Sept. 2022 Great Lakes

September 2022

MICHIGAN

COUNTRY LINES Great Lakes Energy Cooperative

Deep Roots The

OF MICHIGAN’S APPLE INDUSTRY

Board Election Results

Truestream Update Proposed Rate Changes

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Contents

September 2022 Vol. 42, No. 8

/michigancountrylines

countrylines.com

/michigancountrylines

Michigan’s Electric Cooperatives

EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Casey Clark EDITOR: Christine Dorr

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Karreen Bird

RECIPE EDITOR: Christin McKamey COPY EDITOR: Yvette Pecha CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Emily Haines Lloyd

PUBLISHER: Michigan Electric Cooperative Association Michigan Country Lines, USPS-591-710, is published monthly, except August and December, with periodicals postage paid at Lansing, Mich., and additional offices. It is the official publication of the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association, 201 Townsend St., Suite 900, Lansing, MI 48933.

6 ROAD TRIPPIN’ WITH CHRISTAL FROST Legends, Loss, & Restoration: A day spent on South Manitou Island.

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.

10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN Pasta Salads: These classics are perfect for your next cookout!

Postmaster: Send all UAA to CFS. Association Officers: Robert Kran, Great Lakes Energy, chairman; Tony Anderson, Cherryland Electric Cooperative, vice chairman; Eric Baker, Wolverine Power 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

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.

#micoopcommunity

18 GUEST COLUMN An everyday raccoon hunt became a lesson in courage that will last a lifetime for one PIE&G member.

Use #micoopcommunity for a chance to be featured here and on our Instagram account.

A blue heron takes flight @sarah.k.smith.180 (Sarah Smith)

Be featured!

MI CO-OP COMMUNITY To enter contests, submit reader content & more, visit countrylines.com/community

RECIPE CONTEST CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Please

14 THE DEEP ROOTS OF MICHIGAN’S APPLE INDUSTRY The Mitten State’s climate— coupled with their growers’ devotion—make apples a booming business for local farmers.

Win a $50 bill credit!

Up Next: Healthy Living, due Nov. 1 Submit your recipe at micoopkitchen.com, or send it via email (include your full name and co-op) to recipes@countrylines.com.

GUEST COLUMN Win $150 for stories published!

Submit your fondest memories and stories at countrylines.com/community.

MYSTERY PHOTO Win a $50 bill credit!

Enter a drawing to identify the correct location of the photo.

See page 18.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

3

gtlakes.com /greatlakesenergy /jointruestream BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Howard Bowersox, Chairman, District 8 219-670-0977 hbowersox@glenergy.com Mark Carson, Vice Chairman, District 2 231-675-0561 mcarson@glenergy.com

Advocating for Electric Reliability, Together

Dale Farrier, Treasurer, District 5 231-564-0853 dfarrier@glenergy.com

Shaun Lamp, Great Lakes Energy President/CEO

Paul Byl, Secretary, District 7 231-861-5911 pbyl@glenergy.com

Janet Andersen, Director, District 6 231-690-4622 jandersen@glenergy.com David Coveyou, Director, District 1 231-347-4056 dcoveyou@glenergy.com Richard Evans, Director, District 3 231-883-3146 revans@glenergy.com John LaForge, Director, District 9 269-623-2284 jlaforge@glenergy.com

Shelly Pinkelman, Director, District 4 989-390-6222 spinkelman@glenergy.com PRESIDENT/CEO: Shaun Lamp 888-485-2537 COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR/EDITOR: Brett Streby 231-487-1389 • bstreby@glenergy.com BOYNE CITY HEADQUARTERS 1323 Boyne Ave. Boyne City, MI 49712

Hours: 7 a.m.–5:30 p.m. M–F Phone: 888-485-2537 Email: glenergy@glenergy.com TO REPORT AN OUTAGE: Call 888-485-2537 or login to your account at gtlakes.com.

Change of Address: 888-485-2537, ext. 8924 Great Lakes Energy is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

4 SEPTEMBER 2022

T

here’s no doubt that America’s energy system is going through a fundamental transformation. This transformation must be managed carefully, with a balanced approach that considers reliability, environmental impact, and affordability.

Lately, it’s becoming evident that the balance is off, and electric reliability is at stake. Electric grids are becoming stressed as baseload power plants (mainly coal plants, but also nuclear) are being closed before their replacements are ready to be deployed.

In June, we asked for your assistance lobbying the Michigan Public Service Commission, state legislators, and Governor Whitmer. You helped us ask them to prevent the premature closure of the Campbell coal plant owned by Consumers Energy.

We explained our concern about the possibility of rolling blackouts this summer and in future summers. The ask was to build replacement generation before shutting off more 24/7/365 generation. It was all about keeping the lights on, which has been this cooperative’s mission since 1938.

I am happy to report that Great Lakes Energy members, along with members of several other Michigan electric cooperatives, answered the call. Almost 8,000 individuals generated a total of 44,282 emails to the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC), state representatives, state senators, and the governor through the Voices for Cooperative Power platform. It was the largest response the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association has ever seen on a single advocacy issue.

Unfortunately, the MPSC approved the early retirement of power plants that are essential to sustaining electric reliability. The good news is that policymakers clearly heard your voice, which is critical as we continue to advocate for reliability.

I am proud of the cooperative members across the state for taking action on such a large scale. We proved that the grass roots could be mobilized quickly and in meaningful numbers. We were a united team working for an important goal—reliability. Today, I thank every member who answered the call when we needed you the most.

“ I am proud of the cooperative members across the state for taking action on such a large scale.”

Top Honors for GLE Directors

District 6—Janet Andersen

District 8—Howard Bowersox

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), the national service organization for electric cooperatives, recently awarded Great Lakes Energy (GLE) Director Shelly Pinkelman (pictured above) with a certificate for completing the Director Gold Program. This certificate represents the highest level of training that can be earned through NRECA’s Director Education program. Having trained directors on the board helps GLE better serve its members.

District 9—John LaForge

Three Directors Elected Three directors were elected by mail-in ballot to the Great Lakes Energy (GLE) board of directors.

Elected by GLE members in their districts to three-year terms were Janet Andersen of Ludington, District 6; Howard Bowersox of Newaygo, District 8; and John LaForge of Delton, District 9.

Janet Andersen received 410 votes, Howard Bowersox received 215 votes, and John LaForge obtained 199 votes.

After representing the cooperative for 25 years, Director Robert Kran (pictured above left) led his final board meeting with Great Lakes Energy (GLE) in July. Kran’s leadership on the board, and dedication to the members of GLE, has truly imparted a lasting effect on the cooperative.

Shaun Lamp, GLE president and CEO (above right), thanked Kran for his selfless stewardship and commitment to serving GLE members.

GLE members in districts 6, 8, and 9 received their mail-in ballots in the July/August issue of Michigan Country Lines. Voters returned their ballots to a private CPA firm by Aug. 18, and winners were announced on Aug. 24 at the cooperative’s annual business meeting in Boyne City.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

5

ROAD TRIPPIN'

Legends, Loss, & Restoration A Day Spent on South Manitou Island

I

think everyone can relate to wanting to “get away from it all.” The chance to disconnect from our modern lives and reconnect with nature, and ourselves, is not just appealing…it’s necessary.

by her blue waters was magnificent. The second thing I noticed was how incredibly quiet the island is, immersing myself in the natural sounds of rustling wind in the trees and light waves almost tiptoeing to meet the shore.

That’s what I kept thinking about as I hiked through the majestic beauty of South Manitou Island, just 16 miles off the coast of Northwest Michigan and yet another world away from where I’d woken up that morning.

Exploring

Fueling Up

The day began in downtown Leland at Leelanau Coffee Roasting Co.’s Breakfast Bistro, where I enjoyed a delicious omelette and steaming mug of Sumatra dark roast.

Afterwards, a quick stop across the street to the Leland Mercantile for supplies, and then down to the waterfront to Manitou Island Transit—our ride to South Manitou.

Pro Tip: Be sure to bring snacks, lunch, and water with you to the island!

The History

Settled in the 1830s by William Burton, the island was first seen as another resource for timber, but logging operations eventually fizzled because of difficulty getting there. A small village formed, and at one point many thought South Manitou might become a vacation destination, but, again, the travel difficulty ended those plans.

South Manitou Today

Although two family cottages remain, it’s not home to permanent residents. Instead, it’s occupied by National Park Service rangers, campers, and day trippers, like us.

Arrival

When our ferry docked and we set foot on South Manitou, the first thing I noticed was the beauty. Lake Michigan is remarkable from any vantage point, but being surrounded

6

By Christal Frost

SEPTEMBER 2022

Manitou Island Transit offered a tour, and our first stop was a “farmhouse” with the most amazing waterfront view I’ve ever seen. Built by the Burton Family in the late 1800s, this idyllic structure—featuring eight rooms, each with its own sink—was purchased in the early 1900s by those who wanted to push the island resort transformation.

As previously noted, that never came to be. Now, the boarded-up house is home only to a large bat population.

In the southwest corner of the island lies a valley of cedars that time forgot, twice the typical size. Being underneath

these gigantic trees reminds me of the Japanese concept of “forest bathing,” or “taking in the forest atmosphere.” No soap and water required—the practice encourages you to spend time in nature, citing all the restorative effects that time in the woods has on a person.

The island has seen its fair share of tragedy and is riddled with heartbreaking tales of slaughtered native tribes, sailors dead from cholera thrown into mass graves, and lighthouse keepers losing children to the harsh waves of the Manitou Passage. And, of course, the over 50 shipwrecks surrounding both North and South Manitou. None are more visually striking than the Francisco Morazon, located off the southern shore. She passed over another shipwreck and ran aground in 1960. Seven years later, Michigan Attorney General Frank Kelley filed a lawsuit to have the wreck removed, citing rotting cargo and leaking fuel oil as a health hazard. The next day, the Francisco Morazon caught fire, and all its contents were consumed in flames. The shipwreck is now property of the state.

Saying Goodbye As we sat on the dock, awaiting the ferry’s return, I couldn’t help but already miss the island I had yet to leave. It is a place to slow down, reflect, and appreciate the strident majesty of Lake Michigan. Plans to return to camp are already in the books.

Christal Frost is a northern Michigan native and frequent explorer of the Mitten state.

E FI

LD NOTES

There are three campgrounds on S. Manitou Island.

Campers must bring their own tents and water filtration equipment because there is no source of purified drinking water. There is no transportation for gear, so campers must pack in their own supplies. No outside firewood is allowed on the island. Instead, campers may collect dead and down wood for personal use.

North Manitou Island

South Manitou Island

See the SOUTH MANITOU ISLAND in Action Christal Frost filmed her adventure, now available on countrylines.com.

:

Fishtown, Leland

Great Lakes Energy Seeks Rate Increase R ising power supply costs and inflation are affecting our costs to provide service. In order to balance affordability with sustainable and reliable service, Great Lakes Energy is proposing rate changes that would result in a net increase across all rate classes.

The increase, although small, would raise revenues to provide sufficient funding levels for maintaining reliable electric service, providing adequate margins, and ensuring members receive the service they need to power their homes and businesses.

Under the proposed rates, the kWh rate for residential and seasonal members would increase $0.00700 per kWh, and the fixed monthly rate would increase $2.00.

The co-op’s board of directors will consider adoption of the proposed rate changes at an open member meeting on Sept. 21 (see related notice). If approved, the new rates would take effect in January 2023.

For the average residential member using 800 kWh per month, this equates to a $7.90 monthly increase.

Proposed Adjustments For Residential And Seasonal Members

Notice to Members of Great Lakes Energy Cooperative A Board Meeting is Set for Sept. 21 at 10 a.m. at Great Lakes Energy Headquarters The board of directors will consider changes to the cooperative’s rates and tariffs at its meeting on Sept. 21, 2022, to be held at Great Lakes Energy, 1323 Boyne Ave., Boyne City, Michigan. The meeting will start at 10 a.m. and is open to all members of Great Lakes Energy Cooperative. Members will have an opportunity to address the board regarding the proposed changes prior to board action.

The following items will be considered: • Great Lakes Energy is seeking to increase revenues through rate changes that will result in a net increase of $0.0070 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) and an increase of $2.00 to the monthly charge for residential/seasonal members. Rate changes for all other rate classifications will also be proposed.

• Revise tariff language, fees, and refund policies.

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

Participation: Any interested member may attend and participate. The location of the board meeting site is accessible, including accessible parking.

Persons needing any accommodation to participate should contact Great Lakes Energy at 888-485-2537, ext. 1387, a week in advance to request mobility, visual, hearing, or other assistance. Comments may also be made before the meeting date by email at glenergy@glenergy.com.

Notice of the board meeting shall be sent to all members, as required by P.A. 167, by publication in Michigan Country Lines.

8 SEPTEMBER 2022

GREAT LAKES ENERGY

PHOTO

CONTEST

Farms & Harvest 1. Frosty morning babes. Kirstin Vandevoorde, Freesoil 2. Huxley Peters and his birthday chick. Vicki Olson, Paris 3. Growing field of dreams in Caledonia, Michigan. Kyle Makarewicz, Wayland 4. Sheep in green pastures. Sheila Melke, Charlevoix 5. Farmer Milo. Holly Pattock, Dorr 6. Stormy evening at Sommer Farms. Shalene Sommer, Central Lake

MOST VOTES!

Enter to win a

$200

energy bill credit!

1

2

3

4

5

6

Submit Your “Christmas Trees” Photos By Sept. 20!

Each month, members can submit photos on our website for our photo contest. The photo with the most votes is published here along with other selections.

Our September theme is Christmas Trees. Photos can be submitted by Sept. 20 to be featured in the Nov./Dec. issue.

How To Enter: Enter the contest at gtlakes.com/photocontest/. Make sure to vote and

encourage others to vote for you, too. The photo receiving the most votes will be printed in an issue of Michigan Country Lines along with other favorites. All photos printed in the magazine in 2022 will be entered to win a $200 bill credit in December 2022.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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MI CO-OP Recipes

Photos by Robert Bruce Photography || Recipes Submitted by MCL Readers and Tested by Recipe Editor Christin McKamey

PASTA SALADS These classics are perfect for your next cookout!

WINNING RECIPE! SUMMER ORZO SALAD Linda Kindy Hoch, Cherryland

1 ¹⁄ ³ 2 2

pound uncooked orzo cup basil pesto (homemade or jarred) tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil teaspoons lemon zest + 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon) 1 (15-ounce) can white beans (I use cannellini), drained and rinsed 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved 2 cups loosely packed baby spinach, coarsely chopped 1 cup half-moon sliced cucumber (from a large cucumber or 2–3 mini cucumbers) 1 teaspoon kosher salt 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (about 1 cup), divided ½ cup roasted, salted pistachios, chopped

RECIPE CONTEST Win a

$50

energy bill credit!

10 SEPTEMBER 2022

Healthy Living due Nov. 1 Submit your favorite recipe for a chance to win a $50 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.

Cook orzo according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water until pasta feels cool to the touch. While pasta is cooking, stir together the pesto, oil, lemon juice, and zest in a large bowl. Add the pasta, beans, tomatoes, spinach, cucumber, salt, and a ½ cup feta cheese to the pesto mixture.

Stir to combine. Let stand 10 minutes. Sprinkle with pistachios and remaining ½ cup of feta cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serves 8.

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

GREEK PASTA SALAD Martha Grose, Great Lakes Energy

2 ¼ 2 2 2 • ²⁄ ³ 10 1 1 1 ½

cups penne pasta cup red wine vinegar tablespoons fresh lemon juice cloves garlic, crushed teaspoons dried oregano salt and pepper, to taste cup extra-virgin olive oil cherry tomatoes, halved small red onion, chopped green bell pepper, chopped red bell pepper, chopped cucumber, partially or fully peeled, sliced ½ cup sliced black or Kalamata olives ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Stir in the penne, and return to a boil. Cook pasta, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, about 11 minutes.

Rinse with cold water and drain well in a colander. Whisk together the vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Set aside. Combine pasta, tomatoes, onion, green and red peppers, cucumber, olives, and feta cheese in a large bowl. Pour vinaigrette over the pasta and mix together. Cover and chill for 3 hours before serving. Serves 8.

NO-COOK TABBOULEH SALAD Jean Nishimoto, Great Lakes Energy

1 1 1 ½ ½ ¼ 4 3 ¾

fresh red bell pepper, diced red onion, diced cucumber, diced bunch cilantro, chopped bunch parsley, chopped bunch mint, chopped tomatoes, diced lemons, juiced cup olive oil

5 ounces Spicy V8 juice • salt and pepper, to taste 1 small box couscous (about 1 cup dried) Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Allow to sit at room temperature for 4 hours. Serve immediately.

TACO PASTA SALAD Kimber Adair

1 pound ground beef, cooked/ drained (for vegetarian, sub 1 can black beans—or half meaty and half meat-free) 3 tablespoons taco seasoning 1 pound rotini (or any shape of pasta), cooked, drained, and rinsed with cold water • any color bell pepper, diced • small onion, diced 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, sliced in half (or quarters if they are big fellas) 2 cups shredded cheese (choose your favorite, we like sharp cheddar)

3 cups shredded iceberg lettuce 1½ cups French dressing 9¾ ounce bag nacho-flavored Doritos, crushed Pasta salad is great, and so are tacos.

Why not bring the best of both together?

Stir together beef (or black beans) with the taco seasoning. In a big bowl, combine beef (or black beans) with the noodles, pepper, onion, tomatoes, cheese, and lettuce. Then mix in the French dressing until everything is well combined. Lastly, stir in the chips (wait to do this until you are ready to serve so they keep their crunch!).

MACARONI SALAD

Nancy Masters, Great Lakes Energy 6 ounces short-cut elbow macaroni • diced or sliced radishes, green peppers & green onions (equaling the amount of the cooked macaroni) 2 hard-cooked eggs, sliced 2 tablespoons chopped tarragon leaves 2 tablespoons chopped basil leaves 2 tablespoons chopped thyme leaves 1 tablespoon chopped marjoram leaves

• scant teaspoon chopped mint leaves • salt & pepper, to taste • Hellmann’s mayonnaise (don’t substitute), to taste Prepare the day before serving to allow flavors to blend. Cook macaroni according to package directions. Rinse under cool water. Add vegetables, eggs, herbs, seasonings, and mayonnaise. Extra mayo should be added the next day to moisten the salad. Makes 6–8 servings.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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Classroom Grants Available Do you know of a new, innovative school program in your area that could use some funding help? If so, we hope you’ll encourage officials at the school to apply for a Great Lakes Energy (GLE) classroom grant.

Applications for the 2022-23 school year are now being accepted and are due at our office by 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 4.

Grants for up to $2,000 each are available for K–12 school programs that serve GLE members. Up to a total of $30,000 in grants will be distributed for the 2022–23 school year.

Although programs do not have to involve the study of electricity to be eligible, priority is given to programs that: • are innovative and feature technology • use equipment or materials that can be used more than once • feature a curriculum that is fresh and exciting to students • are not currently funded through the school’s budget Teachers or administrators of a K–12 public or private school (excluding homeschool) with children of GLE members enrolled may apply for a classroom grant. The school does not need to have its electricity supplied by GLE to be eligible.

GLE has awarded more than $143,00 in classroom grants to 168 projects since the program began in 2012. Scholarships and classroom grants are just two of the many ways GLE fulfills one of its guiding cooperative principles of community involvement.

Additional grant information, including a list of the most recent grant recipients, can be found online at gtlakes.com/youth-programs/. If you have further questions about the grant program, please email glenergy@glenergy.com or call 888-485-2537, ext. 8957.

12 SEPTEMBER 2022

GLE Awards $16,000 In Scholarships Along with the start of fall, September also brings a new school year for students of all ages. Among those students who have, or soon will be, headed to class are 10 Great Lakes Energy scholarship recipients. Earlier this year, GLE awarded six $1,000 scholarships to students enrolled in lineworker training programs and four $2,500 scholarships to students pursuing degrees in electrical engineering or information technology.

Below are profiles for two of the scholarship recipients:

Maxwell Ostrum, Charlevoix, lineworker program scholarship Maxwell is a 2022 Charlevoix High School graduate and is now attending Northern Michigan University’s electrical line technician program.

While in high school, he was a student in the lineworker program offered through Boyne City High School/Char-Em Intermediate School District’s Career and Technical Education program and participated in football, basketball, and baseball.

“I enjoyed the lineworker program so much that I decided to make a career out of it. This scholarship will help me achieve my goals and let me know I have support from a great company and provide me the comfort to focus on my studies and career plans,” he said.

In his free time, Maxwell enjoys playing disc golf and pickleball, and spending time with his dog Bogey.

The other five lineworker program scholarships went to Caleb Gosciak of Petoskey, Ryley Leist of Petoskey, Rece Schlukebir of Hart, Mark Rozema of Charlevoix, and Zander Holmes of Beaver Island.

Jessica Cole, Stanwood, Mecosta County, information technology scholarship Jessica is a recent graduate of Crossroads Charter Academy in Big Rapids and is now attending Ferris State University to pursue a degree in health information technology. She enjoys spending time hanging out with family and friends, playing sports, and being involved in her school and community.

“This scholarship will help me further my education as well as come out of college with less debt and stress to get a jump-start on my career,” she said.

The other three degree-seeking scholarships went to Joshua Robinson of Boyne City, Alexandra Bannon of Boyne City, and Caleb Brzezinki of Chelsea (seasonal resident of Marion).

Information on GLE’s scholarship program is available at gtlakes.com/youth-programs/. Information on the 2023–24 school year applications will be posted on the same page in January.

Truestream Update

ore than 13,900 Great Lakes Energy members in the Petoskey, Boyne, Hart, and Wayland service areas are currently enjoying Truestream’s life-changing services, some experiencing a highspeed internet connection at home for the first time. The number of “Truestreamers” continues to climb as mainline fiber construction extends further into the Hart and Wayland service areas.

M

With mainline construction complete, fiber drops to the home are occurring in: • Silver Lake 1, 3, and 4; Hart 3; and Hesperia 4 Mainline construction has begun in: • Hesperia 1 and 2; Burnips 2 and 4; Newayo 1; Casnovia 1 and 4; Brohman 2; and White Mainline construction is expected to begin in late summer for: • Wayland 1 Mainline construction is expected to begin in early fall for: • Middleville 1 and 3 Mainline construction is expected to begin in late 2022 for: • Eastport 3 Additionally, the first step in bringing Truestream to a new area is known as fielding work. During this step, crews visit an area to collect data to determine what infrastructure needs

will be required to bring the fiber network to that area.

Fielding work has been completed for: • Waters Service Area, Kalkaska Service Area Fielding work is currently underway for: • Scottville Service Area Fielding work is expected to begin soon for: • Reed City Service Area Data collected during the fielding stage will be used to help guide decisions on where the network will be expanded next. Those plans for 2023 are currently being developed and will be announced as soon as they are completed.

The Truestream construction status map can be found at truestreamfiber. com/status-map/. By simply adding an address to the search field on the map, Great Lakes Energy members can find the name of the area they live in (Hart 1, White Cloud 3, etc.) and the phase of construction their area falls under.

For the most up-to-date construction status information for your area, visit truestreamfiber.com or follow our Facebook page. If you haven’t already, be sure to share your interest or, if your area is far enough along in the construction process, complete your online registration today!

We know many of you are anxious to get the high-speed internet you deserve, and we thank you for your continued patience. Building the Truestream network the right way takes time, dedication, and many resources. The process can be broken down into three major phases.

Phase 1—Exploration. In this phase, we collect data, including the type of residence, pole information, and other data related to infrastructure. This data helps us determine the feasibility of expanding Truestream, including mapping out infrastructure needs and how to get the fiber lines to members’ homes.

Phase 2—Construction. The information gathered during the Phase 1 fielding process, including a proposed budget and map of the mainline fiber route, will be presented to the board for approval. If approved, the construction of the fiber network would begin. This construction process can be labor intensive because it involves running the fiber line along the electrical path, including both underground and overhead electrical lines.

Phase 3—Installation. Once Phase 1 and 2 are complete, it is the moment everyone has been waiting for! During this phase, we install and test the necessary equipment to light up the Truestream network. Once the network is verified as fully operational, we can begin calling to schedule in-home installations.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 13

Deep Roots The

OF MICHIGAN’S APPLE INDUSTRY

By Emily Haines Lloyd

I

t’s easy to picture roadside stands and quaint orchards when we think about apples, but right along with those nostalgic mental pictures is a booming industry in our state.

Over a five-year period, Michigan apple orchards produced approximately 25 million bushels on over 700 farms, making the Great Lakes state the third-largest producer in the nation. Our doctor-repelling products are sold in over 30 states and nearly 20 different countries, making Michigan apples a pretty impressive business.

“It’s easy to think that the only way to support local apple producers is to buy from the farmer’s market or a nearby orchard,” said Diane Smith, executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee. “But every Michigan apple farm is family-owned, so when you buy Michigan apples in your local supermarket or even a big-box store, you’re supporting a local farm and family.”

It’s easy to see apples in our grocery stores and farmer’s markets, but there are many less-obvious areas where Michigan apples are utilized. Interestingly, Michigan apples

are particularly coveted for the production of pies for national brands, as well as the more recent need for highquality apples in the “fresh slice” industry (think about your kid’s favorite Happy Meal) and the booming hard cider industry.

Michigan apples appeal to all industries because of their wide variety of flavors. Michigan’s specific climate and weather conditions lend to the specific flavor profiles, with local soil, temperatures, and the warm days and cool nights of the Mitten State adding to the tastiness. Growing conditions aside, Michigan apples are particularly special due to the farmers’ hard work and energy put into the crop.

“We take pride in all of our products,” said Scott Kromer, owner and operator of Knaebe’s Apple Farm, a PIE&G member in Rogers City. “We’re not only feeding your family, but our own. The orchard is our yard. It’s part of the community—and we put our whole heart into what we do.”

Jon Friske, a third-generation farmer and Great Lakes Energy member who runs Friske Farm Market in Ellsworth with his siblings, Heidi and Rich, agrees.

“The connection a family has to their farm is unique. The roots literally run deep. It’s about family, food, as well as a legacy for us.”

—Jon Friske 14 SEPTEMBER 2022

Knaebe’s Apple Farm

mmmunchykrunchyapplefarm.com Pictured from left to right: Scott, Matthew, Alison, and Luke.

Friske Farm Market friske.com

Pictured from left to right: Evelyn (who was pregnant with now 3½-month-old son Laith), Jon, Ryker, Kasey, Tessa, Rich, Richard Jr., Wendy, Heidi, Eddie, Clara, and Kenny.

Standing in front of Ida Red apples planted by Grandpa Friske (Richard Sr.).

“The connection a family has to their farm is unique,” said Friske. “The roots literally run deep. It’s about family, food, as well as a legacy for us.”

The pride in growing amazing products is vital, as is a reliable energy source, according to both farms. At Knaebe’s, Kromer and his family had a tree fall on a power line the day before they took over ownership of the farm, but with a quick response from PIE&G, they were able to face their opening day with running coolers and operating cash registers. At Friske Farm, they’ve invested in several energy upgrades, including a solar photovoltaic system for their on-site housing unit, and are evaluating and considering a geothermal system for the new farm market.

“We appreciate the way our co-op communicates with us.

We get a lot of information and feel very involved,” said Friske. “It really is a partnership.”

If reliable energy enables the farms, it is the farmers’ hearts and souls that truly power the industry.

“All of our apple farmers are this amazing combination of artists, gamblers, and scientists. It’s one of the hardest jobs in the world,” said Smith. “We’re so proud of the work they do and the legacy they have created and continue to build for our state.”

If you’re looking to support the hardworking apple farms of Michigan, check out this handy locator: michiganapples.com/Where-to-Find.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

15

Be Energy Wise

Dial in energy savings with a smart thermostat

O

ne of the easiest ways to save on your energy bill is to adjust your home’s thermostat to do less heating or cooling when no one is home. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back 7–10 degrees from its normal setting for eight hours per day.

Programmable thermostats that can automate this process to match your daily schedule have been around for a while.

But just like many other devices in our lives, thermostats are getting smarter, too.

With colder weather on the horizon, now might be the right time to consider a smart thermostat for your home.

Not only will you save on heating and cooling energy costs, but Great Lakes Energy (GLE) also offers a $75 rebate for members who install certain types of smart thermostats through its Energy Wise program.

These “smart” thermostats connect to your home’s wireless network and allow you to control temperature settings from an app on your smartphone—even when you aren’t at home. Of course, that still requires you to program the thermostat and make changes manually.

But the newest generation of smart thermostats can sense when your home is occupied and adjust temperature settings automatically. Occupancy-sensing thermostats do this either through motion sensors or through what’s known as GPS geofencing. Through geofencing, the GPS is used on your phone (or those of your family members) to determine when the house is occupied. The system allows the user to set up a radius or “fence” around your home. When the system detects that none of the connected phones are inside the “fenced-in” radius, it treats the home as unoccupied and adjusts temperature settings accordingly.

Conversely, when the system detects your phone returning to the “fenced-in” radius, it treats the home as occupied.

Many of these systems can also learn your daily routines over time. Most smart thermostat apps offer other features, such as reports on the system’s energy usage.

To qualify for the Energy Wise rebate, the smart thermostat must have both Wi-Fi connectivity, and the aforementioned occupancy-sensing capabilities. It must control a system that has air conditioning or electric heat.

Occupancy-sensing smart thermostats may not be appropriate for some types of heating systems, such as heat pump systems. Consult with an HVAC professional for guidance on whether a smart thermostat is right for your home.

To learn more about the incentives offered through GLE’s Energy Wise program, visit gtlakes.com/energy-wise. Applications for rebates may also be submitted through the same web page. Please note that members applying for the $75 rebate for a smart thermostat installed by an HVAC contractor should use the “Heating & Cooling, Additional Home Equipment” form.

To apply for a rebate for a homeowner-installed smart thermostat, use the “Appliances” form.

For all rebates, items must be installed between Jan. 1–Dec. 31, 2022, and the completed application and documentation must be submitted within 60 days of installation.

Public Act 295 as amended: The Clean and Renewable Energy and Energy Waste Reduction Act 2021 Energy Waste Reduction Annual Report Great Lakes Energy Cooperative MPSC Case Number U-20383 Great Lakes Energy Cooperative contracted with the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association (MECA) to administer the Energy Waste Reduction (EWR) efforts to comply with PA-295. MECA filed a two-year EWR plan with the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) on July 28, 2019, as required by PA 295 as amended. The MPSC approved this EWR plan on Dec. 8, 2019, and we began implementing our 2020–2021 EWR Plan on Jan. 1, 2020. WECC was selected to implement all Residential, Commercial/Industrial Programs and the Energy Waste Reduction, website www.michigan-energy.org. Slipstream has subcontracted with WES Utility Services, Michigan Energy Options, ES Contracting, and Nuwati, LLC to assist with implementing the EWR programs.

MECA contracted with DNV-GL as the independent third-party evaluation contractor for the certification of kWh savings.

In 2021, Great Lakes Energy collected $2,923,281 through the Energy Waste Reduction Surcharge and spent $3,442,896, resulting in an under-collection of $519,615. Great Lakes Energy achieved 17,054 MWh of energy savings in 2021 compared to their annual kWh goal of 13,619 MWh. The full report can be obtained at your cooperative’s headquarters and www.michigan-energy.org or http://efile.mpsc.state.mi.us/efile.

16 SEPTEMBER 2022

Crawford County Community Christian Help Center volunteer DeAnne Swiercz (left), and director Nancy Goodyear, prepare food packages for the center’s food pantry clients in July.

People Fund Helps Feed A Crawford County Need s students head back to the classroom for the start of a new school year, some may wish they could go back and enjoy just a few more of those carefree days of summer vacation.

A

But for some children whose families are dealing with food insecurity, summertime and other breaks from school can mean less access to regular good-quality meals.

Much like many other school districts, the Crawford-Ausable School District’s breakfast and lunch program provides two meals per day on days when school is in session and is an important source of nutrition, especially for children facing food insecurity.

However, those opportunities aren’t as readily available during summer vacation. Although the school district did offer a program serving breakfast and lunch for students most weekdays over the summer, those meals are only available onsite. Not all students have a way to regularly get to school for those meals in the summer.

That’s where the Crawford County Community Christian Help Center stepped in.

of the food pantry the organization runs year-round. Thanks to the summer food program, volunteers could add additional “kid-friendly” food items to the weekly food distribution for clients with school-age children during the summer months.

covered all the costs of this summer’s program. Without it, we would have had to find other means to pay for it.”

Nancy said the center was established in 1992 when several churches in the Crawford County area were all doing their own individual food pantries. They teamed up to start a collaborative effort.

The food pantry is located at 300 Huron St. in Grayling. Its distribution hours are 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The center does not have a website but does have a Facebook page that is updated regularly. If you’d like to support the center’s work, donations may be dropped off or mailed to P.O. Box 1115, Grayling, MI 59738.

Donations, nonperishable food items, or personal care items may be dropped off during the pantry’s regular distribution hours.

She said the center is supported by donations from many area churches, the community at large, and grants such as the People Fund grant.

Earlier this year, the center received a $2,500 grant from the Great Lakes Energy People Fund to support a summer food program for children.

Nancy said the pantry typically serves about 300–350 people per month, and the summer program specifically served 36 families in June and was approaching that same number for July.

Nancy Goodyear said the summer food program is a natural outgrowth

“Getting the People Fund grant was huge,” Nancy said. “It basically

She added: “When the people see the extra food we’re providing, they are just so grateful.”

Great Lakes Energy’s People Fund is funded by participating members agreeing to have their electric bill rounded up to the next dollar each month. Last year, the People Fund surpassed the $4 million mark in grants awarded since the program’s inception in 1999. Grants are awarded twice each year. The deadline for applications to be submitted for the next round of grants is Oct. 15, 2022. For more information on the People Fund, including recent grant awards, how to sign up, and the grant application process, visit gtlakes.com/people-fund/.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 17

Guest Column

Coon Hunt

By John Vick, a Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op member

M

y dad had 17 coon hounds and a war surplus Willys Jeep (circa 1940s). It had a canvas top, a windshield, and no doors. I often went with him coon hunting. He would drive his Jeep slowly down back roads with the dogs strapped in the back seat of the Jeep.

When the dogs would pick up the fresh scent of a raccoon, they would start howling and jumping around. Dad would stop the Jeep and let the dogs out. They would run off into the woods howling and running like their tails were on fire.

Then Dad would wait until the raccoon would tree (climb into a tree) to get away from the dogs.

The hounds would bark, howl, and stay there until Dad came and shot the raccoon. Then he would take the raccoon and the dogs back to the Jeep. Then started the process over as many times as possible within the limited time he had. One of our most memorable adventures started just like every other hunt. He and I went about four miles south of Maple Valley with two dogs in the back of the Jeep. The dogs started howling. Dad stopped and turned them loose. They were still heading east when their howling started to get fainter off into the woods. We started after them. I clearly remember walking a long time.

I wasn’t paying attention to the dogs or anything except keeping up with Dad. It was a pleasant fall night, and we went far into the woods. Finally, Dad stopped and said, “Let’s take a break. OK??” I said, “Sure, Dad.” We sat and leaned against a giant oak tree. The next thing I remember was waking up in daylight.

I was resting against my Dad, covered with his coat and very comfortable. He said it was time to go home. He took off his coat and left it next to that oak tree. He said the dogs would get tired of chasing that raccoon and track our scent back to the tree. They would lay down on the coat. He would come back and get them later. I figured it

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was a part of the plan. Mom was upset about us being out hunting all night when we got home.

I thought a little more about that hunting trip until I got older. When I look back on that night, what stands out is the appearance of normalcy. No hint that we may have been lost. No talk about anything that may have made me, a child, worry. I have tried to keep that strength whenever I get nervous or frightened with my family.

John is a Vietnam combat veteran with two Purple Hearts.

He is retired from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and enjoys his time hunting, fishing, and enjoying northern Michigan’s outdoors.

Win $150!

Share your fondest memories and stories.

Win $150 for stories published. Visit countrylines.com/community to submit.

Where In Michigan Is This?

Identify the correct location of the photo to the left

by Sept. 20 and be entered into a drawing to win a $50 electric bill credit. Enter your guess at countrylines.com/community.

July/August 2022 Winner! Our Mystery Photo winner is Connie Bortle, a Thumb Electric Cooperative member, who correctly identified the photo as the Crossroads Village Carousel and Huckleberry Railroad park in Flint.

Winners are announced in the following issues of Country Lines: January, March, May, July/August, September, and November/December.

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Every member has a say in electing a board member. It’s up to you, the member, to vote or run for election. Power to the people, from the people. Doesn’t that sound good?

Find the 2022 GLE Board of Directors election results on page 5.

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