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HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative

September 2026

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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

The Co-op Way To Look At Data Center Growth

Co-op Acquires Local Cable Internet System

Apply For A Classroom Grant!

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MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

Contents countrylines.com

September 2026 Vol. 46, No. 8

/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.

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

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

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

OSCEOLA

The Co-op Way to Look at Data Center Growth

CLARE

By Chris O’Neill, President/CEO

MECOSTA ISABELLA

MONTCALM GRATIOT

IONIA

BARRY

SAGINAW

CLINTON

EATON

INGHAM

You’ve seen the headlines: Data centers are coming to the Midwest, and they need enormous amounts of electricity. Some of you have asked me directly: What does this mean for us? It’s a good question. Let me answer it plainly.

JACKSON

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

SEPTEMBER 2026

First, some background. As your electric Cooperative, we have a legal obligation to serve new electric load in our service territory, whether it is a household, a farm, a factory, or a data center. Sometimes, we actively pursue growth opportunities, as growth typically provides benefits to all. Other times, growth finds us, and that’s where our obligation to serve comes in. Regardless of the way growth happens, we decide how to responsibly serve the new load to ensure all members benefit and all risks are managed. Not all data centers are alike. Some are ordinary commercial loads, such as a hospital’s server room or a local company’s IT operation. In fact, there are some of these very ordinary data centers on Cooperative lines today. The largest facilities, known as “hyperscale” data centers are different. A single hyperscale campus can use 25 times all the electricity HomeWorks sells each year. Requests at this scale change the math for everything we do. That is why we proactively established a new process if one of these large loads seeks service from your Cooperative. The process starts with a thorough application, including a significant application fee, and finishes with a unique long-term contract for that new load. The new load must pay their own way from start to finish, including the full cost of the power, infrastructure, and planning they require. This means that all costs created and sustained by that new load are paid for by that new load, not the households and businesses that we have served for nearly 90 years. Finally, these new loads must provide benefit to you and our communities. We have established high expectations and will hold new growth to meet them. Managed intentionally, responsibly, and for the long-term, new large loads share the cost of your Cooperative across more sales, bring investment to the communities where our members live and work, and strengthen your Cooperative overall. Serving these new loads intentionally and responsibly is how we honor our obligation to serve, protect our existing members, and create value for all. That’s the Co-op way.

homeworks.org

/homeworks.org

tricoenergy@homeworks.org

Notice to Members of HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative A Special Member Meeting Is Set for Sept. 28, 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. 28, 2026, 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 2027. 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. 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.

LARGE LOAD GROWTH IN MICHIGAN | WHAT YOUR CO-OP IS DOING ABOUT IT

AN OBLIGATION TO SERVE. A RESPONSIBILITY TO SERVE YOU WISELY. Across Michigan, data centers and other large energy users are asking to connect to the grid. Your Cooperative is taking proactive steps to be ready for any request that comes our way and to evaluate it the right way: by asking tough questions, protecting existing members, and making sure any new growth creates meaningful benefits for the members and communities we serve.

THE OBLIGATION

WE HAVE A DUTY TO SERVE

Electric cooperatives are legally required to serve all new electric growth in their territory—homes, businesses, and data centers alike. That has been true since the day the lights first came on.

THE SAFEGUARDS

LARGE LOADS PAY THEIR OWN WAY

Large loads can require major investments in power supply, transmission, and local distribution. Our new proactive safeguards, including a large load tariff and application process, make sure those costs are assigned to the load that creates them, not shifted to existing members.

EACH SAFEGUARD EXISTS FOR ONE REASON:

Meeting our obligation to serve without shifting costs or risk onto existing members.

03 THE STANDARD GROWTH THAT GIVES BACK

New growth should create meaningful benefits for the members and communities we serve, today and tomorrow. Managed responsibly, large loads strengthen the Cooperative, member-consumers, and the local community.

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

SEPTEMBER 2026

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

Energy-Efficient Heating and Cooling:

Comfort Meets Savings Upgrading existing heating and cooling equipment to energyefficient equipment is one of the most effective ways for HomeWorks members to reduce energy use while maintaining comfort in every season. Modern high-efficiency systems are designed to provide consistent indoor temperatures, improved humidity control, and reliable performance while using less electricity than traditional equipment. This means homeowners can enjoy greater comfort while using less energy.

High-efficiency Central Air Conditioners

Heat Pumps

Efficient Circulation Pumps

Heat pump systems are an excellent option because they provide both heating and cooling in a single unit. They move heat rather than generate it, making them significantly more efficient than many traditional systems. Whether replacing aging equipment or installing a ductless mini-split in a specific area of the home, heat pumps can help lower energy use while delivering even, dependable comfort year-round.

Smart Thermostats

High-efficiency central air conditioners can deliver measurable energy savings. New models cool homes more effectively, operate more quietly, and often include advanced features that improve temperature control and indoor comfort. Because they require less electricity to produce the same amount of cooling, customers may see lower energy bills while enjoying increased comfort at home during hot summer months.

If your home uses a hydronic heating system, an efficient circulation pump may be the right upgrade for you. These pumps are designed to move heated water more efficiently, reducing unnecessary electricity use while helping maintain consistent temperatures throughout the home. Many models automatically adjust their speed to match heating demand, further improving efficiency.

Make your new heating and cooling system even more efficient by installing a new smart thermostat. Smart thermostats easily customize heating and cooling schedules based on your habits, resulting in lower energy use and a home that’s always comfortable. Rebates from HomeWorks help reduce the upfront cost of these energy-saving improvements, making it easier for customers to invest in equipment that provides longterm value. By choosing qualifying high-efficiency heating and cooling products, customers can lower electricity use, improve year-round comfort, and enjoy dependable performance for years to come.

Visit homeworks.org/eo to apply and learn more about all the rebates available from HomeWorks.

ENERGY-EFFICIENT COMFORT FOR EVERY SEASON Reliable comfort, made easier with rebates. Rebates available now for: • • •

A variety of heat pump systems High-efficiency central air conditioners Efficient circulation pumps

HomeWorks offers rebates on energyefficient systems that can help offset the cost of qualifying upgrades. Now is a smart time to invest in comfort, efficiency, and long-term energy savings.

Fall into Comfort Fall into Savings

Scan the QR code to view eligible rebates or visit homeworks.org/eo HomeWorks.org facebook.com/homeworks.org

MI CO-OP Snap Shot

ICONIC LANDMARKS MOST VOTES

1. MOST VOTES Cold Big Mac. Craig Wright, Charlotte 2. Traveling ‘far’ for the ultimate view. There is nothing quite as iconic as the turquoise waters of the Canadian Rockies. Kelsie Moeggenberg, Shepherd 3. A photo of the St. Louis, Missouri Gateway Arch & Museum, taken just before a summer thunderstorm. Casie Bayless, Portland 4. Notre Dame three weeks before the great fire. Linda Snelling, Saint Johns 5. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Munising, Michigan. Ashley Stickler, Saint Johns 6. Tower of London. Tracey Warchuck, Six Lakes 7. Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, Alaska. Jamie Purchase, Vestaburg 8. My daughter and I traveled to Italy the summer before her senior year of high school. While there were so many memorable places we visited, one of our favorites was the Colosseum in Rome! Sarah Moore, Portland 9. The Golden Gate Bridge is frequently hidden by fog so we were delighted to see a rare glimpse. Dawn Klee, Eaton Rapids

Enter to win a $100 energy bill credit! Submit Your “Treasured Traditions” 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. 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 2026, you will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of four $100 credits on your December 2026 HomeWorks bill!

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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.

10 SEPTEMBER 2026

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

E H T G N I K A T R O F U O Y THANK

S K R O HOMEW ! p i r T Road

We’re excited to report that more than 325 teams participated in our inaugural HomeWorks Road Trip, exploring some of the special places that make our service territory a great place to call home. We’ve loved watching your photos come in, and we hope you had just as much fun making memories, discovering new places, and winning some fun prizes along the way. Thank you for making our first Road Trip a success—we can’t wait to hit the road with you again next year!

RE AMERY

EC MOO-VILL

BLANCHARD MILLPOND

BRIDGE STREET BRIDGE

COLDWATER

L AKE PARK

THE LEDGES

HIGHL ANDS

MOTZ COU

NTY PARK

CASTLE

ANDERSON &

GIRLS

Your Board In Action Meeting in Portland on June 22, your board of directors: • After careful review, unanimously authorized management to purchase the coaxial cable plant of Vogtmann Engineering, Inc. (VEI) in the villages of Nashville and Vermontville, Michigan, including all customer lists, pole attachment rights, and other associated items, and to enter into transition services agreement with VEI to continue to provide video and internet services to their existing subscribers until they can be connected to fiber internet from HomeWorks Connect. The board also authorized an amendment to the Co-op’s 2026 operating and capital budgets to cover the cost of the acquisition. • Authorized management the discretion to order the large trucks identified as needing to be ordered in the next five years to maintain the Co-op’s current large truck replacement schedule. • 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 2027. • Reviewed and approved Board Policy 110 – Delegation of Authority from the Board to the GM and Board Policy 111 – Board of Directors General Manager Relationship, as revised. • Learned there were 103 new members in May.

Meeting at the Wolverine Power Cooperative headquarters on July 27, your board of directors: • Authorized the implementation of a new tariff, Schedule LL – Large Load, to govern potential loads of greater than 10 MW, effective Aug. 1, 2026. • After careful review, unanimously authorized management to procure grid modernization equipment, forecasted in the amount of $5.15 million, to fully support the associated technology required for the board’s grid modernization strategic initiative from 2027 until 2030, which is intended to improve safety, electric reliability, and affordability for the Co-op’s membership. • Unanimously authorized management to procure sufficient material for work plan projects from 2027 to 2031, forecasted to be $20.28 million, which will improve reliability, reduce line loss, and support grid modification projects. • Reviewed and approved Board Policy 112 - Strategic Planning, as revised. • Learned there were 115 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. 28 and Oct. 26 in Portland.

Tri-County People Fund Helps Local Organizations Make A Positive Impact Meeting remotely on July 16, our People Fund board made two grants totaling $3,500, including: • $2,500 to the Mount Pleasant Discovery Museum, to support their M4A program for lowincome clients; and • $1,000 to the M46 Tabernacle Family Food Pantry in Riverdale, to purchase food items for families in need.

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. 21 for the September meeting or by Nov. 11 for the November meeting.

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.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 13

FUELED BY GRIT

PIPER BELL GOES PRO IN WOMEN’S MOTOCROSS RACING By Abby Moran

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.

14 SEPTEMBER 2026

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

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Co-op Acquires VEI’s Cable System In Nashville And Vermontville After careful consideration, the HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative board of directors approved the acquisition of VEI’s cable system in Nashville and Vermontville in June, marking another significant step in the Cooperative’s commitment to delivering reliable, locally supported broadband service to rural communities across mid-Michigan. The cable system, officially acquired by HomeWorks in July, includes 15 miles of cable in the neighboring villages of Nashville and Vermontville, passing just over 1,000 homes and businesses. Our team is now hard at work upgrading the coaxial cable to fiber and integrating the system into our HomeWorks Connect network, which currently serves 14,000 homes and businesses across rural mid-Michigan. “This acquisition is truly a win-win,” says HomeWorks CEO Chris O’Neill. “It’s going to allow us to achieve our financial goals with HomeWorks Connect more rapidly, which creates additional value for our member-owners, while also allowing us to extend our mission of serving residents of underserved areas within our service area with the reliable, high-quality broadband they deserve. As a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative, every investment we make is focused on improving the lives of the people and

communities we serve. We’re very excited to welcome VEI customers to the HomeWorks family.” Board Chairman Luke Pohl agrees. “This acquisition fits right in with our strategic objective of leveraging our existing investment and expanding our HomeWorks Connect network and revenue base in a cost-effective manner that benefits our membership,” he says. “The profits we make with our fiber business will be reinvested back into the Cooperative and ultimately returned to all of us as capital credits, so a HomeWorks Connect win like this is a win for every single one of us.” Our current project goal is to finish fiber construction in the Nashville/Vermontville area over the next couple of months and complete customer transfers by the end of 2026. The HomeWorks Connect team will host meet & greet events in the Nashville/Vermontville communities in the coming months, giving potential customers an opportunity to meet the HomeWorks team, ask questions about the transition, and discover more about the Co-op and our commitment to the communities we serve. To learn more about the transition, visit HomeWorks.org/MVP.

Notice to Members of HomeWorks Tri-County Cooperative Case No. U-16598: 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 sources during 2025. Under this requirement, HomeWorks Tri-County Energy Cooperative submits an annual report to the MPSC regarding its Renewable Energy Plan. In 2025, HomeWorks acquired a total of 54,747 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.

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.

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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!

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It’s time to apply for our 2026/27 classroom grants! We offer grants of up to $2,000 to help teachers in our service area provide S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) education in their classrooms.

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