Feeling is believing.
THE RELIABLE RENEWA BLE™
You may not see your underground WaterFurnace geothermal system. But you'll definitely notice its effects.
When it comes to your HVAC system, you primarily want to know whether it will comfortably heat and cool your home. With WaterFurnace, that answer is a resounding "yes." Our units operate for longer periods at lower speeds, providing stable temperatures all year round. This helps eliminate hot or cold spots, so you'll be comfortable in every room. Experience a WaterFurnace geothermal system in action, and you'll feel the difference.
Geothermal is the only renewable that provides reliable operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
-------YOUR LOCAL WATERFURNACE DEALERS
Allendale
Allendale Htg & Clg (800) 327-1937 allendaleheating.com
Berrien Springs
WaterFurnace Michiana (269) 473-5667 gogreenmichgeo thermal.com
Big Rapids
Stratz Htg & Clg, Inc. (231) 796-3717 stratzgeocomfort.com
Filion/Bad Axe
Air-0-Dynamic Htg & Clg (989) 582-0137 aod-hvac.com
Grand Rapids
Bel Aire Htg & Clg 1-888-235-2473 belaire.com
Hart
Adams Htg & Clg (231) 873-2665 adamsgeothermal-mi.com
Holland
G.H.P. Systems I n c. (616) 396-5833 ghpsystems-inc.com
lndlan River
M&M Plm b & Htg (231) 238-7201 mm-plum bing.com
Lansing Candor Mechanical (517) 920-0890 candorm echanical.com
Michigan Center
Comfort 1/Air Serv of Southern Michigan (517) 764 -1500 ai rser v.com/southernmichigan/
Mt. Pleasant
Walton Htg & Clg (989) 772-4822 waltonheating.com
Portage Bel Aire Htg & Clg 1-888-235-2473 belaire.com
Portland ESI Htg & Clg (517) 647-6906 esiheating.com
Sunfield Mark Woodman Plmb & Htg (517) 886-1138 mw phonline.com
Three Rivers
Bel Aire Htg & Clg 1-888-235-2473 belaire.com
Traverse City
Geofurnace Htg & Clg (231) 943-1000 geofurnace.com
--- CO-OP REBATE 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.
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS AND CASSOPOLIS SOLUTIONS CENTER
60590 Decatur Road, Cassopolis, MI 49031
M–F 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
PAW PAW SOLUTIONS CENTER
59825 S. LaGrave Street, Paw Paw, MI 49079
M–F 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Closing September 13, 2025
TECUMSEH SOLUTIONS CENTER
5050 South Occidental Hwy., Tecumseh, MI 49286
M–F 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
CONTACT US
Midwest Energy & Communications
800-492-5989 teammidwest.com
Email: info@teammidwest.com
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Clarence “Topper” Barth, Chairperson, Three Rivers 269-279-9233
Clarence.Barth@teammidwest.com
Dan Bodette, Vice Chairperson, Wauseon 419-344-4015
Dan.Bodette@teammidwest.com
Ron Armstrong, Secretary, Lawton 269-299-0443
Ron.Armstrong@teammidwest.com
John Green, Treasurer, Dowagiac 269-470-2816
John.Green@teammidwest.com
Gerry Bundle, Cassopolis 269-414-0164
Gerry.Bundle@teammidwest.com
Erika Escue-Cadieux, Onsted 419-346-1088
Erika.Escue-Cadieux@teammidwest.com
Fred Turk, Decatur 269-423-7762
Fred.Turk@teammidwest.com
Jim Wiseley, Bloomingdale 269-760-4619
Jim.Wiseley@teammidwest.com
Jeff Diehl, Union 574-274-6693
Jeffery.Diehl@teammidwest.com
PRESIDENT/CEO: Terry Rubenthaler
DIRECTOR, CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING: Amy Pales
COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST: Grant Zamora
Midwest Energy & Communications is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Please note: electric customers of MEC must adhere to our bylaws, which can be found at teammidwest.com/bylaws.
Dirt Road Driver’s Training
By Terry Rubenthaler, President/CEO
I learned to drive on the dirt roads of central Nebraska, and there were important instructions from my dad. Don’t overcorrect, don’t speed, and always wear your seat belt or bad things will happen.
I recently thought of these instructions when I heard an analogy from a colleague that perfectly sums up the current state of electric grid reliability in this country. It’s like we are driving down a dirt road with no seat belts, going 90 miles an hour, and assuming nothing bad will happen since nothing bad has happened yet. Let me explain.
A few years ago, our electric grid had sufficient power supply to meet typical demand, plus about 20% of reserve power available to come online quickly when needed. If we had an unusual heat wave or a cold snap came, no one thought twice about it. If the grid needed extra power, the reserve plants kicked in, and that was it.
Today is very different. Traditional power plants, such as coal and gas, are closing as the industry shifts to renewables. The problem is that we don’t have enough renewables built yet. Plus, they aren’t reliable enough to fill the gap caused by the closures. That means that our reserve power, or the seat belt in the case of my analogy, isn’t there to protect us when demand soars.
An example of this came on June 23. One of our grid operators, MISO*, had reserves drop to as low as 1%. Part of that was due to plant closures. However, another contributing factor was that 10 GW of renewables began shutting down as the
sun set and winds died off. That’s enough electricity to power roughly 7.5 million homes, and just when we needed them the most, those weather-dependent power sources became anything but dependable.
As a result, utilities throughout our region came very close to having to ask customers to reduce power consumption in an effort to avoid rolling blackouts. Why? Because if the supply isn’t available to meet the demand, the grid can collapse. Blackouts prevent a collapse.
In other words, we came very close to flying off that dirt road on that day.
Because of this, I want to make sure you are prepared for what may happen:
1. If we ask you to reduce your power consumption to avoid blackouts, it’s because our grid operator is requiring utilities to do it. It won’t be just us, and it’s the last-ditch effort after all other measures have been taken.
2. MEC will implement our load control programs to further reduce the strain.
3. There may be emergency instances when there is no time to make a public appeal.
4. Blackouts can be as short as 15 minutes but will be as long as required by the grid operator to avoid a collapse. We will roll through our system as instructed, so not every customer may experience one.
Now for some good news. The U.S. Department of Energy recently issued a Resource Adequacy Report that painted a very real picture of electric reliability. It found that if we continue on this course, the risk of blackouts could increase by over 30 times by 2030, despite the forecasted new generation sources.
VAN BUREN KALAMAZOO
While the report is definitely alarming, it indicates that this issue is finally receiving serious attention. I’m optimistic that we’re on the brink of positive change, particularly a pause in closures, along with policy changes that will enable the industry to build more electric generation without the legislative and permitting shackles we experience today. Time will tell.
I want to close by emphasizing that this does not mean that I think our grid should be run entirely by fossil fuels.
Renewables play an important role in creating a healthy, reliable grid. In fact, wind turbines in Michigan’s thumb helped keep Michigan’s lights on during a recent polar vortex. However, I hope we don’t someday find ourselves sitting in the dark, wondering how this happened. It’s time for us to slow down and put on our seat belts just like Dad said.
*A grid operator is an independent third-party responsible for managing the grid and ensuring it has enough supply to meet demand. Grid operators decide which power plants run and when.
UPCOMING DIRECTOR ELECTIONS
One of the seven guiding principles of cooperatives is democratic member control. We are governed by a ninemember board of directors, and each is elected to serve a three-year term. Directors are elected by and represent those who live in their district, and they make critical decisions on behalf of all co-op members.
Three board seats are up for election next year. If you are a co-op electric customer interested in serving, a candidate application packet will be made available online from Oct. 1 to Dec. 1. Fill out the required forms and secure 30 or more valid co-op customer signatures. Your completed packet must be returned to our Cassopolis office by 4:30 p.m. EST on Dec. 1 to be vetted. Please note: To ensure all necessary supporting documentation is submitted, we recommend turning in your candidate application and customer signatures in advance of the final due date.
If you meet all director qualifications at teammidwest.com/director-requirements , you will be placed on the ballot for one of the three terms for April 2026–2029. Ballots will be emailed to the district members on or around Jan. 19, 2026, and must be submitted by Feb. 6. Board members must reside in the district they represent. Please note that exact dates are subject to change.
Seats in Districts 1, 2, and 5 will be up for election. Please note: Anyone running for our board of directors in the current elections must collect signatures of support from fellow MEC electric customers in their district. That means that you may be visited at your home or business by someone seeking signatures. You are not required to sign their petition unless you support their effort to join our board.
District 1 is currently represented by Fred Turk of Decatur. It includes customers in the townships of Decatur, Hamilton (Van Buren County), Marcellus, Penn, Porter (Van Buren County), and Volinia.
District 2 is represented by Jim Wiseley of Bloomingdale. It includes customers in the townships of Almena, Arlington, Bainbridge, Bangor (Van Buren County), Bloomingdale, Coloma, Covert, Hartford, Keeler, Lawrence, Paw Paw, Pipestone, Silver Creek, Watervliet, and Waverly.
District 5 is represented by John Green of Dowagiac. It includes customers in the townships of Howard, LaGrange, Milton, Pokagon, and Wayne, as well as the city of Dowagiac.
All three current directors plan to run for re-election.
For more information about serving on the board of directors, please call the cooperative at 800-492-5989 or send an email to board.inquiries@teammidwest.com .
VOTE FOR YOUR DIRECTOR ELECTRONICALLY
You will receive your ballot via email on or around Jan. 19, 2026. The email will come from the MEC election coordinator and will include instructions on the voting process. Please verify that we have the correct email address on file by logging into SmartHub and going to Menu > Settings > Contact Methods. You can also call us at 800-492-5989 Please verify your information by Dec. 7.
In the meantime, please add noreply@directvote.net as an approved sender in your email account. Since every email provider is unique, we recommend that you refer to the support section of your email account for instructions on how to do this.
Jim Wiseley
John Green
Fred Turk
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
Tax Credit Changes to Renewable Energy Installations
Have you previously considered investing in a solar or wind installation?
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, passed by Congress on July 3, 2025, accelerates the deadline for the current renewable energy tax credit. This could potentially affect those who are in the process of installing new solar or wind projects, as well as people considering new projects.
Residential Projects
The residential solar tax credit, originally set to end in 2034, will now expire by Dec. 31, 2025.
To be eligible for the credit, solar panels must be installed and in service by this date.
Commercial Projects
For commercial installations, the expiration is slightly more gradual.
Solar and wind projects that start construction before July 5, 2026, will still be able to claim the credit; however, they should be completed within four calendar years to satisfy the credit’s requirements.
Projects that begin construction after July 5, 2026, now have an accelerated deadline of Dec. 31, 2027, to be installed and in service in order to be eligible for the credit.
Some Reminders When Considering Solar
• Thoroughly read contracts. Don’t let a salesperson pressure you into signing something before you understand it.
• Be wary of special offers. Talk of free equipment or a “limited-time deal” that ends in a matter of hours or days can be a sign that you’re being pressured into an agreement.
• Get detailed information. Ask about:
- Installation timeline and process
- Frequency of communication
- Timeliness of warranty
- Follow-up work if there’s an issue
- Assistance with paperwork processing for loans, tax credits, and rebates
- Other contractors you may need to hire for things like tree removal, battery installation, roof repair, etc.
- What happens if the system doesn’t pass inspection (if it doesn’t pass inspection, it cannot operate and we cannot connect it to our system; however, you may still be financially responsible even if the solar panels are not operational)
• Understand the tax credit benefit. The credit doesn’t mean you’ll get a check from the government—instead, it decreases your federal income tax. Consult a tax professional to learn exactly how much you can expect to benefit from it.
• Know how much energy you’ll generate. Instead of going by what the salesperson says, research how much sunlight or wind your area gets and how much electricity this can generate. You will need a backup source if you can’t generate 100% of your electricity, and you will still get a bill for fixed charges if you remain connected to our infrastructure.
Escape Rooms for the Classroom
What does a zombie outbreak have in common with English class? At Mattawan High School, they’re one and the same.
Co-teachers Dan Soard and Terra Shockley are creating themed escape rooms to help their students engage with lessons. They’re doing it with assistance from an MEC Strengthening Schools Grant, funded via partnership dollars through our power supplier Wolverine Power Cooperative.
Engaging Students
Together, Soard and Shockley teach Tech Reading and Writing 12. The curriculum focuses on developing the abilities that students need for postsecondary education and careers—especially critical thinking skills like analyzing texts and writing clear, logical arguments.
In teaching the class, Soard and Shockley quickly found two problems: If students couldn’t see why English class was relevant for their everyday lives, they wouldn’t be ready to learn. And if they were bored by traditional reading and writing assignments, they would retain less.
“Engagement is the most important part,” says Soard. “If we don’t meet them where they’re at, the learning doesn’t happen regardless of how we approach it.”
Zombies Attack!
One day when students came to class, Soard and Shockley presented them with a scenario: Zombies have taken over the school. Find your way out.
From there, the students had to work in teams to interpret clues, solve puzzles, and complete exercises like building the optimal paper airplane. Each step in the escape room was designed to reinforce class lessons and demonstrate a real-world application.
“The tone of the class felt different,” Shockley says. “The atmosphere changed. Social kids were more social, less social kids started leaning in, other teams went to help the ones that weren’t finished.”
The experiment was a huge success. It created lasting memories for each student—showing them not only that you could apply classroom concepts to real life, but also that learning could be fun and exciting.
What Comes Next
While it was originally intended as a one-off activity, the escape room created too many valuable experiences not to use it again. Like its zombie antagonists, it will be revived.
Soard and Shockley plan to create future escape rooms for three units. One introduces students to the class. Another covers career skills and finding personal happiness in one’s work. Yet another is about propaganda and understanding narratives, and it includes a reading of “Animal Farm.”
For the zombie scenario, Soard and Shockley bought just one prop: a lockbox they used for one of the puzzles. Their other supplies, including a handful of syringe-shaped gel pens, were gathered from around the school.
However, with their MEC Strengthening Schools Grant, the duo will be able to purchase new materials for more elaborate puzzles. It’s a fun way to make a big impact with students and demonstrates exactly why we feel it’s important to support schools with our program.
“When I was intern teaching in college, my supervising teacher told me fun was a four-letter word in her classroom,” says Soard. “It’s certainly not in ours.”
Today: You have until Oct. 13 to apply for a Strengthening Schools Grant! Visit teammidwest.com/school-grants
Terra Shockley (L) and Dan Soard (R)
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.
MEC IN THE COMMUNITY
NRECA Youth Tour: Jenna, our 2025 delegate to Washington, D.C., got to visit important historical sites, learning hands-on about the U.S. government and the history of American electric cooperatives.
Hillsdale Family Safety Fair: Linemen Garrett and Ryan brought a bucket truck and hotline safety demo trailer and presented to kids and their families throughout the day.
Digital Skill-Building Classes: We taught community members at Van Buren District Library’s Covert and Decatur branches how to avoid online scams and digital threats.
Fireman’s Grill: MECers volunteered to serve lunch, with all proceeds benefiting Cass County fire departments.
Hartford Strawberry Festival: Our Business Solutions team chatted with festivalgoers about MEC fiber service at our booth.
Scholarship Opportunity: Southwestern Michigan College-bound students can apply for our one-course scholarship to cover Intro to Computer Technology. Get details at teammidwest.com/smcscholarship
MEC and CoBank Support Imagination Library
Studies show the most important development happens from 0–3 years old, and kids who own books are better set up for success. According to the United Kingdom organization National Literacy Trust:
• Children who don’t read at their expected level are at greater risk of experiencing unemployment as adults.
• Children who own books are more likely to read above their expected level.
To give kids a head start on life, country music icon Dolly Parton created the Imagination Library, which mails children 0–5 years old an age-appropriate free book each month.
All families are eligible—simply sign your child up through your local affiliate, which you can find at imaginationlibrary.com
As part of our vision of creating vibrant, relevant, and sustainable rural communities, MEC proudly supported the Lenawee Community Foundation in March 2025 to help bring the program to more than 500 kids. Our donation was matched by a CoBank Sharing Success Grant.
Protect Your Home From Power Surges
Has anyone ever told you to unplug appliances during a storm? The reason is power surges—brief spikes in electric voltage that can damage your devices in a matter of seconds.
It’s true that lightning strikes are a well-known cause of surges, but as outlined in the BobVila.com article, “Solved! What Is a Power Surge?,” other causes are more common, including faulty wiring and plugging too many devices into an extension cord.
Types of Surge Protectors
The best way to protect your home and devices is to invest in a surge protector.
Single-outlet protectors and multi-outlet power strip protectors are usually cost-effective (about $20–$70) and allow you to prevent damage to specific appliances. However, they may stop functioning properly after multiple surges, or even one particularly strong one, requiring you to replace them more often.
Whole-house protectors are more expensive ($100–$200 or more) and require professional installation (an added fee), but provide much greater protection. They’re wired into your electrical service panel to shield your whole home from surges.
Purchasing a Surge Protector
This Old House, in its article, “How Effective Are Surge Protectors?,” recommends paying attention to the following when shopping:
• Response Time and Clamping Voltage: The lower these numbers are, the better the protection.
• Joule Rating: Protectors with higher ratings are better at absorbing surges over time.
• UL Certification: Devices that are certified for UL Standard 1449 (second edition or later) meet the most up-to-date safety and performance standards.
• Indicator Lights and Alarms: These will tell you if your surge protector needs to be replaced.
Other Ways to Prevent Surges
While surge protectors provide the most protection, there are other ways to address the causes of power surges.
A home inspection can let you know if your home’s wiring needs to be updated. A certified electrician can thoroughly check your electric system.
Finally, try to limit the number of appliances that are plugged in at the same time, especially in the same outlet. Lots of devices drawing energy all at once can make the voltage in your electric system less stable overall.
Congratulations, Matt!
Apprentice Lineman Matt has completed the Joint Michigan Apprentice Program (JMAP) to become a journeyman lineman for MEC. He completed 7,000 hours of on-the-job training along with schooling at the Wolverine Training Center in Lake City, Michigan.
MEC partners with JMAP, which was created by Wolverine, IBEW 876 and Northwest Lineman College, to train and educate our next generation of linemen. JMAP is a Department of Labor-certified program.
Interested in becoming an MEC lineman apprentice?
Visit teammidwest.com/careers to sign up for job alerts. You will receive notifications about all available MEC positions, including apprenticeship opportunities.
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
Get Outage, Account, & Propane Notification Texts
Did you know you can get important alerts about your MEC account texted directly to your phone? Notifications are available for:
• Electric Outages
• Scheduled Fiber Maintenance
• Propane Deliveries— new!
• Billing Updates
• And much more!
Meet The New
All you have to do is log into your SmartHub mobile app or our website at teammidwest.com , then:
1. Add the phone number at which you want to receive texts. Navigate to the menu and choose Settings Contact Methods.
• On the app, look under Add New Contact Method and choose Phone
• On desktop, click Add Phone
2. Follow the prompts to add the desired phone number. Make sure you select Receive Text Messages and Save the number before exiting.
3. Sign up for notifications. Navigate back to the menu and choose Settings Manage Notifications.
4. Find the notifications you want to receive. For example:
• To get notified when your Scheduled Propane Delivery is on its way, or to receive scheduled Fiber Maintenance Notifications , look under On Demand
• To receive Power Outage Updates , look under Service
• To get a text when your monthly bill is available, look under Billing
5. Assign the appropriate phone number and click Save
Board Assigns 2024 Patronage Capital
As an electric cooperative, we are different from our investor-owned counterparts in that our consumers, through their patronage, provide capital for the co-op. We allocate our excess operating margin to customers in a patronage account that is determined by how much electricity you use.
Capital credits do not represent “cash in the bank” and are not disbursed annually. They are disbursed when approved by the board of directors. Most often though, the money is disbursed upon the death of the customer. When that occurs, a legal representative can request the retirement of the account on a discounted basis.
The board has authorized the allocation of the 2024 net margin totaling $34,116,450.70. Your portion of this allocation is not payable at this time. It does not represent a reduction of your electric bill but rather indicates your equity share in our cooperative’s 2024 margin.
Please notify us of any address changes so we can forward payments when patronage capital is retired. If a current or former customer fails to claim cash retirement of patronage capital or other payment from the cooperative within five years after payment has been made available at the last known address, that payment will be added to the cooperative’s general fund.
Michigan law requires all Michigan electric utilities to get at least 15% of their power supply from renewable sources during 2024.
Under this requirement, Midwest Energy & Communications Cooperative submits an annual report to the MPSC regarding its Renewable Energy Plan. In 2024, Midwest acquired a total of 85,409 renewable energy credits. All credit transfers were directed through Midwest’s 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.teammidwest.com or by request at any of the cooperative’s offices.
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.
