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Geothermal is the only renewable that provides reliable operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
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Portland ESI Htg & Clg (517) 647-6906 esiheating.com
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--- CO-OP REBATE INCEN TIVES
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. VeggieLoaded Comfort Foods, 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!
MYSTERY PHOTO
See details on page 18. Win a $100 bill credit!
To enter contests, submit reader content & more, visit countrylines.com/community
6 SCULPTED BY NATURE, BUILT FOR ADVENTURE: SILVER LAKE SAND DUNES
Step into a paradise where sun, sand, and water come together.
10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN Perfectly Potatoes: Comforting, crispy, creamy—discover delicious ways to enjoy this versatile favorite.
14 WHERE SUGAR STARTS: MICHIGAN’S ROOTED SUCCESS STORY
Michigan Sugar’s cooperative heritage showcases the sweet strength of community.
18 GUEST COLUMN
Little Teacher, Big Lesson: How a Homeworks member’s young grandson demonstrated the power of owning our mistakes.
Portland office/Mail payments to:
7973 E. Grand River Ave.
Portland, MI 48875
Open 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday Blanchard office:
3681 Costabella Ave.
Blanchard, MI 49310
Open 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday Night deposit box available at both locations.
Electric bill/account questions:
517-647-7554 or 1-800-562-8232
Pay by phone, anytime: 1-844-963-2875
Service questions/outages:
517-647-7554 or 1-800-848-9333 (24 hours for emergency calls)
Tri-County Propane: 1-877-574-2740
HomeWorks Connect 1-800-668-8413
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
District 1 — John Lord, Vice-Chairman 2276 Plains Rd., Leslie, MI 49251 517-974-2518 • jlord@homeworks.org
District 2 — Jim Stebbins 7139 Peddler Lake Rd., Clarksville, MI 48815 517-930-8132 • jstebbins@homeworks.org
District 3 — Luke Pohl, Chairman 15560 W. Hanses Rd., Westphalia, MI 48894 989-292-0427 • lpohl@homeworks.org
District 4 — Jake Borton
7543 E. Edgar Rd., Vestaburg, MI 48891 989-506-3404 • jborton@homeworks.org
District 5 — Theresa Sopocy 6996 E. Wilson Rd., Bannister, MI 48807 989-292-0295 • tsopocy@homeworks.org
District 6 — Dave Livermore
8060 W. Airline Rd., Weidman, MI 48893 989-289-3019 • dlivermore@homeworks.org
District 7 — Shirley Sprague, Secretary-Treasurer 15563 45th Ave., Barryton, MI 49305 989-382-7535 • ssprague@homeworks.org
Editor: Charly Markwart, CCC cmarkwart@homeworks.org
Investing In Reliability Is Part Of The Cooperative Difference
By Chris O’Neill, President/CEO
You’ve probably noticed that we speak often at HomeWorks about the “Cooperative Difference” and what that term means to us. Co-ops are a unique business model, and there are several characteristics that distinguish us from other utilities. To me, the most important thing that sets us apart is that we’re owned by you, our members, instead of some distant investors. We were founded to serve your needs, not to turn a profit, and that means we get to invest in you and the things we can do every day to improve your quality of life.
A crucial part of achieving that mission is our commitment to investing in regular maintenance and upgrades to make your power even more reliable. It’s paying off, too. The resiliency of our electric distribution system in the face of several severe weather events we’ve experienced over the past few years is evidence that we are successfully hardening our system against storms, which is a key aspect of providing you with power you can rely on.
Every year, as part of our summer work plan, we change out dozens of our electric poles, upgrading to poles that are taller, stronger, and hardier than before. Plus, just a few years ago, we finished upgrades across our entire service footprint to prepare our infrastructure for our fiber network, which made our electric system more reliable than ever. That’s one of the ways HomeWorks Connect is benefiting our entire membership, even those members who don’t ever sign up for our internet service.
Other reliability measures that we put a laser focus on at HomeWorks include continuously monitoring our system and sending crews out to perform regular maintenance and upgrades on our lines and poles. This helps us address any issues before they cause outages. And then there’s the most important piece of our reliability puzzle, which is the frequent trimming and removal of trees within our rights-of-way. Trees cause the vast majority of electric outages, so effective rightof-way clearing goes a long way towards improving reliability.
Maintaining and upgrading our system so meticulously is an ongoing effort that takes a significant investment of time and resources. Like most things these days, this work is only becoming more costly. In fact, recent data from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association shows that electric utility expenses have surged far more rapidly than the rate of inflation over the past five years, with the cost of electric poles going up by 25-40%, conductor wire by 30–50%, and transformers by a whopping 70–100%, just to name a few items.
We know, however, that despite the cost, these daily efforts that we make to continuously improve our system are a main reason your electricity was 99.95% reliable last year. It’s all a part of the investment we make every day to continue to provide superior service and reliability for you, and that’s the Cooperative Difference.
OSCEOLA CLARE
MECOSTA
MONTCALM
Betty Lover Is HomeWorks Royalty
Thank you for being a HomeWorks member, Betty!
We had a very special guest at our District 5 Park Party at Motz Park in St. Johns this summer! Betty Lover, 85, has lived on HomeWorks lines her entire life. In the Bannister farm house she has called home since bir th, she formed a unique connection with the Cooperative from the very start.
“I was born in 1939, and that very same day, Tri-County Electric turned the power on at our home for the first time,” she recalls with a smile, after enjoying an ice cream at the Park Party she tries to attend every year. “My mom said she didn’t want the power turned on until the baby was born.”
Lover’s parents, Eugene and Nellie Lover, raised 10 children and grew corn and soy beans on the 40-acre farm that Betty would later inherit as her own. When the Co-op brought electricity to their rural Clinton County farming community, Betty says everything changed for her family and their neighbors.
“It was a big help for them to have electricity,” she says. “Of course it was helpful for so many things on the farm, and then for my mom, she was eventually able to get a vacuum and an electric stove to cook on and a washer. It made everyone’s work a lot easier than it had been.”
But having power didn’t just help with the work. Electrification lit up the Lover household in other ways, as well.
“My granddad and our other relatives would come over every week for family dinner, because we were the first ones to get power,” says Betty. “Getting electricity meant so much to us.”
Over eight decades later, the electricity, of course, has long been commonplace. But all these years later, Betty, a retired nurse, is just as proud as ever to live in the only place she’s ever called home.
“I like it there, and I’ve just never liked any other place as much as I like home,” she says. “I never cared about living in town. I like our little community.”
Exploring Silver Lake Sand Dunes
Along the eastern shores of Lake Michigan lies an oasis in Oceana County where stunning sand dunes meet sparkling serene waters. The unique landscape of Silver Lake Sand Dunes keeps visitors returning year after year. Thrill seekers, families, and nature lovers are drawn to Silver Lake Sand Dunes for the exhilarating adventures and captivating beauty.
From scaling giant sand dunes to cruising the waterways and soaking in the sunsets, this premier recreational destination has so much to explore.
Silver Lake State Park
The park encompasses over 2,000 acres of sand dunes. It’s situated on both Lake Michigan and Silver Lake, creating a sanctuary for swimming, sailing, sunbathing, and fishing. Silver Lake State Park also boasts three miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, a modern campground with a day-use area, and a boat access site. However, the park’s most distinctive feature is its 450-acre Silver Lake off-road vehicle (ORV) area, operating from April 1 through Oct. 31. Silver Lake Sand Dunes is the only place east of the Mississippi River where visitors can drive private motorized vehicles across the sand dunes. Bring your own 4x4 or ATV/UTV, or rent one from a local outfitter, and enjoy one of nature’s greatest playgrounds.
Mac Wood’s Dune Rides
629 N. 18th Ave., Mears, MI 49436
For those seeking a thrilling guided experience, Mac Wood’s Dune Rides offers a one-of-a kind, 7-mile dune buggy ride through the dunes. A family tradition established in 1930, this 40-minute interpretive tour provides insights into the area’s history and ecology. Take a quick break at Lake Michigan before traversing the tallest dunes on Silver Lake. Mac Wood’s buggy tours are seasonally available on a walk-in basis—no presale tickets or reservations are needed.
Little Sable Point Lighthouse
287 N. Lighthouse Dr., Mears, MI 49436
Standing sentinel over the dunes is the spectacular Little Sable Lighthouse, clocking in at 115 feet tall. Built in 1874, its distinctive red brick construction is a testament to the region’s maritime heritage. During summer and fall, visitors can climb the tower for panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding landscape.
Photo by Shannon Priebe
Cherry Point Lavender Farm & Market
9600 W. Buchanan Road, Shelby, MI USA 49455
Cherry Point Lavender Farm & Market is one of the oldest operating farms in Oceana County, opened in 1949. Come to absorb the aromas or sniff your way through the labyrinth and herb garden. Gardens are open to the public daily during business hours May 2 through Oct. 31, and there is no cost to enter. Lavender is typically in season from mid- to late July. Visit the market to pick up souvenirs, gifts, jams, jellies, and homegrown baked goods made with orchard-fresh produce.
Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo
4180 West M-20, New Era, MI 49446
Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo is a fifth-generation family fruit farm, corn maze, and petting zoo with over 46 attractions. Here, the excitement never ends—meet exotic animals, ride the giant slide, or cool off at the Splash Acres spray park. Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo is a haven for food lovers, offering everything from savory delights to tasty sweets that are sure to satisfy your craving. Be sure to stop by the bakery for fresh pies, breads, and other goodies. Reserve an Animal Encounter for an up-close experience to feed and learn all about sloths, lemurs, and kangaroos. Fall season on the farm offi cially begins Sept. 5 with the pictureperfect pumpkin house and other seasonal activities. U-pick produce is available mid-September through October.
Country Dairy Farm Store, Deli & Visitor Center
3476 S. 80th Ave., New Era, MI 49446
Country Dairy began in the 1880s when Andrew Van Gunst came from the Netherlands to West Michigan. Now into its fourth generation, Country Dairy employs around 125 people who milk over 1,000 cows, process milk, and make cheese, ice cream, and butter. The Farm Store is a favorite destination for tourists and guests from all over the world. Come inside to dine, enjoy unlimited refills on chocolate milk, and shop for gifts, meats, baked goods, and more.
Step into a paradise where sun, sand, and water come together at Silver Lake Sand Dunes. Wowing visitors with its natural wonder and dynamic landscape, you’re promised an unforgettable adventure.
Scan the QR code to watch a video of Cassondra’s adventure to Silver Lakes Sand Dunes
Cassondra Scott is a content creator, writer, and social media influencer at Cassondra Wanders—sharing small businesses and sights to see all over the state of Michigan.
/cassondrawanders /cassondra.wanders @cassondrawanders @cassondrawanders
Energy Efficiency Benefits Your Business’s Bottom Line
Operating a successful business takes enough effort— don’t let high energy costs be one of your worries. HomeWorks is making it easier and more affordable to make energy-saving improvements in your commercial space or on the farm. We’re proud to offer rebates and resources to commercial electric customers through our Energy Optimization program.
Financial Incentives
Energy Optimization rebates are available for a wide range of efficient electrical equipment you rely on to keep your business running.
Compressed Air Air Compressors | Air Dryers | Engineering Nozzles | Leak Detection and Repair | And More! Lighting Fixture Replacements | Sensors and Controls | Exterior Lighting | Signage Lighting | And More! Non-Lighting HVAC | Food Service | Refrigeration | CRAC | Industrial Equipment | And More!
Agribusiness Dairy Equipment | LEDs | Irrigation Equipment | VFDs | And More!
Custom rebates are available for more complex projects that do not fit under prescriptive measures. Custom rebates are based on the annual energy savings (kWh/yr) forecasted.
Getting Started
Not sure where to start on your energy efficiency journey? Schedule a FREE Energy Consultation for your business or farm. An Energy Advisor will visit your business and provide an overall snapshot of where and how you are using energy, as well as areas where you might be able to save or use energy more efficiently. Give us a call at 877-296-4319 or send us an email at info@michigan-energy.org and ask to schedule an Energy Consultation.
Find rebate details, applications, and more ways to save through the HomeWorks Energy Optimization program (including at home!) at homeworks.org/eo
COLLEGE TOWNS
Enter to win a $100 energy bill credit!
Submit Your “Pet Personalities” Photos By Sept. 25 for the Nov./Dec. issue! Each month, HomeWorks members are able to submit photos on our website for our photo contest. The photo receiving the most votes is published here, along with some other selections from that month.
2. Spartan Stadium renovations. Lauren Davis, Saint John’s
3. Ferris wheel view of Northern Michigan University (NMU) in Marquette, MI. Casie Bayless, Portland
4. Notre Dame. Josh Phillips, Portland
To enter the contest, visit HomeWorks.org/photocontest . Enter your picture, cast your vote, and encourage others to vote for you, too. If your photo is published in Country Lines during 2025, you will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of four $100 credits on your December 2025 HomeWorks bill! 1. MOST VOTES Ferris State Bulldog/ downtown Big Rapids; Go Dawgs!! Glenda Adams, Evart
GREEK ROASTED POTATOES
Karen Stephens, Great Lakes Energy
5 pounds russet potatoes, washed and peeled
1 lemon (zest and juice)
¼ cup melted butter
¼ cup olive oil
1½ teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika, plus additional for sprinkling
1½ cups chicken broth
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, optional
Preheat oven to 375 F. Cut peeled potatoes in half lengthwise and cut halves into smaller pieces. Place potatoes in a large bowl. Zest and juice the lemon and add both over the potatoes. Add the melted butter, oil, salt, oregano, garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika. Stir to coat. Transfer the potatoes to a 9x13-inch baking pan. Slowly pour the chicken broth into the pan (note: don’t pour directly over the potatoes or all the spices will be removed). Dust potatoes with additional paprika, if desired. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 40 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 40 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Remove from oven and cover again with foil; let rest for 15 minutes (this helps the potatoes soak up more of the spices). Remove the foil and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Veggie-Loaded
DILL PICKLE POTATO SALAD
Luise Bolleber, Cherryland Electric Cooperative
2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream
1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard
¼ cup dill pickle juice
¼ cup fresh chives, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
¼ teaspoon salt
¹⁄8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
¹⁄3 cup red onion, fi nely chopped
1 stalk celery, thinly sliced
½ cup dill pickles, chopped
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
Boil the potatoes in salted water until fork tender. Drain and let cool. Peel off the skins and cut into cubes. In a large bowl, add the mayo, sour cream, mustard, pickle juice, chives, dill, salt, and black pepper. Combine. Add the cubed potatoes, red onion, celery, pickles, and eggs. Toss gently to combine. Taste and add more salt, pepper, or pickle juice, if desired. Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.
NENE’S POTATO SOUP
Jodi Drogowski, Great Lakes Energy
3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 cups water
3 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, peeled and diced
3 tablespoons fl our ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
¹⁄8 teaspoon (or less) cayenne pepper
2 cups milk
3 tablespoons sugar
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
In a large pot, boil the cubed potatoes in 2 cups water for approximately 10 minutes (until tender but not soft). Drain potatoes, reserving liquid. Set potatoes and reserved liquid aside. Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat. Sauté diced onion in butter until translucent and tender (but not brown). Add fl our to saucepan. Season with black pepper and cayenne pepper. Add 1 cup reserved liquid into saucepan, stirring continuously. Add milk to saucepan; stir until slightly thickened. Add boiled potatoes and sugar to saucepan. Add cheese and bacon to saucepan. Simmer over low heat for 30 minutes, stirring frequently. Serve warm (with homemade rolls and butter!).
ROSTI WITH BAKED EGGS
Vicky Hueter, Great Lakes Energy
1¼ cups Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons fl our
1½ cups peeled, grated turnips
1¼ cups shredded Gruyère cheese
¹⁄3 cup butter, melted
¼ cup chives, chopped (plus more for garnishing)
1¼ teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
1 (30-ounce) package
frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
8 large eggs
• cooking spray
Preheat oven to 400 F. Coat a 9x13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine yogurt and fl our; stir well. Add turnips, Gruyère cheese, butter, chives, salt, black pepper, nutmeg, and hash browns. Stir until combined. Spread mixture evenly in the 9x13-inch baking dish. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and make 8 indentations with the back of a spoon. Crack an egg into each and return to oven for 8–10 minutes until egg whites are fi rm and yolks barely move when touched. Garnish with additional chives and black pepper. Serves 8.
Notice to Members of
HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative A Special Member Meeting Is Set for Sept. 22, 9 a.m., at the Cooperative’s Portland Office
The board of directors will consider the item(s) listed below at its meeting on Sept. 22, 2025, to be held at the Cooperative office at 7973 E. Grand River Ave., Portland, Michigan. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. and is open to all HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative members.
The session will begin with an opportunity for members to provide direct input to the board of directors without filing a formal request under the Cooperative policy. Interested members are asked to come to the lobby by 9 a.m. and request to speak to the board; staff will direct members to the meeting room. Time constraints on each member’s comments will be at the discretion of the board president, but members are asked to keep comments to less than five minutes.
The following item(s) will be discussed and considered:
1. Establishing the Cooperative’s Power Supply Cost Recovery (PSCR) factor for 2026. The PSCR factor refers to the rate to be charged to reflect power supply costs incurred but not included in the base rate. The PSCR factor, to be applied to the Cooperative’s retail member-customers’ monthly kilowatt-hour use, represents the power supply costs established by the Cooperative in conjunction with Wolverine Power Cooperative. The factor is established annually and reviewed monthly.
2. Revising the Cooperative’s electric rates to meet current and future financial needs.
3. Adjusting the Cooperative’s Energy Waste Reduction (EWR) surcharge to meet the demands of the new legislatively mandated EWR program requirements taking effect in 2026.
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 in the meeting. The location of the board meeting site is accessible, including accessible parking. Persons needing any accommodation to participate should contact HomeWorks Tri-County Electric at 800-562-8232 at least a week in advance of the meeting to request mobility, visual, hearing, or other assistance.
Comments may also be made prior to the meeting date by calling CEO Chris O’Neill at 517-647-1284 or contacting him via email at coneill@homeworks.org.
Notice of the board meeting shall be sent to all members, as required by P.A. 167, by publication in Michigan Country Lines.
Notice to Members of HomeWorks Tri-County Cooperative
Case No. U-16598
2024 Renewable Energy Plan Annual Report Summary
Michigan law requires all Michigan electric utilities to get at least 15 percent of their power supply from renewable sources during 2024.
Under this requirement, HomeWorks Tri-County Energy Cooperative submits an annual report to the MPSC regarding its Renewable Energy Plan. In 2024, HomeWorks acquired a total of 55,626 renewable energy credits. All credit transfers were directed through HomeWorks’ wholesale power supplier, Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative, Inc. Wolverine will continue to generate renewable energy and bank unused renewable energy credits for future use and compliance with statutory renewable portfolio standard requirements on behalf of all of its members.
A full copy of the cooperative’s Renewable Energy Plan annual report that was filed with the MPSC is available on the cooperative’s website at www.homeworks.org or by request at any of the cooperative’s offices.
Your Board In Action
Meeting in Portland on June 23, your board of directors:
• Received a presentation on the Cooperative’s 2025 Rural Electric Safety Achievement Program evaluation, showing excellent results with the Co-op meeting/ exceeding requirements in 176 out of 180 categories.
• Reviewed a presentation on a proposed Smart Home product addition to the HomeWorks Connect optimized WiFi offering, and authorized management to enter into an agreement with a third-party vendor to adopt the product.
• Completed an annual review of the Co-op’s loan portfolio.
• Approved management’s recommendation to maintain the Co-op’s current pole attachment fee of $17.75 per year for 2026.
• Reviewed and approved Board Policy 117—Privacy, as revised.
• Learned there were 100 new members in May.
Meeting in Blanchard on July 28, your board of directors:
• Reviewed a presentation on the Co-op’s 2025 Park Parties, showing that overall attendance hit a record high of 1,016 people this year.
• Received a quarterly update on the People Fund and learned the program has given out over $20,000 in grants so far in 2025.
Meeting
remotely on July 15, our People Fund board made two grants totaling $2,000, including:
• $1,000 to Camp Cutler in Vestaburg, for new doors and paint; and
• $1,000 to the Ionia Community Library, to purchase storage racks for a charitable food program.
How to Apply for a Tri-County Electric People Fund Grant
The Tri-County Electric People Fund provides grants to individuals and organizations in the Co-op’s service area for food, shelter, clothing, health, and other humane needs, or for programs or services that benefit a significant segment of a community. Write to 7973 E. Grand River Ave., Portland, MI 48875 for an application form and grant guidelines, or visit the People Fund page at HomeWorks.org.
Note: Applications must be received by Sept. 15 for the October meeting or by Nov. 4 for the November meeting.
• Received a quarterly update on the Co-op’s Energy Optimization program, showing participating members have saved over 375,000 kWh and earned over $115,000 in cash rebates so far in 2025.
• Appointed Director Luke Pohl as the Co-op’s voting delegate for the upcoming annual meeting of the Cooperative Finance Corporation (CFC).
• Reviewed and approved Board Policy 113—Member Access and Use of Information and Data, as revised.
• Learned there were 119 new members in June.
Time Set Aside for Members to Comment Before Cooperative Board Meetings
The first 15 minutes of every board meeting are available for members who wish to address the board of directors on any subject. The next meetings are scheduled for 9 a.m. on Sept. 22 in Portland and 9 a.m. on Oct. 27 in Blanchard.
Members who wish to have items considered on the board agenda should call 517-647-7554 at least a week in advance of the meeting.
Where Sugar Starts ↓
MICHIGAN’S ROOTED SUCCESS STORY
Grower-owned, community-driven, and deeply Michigan.
By Emily Haines Lloyd
In Michigan, the cooperative spirit runs deep—whether it’s powering homes or planting sugar beets, co-ops have brought people together around shared goals, mutual investment, and local leadership.
Headquartered in Bay City and founded in 1906, Michigan Sugar is the third-largest sugar beet producer in the United States, producing the well-known Pioneer Sugar brand. Today, the company includes about 865 grower-owners cultivating sugar beets on roughly 140,000 acres across 20 counties in Michigan and Ontario.
Unlike traditional corporations, Michigan Sugar—and electric co-ops around the state—operates with a peoplefi rst model. The growers and members are also the owners, with decision-making power and a shared stake in the outcome. It’s a system that keeps profi ts local, encourages innovation, and builds long-term value for communities. Michigan Sugar alone supports more than 1,000 full-time and 1,100 seasonal jobs and produces 1.3 billion pounds of sugar annually.
Few stories illustrate that better than the partnership between Michigan Sugar Company and the farming families who own it—families like the Briolats, who grow sugar beets as well as help govern rural electric policy.
“Being a part of two co-ops really shows you how similar the values are,” said Mike Briolat, who manages Briolat Farms alongside his brother, Steve, and son, Justin.“You’re making decisions for the long term, weighing investments, asking who’s tried what, and what worked. It’s all about making things better for your members and your community.”
While the Briolats have farmed for over 75 years on their land, sugar beets were a relatively new crop to them in the mid-80s. What started with planting 100 acres of sugar beets has turned into around 450 acres and harvesting 30 to 34 tons per acre—well beyond what they could have imagined back then.
The family’s connection to Michigan Sugar deepened in 2002, when the company offi cially became a grower-owned
co-op. At the same time, Mike’s father, Leonard, served on the Thumb Electric Cooperative Board of Directors— a legacy Mike would continue. He has followed his father’s footsteps on both the farm and in TEC’s boardroom for Sanilac County’s District 2.
The Briolats have remained passionate about keeping those boards—like the land—growing and evolving. Staying open to change, while also honoring tradition, is another common thread amongst co-ops.
“You want fresh ideas in the field, and you need them in the boardroom too,” Briolat said. “And I am encouraged by some younger folks stepping up, bringing different perspectives. It’s good for the board, and it’s better for the members.”
Michigan Sugar continues to invest in grower programs, sustainability, and innovation to ensure the cooperative model stays strong—but its greatest strength is its people. Families like the Briolats bring not only generations of experience but dedication, know-how, and shared purpose to every acre.
“It’s not just about growing sugar beets,” Briolat said. “Cooperatives are about rolling up your sleeves and pitching in—supporting your neighbors, building a future for the next generation, and doing your part for the community.”
“BEING A PART OF TWO CO-OPS REALLY SHOWS YOU HOW SIMILAR THE VALUES ARE. IT’S ALL ABOUT MAKING THINGS BETTER FOR YOUR MEMBERS AND YOUR COMMUNITY.”
Pictured from left to right are Steve, Leonard, Mike and Justin Briolat
HomeWorks Youth Tour Delegates Enjoy Action-Packed Trip To D.C.!
In June, four exceptional high school students from within the HomeWorks service territory and two HomeWorks employee chaperones were among the Michigan cohort that travelled to Washington, D.C., to participate in the 2025 Electric Cooperative Youth Tour. We were very proud to send Makenna Cole of Stockbridge (attending high school via the Gull Lake Virtual Partnership), Alex Czymek of Grand Ledge High School, Ethan Doughty of Chippewa Hills High School, and Sarah Menzel of Carson City-Crystal High School to represent the Co-op on this once-in-a-lifetime leadership experience. This year’s six-day trip included tours of the U.S. Capitol Building, the National Archives, and the Holocaust and Smithsonian museums, visits to Arlington National Cemetery, Mount Vernon, Ford’s Theater, and several D.C. memorials and monuments, a musical, and much more. Watch Country Lines for info on the 2026 Youth Tour; applications will open this winter!
Teachers, it’s time to apply for our 2025-26 Classroom S.T.E.A.M. Grants of up to $2,000! We’d love to support an innovative project in your classroom, so click the Community tab at HomeWorks.org to apply by Nov. 14!
State-Mandated Increase To MEAP Surcharge Takes Effect This Month
What is the MEAP surcharge on your electric bill, and why is it increasing?
The Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) took effect through Michigan Public Act 95 of 2013 to provide energy assistance to eligible low-income households in the state. Since 2013, state utilities have had the choice to opt in or out of the program. Those that opted in were required to charge their customers a monthly surcharge (originally capped at $1.00/month) to fund the program, allowing their eligible customers to receive energy assistance. Customers of utilities that opted out of MEAP were not allowed to receive energy assistance from the program. To allow our members in need to receive energy assistance funding and to keep our bad debt down, the HomeWorks board has typically voted to opt our Co-op into the program.
In December 2024, the Michigan legislature passed Michigan Public Acts 168 and 169 of 2024, which raised the cap on the required MEAP monthly surcharge to $1.25, with additional $0.25 annual increases until the cap hits $2.00/ month in 2028. With these Public Acts, the legislature also mandated that all Michigan utilities either participate in
MEAP or administer their own similar program that would still be required by the state to charge the same monthly surcharge. With no option to avoid the state-mandated increased monthly surcharge, our board voted at an open member meeting in March to opt HomeWorks into MEAP for the 2025-26 heating season. In April, the Michigan Public Service Commission ordered that the charge to be collected for the 2025-26 heating season is $1.25/month (up from $0.87 in 2024-25). This state-mandated increase to the surcharge will take effect with our September 2025 billing.
It’ s A l l I n Th e F a m il y
Two neig hboring HomeWorks households marked milestone occasions recently, when their farms were certified as Michigan Centennial Farms, mean ing they have been in the same family for over 100 years.
The 289-acre Haddix Farm in Grand Ledge is currently owned by Joseph and Jennifer Haddix (pictured right). The farm was founded in 1902 by Joseph’s great-grandparents, Edd and Addie Haddix, then passed along to Harold and Mattie Haddix and then Gerald and Nancy Haddix before being inherited by Joseph and Jennifer. Today, the farm’s major products are corn, soy, and aggregate.
The 200-acre Williams Family farm in Grand Ledge is currently owned by Gene Williams and operated by Gene and his sister, Gail Nehilla. The farm was founded in 1876 by Emory Sutherland, Gene’s great-grandfather. Today, the farm’s major products are corn, soybeans, and red wheat. Several generations of the Williams family are pictured above.
Where In Michigan Is This?
Little Teacher, Big Lesson
When my grandson apologized, he reminded me how powerful it is to own our mistakes.
Anna Moore Bradfield, a HomeWorks Tri-County
Cooperative member
Isn’t it amazing when kids teach you something you already know but haven’t bothered to practice? My 3-year-old grandson Lincoln schooled me recently. You would have thought Mickey and Minnie Mouse had entered when my husband John and I popped in to see our daughter’s family. The kids went nuts, cracking up, dancing around us, and throwing their arms around our necks.
MYSTERY PHOTO
Win a $100 energy bill credit!
Identify the correct location of the photo above by Sept. 25 and be entered into a drawing to win a $100 electric bill credit. Enter your guess at countrylines.com/community
JULY/AUGUST 2025 WINNER!
Our Mystery Photo winner is Melissa McGuire, a Midwest Energy & Communications member who correctly identified the photo as the Applecore Cottage in Charlevoix, Michigan.
Winners are announced in the following issues of Country Lines: January, March, May, July/August, September, and November/December.
After the initial rush, Lincoln asked John, “Big Poppy, can I use your phone?” This boy knows more about technology than I ever will. His Big Poppy said, “All right, but don’t download games. When Big Poppy asks for the phone, give it back, OK?” Of course, it was “OK” then. It would be hours before Big Poppy asked for the phone again. Lincoln toddled off, happy to reconnect with his best techno friends, Angry Birds.
Before Lincoln knew it and way before he was ready, Big Poppy said he needed his phone back since we were leaving. Keys in hand, I drew breath to ask where Lincoln was when I spotted his toes peeking out from under a blanket that blended seamlessly with the sofa. He had pulled the throw over himself, thinking he’d made himself invisible. If no one found him, he could keep the phone. Darned if those little piggies didn’t give him
away. We couldn’t leave without the phone. As we pulled the blanket up, Lincoln instantly morphed from his adorable, well-mannered, curlyheaded self to a bat-shrieking, monkey-clinging monster whose very existence depended on retaining that phone. His mom took charge. “See ya. Thanks for stopping by,” she said, as she dragged Lincoln out of the room.
We had barely settled into the car when John’s phone rang. “Hi, Big Poppy, this is Lincoln.” John grinned. “Hi, Lincoln.” “I’m sorry for crying when you asked for your phone. I shouldn’t have given you sass. I won’t do it again, Big Poppy.”
Such precious transparency:
1. Realize you messed up.
2. Admit it.
3. Apologize sincerely.
4. Don’t waste time doing it.
How well would it serve us all if we could harness this little habit?
GUEST COLUMN Win $200 for stories published! Share your fondest memories and stories. Win $200 for stories published. Visit countrylines.com/community to submit.
Seasonal Location?
Seasonal Security Package - $20/mo.
Keep your peace of mind while you’re away from home! This package provides you with enough bandwidth to operate security cameras and smart home devices, such as thermostats and hot water heaters, so you can be sure your home is staying safe while you’re away.
NOTE: If your devices require our Optimized Wi-Fi to connect to the internet, you will also need to continue paying $10/mo for Optimized Wi-Fi while you’re away.
Vacation Rate - $5/mo.
Don’t have cameras or smart home devices? Turn internet access completely off at your location, but leave our equipment plugged in, making it seamless to turn your connection back on when you return.
