The Hastings Banner — Thursday, June 24, 2021 — Page 9Consumers Energy announces plan to end coal use by 2025
Consumers Energy Wednesday announced
a sweeping proposal to stop using coal as a
fuel source for electricity by 2025 —15 years
earlier than currently planned. The effort
would make the company one of the first in
the nation to go coal-free and provide a
20-year blueprint to meet Michigan’s energy
needs while protecting the environment for
future generations.
“We are proud to lead Michigan’s clean
energy transformation and be one of the first
utilities in the country to end coal use,” presi-
dent and CEO Garrick Rochow said in a press
release. “We are committed to being a force of
change and good stewards of our environ-
ment, producing reliable, affordable energy
for our customers while caring for our com-
munities during this transition.”
The plan, which requires regulatory approv-
al, ensures Consomers Energy would:- Be among the first utilities in the
nation to go coal-free by 2025 - Use 90 percent clean energy resourc-
es by 2040 - Build nearly 8,000 megawatts of
solar energy to power Michigan’s homes and
businesses by 2040 - Stay on the path to achieve net zero
carbon emissions - Save customers about $650 million
through 2040.
If approved by the Michigan Public Service
Commission, the updated plan would speed
closure of Consumers Energy’s three coal-
fired units at the Campbell generating com-
plex near Holland. Campbell 1 and 2, collec-
tively capable of producing more than 600
megawatts of electricity, would retire in 2025
— roughly six years sooner than their sched-
uled design lives. Campbell 3, capable of
generating 840 MW, would also retire in 2025
— roughly 15 years sooner than its scheduled
design life.
The updated proposal also calls for moving
up closure of Karn 3 and 4, in Essexville,
units that run on natural gas and fuel oil andcan generate more than 1,100 MW to meet
peak demand, to 2023 — about eight years
sooner than their design lives.
“Consumers Energy is committed to a just
transition away from coal as a fuel source for
electricity,” said Brandon Hofmeister, senior
vice president for governmental, regulatory
and public affairs. “We supported employees
and communities impacted by our 2016 coal
retirements by finding new roles for workers
who wanted to stay, fulfilling our environ-
mental responsibilities at the sites and helping
local leaders pursue new economic possibili-
ties. We plan to follow the same philosophy to
help those affected by the proposed Campbell
and Karn retirements.”
By 2040, clean, renewable fuel sources,
such as solar and wind, will comprise more
than 60 percent of the company’s electric
capacity. Combining that growth with advanc-
es in energy storage and customer efficiency
will allow it to meet customers’ needs with 90
percent clean energy resources. The transition
to clean, renewable sources includes the addi-
tion of nearly 8,000 megawatts of solar power.
The solar ramp-up has begun and will con-
tinue throughout the 2020s. Consumers
Energy currently operates solar power plants
at Western Michigan University, Grand Valley
State University and in Cadillac and purchas-
es solar generation from several sites in
Michigan.
To ensure continued reliable, affordable
energy for Michigan and the Midwest during
this historic transition away from coal gener-ation, Consumers Energy proposes buying
four existing natural gas-fired power plants in
the state: Covert Generating Station in Van
Buren County; Dearborn Industrial Generation
in Wayne County; Kalamazoo River
Generating Station in Kalamazoo County; and
Livingston Generating Station in Otsego
County. The proposed purchases require state
and federal regulatory approvals. The
Kalamazoo River and Livingston plants are
smaller and used primarily to meet peak
demand.
These natural gas plants — along with
Consumers Energy’s current natural gas-fired
power plants in Zeeland and Jackson —
would supply steady, reliable electricity for
homes and businesses as the company invests
more heavily in renewable energy and contin-
ues to explore emerging technology to mini-
mize impact on the environment, according to
the press release.
The plan creates price stability and, by
using natural gas as a fuel source to generate
baseload power, would save customers about
$650 million through 2040 compared to its
current plan. Further, the increased use of
demand-management tools, such as energy
waste reduction programs, would give cus-
tomers more control over their monthly ener-
gy bills, equipping them to save energy and
money over the long term.
More information on the clean energy plan
can be found at ConsumersEnergy.com/
change.162882
NOTICE TO BIDDERSBARRY COUNTY ROAD COMMISSION
The Barry County Road Commission is offering for sale five pickups: (5) 2020 GMC 2500 Crew
Cab.Sealed proposals will be received at the office of the Barry County Road Commission, 1725 West
M-43 Highway, P.O. Box 158, Hastings, MI 49058, until 10:30 AM, Tuesday, June 29, 2021 for the
following items. Please mark outside of bid envelope with truck number i.e #900020.Specifications and additional information may be obtained at the Road Commission Office at the
above phone number or at our website http://www.barrycrc.org., please make an appointment for all
viewings of the trucks. NOTE: All trucks are sold as is.Due to COVID 19 the opening will be done by Zoom Meeting on Tuesday, June 29, 2021 at 10:
AM.
https://zoom.us/j/94238444705?pwd=aTc3aHlFQ2tWZlRuajluUTFWQVQxZz
Meeting ID: 942 3844 4705, Passcode: 815407, (312) 626 6799 US (Chicago)(5) 2020 GMC 2500 Crew Cab SLE Pickups
4WD Duramax Diesel, Allison Transmission
Air, Cruise, PW & Locks, Keyless remote, Heated mirrors
1 – Cardinal Red - #900020- Orange Title Approximately 23,462 Miles – Minimum Bid $47,
1 – Cardinal Red - #900080 – Orange – Approximately 18,680 Miles - Minimum Bid $47,
1-Onyx Black- #900100- Orange Title – Approximately 7,750 Miles – Minimum Bid $47,
1-Summit White- #900120 – Orange Title – Approximately 12,885 Miles – Minimum Bid $47,
1-Onyx Black- #900140- Orange Title – Approximately 16,187 Miles – Minimum Bid $47,(Orange Title = MUNICIPAL Title – NOT Salvage Title)NOTE: All mileages are approximate – trucks are being driven until they are sold.The board reserves the right to reject any or all proposals or to waive irregularities in the best
interest of the Commission.Even “singles” need estate plans
If you don’t have a spouse
or children, you might think
you don’t need to do much es-
tate planning. But if you have
any assets, any familial con-
nections, any interest in sup-
porting charitable groups – not
to mention a desire to control
your own future – you do need
to establish an estate plan.
In evaluating your needs for
this type of planning, let’s start
with what might happen if you
die intestate – that is, without
a last will and testament. In
this scenario, your assets will
likely have to go through the
probate process, which means
they’ll be distributed by the
court according to your state’s
intestate succession laws, es-
sentially without regard to
your wishes. Even if you don’t
have children yourself, you
may have nephews or nieces,
or even children of cousins or
friends, to whom you would
like to leave some of your
assets, which can include not
just money but also cars, col-
lectibles, family memorabilia
and so on. But if everything
you own goes through pro-
bate, there’s no guarantee that
these individuals will end up
with what you wanted them
to have.
If you want to leave some-
thing to family members or
close friends, you will need to
indicate this in your last willand testament or other estate
planning documents. But you
also may want to provide sup-
port to one or more charitable
organizations. Of course, you
can simply name these chari-
ties in your will, but there may
be options that could provide
you with more benefits.
One such possibility is a
charitable remainder trust.
Under this arrangement, you’d
transfer appreciated assets –
such as stocks, mutual funds
or other securities – into an
irrevocable trust. The trust-
ee, whom you’ve named – in
fact, you could serve as trust-
ee yourself – can then sell the
assets at full market value,
avoiding the capital gains tax-
es you’d have to pay if you
sold them yourself, outside a
trust. Plus, if you itemize, you
may be able to claim a chari-
table deduction on your taxes.
With the proceeds, the trust
can purchase income-pro-
ducing assets and provide
you with an income stream
for the rest of your life. Upon
your death, the remaining trust
assets will go the charities
you’ve named.
Aside from family mem-
bers and charitable groups,
there’s a third entity that’s cen-
tral to your estate plans: your-
self. Everyone should make
arrangements to protect their
interests, but, in the absence ofan immediate family, you need
to be especially vigilant about
your financial and health care
decisions. And that’s why, as
part of your estate planning,
you may want to include these
two documents: durable pow-
er of attorney and a health care
proxy.
A durable power of attor-
ney lets you name someone to
manage your finances should
you become incapacitated.
This arrangement is espe-
cially important for anyone
who doesn’t have a spouse to
step in. And if you become
incapacitated, your health
care proxy – also known as a
health care surrogate or med-
ical power of attorney – lets
you name another person to
legally make health care deci-
sions for you if you can’t do so
yourself.
Estate planning moves can
be complex, so you’ll need
help from a legal professional
and possibly your tax and fi-
nancial advisors. You may not
have an immediate family, but
you still need to take steps to
protect your legacy.
This article was written by
Edward Jones for use by your
local Edward Jones Financial
Advisor.Edward Jones. Member
SIPC.Jeff Domenico, AAMS®
Financial Advisor
450 Meadow Run Dr. Suite 100
Hastings, MI 49058
(269) 948-Financial FOCUS
Provided by the Barry County
offices of Edward JonesWendi Stratton
Financial Advisor
423 N. Main St.
Nashville, MI
(517)760-Member SIPCElsie Sage to
celebrate
97th birthday
We are excited to announce that Elsie
Sage will be 97 years old on July 8, 2021.
Can you believe it? She is still going strong.
She was a HHS graduate of the class of
1942 and has been a resident of Hastings
since then. She is a wonderful piano and
organ player and has volunteered her talent
all around the area for many many years.
Until only a couple of years ago she was still
blessing others with her music at the
Thornapple Manor on a weekly basis.
For her last two birthdays she received
well wishes from so many people and it
brought her so much joy. Please make her
day special again with a birthday wish sent
to 904 W. Walnut St., Hastings, MI 49058.Dennis and
Andrea Storrs
to celebrate 50th
anniversary
Andrea and Dennis Storrs of Hastings are
celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary
on June 26. They were married at the
Middleville United Methodist Church on
June 26, 1971. The couple has two children,
Jeff (Danielle) Storrs and Steven (Ashlee)
Storrs, both of Hastings, and five
grandchildren, Jackson, William, Stella,
Sylvia, and Fitzgerald.Danielle Brooke Friend, Hastings and
Raymond Jason McConnon, Grand Rapids
Shane Andrew Woodhull, Waterford and
Megan Katherine Hazel, Hastings
William Thomas Jazwinski, Middleville
and Lisa Ann Andrus, Middleville
Teri Ann Stayton, Freeport and Charles
Wesley Gray, Wayland
Kyle Richard Friberg, Grand Rapids and
Camille Bess Means, Wayland
Matthew Timothy Slobe, Caledonia and
Madelynn Grace Benedict, Hastings
ZacheryMichael Guthrie-Thompson,
Hastings and Megan Ann Green, Nashville
Ross Allen Voogd, Middleville and Charity
Sue Fredrick, Belding
Julian Huitzilopochtli Arenas, Middleville
and Alma Delfina Montiel Flores, Middleville
Kaitlyn Grace Jarvis, Delton and Mid
James Sutherland, Battle Creek
Heather Marie Bloch, Hastings and Scott
Michael Minnich, Hastings
From tiny seeds to big trees
Dr. Universe:
How do tiny seeds make huge trees?
Robin, age 8Dear Robin,
If you’ve ever eaten a handful of trail
mix, you’ve likely eaten quite a few seeds
from trees. Some nuts, like cashews and
almonds, are also seeds that can give us
energy when we hike or play.
Seeds actually store their own energy in
the form of starch, which is kind of like the
food a seed needs to survive. The seed will
use this stored-up energy to start growing
into a tree.
My friend Soon Li Teh, a scientist at
Washington State University who research-
es apple and pear trees, told me more about
it.
When we water a seed, the water triggers
a process that allows the plant or tree to start
germinating. Under the soil, the seed pops
open and little roots and leaves start to
develop.
It is completely dark under the soil, but
once the seed sprouts up through the top of
the soil, it can start to sense light.
That’s really important because at this
point, pretty much all the energy that was
contained in that tiny seed has been used up
in the growing process. But now that the
tree has leaves, it will be able to use those
leaves to absorb sunlight and help make a
new kind of energy.
“Sunlight, water and carbon dioxide com-
bine together to give the trees resources to
build its own food system,” Teh said.
The trees can use those ingredients to
make carbohydrates they need to survive in
the world. You also take in carbohydrateswhen you eat food. These important nutri-
ents help power our bodies and help us
grow.
For trees, this food system that makes
carbohydrates helps the tree grow more
leaves, fruit and a thicker trunk as well as
grow taller.
At WSU, Teh and his team are asking big
questions about pear trees. They are curious
about ways to grow trees that produce lots
of delicious fruit for farmers to harvest and
for us to eat.
It turns out that researchers and farmers
don’t always need a seed to grow a tree.
They can actually take a branch or twig
from a tree, called a scion, and connect it to
another tree’s healthy root system.
Through this process, which is called
grafting, a huge tree can start to grow from
an individual branch. In fact, this is how
farmers and researchers help grow a lot of
the trees that produce apples and pears that
end up in the supermarket.
Whether a tree starts out as a seed or
scion, remember how its ability to make and
use energy is really important for growing
up big and strong.
Perhaps you can keep an eye out for seeds
in nature or even at the dinner table. Maybe
you’ll spot the helicopter-like seed pods of
the maple tree, discover tiny seeds inside a
pine cone, or even find a few seeds in the
food on your plate.Dr. UniverseDo you have a question? Ask Dr.
Universe. Send an email to Washington
State University’s resident scientist and
writer at [email protected] or visit her
website, askdruniverse.com.government, education, business and health
care, Jacobs said.
“The crisis in our democracy, disinformation
and polarization, is in many ways a result of
the collapse of local news,” Report for
America’s Waldman said. “We have a unique
opportunity to reverse this decline by filling
newsrooms with talented journalists who not
only view journalism as a public service, but
who can make trusted connections with the
communities they serve.”
The Report for America program leverages
a unique funding-match model, paying half of
a corps member’s salary, while encouraging
local and regional funders to contribute a
matching amount.
Donors in the Hastings community already
have stepped up to help support the program.
Report for America matched their pledge, and
Simon joined The Banner news staff as a
general assignment reporter earlier this month.
Simon is covering the City of Hastings,
Hastings Area School System along with
general assignment news and features. In
addition, Report for America requires him to
perform a local public service project focused
on student journalism.
“At J-Ad, we remain committed to covering
as much local news as possible,” Jacobs said,
“but the loss of regular advertisers is making
it nearly impossible to keep up with the
growing need. Our reporters cover local
government, schools, sports, events and more
for the entire county and beyond, which puts
a strain on our budgets. Now, with increasing
costs in ink, newsprint and general expenses,
the pressure has grown even greater.
“For J-Ad to be acknowledged by Report
for America as an important source of
journalism in a local market was one of the
greatest honors I’ve experienced in my over
50 years in the industry. We will do our best
to live up to their expectations by giving Ben
a level of experience that so many young
journalists were able to obtain as beat
reporters.”
The model being tried here is seeing
demonstrated success in newsrooms across
the nation, Waldman said. It relies on
continuing to grow philanthropic support for
news organizations from the communitiesthey serve.
In all, Report for America had a nearly $
million philanthropic impact on U.S. local
news in 2020. The total amount donated to
Report for America newsrooms grew from
$861,000 in 2019 to $4.6 million – a
61-percent increase per reporter.
Additional leading, current supporters
include: The John S. and James L. Knight
Foundation; Facebook Journalism Project;
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation; Natasha
and Dirk Ziff; The Joyce Foundation; Lumina
Foundation; Jonathan Logan Family
Foundation; Craig Newmark Philanthropies;
Chan Zuckerberg Initiative; Heising-Simons
Foundation; Tow Foundation; Peter and
Carmen Lucia Buck Foundation; Henry L.
Kimelman Foundation; the Wunderkinder
Foundation; the John D. and Catherine T.
MacArthur Foundation; Evelyn Y. Davis
Foundation; Jesse and Betsy Fink; Leon Levy
Foundation; Inasmuch Foundation; Select
Equity Group Foundation; Annie E. Casey
Foundation; Val A. Browning Charitable
Foundation; Newman’s Own Foundation;
Further Forward Foundation; and McClatchy
Foundation.
Report for America is an initiative of The
GroundTruth Project, a nonprofit journalism
organization that helps place journalists in
local newsrooms to report on the community.“For J-Ad to be acknowledged
by Report for America as an
important source of journalism in
a local market was one of the
greatest honors I’ve experienced
in my over 50 years in the indus-
try. We will do our best to live up
to their expectations by giving
Ben a level of experience that so
many young journalists were
able to obtain as beat reporters.”
J-Ad Graphics Inc. CEO/
Publisher Fred JacobsNEWS, continued from page 1