Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op
October 2026
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
National Co-op Month Capital Credits Update Attend The Annual Meeting Oct. 23
Conserving Gaylord’s Elk Population
You may not realize it, but your home is sitting on a free and renewable supply of energy. A WaterFurnace geothermal comfort system taps into the stored solar energy in your own backyard to provide savings of up to 70% on heating, cooling and hot water. That’s money in the bank and a smart investment in your family’s comfort. Plus, with the groundbreaking variable speed 7 Series that operates at exactly the level needed in any heating or cooling situation, you’ll get the ultimate comfort, performance, and savings. Contact your local WaterFurnace dealer today to learn how to tap into your buried treasure. YOUR LOCAL WATERFURNACE DEALERS Allendale Allendale Htg & Clg (800) 327-1937 allendaleheating.com
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Hart Adams Htg & Clg (231) 873-2665 adamsgeothermal-mi.com
Big Rapids Stratz Htg & Clg, Inc. (231) 796-3717 stratzgeocomfort.com
Holland G.H.P. Systems Inc. (616) 396-5833 ghpsystems-inc.com
Cadillac Wilder Htg & Clg (231) 645-4822 Wilderheatingandcooling.com
Indian River M&M Plmb & Htg (231) 238-7201 mm-plumbing.com
Filion/Bad Axe Air-O-Dynamic Htg & Clg (989) 582-0137 aod-hvac.com
Lansing Candor Mechanical (517) 920-0890 candormechanical.com
Gaylord Family Plmb & Htg (989) 732-8099 familyplumbingandheating.com
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Michigan Center Comfort 1/Aire Serv of Southern Michigan (517) 764-1500 airserv.com/southern-michigan
Mt Pleasant Walton Htg & Clg (989) 772-4822 waltonheating.com Muskegon TMC Mechanical LLC (231) 865-1114 tmcmechanicalllc.com
Sunfield Mark Woodman Plmb & Htg (517) 886-1138 mwphonline.com Three Rivers Bel Aire Htg & Clg 1 (888) 235-2473 belaire.com Traverse City Geofurnace Htg & Clg (231) 943-1000 geofurnace.com
Portage Bel Aire Htg & Clg 1 (888) 235-2473 belaire.com
CO-OP REBATE INCENTIVES
Portland ESI Htg & Clg (517) 647-6906 esiheating.com
$2,250 rebate available through your co-op.
Sparta West Michigan Geothermal (616) 887-1290 westmigeothermal.com
visit us at waterfurnace.com/mi
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
Contents countrylines.com
October 2026 Vol. 46, No.9
/michigancountrylines
/michigancountrylines
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.
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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.
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MI CO-OP Community RECIPE CONTEST
See details on page 10. Brunch Favorites, due Nov. 1; Favorite Side Dishes, due Dec. 1; Air Fryer Favorites, due March 1. Win a $100 bill credit!
GUEST COLUMN
MICHIGAN’S ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES
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
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Where rural teens grow, connect, and lead.
10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN Autumn comfort foods: Warm up your table.
14 CONSERVING GAYLORD’S ELK POPULATION The city’s Elk View Park has become a prime destination for elk sightings.
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Seeing our cooperative from the open road.
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Your Board in Action In August, your board:
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Sandy Borowicz, Chairperson 231-627-9220 • Term Expires 2027 Daryl Peterson, Vice Chairperson 989-742-3145 • Term Expires 2027 Gerald Smigelski, Secretary 989-306-3750 • Term Expires 2026 Brentt Lucas, Treasurer 989-766-3678 • Term Expires 2028 John Brown 231-625-2099 • Term Expires 2026 Kurt Krajniak 989-884-3037 • Term Expires 2028 Sally Knopf 989-734-4196 • Term Expires 2027 Chris Nagel 616-240-8727 • Term Expires: 2026
• Received team report updates from all co-op departments • Selected voting delegates for upcoming affiliate organization meetings • Previewed topics to be covered at the upcoming Member Regulation Meeting • Received a strategic plan update from staff • Participated in a rate design presentation regarding Cost-of-Service studies and rate design
Important Capital Credits Update A Stronger Financial Future Together!
Capital credits are your contribution to our cooperative’s growth and development. They’re retired and refunded when our board of directors is confident it won’t harm our financial stability. Until then, these allocated, unretired margins provide a direct means to support our operations, enabling us to fund essential projects, expand our services, and reduce borrowing and interest expenses. This year, our board of directors has decided to maintain these credits within the cooperative. Why, you ask? It’s all about securing our financial foundation. This decision ensures we can continue to grow and deliver top-notch services without compromise. Your commitment and support empower us to thrive as a cooperative, ensuring a bright and prosperous future for all of us.
Michael Libby 989-306-1730 • Term Expires 2028 President & CEO: Allan Berg aberg@pieg.com Chief Marketing Officer: David Eiben deiben@pieg.com
ANNUAL MEETING
Don’t miss out!
Co-op Editor: Sommer Poquette spoquette@pieg.com
October 23, 2026
Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op 3149 Main Street (M-211) Onaway, MI 49765
8:30 A.M. Registration | 10 a.m. Meeting
Business Office & Billing: 989-733-8515 Toll-Free: 800-423-6634 Gas Emergency Toll-Free: 800-655-8565
POSEN HIGH SCHOOL JOIN US FOR LUNCH AFTER
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.
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pieg.com
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Celebrating What Makes Our Cooperative Strong By Allan Berg, President & CEO
October is National Cooperative Month—a time to celebrate what makes PIE&G different. As a member-owned cooperative, we are guided by principles including Democratic Member Control, Member Economic Participation, and Concern for Community. These principles are more than words; they shape how we serve our members, respond to challenges, and invest in the communities we call home. Our celebration will culminate with PIE&G’s 89th Annual Membership Meeting on Oct. 23 at Posen Schools. We look forward to welcoming members, sharing important cooperative updates, and announcing
the results of the election for seats on our board of directors. One encouraging update we can share ahead of the meeting is that our FEMA reimbursement process has reached an important milestone. In July, FEMA approved $14.7 million of our funding requests related to the historic March 2025 ice storm. On Sept. 8, PIE&G received $13.3 million, with the remaining $1.4 million expected at a later date. This represents meaningful progress for our cooperative and its members. Every dollar received will go directly toward reducing the principal and interest on the $152 million emergency line of credit secured to restore power following the storm. With the reimbursement process now advancing, we are optimistic that additional funding approvals will follow.
In total, PIE&G submitted more than $150 million in storm-related expenses, including debris removal, rebuilding and restoring our electric and fiber system, and other eligible recovery costs. More information is available on the FEMA page of our website. The historic ice storm tested us as never before. It also demonstrated the strength, determination, and generosity of the people we serve. Our progress would not have been possible without the hard work of our employees, the support and advocacy of our members, and the efforts of elected leaders at every level of government. That spirit of working together is what cooperatives are all about. Because of it, I am confident PIE&G is moving forward stronger, more resilient, and better prepared to serve Northern Michigan for generations to come.
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YOUTH TOUR Where Rural Teens Grow, Connect, and Lead By Katie Deller
At first glance, Youth Tour might look like a typical group of high school students taking a trip to Washington, D.C. But ask the students who have experienced it, and many will tell you it is much more than that. For rural teens from all walks of life, Youth Tour can be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see new places, meet new people, use their voice, and discover what they are capable of.
More Than a Trip to Washington The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) hosts the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour, an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., for high school students served by rural electric cooperatives across the country. Each June, Michigan’s rural electric cooperatives send about 20 student delegates and five chaperones to participate. Over the course of the week, delegates visit national landmarks, tour museums, meet with elected officials, participate in leadership activities, build friendships with others from across Michigan and the nation, and learn more about the important role rural electric cooperatives play in their communities.
Finding Their Voice on Capitol Hill One of the most memorable parts of the trip is Capitol Hill Day. Delegates not only tour the Capitol building, but they also have the chance to speak directly with elected officials and their staff while advocating for the issues that matter to them and their communities. During the 2026 Youth Tour, several Michigan delegates
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shared personal stories that reflected both the challenges and the resilience found in rural Michigan. Erica Jones, a delegate from Cherryland Electric Cooperative, said, “I really enjoyed getting the opportunity to speak to representatives about issues important to me and my community.” Katie Deller, Youth Tour director, added, “It’s amazing to see the delegates realize how much their voices matter.”
A Moment They’ll Never Forget Another powerful moment comes at Arlington National Cemetery during the changing of the guard ceremony. For many delegates, the experience is quiet, meaningful, and unforgettable. This year, that moment became even more significant when four Michigan Youth Tour delegates were selected to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Strangers at the Start, Friends by the End While the official itinerary is full, many delegates say the friendships they make are some of the best and most unexpected parts of the trip. Payton Latvala, a delegate from Alger Delta Electric Cooperative Association, said, “The new friendships made the trip.” Those connections are intentional. Deller prioritizes creating space for delegates to get to know one another and find common ground. “It always impresses me the connections that are made when the delegates realize they are more alike than different,” she said.
Discovering What They’re Capable Of That is what makes Youth Tour so meaningful. It is not only about where the delegates go, but who they become along the way. The program gives rural students—whether they are outgoing, quiet, experienced travelers, or leaving home for the first time—a safe and encouraging place to stretch themselves. For
one delegate, growth might mean boarding an airplane for the first time. For another, it might mean giving a speech, trying something unfamiliar, asking a question in a room full of leaders, or realizing they have something important to say. Addison Engels, a delegate from Wolverine Power Cooperative, shared that since
attending Youth Tour, “I’ve found it much easier to talk to people; when I’m out of my comfort zone, it doesn’t feel as hard anymore.” To Deller, that is what Youth Tour is all about: helping students take those first steps on a lifelong journey of confidence, growth, and leadership.
A WEEK THAT CAN SHAPE A LIFETIME To learn more about Youth Tour, please contact Katie Deller at kdeller@meca.coop or visit cooperativeyouthtour.com
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Don’t Let High Water Heating Costs Haunt Your Home As the days get shorter and spooky season creeps in, there’s one household monster you don’t want lurking in the shadows: high energy bills. Fortunately, a heat pump water heater can help keep those frightening costs at bay. Unlike traditional electric water heaters that create heat, heat pump water heaters pull warmth from the surrounding air and transfer it to your water. This highly efficient process uses significantly less electricity, helping many homeowners reduce the energy needed for water heating while still enjoying plenty of hot water for showers, laundry, and dishes. Think of it as a smarter way to heat water. Heat pump water heaters are designed to deliver reliable performance while using less energy, making them an excellent upgrade for homeowners looking to improve efficiency and lower operating costs. Many models also offer advanced settings and ENERGY STAR® certification, giving you even more ways to save.
The savings become even sweeter when you take advantage of available incentives. Cooperative members may be eligible for a $100 rebate on a qualifying heat pump (hybrid electric) water heater installation, helping reduce the upfront cost of making the switch. Whether you’re planning home improvements, replacing aging equipment, or simply looking for ways to reduce energy use, now is a great time to explore your options.
Don’t get spooked by rising energy costs. Visit pieg.com/energy-optimization-rebates/ to learn more about heat pump water heater incentives and discover all the rebates available for energy-efficient appliances and heating and cooling equipment. The savings are real...no tricks, just treats!
SAY ‘BOO’ TO HIGH WATER HEATING COSTS. Heat pump water heaters use less energy and rebates make upgrading easier! Benefits of upgrading: • • •
Uses less energy Lower operating costs Reliable hot water
Heat pump water heaters use advanced technology to move heat rather than generate it, making them one of the most energy-efficient ways to heat water. Presque Isle Gas & Electric is offering a $100 rebate on qualified models.
Scan the QR code to view eligible rebates or visit pieg.com/energy-optimization-rebates/
No Tricks All Treats
MI CO-OP Photo Contest
SEASONAL DECORATIONS MOST VOTES
1. M OST VOTES Homegrown wildflowers— vibrant summer delight! Charlotte Helman 2. R eady for fall. Eva Jean Hunt 3. A nnual Halloween outing at Tee Lake. Boo! Gloria Zalewski
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4. M y last-minute decision when I couldn’t find our angel topper. Annette Bartush 5. M y master needs help on her electric bill, can you help!!!! Tammy Stempky 6. Thanksgiving. Randy Niederhouse
Enter to win a $50 energy bill credit!
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Submit your Weather Wonders photos by Oct. 25 for the January 2027 issue! Submit your best photo and encourage others to vote! The photo receiving the most votes in our photo contest will be printed in an issue of Country Lines, along with some of our other favorites. To enter the contest, visit pieg.com/photocontest. Enter your picture, cast your vote, and encourage others to vote for you as well. If your photo is printed in Country Lines during 2026, you will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of four $50 credits on your January 2027 bill.
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MI CO-OP Kitchen
AUTUMN COMFORT FOODS Warm up your table.
WINNING RECIPE!
QUINOA CLOUD BREAKFAST PORRIDGE Marlie Cross, Cherryland Electric
2 cups water 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or soy or oat milk) 1 cup white quinoa 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon ground ginger ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom • pinch ground cloves ½ teaspoon vanilla extract ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric • pinch ground nutmeg 1 teaspoon coconut oil ½ cup walnuts, chopped, optional 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed ½ cup shredded coconut 1 banana, sliced 2–4 teaspoons maple syrup • additional nut milk, for serving, optional • ground cinnamon, for garnish, optional If desired, soak the quinoa before cooking. If using soaked quinoa, reduce the water and almond milk to 1½ cups each. Grind the quinoa in a coffee or spice grinder until finely ground, working in batches if necessary. If using soaked quinoa, blend it with the milk instead. In a medium saucepan, bring the water and almond milk to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Slowly whisk in the ground quinoa, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cover, leaving the lid slightly ajar to prevent overflow, and simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring frequently. If the porridge becomes too thick, add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached. Stir in the cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and vanilla and cook for 1–2 minutes more. Remove from heat and stir in the turmeric, nutmeg, and coconut oil. Let stand for 1–2 minutes. Divide among serving bowls and top with the walnuts, flaxseed, shredded coconut, banana slices, maple syrup, additional nut milk, and cinnamon, if desired. Watch a video of this month’s winning recipe at micoopkitchen.com/videos
RECIPE CONTEST
Win a $100 energy bill credit!
Brunch Favorites, due Nov. 1; Favorite Side Dishes, due Dec. 1; Air Fryer Favorites, due March 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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BUTTERNUT SQUASH ITALIAN SAUSAGE SOUP Robin Burpee, Cherryland Electric 1 medium butternut squash • olive oil, for roasting and sautéing 1 pound Italian sausage 1½ cups onion, chopped 2 tablespoons garlic, minced 2 cups chicken broth 2 cups water ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 1 teaspoon sugar 2 cups fresh baby spinach, chopped 1 cup red bell pepper, diced 1 teaspoon ground sage ½ cup heavy cream • salt and black pepper, to taste
CREAMY RICE PUDDING Pamela Balcom, Great Lakes Energy ⅔ cup basmati or white rice 1 teaspoon salt, divided 2 cups water 4 eggs, beaten 2 teaspoons vanilla extract ⅔ cup sugar 4½ cups whole milk (2% or skim milk may be substituted) ½ cup raisins, optional • ground cinnamon, for sprinkling • sugared peaches or strawberries, optional Preheat the oven to 350°F. Combine the rice, ½ teaspoon salt, and water in
CHICKEN MUSHROOM POT PIES Cynthia Hodges, Ontonagon County 2 tablespoons butter 1 medium onion, diced 1 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced 2 carrots, peeled and diced 2 stalks celery, diced 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 (14.5-ounce) can low-sodium chicken broth 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour • Salt and black pepper, to taste 1 cup frozen peas 1 (9-inch) pie crust, homemade or store-bought 1 egg, beaten Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Brush the cut sides with olive oil and place cut-side down on a baking sheet. Roast for 40–50 minutes, or until tender. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, onion, and garlic and cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through and the onion is tender. Scoop the roasted squash from the skin and add it to the pot along with the chicken broth and water. Puree with an immersion blender until smooth. Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes, sugar, spinach, red bell pepper, and sage. Simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the bell pepper is tender. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot.
a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, remaining ½ teaspoon salt, vanilla, sugar, milk, and raisins, if using. Stir in the cooked rice. Pour into an oven-safe baking dish and sprinkle with cinnamon. Place the baking dish inside a larger baking pan and carefully pour hot water into the outer pan until it reaches about 2 inches up the sides of the baking dish. Bake for 1½ hours, or until the pudding is set. Allow to cool slightly before serving, or chill completely. Top with sugared peaches or strawberries, if desired.
Add the onion and mushrooms and sauté until softened. Stir in the chicken, carrots, celery, thyme, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the carrots are tender. In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk the flour with a few tablespoons water to make a smooth slurry. Stir into the chicken mixture and cook over mediumhigh heat until the filling thickens. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then stir in the frozen peas. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly. Divide the filling among four oven-safe bowls. Cut the pie crust into four pieces large enough to cover the bowls and place over each bowl, pressing gently around the edges. Cut a few small slits in each crust to vent and brush with the beaten egg. Place the bowls on a baking sheet and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
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Local Voices Shape Local Solutions October is National Co-op Month By Abby Berry, NRECA
What do you think of when you hear the word ‘cooperative’? As your local electric cooperative, you probably think of Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op (PIE&G). Cooperatives come in many shapes, but they all exist to serve their members. Credit unions help people save and borrow money. Producer cooperatives let farmers sell their products. Retail cooperatives are member-owned stores for shoppers. Utility cooperatives like PIE&G provide essential services and stay accountable to the communities they serve. Unlike businesses that answer to outside investors or shareholders, cooperatives focus on giving value to their members, meeting local needs, and building stronger communities. This is what sets PIE&G apart.
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$1.5 million has gone back to communities in northeast Michigan to support humanitarian needs, youth programs, education, civic projects, and other local efforts. You can sign up at pieg.com.
Our story began in 1937, when neighbors worked together to bring electricity to rural areas that other power companies had overlooked. Almost 90 years later, our goal is still the same: to provide reliable service and put our members and their communities first.
You can see the cooperative difference every day in the people who care for you: the lineworkers who restore power after storms, the employees who answer your calls, the team members who volunteer in the community, and the board members, your neighbors, who help guide our future.
Because cooperatives are owned by local people, each one can focus on what matters most to its community. This might include energy-saving programs, economic growth, new technology, education, or helping local organizations.
We are your neighbors and your local energy provider, and we are committed to serving this community for many years to come.
The Communities First Fund at PIE&G is a good example. Customers can choose to round up their utility or fiber bill to the next dollar, which usually adds about fifty cents each month. These small amounts add up, and since 1998, more than
We invite you to celebrate what makes cooperatives special during National Co-op Month, and remember that this cooperative belongs to you. The Annual Meeting of PIE&G is on Oct.23, 2026, at Posen High School. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m., the business meeting begins at 10 a.m., and lunch will be served afterward.
Employee Community Volunteer Day Giving Back to Our Community & Members Cheboygan Humane Society Elk Country Animal Shelter Lynn Street Manor
Conserving Gaylord’s Elk Population
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was interested in not only conserving hundreds of acres of land, but the city’s natural wildlife, too. So, he shared a concept with his fellow city council members: to create an elk park, while also using land that had been vacant for over 10 years.
aylord is renowned for a variety of activities, events, and offerings. The annual Alpenfest. Endless golf courses. A gorgeous downtown. But arguably, nothing is more popular than its elk. Yes, elk. In fact, the animal is so well recognized that it’s become Gaylord’s official mascot.
“Originally, when the park first opened, the elk were viewed on Grandview Boulevard, which was the only viewing area until 2025,” said Paul Beachnau, executive director of the Gaylord Area Convention and Tourism Bureau. “The addition of the new viewing platform enhances a tradition that’s set to steadily increase in popularity.”
A Growing Tradition Simply put, there’s no better place to see the Alpine Village’s elk collection than Elk View Park. Located less than five minutes from downtown Gaylord, the park has increased considerably—both in attendance and in total herd count—since it was opened in the late 1980s. At that time, the park only had three elk, which were donated by Project Nature, a former nature center.
By Chris Lewis
Today, the park has more than 50 elk, each of which is free to roam throughout the 108-acre property. Thousands upon thousands of people, many of whom are from other states and countries, visit the park annually now, proving just how popular it’s become not only in Michigan, but across the world. Founded by Gaylord’s longest sitting city council member, Patrick Mankowski, the park began as an idea. Mankowski
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Beachnau’s prediction concerning the elk park’s continuous rise in popularity is due to various factors. First, elk viewing is an activity that families, Gaylord residents, and visitors have relished for generations on the 45th parallel. Second, since Gaylord is located right off of I-75, it’s an easy stop for drivers who are visiting from downstate or the Upper Peninsula. Finally, elk viewing at the park is not only free, but it can be enjoyed by people of all ages as well.
The City’s Elk View Park Has Become a Prime Destination for Elk Sightings
“Aside from elk becoming Gaylord’s official mascot, the park’s popularity is apparent in another main way,” Beachnau added. “According to a tourism survey in 2017,
“It’s not every day that people can witness these majestic animals up close. But in Gaylord, you can do exactly that every day.”
60% of Gaylord visitors participated in elk viewing.” This percentage may be even higher now, as the park now has a live video feed that enables people to view the elk from anywhere in the world (that has Internet access, that is). Not to mention, the Gaylord Tourism Bureau has some social media channels that have further connected people across the globe. “Our elk cam received over 122,000 views in its first month,” said Christy Walcott, director of marketing and communications for the Gaylord Area Convention and Tourism Bureau. “We now have a 24/7 live feed streaming on YouTube, along with the cam, which is always available on our website.”
Enhancements for the Future Over the past 25 years, a variety of changes have occurred at (and nearby) Elk View Park. First, another park was created in 2001. Known as Aspen Park, it provides neighboring biking and walking trails. Second, the adjacent Gaylord Disc Golf Course
opened in 2014. Both areas have views of the elk park, and you may even hear elk bugling during the fall. Furthermore, the aforementioned new elk viewing platform, which, was established in 2025, is located just down the road from Elk View Park’s original viewing area. The new viewing platform is universally accessible, and the park also has bathrooms, a gas fire pit, and a playground. “In addition to the new viewing platform, a paved pathway was recently added to the south ends of the park’s fence,” Beachnau said. “Extending into Aspen Park, the pathway offers visitors even more viewing options. And, of course, the new live feed is improving viewers’ experiences considerably.” Although there is no bad time of the year to visit or view the live feed, there are a few months that especially stand out. In late May and early June, calves are born. Meanwhile, in late September and early October, bulls begin to bugle (a mating call during the rut), crash their antlers together, and fight over cows.
“It’s not every day that people can witness these majestic animals up close,” Beachnau emphasized. “But in Gaylord, you can do exactly that every day.”
For more information, scan the QR code or visit gaylordmichigan.net
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to manage what happens inside your home network. PIE&G Connect subscribers get access to PIE&G Connect IQ at no extra cost. This app lets you manage your home network easily, all in one place. With PIE&G Connect IQ, you can set parental controls and screen time limits, keep an eye on connected devices, prioritize bandwidth for work, school, streaming, or gaming, and get realtime protection from harmful websites, viruses, and other online threats.
Fiber Is Fiber, Right? Not Quite.
It’s another way to help you get the most out of your fiber connection.
Don’t Forget About Local Support You’ve likely noticed that internet providers talk a lot about “fiber” these days. However, just seeing the word fiber doesn’t always mean you’re getting the full picture when choosing internet for your home. Knowing how your internet gets to your home, what’s included in your plan, and who supports your connection can help you choose the right service.
and more might all use your connection at once. Now add remote work, video calls, online classes, streaming, gaming, and large file transfers. Households today expect much more from their internet than just a few years ago.
Where Does the Fiber Actually Go?
Fiber to the home is designed to handle all that demand, offering fast, reliable connections and the capacity to support your connected home now and in the future.
A good first question for any internet provider is: Does the fiber run all the way to my home?
The Fiber Connection Is Only Part of the Story
Some networks use fiber for part of the way, then switch to another type of connection before reaching your home. True fiber to the home means the fiber goes straight to your house. PIE&G Connect has built a 100% fiber network that brings fiber right to members’ homes across its service area. This gives you the capacity to support all the ways your household uses the internet every day.
Why Does Fiber to the Home Matter? Consider all the devices in your home that connect to the internet. Phones, TVs, tablets, laptops, gaming consoles, security cameras, smart thermostats, doorbells, appliances,
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Even when you’re comparing fiber-tothe-home providers, it’s important to look at more than just speed. What equipment comes with your plan? How well does Wi-Fi cover your home? Are there data limits? What security and network tools do you get? Who can you call for help? These details can make a big difference in your daily internet experience. PIE&G Connect plans include wholehome coverage with an advanced GigaSpire Wi-Fi system, monitored and managed by PIE&G. You also get unlimited data and 24/7 support
Take Control of Your Home Wi-Fi Having a fast connection to your home matters, but it’s also important
Internet service isn’t just about technology. It’s also about the people who stand behind it. PIE&G Connect is locally built and serviced, bringing fiber to communities across northeast Michigan. From installation to ongoing support, you have a provider that knows your community and cares about its future.
Ask More Than “Is It Fiber?” When you compare internet providers, it’s better to ask more than just, “Do you offer fiber?”
Instead, ask: Does fiber run straight to my home? What equipment and features come with the plan? Are there data limits? What tools can I use to manage and protect my network? Who will help me when I need support? Not all internet experiences are the same, even if they’re called fiber. PIE&G Connect brings 100% fiber straight to your home, with wholehome Wi-Fi, unlimited data, advanced security and network controls, and reliable support.
Ready to switch? Visit piegconnect.com to see if service is available at your address and sign up online today.
SIGN UP ONLINE AT PIEGCONNECT.COM
7,720 FIBER AND VOICE SERVICES ACROSS OUR SYSTEM
2,207 MILES
PHASES 1 & 2 ARE 100% COMPLETE PHASE 3 IS 85% COMPLETE Village of Hillman 51% Complete
Phase 3 Includes: Posen, Grand Lake, Alpena, Hillman, and Avalon
When your zone opens, you will receive an email, phone call, and postcard, and we will announce the opening on Facebook and Instagram.
PASSWORD SAFETY TIPS PROTECT YOUR ACCOUNTS WITH THESE SIMPLE HABITS.
01
04
Use a unique password for every account
Use a password manager
02 Choose long passphrases with 12+ characters 03 Turn on two-factor authentication
05 Never share passwords by email or text
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 17
MI CO-OP Guest Column
Seeing Our Cooperative From the Open Road By Kristina Beers, a HomeWorks Tri-County Cooperative member
We spent the entirety of July 2 on an extended motorcycle trip thanks to Tri-County’s Road Trip summer adventure. When I saw the invitation on the last page of our Country Lines in June, I knew right away what we were conquering over the summer! We love to take little day trips but don’t always know where to go, and the game gave us just the places and reasons while feeding my competitive spirit. For that particular day-long trip, I mapped out a route according to the destinations yet to be crossed off our list, getting excited wondering which one will be our new favorite. Since beginning this game, we found a terrific little hole-in-the-wall, ate a very juicy burger, had a fine specialty drink, and chatted with a verbose and entertaining local, all in one spot! We finally stopped at some places we’ve driven past so often (such as the bridge in Portland or a pub in Stanton), opening a new insight into the gems we zoom past or allow to get lost in the background.
member. The miles and miles of fields meant miles and miles of electric lines—something the big companies passed on and what the original cooperative members put their efforts toward bringing to us. Farmhouse after farmhouse, decorated in reds, whites, and blues, and stars and stripes, cheerily welcoming us past their porches. Barn after barn stood tall, in various states of order, some with shrubbery taking over and the wood barely peeking out in the sun to bright red icons of family farms. And family farms aplenty! Sign after sign in the familiar green and gold, notating a Centennial Farm, spotlighting the longevity and loyalty of rural life. Historical markers peppering the route, testifying the importance of tiny beginnings, and lovingly restored homes showcasing the architecture of Italianate, Queen Anne, and Gothic dwellings from humble artisans of old.
This day, we finally saw the Ledges of Grand Ledge, a feature I honestly didn’t know existed (silly me, what did I think the name of the town meant?), ate some delicious ice cream straight from the theoretical udder at Mooville, sat and cooled down on a park bench, and had a piece of darn good pie to close out our day. But best of all was what we discovered in the in-between: a new insight into TriCounty’s purpose and what it means for all of us living in rural America.
I spent most of the trip gazing at the beauty of our rural area, in wonder and awe at the vast undertaking it was (and is) to bring and keep affordable electricity to these tiny towns and kitchens, as well as a good portion of it holding my phone looking for cell service. While my music streaming was hit and miss with zero to one bar, we passed multiple signs for Homeworks Fiber internet, something that cannot be taken for granted in these outlying regions. How lucky we are to have the option for highspeed, reliable internet where poor cell service would force a much more expensive option.
It might have been the sunny day, the green trees, the wind blowing across the fields, or just being out on the open road on the back of a motorcycle, but as the blacktop passed underneath us, an understanding began to dawn about what it means to be a Tri-County
As we whizzed by on our bike during one of the hottest days of the year, farmers were out in the fields cutting hay, mowing their lawns, and generally doing the daily chores that wait for no one, especially weather. We heard the laughter of children playing in
18 OCTOBER 2026
little pools and sprinklers and passed by monuments to ancestors in the ancient cemeteries. All in all, it was a spectacular testament to the enormity of the work done by a cooperative to honor the enormity of the work each family does to make our small towns the place of love and laughter for all of us. I arrived home weary, hot, and tired but swelled with pride that I get to count myself among the members of this great cooperative. It might not have been the goal when putting together a fun little road trip game, but the fruit of it is there nonetheless: This truly is a rural cooperative with a mission to care for and honor the most beautiful people and places of our state. Thank you for the best little road trip to appreciate the history and hospitality of our country life in all senses of the term.
GUEST COLUMN Win $200 for stories published!
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