Sept 2026 Cloverland

Cloverland Electric Cooperative

September/October 2026

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

FUELED

BY GRIT PIPER BELL GOES PRO IN WOMEN’S MOTOCROSS RACING

Your Cooperative at Work

Drones Expand Safety, Efficiency, and Innovation at Cloverland

MyMichigan Sault: Investing in Better Care Close to Home

You may not realize it, but your home is sitting on a free and renewable supply of energy. A WaterFurnace geothermal comfort system taps into the stored solar energy in your own backyard to provide savings of up to 70% on heating, cooling, and hot water. That’s money in the bank and a smart investment in your family’s comfort. Plus, with the groundbreaking variable-speed 7 Series that operates at exactly the level needed in any heating or cooling situation, you’ll get the ultimate comfort, performance, and savings.

Contact your local WaterFurnace dealer today to learn how to tap into your buried treasure.

YOUR LOCAL WATERFURNACE DEALERS Allendale Allendale Htg & Clg (800) 327-1937 allendaleheating.com

Grand Rapids Bel Aire Htg & Clg 1 (888) 235-2473 belaire.com

Berrien Springs WaterFurnace Michiana (269) 473-5667 gogreenmichgeothermal.com

Hart Adams Htg & Clg (231) 873-2665 adamsgeothermal-mi.com

Big Rapids Stratz Htg & Clg, Inc. (231) 796-3717 stratzgeocomfort.com

Holland G.H.P. Systems Inc. (616) 396-5833 ghpsystems-inc.com

Cadillac Wilder Htg & Clg (231) 645-4822 Wilderheatingandcooling.com

Indian River M&M Plmb & Htg (231) 238-7201 mm-plumbing.com

Filion/Bad Axe Air-O-Dynamic Htg & Clg (989) 582-0137 aod-hvac.com

Lansing Candor Mechanical (517) 920-0890 candormechanical.com

Gaylord Family Plmb & Htg (989) 732-8099 familyplumbingandheating.com

Manistique Hoholik Enterprise Inc. (906) 286.0572 bhoholik@gmail.com

WaterFurnace is a registered trademark of WaterFurnace International, Inc.

Michigan Center Comfort 1/Aire Serv of Southern Michigan (517) 764-1500 airserv.com/southern-michigan

Mt Pleasant Walton Htg & Clg (989) 772-4822 waltonheating.com Muskegon TMC Mechanical LLC (231) 865-1114 tmcmechanicalllc.com

Sunfield Mark Woodman Plmb & Htg (517) 886-1138 mwphonline.com Three Rivers Bel Aire Htg & Clg 1 (888) 235-2473 belaire.com Traverse City Geofurnace Htg & Clg (231) 943-1000 geofurnace.com

Portage Bel Aire Htg & Clg 1 (888) 235-2473 belaire.com

CO-OP REBATE INCENTIVES

Portland ESI Htg & Clg (517) 647-6906 esiheating.com

$2,250 rebate available through your co-op.

Sparta West Michigan Geothermal (616) 887-1290 westmigeothermal.com

visit us at waterfurnace.com/mi

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

Contents countrylines.com

September 2026 Vol. 46, No. 8

/michigancountrylines

/michigancountrylines

EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Casey Clark EDITOR: Christine Dorr GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Karreen Bird RECIPE EDITOR: Christin Russman COPY EDITOR: Yvette Pecha CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Emily Haines Lloyd PUBLISHER: Michigan Electric Cooperative Association Michigan Country Lines, USPS591-710, is published monthly, except August and December, with periodicals postage paid at Lansing, Mich., and additional offices. It is the official publication of the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association, 201 Townsend St., Suite 900, Lansing, MI 48933.

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Subscriptions are authorized for members of Alger Delta, Cherryland, Great Lakes, HomeWorks Tri-County, Midwest Energy & Communications, Ontonagon, Presque Isle, and Thumb electric cooperatives by their boards of directors.

POSTMASTER: Send all UAA to CFS. ASSOCIATION OFFICERS: Chris O’Neill, HomeWorks TriCounty Cooperative, chairman; Gabe Schneider, Cherryland Electric Cooperative, vice chairman; Shaun Lamp, Great Lakes Energy Cooperative, secretary-treasurer; John Kran, president and CEO.

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CONTACT US/LETTERS TO EDITOR: Michigan Country Lines 201 Townsend St., Suite 900 Lansing, MI 48933 248-534-7358 editor@countrylines.com

MI CO-OP Community

CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Please notify your electric cooperative.

See page 4 for contact information.

See details on page 10. Cozy Bowls, due Nov. 1.

Win a $100 bill credit!

The appearance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised.

MICHIGAN’S ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES

RECIPE CONTEST

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6 CYCLING AMIDST

FALL’S BEAUTY The 53rd Apple Cider Century will be held in late September.

GUEST COLUMN

10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN

MYSTERY PHOTO

14 FUELED BY GRIT

See details on page 18. Share your fondest memories and stories.

Win $200 for stories published!

See details on page 18.

Win a $100 bill credit!

To enter contests, submit reader content & more, visit countrylines.com/community

Pizza: Slice into something delicious.

Piper Bell goes pro in women’s motocross racing.

18 GUEST COLUMN

Recollections of a Bookworm.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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CO-OP News Capital Credits As directed by Cloverland’s board of directors, the cooperative has retired $750,000 in capital credits for members with service from the years 2001 and 2002.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Email: board@cloverland.com DISTRICT A Gerald Nettleton 906-430-0910 | DeTour Village Term: 2024–2027 Jason St. Onge 231-420-0462 | Mackinac Island Term: 2025–2028 William LaLonde, chairperson 906-298-1406 | St. Ignace Term: 2026-2029 DISTRICT B Patrick Egan 906-437-5526 | Brimley Term: 2024–2027 Carmine Bonacci Jr., secretary/treasurer 906-440-4063 | Sault Ste. Marie Term: 2025–2028 John Sawruk, vice chairperson 906-630-1287 | Sault Ste. Marie Term: 2026–2029

Active members who used electricity during those years received their capital credit as a bill credit on their August statement. Inactive members with capital credits valued at $15 or more were mailed a refund check. For amounts less than $15, the credit is retained until it meets the $15 threshold.

To check our directory of unclaimed capital credits, visit cloverland.com.

State-Mandated Surcharge Michigan Public Act 169 requires a Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund (LIEAF) surcharge on utility bills as mandated by the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). For the 2026–2027 heating season, the surcharge will increase from $1.25 to $1.50 per meter per month, starting with Cloverland’s September 2026 billing. It appears on monthly bills as “MI Energy Assistance Fund.” For details, please visit cloverland.com or contact our member services team at 800-562-4953.

DISTRICT C Ronald Provo 906-341-5300 | Manistique Term: 2024–2027 Kevin Vanatta 906-450-4310 | Newberry Term: 2025–2028 John Stapleton 906-286-0520 | Garden Term: 2026–2029 PRESIDENT & CEO: Mike Heise MEMBER SERVICE CENTER 2916 W. M-28, Dafter, MI 49724 906-635-6800 • 800-562-4953 cloverland.com communications@cloverland.com OFFICE HOURS Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Cloverland Electric was proud to partner with Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours to host a Touch a Truck event on Engineers Day, welcoming hundreds of families for an afternoon of fun and learning.

Cloverland Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Children had the opportunity to climb inside trucks, explore heavy equipment, and meet the employees who help power our communities every day. The event highlighted the many careers that keep the Eastern Upper Peninsula moving.

BOARD MEETINGS

As a member-owned cooperative, we’re committed to investing in our communities by encouraging the next generation to explore careers in engineering, skilled trades, and public service. Events like Touch a Truck give a firsthand look at the technology, teamwork, and dedication behind these essential professions.

Visit cloverland.com for the board meeting schedule, agendas, call-in details and past meeting minutes. Cloverland members are welcome to participate in person or by phone.

CHECK YOUR BILL

Check the rate code in the upper-right corner of your bill: RES for residential homes (permanent or seasonal) and GEN for nonresidential or commercial accounts.

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Touch a Truck Brings Careers to Life

SEPTEMBER 2026

Along with Cloverland’s Hydro and Safety teams, we extend a special thanks to our community partners who shared their time, equipment, and expertise: Chippewa County Road Commission, Kinross EMS, Bruce Township Volunteer Fire Department, and GFL. We look forward to continuing opportunities that educate, inspire, and strengthen the communities we proudly serve.

Capital improvements to substations and the electric distribution system help strengthen reliability, enhance safety, and ensure Cloverland Electric Cooperative continues delivering affordable, dependable power to members across the Eastern Upper Peninsula.

As a member-owned cooperative, everything we do is guided by one goal: providing safe, reliable, and affordable electricity while serving the best interests of our 34,000 members across the Eastern Upper Peninsula.

generation and distribution systems ensure these valuable assets continue serving our members reliably for years to come. Visit cloverland.com for detailed articles on our engineering and generation plans.

Your Cooperative at Work

By Mike Heise, President & CEO

October is National Co-op Month— a time to celebrate what makes electric cooperatives unique. As a member-owned cooperative, everything we do is guided by one goal: providing safe, reliable, and affordable electricity while serving the best interests of our 34,000 members across the Eastern Upper Peninsula.

Reliability doesn’t happen by chance.

It requires year-round planning, maintenance, and investment. One of the most effective ways we improve reliability is through our vegetation management program. Trees and branches remain one of the leading causes of power outages in our region, particularly during storms.

By proactively trimming vegetation along our rights-of-way, we’re reducing outages, improving safety for our crews and members, and helping restore power more quickly when severe weather occurs. It’s an investment that benefits our entire membership.

We’re also making strategic investments in the future of our electric system. Our hydroelectric plant continues to provide approximately 25 to 30 percent of Cloverland’s fuel mix, delivering clean, renewable energy while helping keep power costs among the lowest in the state and supporting Michigan’s evolving energy requirements.

Ongoing capital improvements to our

Keeping members informed is equally important. We encourage you to stay connected through Michigan Country Lines, Cloverland.com, our social media channels, and email communications.

If your phone number or email address has changed, please let us know so you can receive timely updates on tree trimming and planned outage notifications. We’re also working to expand our communication options through text messaging.

We understand that members have questions about topics such as data centers and other issues affecting our industry. That’s why we encourage you to review our data center Q&A on cloverland.com for the latest information. Your feedback also plays an important role in shaping our cooperative. Whether through member surveys, phone calls, emails, or attending our monthly board of directors’ meetings—in person or by phone—we welcome your participation.

Thank you for being part of Cloverland Electric Cooperative.

During National Co-op Month and throughout the year, we’re proud to serve you and remain committed to powering our communities with reliability, transparency, and memberfocused service.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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Cycling Amidst Fall’s Beauty The 53rd Apple Cider Century will take place in late September

By Chris Lewis

For most of his life, Bryan Volstorf has been an avid cyclist, as he’s participated in various century (100-mile) rides across the country.

His passion continued to increase throughout his 20s, ultimately leading him to create his own bicycle club and century ride in 1974.

A Surge in Popularity A member of the League of American Wheelmen, he was inspired by the organization’s numerous 100-mile routes. Seeking assistance from the organization, Volstorf sat down and thought about names for his upcoming century ride.

Interested in hosting the ride in Three Oaks, Michigan, in September, one name especially stood out to him, as it just “rolled off” his tongue: Apple Cider Century. The name simply made sense. Not only is Three

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Oaks renowned for its cideries, but September is a popular time to visit.

said. “We eventually had 7,500 riders in the late 1980s and early 1990s.”

“I put little flyers out in different bike shops to promote it,” Volstorf said. “We ended up with 226 riders the first year.”

The ride’s popularity increased so much that Volstorf couldn’t have any more participants. After all, he wanted to feed and entertain everyone too, as he didn’t view Apple Cider Century as just a century ride.

It ultimately became a weekend full of entertainment, camaraderie, and lasting memories.

While planning the first-ever Apple Cider Century, he also focused on his own club, the Three Oaks Spokes Bicycle Club. A nonprofit, the club has expanded considerably over the years, as it now organizes several 15- to 40-mile rides each cycling season.

As the club steadily grew, so did Apple Cider Century—substantially. During its second year, the century ride had 500 participants. By the fourth year, it had 1,000 riders. From there, everything changed even more.

“In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Apple Cider Century was the United States’ number-one ride,” Volstorf

In fact, Volstorf believes his century ride stands out from most others for one key aspect—its wide array of amenities.

“We have an ice cream social, a spaghetti dinner, and tons of food stops,” Volstorf said. “We have everything you can think of. We don’t skip on anything and every participant gets their money’s worth.”

This year, the weekend festivities will begin on Saturday, Sept. 26.

Participants are welcomed to check in at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, prior to enjoying an ice cream social from 4 to 8 p.m. at Dewey Cannon Park.

On race day itself, participants will begin parking at the church at 5 a.m. If they haven’t done so yet, they can check in from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m., while also relishing an all-youcan-eat pancakes, eggs, and sausage breakfast. As a reflection of the Three Oaks community’s involvement, the breakfast is prepared and served by the Three Oaks Fire Department.

As has always been the case, participants can begin riding whenever they’d like. All 100-mile riders are advised to start by 10 a.m. though, and every participant must finish their ride by 7 p.m. Participants don’t need to ride for 100 miles either, as 15-, 25-, 50-, and 75-mile route options are available, too.

Furthermore, to fully complete the experience, every participant is welcomed to attend an all-you-caneat spaghetti dinner at St. Mary of the Assumption Church after the ride.

A salad bar, French bread, and fresh apple pie will be served as well.

“Because of our amenities, we don’t have to advertise,” Volstorf said. “It’s mostly word of mouth, which is the best advertising you can have.”

A Family Affair In addition to its food options, the Apple Cider Century has an outdoor band on Saturday evening, offering entertainment for all ages. While reflecting on the century ride’s steady popularity, Volstorf’s son, Tim, believes there is another key ingredient: It provides something for nearly everyone, whether a participant is in middle school or has been riding for 50 years.

the ride. And the average age—of all participants—was 45.

“We can’t wait for our 53rd ride, and we have some special milestones coming up, including the 55th and 60th anniversaries,” Bryan Volstorf added. “Our future is bright!”

For more information, scan the QR code or visit applecidercentury.com

“We let children 12 and under ride for free,” Tim Volstorf said. “They’ll receive a rider number and a packet. Everything they receive costs us money, but it doesn’t cost them a penny.”

This family atmosphere continues to attract riders from all across the United States.

Last year, roughly 200 children participated in

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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Drones Expand Safety, Efficiency, and Innovation at Cloverland

By Allie Brawley

From restoring power after storms to inspecting infrastructure and relaying a story to members, drones have become an important tool for Cloverland Electric Cooperative. With eight drones and 10 FAA-certified drone pilots, our team uses unmanned aircraft to improve safety, increase efficiency, and provide better service to our members.

Cloverland recently participated in Drone Day, a regional demonstration showcasing the future of advanced drone operations in Chippewa County. Hosted through a partnership led by the Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation, the event demonstrated how a digital air traffic management system could safely

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coordinate multiple drone operations in shared airspace.

Chippewa County was selected for this initiative because of its uniquely complex operating environment. Not only does our region include an international border, the Soo Locks and hydroelectric facilities, nearby international airports, and correctional facilities, but it also includes U.S. Coast Guard and Border Patrol operations, a major commercial shipping traffic route, and rapidly changing weather conditions. By participating, Cloverland helped demonstrate how utilities can safely integrate drone technology into everyday operations while supporting future regional innovation.

Above: Cloverland GIS/UAV system specialist Jacob Mitchell pilots a drone near the co-op’s hydroelectric plant during Drone Day, a countywide exercise showcasing advanced drone technology and coordinated airspace management.

Inset: One drone captures a thermal image of another flying above the St. Marys River, with Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, in the background. At Cloverland, infrared drone technology helps detect hot spots in substations, transformers and other electrical equipment, allowing crews to identify poor connections or failing components and make proactive repairs before they lead to an outage.

How Cloverland Uses Drones • Vegetation management—Drones help our right-of-way team monitor vegetation growth, prioritize tree trimming, document work before and after maintenance, and identify debris or obstacles that could slow power restoration following an outage.

• Storm response—Across the co-op’s 4,056 miles of line, drones quickly identify fallen trees, broken poles, and other damage, especially in heavily wooded areas where access is limited and ground inspections can be difficult.

• Reaching remote locations—With 58 islands in its Eastern Upper Peninsula service territory, drones provide valuable access when seasonal conditions make travel difficult or unsafe, particularly during spring and fall when ice conditions are not ideal for crossing.

• System mapping and engineering—Cloverland’s GIS and UAV specialist uses drones to verify pole locations, construction details, and conductor types, creating accurate system maps that support engineering analysis and long-term planning.

A drone’s-eye view of Cloverland’s heavily forested service territory shows why aerial inspections are such a valuable tool. With more than 4,056 miles of line across the co-op’s five-county service area, drones can quickly identify trees contacting power lines, damaged equipment, and other issues that may cause outages, helping crews locate problems faster and restore power more efficiently.

• Construction surveying and emergency response— Staking technicians use drones to support construction projects and can also assist with storm damage assessments, mutual aid efforts, and emergency response when needed.

• Infrastructure inspections—Drones equipped with infrared technology help crews detect hidden issues before they become outages. By scanning substations, transformers, and other electrical equipment for hot spots, drones can identify loose connections or failing components that aren’t visible to the naked eye. This allows Cloverland to proactively repair or replace equipment, improving reliability while reducing risks for employees.

• Member communications—Our communications team captures a bird’s-eye view of storm damage and restoration efforts to convey to members in major outage situations. Drones also provide aerial imagery for infrastructure improvements to accompany stories on infrastructure improvement projects.

As drone technology continues to evolve, Cloverland remains committed to exploring innovative tools that improve safety, strengthen reliability, and enhance service for the members and communities we serve.

Cloverland employees participated in Drone Day, showcasing how drone technology enhances the cooperative’s ability to improve safety, strengthen system reliability, and better serve members. Pictured from left are Johanna Wiltfong, easements and permits liaison; Megan Atkinson, staking technician; Brian Lavey, director of engineering; Phil Coullard, system engineertransmission; Jacob Mitchell, GIS/UAV system specialist; and Josh Eimiller, system engineer.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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MI CO-OP Kitchen

PIZZA

Slice into something delicious.

WINNING RECIPE!

BUFFALO CHICKEN FLATBREAD PIZZA Steve-Ann Van Wyk, Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op

1 large prebaked flatbread or pizza crust (12-14 inches) ½ cup prepared buffalo ranch dressing (or homemade, see below) 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese ½ cup cooked chicken, diced ¼ cup mild taco sauce (such as Old El Paso) Optional Toppings: • sliced black olives • crumbled blue cheese • Italian seasoning • garlic powder • crushed red pepper flakes Homemade Buffalo Ranch Dressing (optional): ½ cup ranch dressing ¼ cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce) 2 tablespoons mayonnaise Preheat the oven to 425°F. Place the flatbread on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Spread the buffalo ranch dressing evenly over the flatbread, then top with the shredded mozzarella cheese and diced chicken. Add the black olives and blue cheese, if desired. Season with the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes, if using.

Drizzle the taco sauce over the top. Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden brown. Slice and serve immediately. Note: To make the Homemade Buffalo Ranch Dressing, whisk together the ranch dressing, buffalo wing sauce, and mayonnaise until smooth.

Makes about 1 cup. Use ½ cup for the flatbread and refrigerate the remaining dressing for up to 1 week.

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

RECIPE CONTEST

Win a $100 energy bill credit!

Cozy Bowls, due Nov. 1. Submit your favorite recipe for a chance to win a $100 bill credit and have your recipe featured in Country Lines with a photo and a video. Submit your recipe at micoopkitchen.com, or send it via email (include your full name and co-op) to recipes@countrylines.com.

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PIZZA PINWHEELS Phil Ehardt, Great Lakes Energy

Dough: 1½ cups warm water 1 tablespoon honey 2 tablespoons olive oil 4 teaspoons instant yeast 1½ teaspoons salt 3½–4 cups flour Filling: 2½–3 cups pizza sauce, divided 2 cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese, divided 1 cup pepperoni, chopped, divided ¼–⅓ cup cornmeal ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet (about 12x18 inches) with parchment paper. In the bowl of a stand mixer

fitted with a dough hook (or in a large mixing bowl using a sturdy spoon), combine the warm water, honey, olive oil, yeast, salt, and 1 cup flour. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the remaining flour until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and forms a soft, smooth ball. Knead by mixer or by hand for 3–4 minutes, then cover and let the dough rest for 10–15 minutes. Divide the dough in half. On a lightly greased work surface, press one portion into a 14x10-inch rectangle. Spread ½–¾ cup pizza sauce evenly over the dough, then top with half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the pepperoni. Starting with one long side, roll the dough tightly into a log, pinching the seam to seal. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling. Place the cornmeal in a shallow bowl or dish. Slice each log into 1 inch pinwheels. Dip the bottom of each pinwheel into the cornmeal, then place about 1-inch apart on the prepared baking

APPLE PIZZA

Teresa Williams, Midwest Energy & Communications Crust: 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts), or homemade pastry for a double-crust 9-inch pie Filling: 7 cups baking apples, peeled and thinly sliced (such as Granny Smith or Gala) ½ cup sugar 1½ tablespoons lemon juice 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg Crumb Topping: ¾ cup all-purpose flour

DETROIT-STYLE PIZZA Cynthia Hodges, Ontonagon REA

Dough: 2½ cups (300 grams) bread flour 3 teaspoons (10 grams) kosher salt 1½ teaspoons (5 grams) instant yeast 1 cup lukewarm water • extra-virgin olive oil, for greasing the pan Sauce: 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 3 medium garlic cloves, minced 2 teaspoons dried oregano ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes 1 (28-ounce) can high-quality crushed tomatoes 1 teaspoon granulated garlic powder 1 teaspoon granulated onion powder 1 tablespoon sugar • kosher salt, to taste Toppings: 4 ounces thinly sliced pepperoni 12 ounces Wisconsin brick cheese, cut into ½-inch cubes (or 6 ounces mozzarella cheese and 6 ounces Monterey Jack cheese)

Combine the flour, kosher salt, yeast, and lukewarm water in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, or in a large mixing bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then let rest for 10 minutes. Knead by mixer or by hand for about 10 minutes, until smooth and slightly sticky. Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until doubled in size. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch metal baking pan with olive oil. Transfer the dough to the pan and gently stretch it toward the edges. If the dough resists, let it rest for 30 minutes, then stretch again.

Cover and let rise for another 45 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes; cook for 30 seconds. Stir in the tomatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, and sugar. Simmer for about 30 minutes, then season with kosher salt to taste. Preheat the oven to 500°F. Press the dough gently to release any large air bubbles. Top evenly with the pepperoni, then the cheese, making sure some reaches the edges of the pan. Spoon the sauce over the cheese in three lengthwise stripes.

Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the cheese is

sheet. Sprinkle the tops evenly with the Parmesan cheese. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the pinwheels are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Warm the remaining pizza sauce and serve alongside the pinwheels for dipping.

½ cup sugar ½ cup cold butter or margarine Preheat the oven to 450°F. Roll the pie dough to fit a large pizza pan or baking sheet and flute the edges as desired. In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with the lemon juice. Arrange the apples evenly over the prepared crust. In a small bowl, combine the ½ cup sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, then sprinkle evenly over the apples.

In another bowl, cut the flour, remaining ½ cup sugar, and cold butter or margarine together until the mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apples. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the apples are tender. Cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.

melted and bubbly, and the crust is crisp and golden. Let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 11

Investing in

Better Care Close to Home

By Millie Jezior, Public Relations Manager, MyMichigan Health

For residents of Michigan’s Eastern Upper Peninsula, access to high-quality health care close to home is more than a convenience—it’s essential. Long distances and harsh winter weather can make receiving specialized medical care difficult, making continued investment in local health care critical to the region’s future.

That commitment is evident at MyMichigan Medical Center Sault, where investments in facilities, technology, and specialized services are expanding access to care and improving the patient experience across the Eastern Upper Peninsula.

One of the most visible investments is a nearly $19 million expansion and renovation project that began this summer. Supported in part by a $3.6 million State of Michigan grant, the project will expand outpatient surgery with 18 private patient rooms designed to improve comfort, privacy, and efficiency. It also includes relocating behavioral health inpatient services to the main Medical Center campus, renovating the long-term care unit, and modernizing key areas of the facility.

“We are excited to see this significant investment in our community because it demonstrates MyMichigan Health’s long-term commitment to rural health care,” said Kevin Kalchik, president, MyMichigan Medical Center Sault.

“Our patients deserve access to advanced, high-quality care close to home, and these improvements will benefit many generations to come.”

A new GE Voyager 1.5T MRI system arrives at MyMichigan Medical Center Sault. The advanced technology enhances diagnostic imaging with faster exams, improved image quality, and a more comfortable patient experience, expanding access to specialized care close to home.

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Technology investments are also making advanced care more accessible. A new GE Voyager 1.5T MRI system will go into service this August, bringing faster exams, enhanced

A rendering of the nearly $19 million expansion and renovation project at MyMichigan Medical Center Sault. The investment will expand outpatient surgery, relocate behavioral health services to the main campus, renovate the long-term care unit, and modernize key areas of the facility to better serve patients across the Eastern Upper Peninsula.

image quality, and a more comfortable experience. Residents also have access to robotic-assisted surgery and roboticassisted orthopedic procedures, providing minimally invasive treatment options that can lead to greater precision, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery.

Access to specialty care continues to grow, too. Earlier this year, the Medical Center launched a telestroke program in partnership with University of Michigan Health, providing patients experiencing stroke symptoms with immediate access to vascular neurology specialists 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When every minute counts, this collaboration helps ensure patients receive expert care as quickly as possible while remaining close to home whenever appropriate.

MyMichigan Medical Center Sault’s commitment to quality also earned

“ Our patients deserve access to advanced, high-quality care close to home, and these improvements will benefit many generations to come.”

statewide recognition. In 2026, its Maternity Center received Michigan’s MI AIM Platinum Designation for excellence in maternal care, reflecting a continued focus on evidence-based practices that improve outcomes for mothers and babies.

These investments represent more than new buildings or technology.

They reflect an ongoing commitment to ensuring Eastern Upper Peninsula residents have access to exceptional health care without traveling hours

for treatment. As community needs continue to evolve, MyMichigan Medical Center Sault remains focused on expanding services, strengthening partnerships, and investing in the future of health care close to home.

Learn more at mymichigan.org/sault

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 13

FUELED

BY GRIT

PIPER BELL GOES PRO IN WOMEN’S MOTOCROSS RACING

By Abby Moran

T

he starting race gate rattles beneath Piper Bell’s front tire as motocross engines throttle around her. Beneath her helmet, the 17-year-old rider claps her gloves together, settling her adrenaline before the gate drops. While the atmosphere around her is electric with pre-race energy, Piper’s focus locks in on the start of the race, visualizing the packed first turn on the hot dirt racetrack.

“I try to keep myself calm and lock in mentally. I really focus and visualize,” Piper said about her racing strategy.

“The first is the start of the race, so I’ll focus on that. If you have a bad start, it will probably be a bad race.”

This mental fortitude was a practice Piper built over nearly a decade of motocross racing.

Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan-based Piper has dedicated her teenage years to conquering motocross racing and becoming a rider who is not just respected in the Midwest but is now competing across the nation on the professional women’s motocross (WMX) racing circuit.

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Piper started riding dirtbikes at 8 years old and competed in her first race in Ontario, Canada, at 9. Although it started as a family hobby, as Piper continued racing, she got better, faster, and stronger. The turning point in her racing journey came when she competed in the Monster Energy AMA National Motocross Championship at Loretta Lynn’s ranch in Tennessee (known to racers as Loretta Lynn’s), considered the world’s largest amateur motocross race.

“I thought, let’s just give it a shot. If I can qualify, I’ll compete,” Piper said.

Qualifying for Loretta Lynn’s was a feat of endurance for then 11-year-old Piper. First, she had to finish high in an area qualifier, followed by a placement in a regional qualifier. The top 42 racers in each division are eligible to compete at Loretta Lynn’s.

“We had never experienced anything like that race environment before,” Piper said. “I thought it was so cool.

Once we knew I could compete on the national level, we started taking racing more seriously.”

Since then, Piper has qualified to compete in the renowned motocross championship for the past five years, placing sixth in her division over the past three years. Just after Loretta Lynn’s in 2025, Piper took on the Thor Mini O’s race in November, which featured some of the best motocross racers in the world.

She claimed a sixth-place finish, ensuring her place as a rising star in motocross racing.

“I just kept thinking, there’s a future here,” Piper said about the start of her racing career. “When I’m racing, and the other riders are faster, I just think about how much I want to get better. I love it so much.”

all maintenance on the bike, ensuring everything runs smoothly for both training and race days. Her mom, Kerry, is the backbone of support. Piper’s brother, Cole, also an aspiring racer, is there riding alongside his sister.

Most riders competing at Piper’s skill level live year-round at boardingschool-style elite racing centers, completing both their high school education and training at high intensity, often living away from their family members for most of the year.

The Bell family spends a lot of time watching other motocross racers, learning from great riders and

Piper has a more traditional high school experience, completing schoolwork online through Sault Area High School while balancing sports as a point guard on the varsity girls’ basketball team. While most other riders are training year-round, Piper’s training picks up after her basketball season ends. Around March, the Bell family, who are Cloverland Electric Cooperative members, packs their RV and travels down to motocross tracks for training in Florida and Georgia.

“When I’m racing, and the other riders are faster, I just think about how much I want to get better. I love it so much.”

reviewing race footage to pick up the small tweaks that can lead to big improvements in racing.

This summer, Piper will line up against the fastest women motocross riders in the country, chasing a starting gate she once only dreamed of reaching. After being recruited to join the WMX circuit, Piper will compete against some of the sport’s top riders, marking a major milestone in a journey that began as a family hobby nearly a decade ago. As she balances her rookie season on the professional circuit with her senior year of high school, Piper is already setting her sights higher, determined to continue climbing the ranks of women’s motocross.

“I want to be a top three pro-rider in the WMX,” Piper states.

With her goal to expand motocross training after her high school graduation, Piper has the dedication, athleticism, and grit to make that goal a reality.

The training is grueling. Combining endurance training with 100-degree heat on a dirt race track creates extreme conditions that demand every bit of stamina. The riders start with a warm-up stretch in the morning, followed by hours of motocross riding and an afternoon strength-training workout. While many riders train year-round at elite racing facilities, Piper has only a brief stretch each spring to prepare before the racing season begins.

This spring, Piper also trained at NXT LVL 101 in South Carolina, her first opportunity to receive official professional training before the WMX season began. The experience paid off quickly. Despite competing against women with significantly more racing experience and yearround training, Piper has already earned multiple top 10 finishes during her rookie professional season.

For the Bell family, Piper’s racing career is a family commitment. Her dad, Amos, is Piper’s trainer and handles

WMX motocross races stream Saturdays throughout the summer on Peacock. Watch recaps online or follow Piper’s racing journey on Instagram @Piper_bell_67.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 15

Notice to Members of Cloverland Electric Cooperative Case No. U-17799: 2025 Renewable Energy Plan Annual Report Summary Michigan law required all Michigan electric utilities to get at least 15 percent of their power supply from renewable during 2025.

MI Co-op Photo Contest Correction

Due to an error in the photo submission link published in our last issue, we were unable to receive photo contest entries. As a result, this issue does not include a member photo page. We’d love to see your Treasured Traditions photos for our November/December issue!

Submit your entries at cloverland.com/photocontest.

Submit a photo & win a $100 energy bill credit!

SIX

Under this requirement, Cloverland Electric Cooperative submitted an annual report to the MPSC regarding its Renewable Energy Plan. In 2025, Cloverland acquired a total of 108,446 renewable energy credits for compliance.

Cloverland 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 filed with the MPSC is available at www.cloverland.com or by request at (800) 562-4953.

Efficient WAYS TO PAY

Online SmartHub or one-time payment (no login required) Auto Pay (credit card or bank account) Pay-by-phone (credit card or bank account) 855-947-3203

Mail 2916 W. M-28 Dafter, MI 49724 Dafter drop box or service center (M-F 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.)

VanillaDirect pay stations Walmart, Family Dollar, Dollar General, Circle K, and Admiral

To improve bill payment processing costs, efficiency, and reliability, Cloverland discontinued payments at bank/credit union pay stations effective Aug. 31, 2026, with the exception of branch locations on Mackinac Island.

16 SEPTEMBER 2026

Explore Your

HOME ENERGY USAGE HOME USAGE USA • DIVE INTO THE DETAILS OF YOUR ELECTRICAL BILL • UNDERSTAND YOUR UNIQUE ENERGY USAGE • SAVE WITH CUSTOM ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIPS

Available through SmartHub mobile app or online.

ALERT TODAY, ALIVE TOMORROW: HEADS UP FOR FARM SAFETY

Stay safe around downed power lines.

Consider all lines, equipment, and conductors to be live and dangerous.

If the vehicle is on fire, or you must exit for other safety reasons, follow these steps:

1 Jump clear of the

vehicle. Do not let any part of your body or clothing touch the ground and machinery at the same time.

2 Land with feet

together and hop away in small steps to minimize the path of electric current and avoid electric shock.

3 Keep going

until you are at least 40 feet away.

for help. 5 Do not re-enter the 4 Call Make sure no area or vehicle one gets within 40 feet of the downed line.

until emergency responders and crews determine it is safe.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 17

Where In Michigan Is This?

MI CO-OP Guest Column

Recollections of a Bookworm Joan Blewett, a Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op member

Growing up in Ishpeming, my family never lived more than three blocks from Ishpeming’s Carnegie Library.

The library was the focal point of my life through grade school and high school, and I even worked there part time while going to Northern Michigan University.

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 2026 WINNER! Our Mystery Photo winner is Laura Hostetler, a Midwest Energy & Communications member who correctly identified the photo as the World’s Largest Cherry Pie in Charlevoix, Mich.

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

18 SEPTEMBER 2026

If you turned right upon entering the library, you would encounter the stairs leading to the children’s room. The wooden stairs are about 8 feet in width and were worn down in the middle from years of use.

Children would clatter down the stairs, a racket heard in most of the adult area. At some point, either patrons or a director had enough and the stairs were closed off and entrance to the children’s room was obtained through an outside entrance. The children’s room was located in what was once the basement. It was a pretty large space and when converted, it made for a wonderful children’s library.

Once inside, oh heaven, the stories that awaited.

I read all the Nancy Drew, all the Hardy Boys, Bobbsey Twins, Freddie the Pig (the adventures of a talking pig who walked on his hind legs).

There were several fairy tale books that went by color. “The Blue Fairy Tale Book,” “The Red Fairy Tale Book,” and a few others with a color in the title. I had to climb a ladder to reach them on a top shelf. No, not that kind of ladder that moved on a rail. A ladder like that in The Home Depot. And then there was every single horse book that I could

find. Horse stories about a boy and his horse (think The Black Stallion series) or a boy and his dog (think Big Red), and there were stories of a girl and her horse, never a girl with a dog. There was a nonfiction book called “Drinkers of the Wind” by Carl Raswan, written in the 1930s about his time with the Bedouins and their Arabian horses.

One time when I was probably 9 or 10 years old, I was on my knees inching along the floor, checking out the bottom shelves of the nonfiction so as not to miss anything, when I came across a book by Roy Chapman Andrews. I was flummoxed. There were authors who used their middle initials, but never, ever had I run across an author who used his middle name.

The book was about hunting for dinosaur fossils in Mongolia. Holy Moley! This screamed adventure!

And he was doing this in the 1920s when it really was an adventure.

Roy Chapman Andrews worked for the American Museum of Natural History in New York City and subsequently became its director in 1934. Holy Moley!

Ishpeming’s Carnegie Library, built with a grant from Andrew Carnegie, is but one of many Carnegie libraries in Michigan, the U.S., and the world. Opened in 1905, it stands in all its neoclassic sandstone glory, attracting local patrons and serving as another lasting tribute to the philanthropy of Andrew Carnegie. Holy Moley!

GUEST COLUMN Win $200 for stories published!

Share your fondest memories and stories. Win $200 for stories published. Visit countrylines.com/community to submit.

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Power Line Pruning—Trimming for Safety & Reliability

2026 TREE TRIMMING PLANS Cloverland contractors Chop Tree Service, Wright Tree Service, Davey Tree, and Townsend Tree Service will clear rights-of-way along highvoltage power lines. Cloverland maintains a total of 4,056 miles of line, with approximately 300 miles scheduled for clearance in 2026 across our Eastern Upper Peninsula service territory.

Scheduled work will occur across: District A: Clark, DeTour, Drummond Island, Marquette, Pickford, and Raber townships District C: Garfield and Hudson townships Additional maintenance work may occur across Cloverland’s service territory.

Safe clearances are maintained by removing select trees and pruning limbs along power lines. Crews are identified by company logo on their vehicles and identification badges.

Contact Cloverland at 800-562-4953 if you are concerned about vegetation in proximity of your service line.

Our tree trimming process involves two phases to ensure efficient and thorough work.

1. Trimming

The first crew trims the limbs and branches, leaving them in piles.

2. Chipping

The second crew follows to chip the trimmed branches.

There may be a two-to-four-week gap between phases, so you may notice branches accumulating during this period. Thank you for your understanding and patience.

Members affected by 2026 tree trimming plans will be notified in advance by email and automated phone message. Call 800-562-4953 to update your email or phone number to stay informed.