day: We talked with festivalgoers about MEC fiber internet.
Fall Fun on the Farm
We’re lucky to serve a number of unique local businesses in rural Southern Michigan, and we want to share them with you! We hope to make this an ongoing series where every few months we can highlight a few of our customer businesses that also serve you! Stay tuned for more highlights.
From seasonal dining experiences to pumpkin patches and beyond, these farms can provide you and your family with the perfect fall excursion.
Granor Farm
3480 Warren Woods Road, Three Oaks, MI 49128
WHO THEY ARE: Granor is a certified organic farm and culinary destination in Southwest Michigan. Since 2006, they’ve grown into a 400-acre farm known for greenhouse dinners, cooking classes, and seasonal markets.
WHY THEY’RE GREAT: Granor offers a number of all-inclusive dining experiences, with menus designed to highlight fresh-picked produce that the farm grows. Chef’s Table Dinners also feature interactive cooking demonstrations.
Additionally, their farm store is open Fridays and Saturdays (hours vary depending on time of year) and features fresh produce grown at Granor, as well as assorted kitchen items, cookbooks, and more.
HOW TO GET IN TOUCH: Learn more at granorfarm.com and follow @granorfarm on Facebook and Instagram.
Little Pistol Farms
2335 S. Van Kal St., Kalamazoo, MI 49009
WHO THEY ARE: Little Pistol Farms is a family-run operation on 29 acres in Oshtemo Township. Little Pistol grows over 50 varieties of produce. The farm is tended with help from local farmers, MSU Extension, and the Kalamazoo Conservation District.
WHY THEY’RE GREAT: This fall, Little Pistol has dedicated its fields to growing 16,000 pumpkin plants across 24 varieties. Families can wander the pumpkin patch, explore the farmstand, and snap pictures with the Great Pumpkins.
U-pick pumpkins and fall activities are available Fridays from 4–7 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Halloween or while pumpkins last.
HOW TO GET IN TOUCH: Learn more at littlepistolfarms.com and follow @littlepistolfarms on Facebook and Instagram.
Willowbrook Farms
19585 Bulhand St, Cassopolis, MI 49031
WHO THEY ARE: Willowbrook Farms is a family-owned farm in the heart of Cassopolis. They produce free-range, non-GMO, antibiotic-free meat with an eye toward promoting sustainability, nutrition, and informed food choices.
WHY THEY’RE GREAT: Willowbrook’s online shop offers local delivery for their lamb, chicken, pork, goat, and turkey products, as well as raw honey, pet food, and Community Sourced Agriculture (CSA) boxes.
Willowbrook also offers self-guided tours, private tours, glamping, farm camps, lavender picking, and more at various times of the year.
HOW TO GET IN TOUCH: Learn more and subscribe to their newsletter at willowbrookmi.com. Follow Willowbrook Farms on Facebook or @willowbrookmichigan on Instagram.
Adam Nightingale
Small-Town Roots, Spartan Glory
By Emily Haines Lloyd
Before the trophies and roaring Munn Ice Arena crowds, Adam Nightingale’s hockey world was a frozen pond in Cheboygan, Michigan. Skates laced tight, cheeks stung red by the winter air, he and his brothers battled for bragging rights. It was there, on that rough northern ice, that he learned lessons he still carries as Michigan State University’s head coach—chief among them, that “hockey is what you do, it’s not who you are.”
In Cheboygan, effort mattered more than accolades, and how you treated people mattered most of all. Today, Nightingale blends that smalltown humility with championship-level ambition, shaping both a winning program and the young men who play for it.
Playing the Right Way
Sports were a family affair. Nightingale’s parents, both athletes themselves, raised their children with competitive spirits, and sports were a part of everyday life. So much so, all three Nightingale brothers have found their way to careers in sports—specifically, hockey. Adam’s older brother, Jason, is the Buffalo Sabres’ assistant director of
amateur scouting, and his younger brother, Jared, played professionally for nearly 10 years and now coaches for the Rockford IceHogs, an affiliate team for the Chicago Blackhawks. But for the Nightingale boys, the focus was never really about reaching the pros. “We were definitely competitive kids,” said Nightingale. “But our parents emphasized doing our best, treating people right, and finding what we were passionate about.”
The Road to Green and White. And Back Again
Nightingale followed his passion for hockey to Lake Superior State University before transferring to Michigan State University for two years.
Wearing the Spartan jersey was more than an athletic milestone; it was almost prophetic. Years later, returning as head coach at MSU was a fullcircle moment.
Nightingale was hired in 2022, inheriting a hockey program that had won only 12 games the previous season.
In just his second season as head coach, Nightingale guided MSU to both the Big Ten
regular-season and tournament championships— the fi rst time in program history that the team captured both titles in the same year. He also earned 2024 Big Ten Coach of the Year honors. Still, he’s quick to share the credit. “We’ve got great players, great staff, great people. Championships are a team effort,” he said.
Finding His Path to Coaching
Coaching wasn’t part of a grand plan. After graduating from college and four seasons in the minors, with his fi rst child on the way, Nightingale left the game for a job with a construction company to secure health insurance. But the pull of the rink never faded.
He began teaching economics and coaching hockey at a boarding school, where he discovered the deep satisfaction of mentoring young athletes.
“Coaching is about relationships,” said Nightingale. “I’ve been the guy on the power play, and I’ve been the guy not on the ice when we’re one goal down. Part of coaching is getting your players to see the value of every role.”
Lessons From the North
Nightingale’s approach to coaching is steeped in the values of rural Michigan—humility, resilience, and community. “There’s a humility in northern Michigan,” he said. “It’s never about your job title or money. It’s about how you treat people.”
Growing up in a small town also meant accountability. “If you want something, you have to work for it,” he said. “There’s a little bit of a chip on your shoulder. Which I think can be a positive thing for an athlete.”
That mentality resonates with his current Spartan players, fostering a culture of competitiveness and continuous improvement. “When something doesn’t go our way, we fi gure out why and get better,” he said.
Full Circle
Now, behind the bench at Munn Ice Arena, Nightingale carries both the tradition of Spartan hockey and the lessons learned on Cheboygan ice.
When the noise of the season fades and the ice lies quiet again, it’s easy to see how that boy from Cheboygan grew into a coach who still plays for all the right reasons.
“Being here,” Nightingale said, “just feels like right.”
I’ve been the guy on the power play, and I’ve been the guy not on the ice when we’re one goal down. Part of coaching is getting your players to see the value of every role.” “
Customer Appreciation Event
More than 300 of you joined us for a Jimmy Buffet tribute concert at Warner Vineyards in Paw Paw or a picnic in the park at Hidden Lake Gardens in Tipton.
Thank you for coming! We loved getting to chat with you and enjoy these fun events together.
The Best Garage Sale Find: A 1940 Dodge and a Lifetime of Memories
By Catherine Drager, a HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative member
I was driving past a garage sale one day and spotted an old dresser in the driveway. Short on time, I didn’t stop. I asked my husband Marvin to check it out the next day to see if it was something I could refi nish for the grandchildren’s bedroom. He stopped at the garage sale but came home and told me that he bought a truck. Puzzled, I said to him that I didn’t see a truck for sale there, and he told me the owner had a 1940 Dodge truck, all in pieces, in the garage and on the rafters, that he never got around to putting together and restoring.
Needless to say, those pieces came home with him. He worked on it in his spare time, between running his business and visiting our cabin in Farwell. He dedicated more time to it once our son was getting married at the Packard Proving Grounds in Shelby
Township in May of 2016. You could have one of their classic Packard cars to display at the reception, or bring in your own classic vehicle. The Dodge wasn’t completed at that point, but we were happy to use our late brother-inlaw’s 1930 Model A for the wedding.
The truck was completed shortly after, and my husband enjoyed taking it to the Downriver and Woodward Dream Cruises and car shows, and driving it around town. He even put a lap belt in it for me so that I didn’t bounce around on the bench seat. Many family members and friends enjoyed rides in the truck, and he loved sharing the stories of searching for the parts and the challenge of putting it all together. Marvin passed in 2021, but I am grateful he never checked out that old dresser, but was able to enjoy his best garage sale “fi nd.”
“Many family members and friends enjoyed rides in the truck, and he loved sharing the stories of searching for the parts and the challenge of putting it all together.”
GUEST COLUMN Win $200 for stories published! Share your fondest memories and stories. Win $200 for stories published. Visit countrylines.com/community to submit.
League
Saturday, Nov. 8
Doors open: 10 a.m. First game: 11 a.m.
PRIZE 3RD 2 ND
Any official school teams that place in the top three will also win a donation to their school! $50 Gift Cards $100 Gift Cards Steam Decks
Teams of three high schoolers will compete in a double-elimination bracket at Southwestern Michigan College's Barbara Wood Building.
Teams can be school-affiliated, or you can sign up to compete with friends (please note that you must form your team prior to registering we will not match you up).
Just want to spectate? That's cool too! Come watch the showdown and enjoy:
•Smash Bros.
•Mario Kart
•Small Giveaways
•Lunch for Sale (proceeds benefit SMC Honors program)
All players and spectators must RSVP by Oct.20!
*Maximum 16 teams. Must be a current high school student to compete. Admission is on a first-come, firstserved basis. Priority will be given to school teams for competing and family/ friends of competitors for spectating.
UP: teammidwest.com/esports
email mec.esports@teammidwest.com The tournament will be livestreamed on Twitch at twitch.tv/teammidwest!