Public power utilities are community-owned and -operated nonprofit systems, regulated directly by the cities and the customers they serve. The City of Escanaba Electric Department is one of 40 entities in the state that is considered a public power utilities supplier.

The first full week of October — which this year was Oct. 5 through 11 — was established as Public Power Week by the American Public Power Association, a national nonprofit that encouraged utilities around the country to celebrate with events, activities and open houses.

The City of Escanaba Electric Department participated by partnering with the MMEA on the coloring contest that was open to children in first through fourth grades. The contest offered a few different designs, which the kids filled in as one would a coloring book.

After receiving 67 coloring pages from local children, the department selected the top three winners.

First grader Wyatt Crismore of Escanaba stands with his coloring sheet that placed second in a coloring contest to recognize Public Power Week. (courtesy photo)

First place went to second grader Brian Eickhoff, who colored a sheet that read “Greetings from a Public Power community” in a style reminiscent of a postcard. Eickhoff received a $50 Amazon gift card from the MMEA, in addition to a bag of goodies donated by community members.

The second- and third-place winners — second grader Wyatt Crismore and third grader Adaline Keshick, respectively — were given goodie bags.

All the coloring sheets received from local children are currently on display on the lower level of Escanaba City Hall at 410 Ludington St.

APPA reports that homes supplied by public power utilities pay about 9% less than those powered by private utilities. About 2,000 public power utilities provide energy to homes and businesses throughout the U.S.

Third grader Adaline Keshick holds her sheet that placed third in the Public Power Week coloring contest sponsored by the Michigan Municipal Electric Association and the City of Escanaba, which earned her a bag of goodies donated by community members. (Courtesy photo)