Thumb Electric Cooperative
January/February 2026
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
T A E R T H E G CHASE R A B E A RACE WITH HISTORY AND HEART
TEC Fiber Updates Photo Contest Winners New TEC Fiber Facebook Page
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. 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 Berrien Springs WaterFurnace Michiana (269) 473-5667 gogreenmichgeothermal.com Big Rapids Stratz Htg & Clg, Inc. (231) 796-3717 stratzgeocomfort.com Cadillac Wilder Htg & Clg (231) 645-4822 Wilderheatingandcooling.com Filion/Bad Axe Air-O-Dynamic Htg & Clg (989) 582-0137 aod-hvac.com Gaylord Family Plmb & Htg (989) 732-8099 familyplumbingandheating.com
Grand Rapids Bel Aire Htg & Clg 1-888-235-2473 belaire.com
Mt Pleasant Walton Htg & Clg (989) 772-4822 waltonheating.com
Three Rivers Bel Aire Htg & Clg 1-888-235-2473 belaire.com
Hart Adams Htg & Clg (231) 873-2665 adamsgeothermal-mi.com
Muskegon TMC Mechanical LLC (231) 865-1114 www.tmcmechanicalllc.com
Traverse City Geofurnace Htg & Clg (231) 943-1000 geofurnace.com
Holland G.H.P. Systems Inc. (616) 396-5833 ghpsystems-inc.com Indian River M&M Plmb & Htg (231) 238-7201 mm-plumbing.com Lansing Candor Mechanical (517) 920-0890 candormechanical.com Michigan Center Comfort 1/Aire Serv of Southern Michigan (517) 764-1500 airserv.com/southern-michigan/
WaterFurnace is a registered trademark of WaterFurnace International, Inc.
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 Sunfield Mark Woodman Plmb & Htg (517) 886-1138 mwphonline.com
visit us at waterfurnace.com
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
Contents countrylines.com
January 2026 Vol. 46, No. 1 /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: Gabe Schneider, Cherryland Electric Cooperative, chairman; Shaun Lamp, Great Lakes Energy Cooperative, vice-chairman; Mike Furmanski, Alger Delta Cooperative Electric Association, secretary-treasurer; John Kran, president and CEO.
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MI CO-OP Community
6 MICHIGAN’S MAJESTIC CASTLES
CONTACT US/LETTERS TO EDITOR: Michigan Country Lines 201 Townsend St., Suite 900 Lansing, MI 48933 248-534-7358 editor@countrylines.com CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Please notify your electric cooperative. See page 4 for contact information. The appearance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised.
MICHIGAN’S ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES
RECIPE CONTEST
See details on page 10. Rice Dishes, due Feb. 1; Salads with a Twist, due March 1. Win a $100 bill credit!
GUEST COLUMN
See details on page 18. Share your fondest memories and stories. Win $200 for stories published!
MYSTERY PHOTO
See details on page 18. Win a $100 bill credit!
To enter contests, submit reader content & more, visit countrylines.com/community
Architectural Wonders That Are Rooted in History and Inspired by Imagination.
10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN
Veggie-Loaded Comfort Foods: Wholesome. Hearty. Veggie-Filled.
14 THE GREAT BEAR CHASE:
A RACE WITH HISTORY AND HEART How This Beloved Event Unites Community, Welcomes the World, and Celebrates the Keweenaw Peninsula’s Winter Magic.
18 GUEST COLUMN
When Business Took Flight: Runci’s Spiraling Entrance into Lowell History.
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
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THUMB ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE 2231 Main Street Ubly, MI 48475-0157 1-800-327-0166 or 989-658-8571 E-mail: tec@tecmi.coop
BOARD OF DIRECTORS HURON COUNTY Randall Dhyse, Treasurer District 1 • 989-658-6013 Craig Osentoski, Director District 2 • 989-658-6003 Erica Weidman, Director District 3 • 989-658-6004 SANILAC COUNTY Kim Nunn, Vice President District 1 • 989-658-6005 Mike Briolat, Secretary District 2 • 989-658-6006 Scott Campbell District 3 • 989-658-6007 TUSCOLA COUNTY Louis Wenzlaff, Director District 1 • 989-658-6008 Jonathan Findlay, President District 2 • 989-658-6010 Matt Sommer, Director District 3 • 989-658-6012 Brad Essenmacher, General Manager Marketing and Communications: Mitch Hirn, CCC, mhirn@tecmi.coop
PAYMENT STATIONS Huron County Bad Axe—Northstar Bank Pigeon—Northstar Bank Tuscola County Akron—Northstar Bank Caro—Northstar Bank Mayville—Mayville State Bank Millington—Mayville State Bank Thumb Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
HURON
TUSCOLA
SANILAC
TEC Fiber Milestone! By Brad Essenmacher, General Manager
As we ring in the new year, I wanted to update you on our progress in our fiber-to-the-home internet project and also provide a general overview of internet happenings at the co-op. The best news I have is that as of late 2025, fiber internet service is available to every location in Thumb Electric’s footprint—a milestone we are very proud to announce. So, if you have TEC electric service, that location has fiber service available! Since the project began in 2021, over 3,800 member locations have taken advantage of our high-speed internet. Along with building high-speed fiber service to members through our past grant awards, we are obligated to provide service to nonmember locations as well. To date, we have nearly 1,000 nonmember subscribers and counting. Overall, we estimate hitting the 5,000-subscriber number early in 2026. This is a great accomplishment considering that just three and a half years ago, we hooked up subscriber number one. One exciting change you may have seen is our speed offering. Originally, we offered two packages: a 250 megabit per second (Mbps) and a 1 gigabit (1,000 Mbps). In early 2025, we upped our “low” 250 Mbps package offering to 500 Mbps or ½ gigabit. There was no change in price, just a higher speed in our base package. It’s likely that, in the not-too-distant future, we could offer an even higher speed, like 2 Gbps, although we haven’t gotten there just yet. Our speeds are symmetrical, meaning the download speed and upload speed are the same. This is very important in today’s internet climate with increased streaming, gaming, and use of other internet applications. Also new is a TEC Fiber-specific Facebook page and an updated web page. If you haven’t already, we recommend checking them out. You can visit the new Facebook page by going to /TECFiberInternet and see the updated website at www.tecmi.coop. These are always great places to see what is happening at TEC Fiber. Looking into the future, our original RDOF and ROBIN grant work should be completed in 2026. We have sought other grant funding opportunities available in Michigan, and if approved, it would extend construction into 2027 and possibly beyond. 2025 was a great year for TEC Fiber, and we are looking forward to more success in 2026. Thank you to all who have patiently waited while fiber internet was built in your area. It is our pleasure to serve you! tecmi.coop
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JANUARY 2026
/thumbelectric
@thumbelectric
Save the Date
ANNUAL MEETING Thursday, June 11, 2026
This year’s Annual Meeting will again be held at the Octagon Barn near Gagetown. The meeting will be held on Thursday, June 11, 2026, with registration starting at 9 a.m. and the business meeting starting at 10 a.m. You will be listening to updates on cooperative improvements, and the results of the director elections will be announced. This year, the Annual Meeting will be structured solely as a business meeting. Stay tuned for updates on other Member Appreciation events that will take place throughout the year. When the meeting concludes, a light lunch will be served and you will be able to enjoy the Octagon Barn sites and exhibits.
Thumb Octagon Barn, 6948 Richie Rd., Gagetown, MI 48735
DISCOVERING MICHIGAN’S MAGIC Cassondra Wanders Adventure Series
Michigan’s Majestic Castles Michigan is home to several stunning castles, each with unique architectural beauty and an equally compelling history, making them fascinating attractions and destinations to explore. These historical landmarks offer a glimpse into the past, showcasing the state’s rich cultural heritage and European architectural influence.
Curwood Castle
Henderson Castle
100 Monroe St., Kalamazoo, MI 49006
5052 M-66 North, Charlevoix, MI 49720
Step into a fairytale romance at Curwood Castle, a public museum and tourist attraction operated by the Owosso Historical Commission. It was constructed in 1922 by author James Oliver Curwood, who styled it after a French Normandy chateau.
The jewel of Kalamazoo is Henderson Castle, a mansion built in 1895 for Frank and Mary Henderson, owners of the Henderson-Ames Company. As a boutique bed & breakfast and event venue, visitors are welcome to dine, unwind, and stay overnight.
Curwood Castle features two turrets, a slate-covered gable roof, and sprightly yellow stucco walls speckled with fieldstones. Situated in a serene setting along the Shiawassee River, the property is part of Curwood Castle Park, which also includes Comstock Cabin and Woodard Paymaster Building.
This 25-room home was constructed in a late Victorian/Queen Anne style, with seven baths and an elevator. The castle’s exterior is a combination of brick and Lake Superior sandstone. It currently boasts a rooftop hot tub, finedining restaurant, spa, and vineyard.
Wander through the whimsical Castle Farms estate in Charlevoix. Developed as a dairy farm in 1918 by Albert Loeb, president of Sears, Roebuck & Co., this world-class property is modeled after the stone castles found in Normandy, France, and serves as a museum, event venue, and wedding site.
Curwood used the castle to entertain guests and as a writing studio until his passing in 1927. In his will, he bequeathed the building to the city of Owosso.
Henderson Castle has a unique draw for not only architecture enthusiasts but also those interested in its supernatural side. The site has attracted attention for alleged hauntings and paranormal activity; it is one of the most talked-about places for ghost stories in Michigan. After Frank’s death in 1899, Henderson Castle changed hands several times. Over the years, the building was also used as a private residence and apartments.
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Castle Farms
224 Curwood Castle Dr., Owosso, MI 48867
JANUARY 2026
Over the decades, Castle Farms has changed ownership and purpose. At its peak, the farm maintained over 200 prize-winning Holstein-Friesian cattle and dozens of Belgian draft horses. For 20 years, Castle Farms also served as a premier concert venue, hosting familiar headliners such as REO Speedwagon, Tina Turner, and Bon Jovi. In addition to its original agricultural purpose, the castle-like atmosphere holds an enchanting experience. In the 2000s, the estate underwent major restoration and a reimagination of the grounds and gardens, incorporating an enchanted forest, a model train track, a hedge maze, and reflection pools. Museum collections include WWI-era items and a Sears Roebuck element featuring items from its historic catalog.
Scan the QR code to watch a video of Cassondra’s adventures to historic castles of Michigan.
From the shores of Lake Charlevoix to the streets of Saginaw and Kalamazoo, Michigan’s castles stand as testaments to imagination, craftsmanship, and community pride. Each structure tells a story—of visionaries who dared to dream big, of eras when elegance met industry, and of modern caretakers who continue to preserve that magic for generations to come.
Castle Museum
Canterbury Castle
500 Federal Ave., Saginaw, MI 48607
2359 Joslyn Court, Lake Orion, MI 48360
The Castle Museum of Saginaw County History is a local history museum with a very distinct appearance. It houses over 150,000 artifacts and highlights the cultural significance and stories of the people who make up the Saginaw region. Some major themes include: early Indigenous Anishinabek, the fur trade, the lumbering era, the Industrial Age, and the Saginaw County Sports Hall of Fame.
Royalty meets rustic at Olde World Canterbury Village in Lake Orion. This fairytale wedding venue, banquet facility, and themed village complex was developed in 1991 by the Stan Aldridge family.
Originally constructed as a U.S. Post Office in 1898, it is now operated by the Historical Society of Saginaw County. Through community efforts and historical advocacy movements, the Castle Museum was rescued from demolition in the 1930s, and eventually, in 1979, the Historical Society began preserving the building as a museum. The building is characterized by its notable French Renaissance chateau-style architecture. Exhibits provide a comprehensive narrative of the Saginaw region from precolonial times through the lumber boom, industrial enterprises, and modern manufacturing.
The village grounds are framed in a fantasy olde-world Tudor castle aesthetic, with turret structures and cobblestone paths. It hosts familyfriendly and themed events, from holiday celebrations to medieval feasts and Harry Potter dinners. In 1916, William E. Scripps began a large agricultural undertaking known as Wildwood Farm. He raised award-winning Aberdeen Angus cattle, swine, sheep, and poultry and also established a dairy operation and stables. Many of the historic farm buildings, barns, and cottages were converted into the modern-day specialty shops and retail spaces within Canterbury Village.
Whether you’re drawn by architectural grandeur, local history, or the promise of a fairytale escape, these castles invite you to explore Michigan through a more enchanted lens. Step inside their storied walls, wander their gardens, and experience the majesty that proves you don’t have to cross an ocean to find a little old-world charm—it’s right here in the heart of the Great Lakes State.
Cassondra Scott is a content creator, writer, and social media influencer at Cassondra Wanders—sharing small businesses and sights to see all over the state of Michigan. /cassondrawanders /cassondra.wanders @cassondrawanders @cassondrawanders
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
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2025
Photo Contest Winners Kristi Niemiec: March/April
Annette Decker Sept./Oct.
Carol Harmon May/June
Robert Daniels Nov./Dec.
TEC awarded four members with a $50 bill credit for being selected in a random drawing of all photo contest entries that appeared in Michigan Country Lines in 2025. Thank you to the many TEC members who participated. Members are welcome to send in photos for our 2026 contest.
MI CO-OP Photo Contest
SEASONAL BEAUTY MOST VOTES
1. M OST VOTES Fall splendor at the alpaca farm! Mary Hagen 2. C old fall sky. Theresa Timko 3. O ver Sebewaing in the fall. Sarah Bills 4. Reboot in the woods. Jodi Klein 5. No view like a mountain view! Brandi Messing
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6. Beautiful fall. Julie Walch
Enter for a chance to win a $50 energy bill credit!
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Submit Your “Sunrise to Sunset” Photos by Jan. 25! Submit your best photo and encourage friends to vote! The photo with the most votes will be featured in Country Lines, along with other favorites, in the March/April issue. Enter Your Photos And Win A Bill Credit! To enter the contest, visit tecmi.coop/ photo-contest. Enter your picture, cast your vote, and encourage others to vote for you as well. If your photo is printed in Country Lines during 2026, you will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of four $50 credits on your December 2026 bill.
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
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MI CO-OP Kitchen
VEGGIE-LOADED COMFORT FOODS Wholesome. Hearty. Veggie-Filled.
WINNING RECIPE!
BUTTERNUT SQUASH, KALE & WHITE BEAN SOUP Bradley Villeneuve, Cherryland Electric Cooperative
1 tablespoon oil 1 medium yellow onion, peeled and finely chopped 2–3 celery ribs, finely chopped 5-6 garlic cloves, minced ½ teaspoon chili flakes 1 pound butternut squash, peeled and cubed ½ teaspoon dried thyme 1 (15-ounce) can Great Northern beans, rinsed & drained 4 cups chopped kale 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth) 2 cups water ½ teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper ⅓ cup half and half 1 teaspoon dried sage (or 1 tablespoon fresh) ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese • toasted pumpkin seeds, for topping In a large pot, add the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and celery and sauté in the pot until soft. Add the garlic, chili flakes, butternut squash, and thyme. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the beans, kale, broth, water, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes, until squash is tender. Add half and half, sage, and Parmesan. Stir together. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired. Serve into bowls and top with toasted pumpkin seeds. Watch a video of this month’s winning recipe at micoopkitchen.com/videos
RECIPE CONTEST
Win a $100 energy bill credit!
Rice Dishes, due Feb. 1; Salads with a Twist, due March 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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VEGGIE CHILI
Jeannine Anderson, Presque Isle 4 tablespoons oil 1 large onion, chopped 1 large green pepper, chopped 1 cup carrots, peeled and chopped 16 ounces mushrooms, finely chopped 1 (23-ounce) can tomato soup 1 (23-ounce) can diced tomatoes, including liquid 1 teaspoon paprika
⅛ teaspoon cayenne (or more to taste) 1 bay leaf 2 tablespoons chili powder 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 teaspoons salt 1 (29-ounce) can dark red kidney beans, including liquid
Heat oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion, green pepper, carrots, and mushrooms. Cook until softened, stirring frequently. Stir in all remaining ingredients. Bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. If the chili is too thick, add a little water; if it’s too thin, simmer uncovered to reduce. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
BEST MUSHROOM VEGETABLE BAKED ZITI Cynthia Hodges, Ontonagon
¾ pound ziti noodles 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing 1 cup diced onion ½ cup diced green bell pepper 16 ounces baby portobello mushrooms 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon ground oregano 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 1½ teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper 1 cup cottage cheese (or ricotta if preferred) ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided 8 ounces grated mozzarella/ provolone cheese blend, divided 6 cups quality marinara sauce, divided (store bought is fine) 10 basil leaves, torn
Preheat oven to 375 F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with olive oil. Cook ziti noodles to al dente according to package directions. Drain and reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and green pepper; sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Finely chop mushrooms in a food processor, then add to the skillet. Cook until most of the moisture evaporates, stirring frequently. Add garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook until the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and set aside. In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 3 tablespoons of the shredded mozzarella/provolone blend. Stir until well combined. Return cooked pasta to the pot. Add half the marinara sauce and the reserved cooking water; stir to coat the pasta evenly. Fold in the cheese mixture. Spread a thin layer of the remaining marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared pan. Add half the pasta mixture, then spoon the mushroom mixture evenly over it. Top with half of the remaining mozzarella/provolone cheese. Layer the rest of the pasta, then spread the remaining sauce on top. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella/provolone and Parmesan cheeses. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, until hot and bubbly. Let rest for 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with torn basil leaves.
FABULOUS CAJUN CORN ON THE COB Deb Finedell, Great Lakes Energy
4 ears of corn, husked and silked 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning ½ teaspoon smoked paprika ½ teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon onion powder ¼ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2 tablespoons mayonnaise 1 tablespoon sour cream 1 tablespoon lime juice • chopped parsley or cilantro, for garnish
Preheat oven to 425 F or preheat grill for direct heat. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Brush evenly onto the corn. Oven: Wrap each ear in foil and bake for 30 minutes. Grill: Place corn on the grill (wrapped in foil or directly on grates), turning every 3–5 minutes, for 10–15 minutes, until lightly charred and tender. While the corn is cooking, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, and lime juice in a small bowl. Brush the creamy lime sauce onto the cooked corn. Garnish with parsley or cilantro. Serve warm.
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 11
2026
Energy Waste Reduction Rebate Program
Heating & Cooling Rebates
Appliance Rebates
*All appliances must be Energy Star ® certified.
Air to Water Heat Pump
$800
Central Air Source Heat Pump
$450
Efficient Circulation Pump
$200 Per Motor
Central Air Conditioner-Tier 1
$100
Clothes Washer
$25
Central Air Conditioner-Tier 2
$200
Clothes Dryer-Standard
$25
Clothes Dryer-Electric Heat Pump
$2,500
$50
Ground Water Heat Pump (Geothermal Open Loop)
$2,000
Freezer
$25
Ground Source Heat Pump (Geothermal Closed Loop)
Refrigerator
$25
Desuperheater (For Ground Source Heat Pump)
$100
Induction Stove
$10
Smart Thermometer Rebate
$50
Heat Pump Water Heater
$100
Mini-Split Air Source Heat Pumps
$500
Portable Dehumidifier
$25
Whole-Home Dehumidifier
$50
Room Air Conditioner
$30
Residential AC Tune UP
$25 Per Ton
Visit TEC’s website for more information at www.tecmi.coop/rebates.
12 JANUARY 2026
Want to be environmentally friendly? Would you like to save yourself and your co-op members money?
What a great time to go paperless!
Go Paperless And Win A
$20 BILL CREDIT
One Winner Will Be Chosen Each Month! • All members enrolled in paperless billing are eligible. • Sign up online at tecmi.coop or via SmartHub. • Winners will be announced on TEC’s Facebook page. • Paperless members will receive an email or text letting them know their bill is available to view.
Annual Election Notice For TEC Members On June 11, 2026, Thumb Electric will hold its Annual Meeting and director election. Members served by the cooperative will have an opportunity to vote for board of director candidates in District 3—Huron, Sanilac, and Tuscola counties. Currently, those positions are held by Erica Weidman, Scott Campbell, and Matt Sommer. If you are interested in running for a director position, you can request a nominating petition form. Eligible members in good standing can have them printed and made available at Thumb Electric Cooperative’s main office. Information on qualifications and other requirements will be provided at that time. If you would like more information, please contact the co-op’s general manager, Brad Essenmacher, at 989-658-8571.
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 13
T A TH E GR E
B
ASE H C R EA A RACE WITH HISTORY AND HEART By Emily Haines Lloyd
W
hen the sun rises over Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula in March, hundreds of skiers gather on the Swedetown Trails in Calumet for one of the Midwest’s most beloved cross-country ski races: the Great Bear Chase. Now entering its 45th year, the race has grown from a local favorite into one of the region’s largest and most spirited ski events, drawing participants from across the country and even around the world. Race director Angela Luskin says that’s exactly what makes it special. “Last year, 67% of our racers came from outside Michigan,” Luskin said. “We had participants from Montana, Florida, Utah, Maine, and even other countries. But the appeal is that Great Bear Chase still feels like a small-town race. That community vibe is what keeps people coming back.”
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The 2026 race will be held on March 7, continuing a tradition that began in 1981 when local skiers Rick Oikarinen and Bob Gregg launched the event to celebrate the Keweenaw’s pristine trails and hardy outdoor spirit. While the race has expanded with new distances, sponsors, and participants, Luskin says its foundation has remained the same: powered by volunteers, fueled by local pride, and dedicated to supporting the Swedetown Trails that make it possible.
“Everything about this race reflects the community,” Luskin said. “From our posters to the copper bear paw trophies made by local artists to the wooden ski awards handcrafted by area woodworkers, it’s all local talent.”
COMMUNITY ROOTS AND COOPERATIVE SPIRIT
“This is the major annual fundraiser for the trails,” Luskin said. “People come year-round to hike, bike, snowshoe, and ski. The money we raise helps keep them beautiful and accessible for everyone.”
Each year, more than 100 volunteers help make the Great Bear Chase possible. Calumet Schools open their gymnasium doors for the post-race banquet, local businesses donate prizes and funds, and two area bakeries prepare the famous pasty lunch that awaits every skier at the finish line.
Proceeds from the race directly benefit the Swedetown Trails, funding grooming equipment, accessibility improvements, and chalet maintenance.
A RACE WITH HEART Though the Great Bear Chase is known for its world-class trails and strong competition, it’s the atmosphere that skiers talk about most.
“THAT COMMUNITY VIBE IS WHAT KEEPS PEOPLE COMING BACK.”
LOOKING AHEAD “Our racers are different from those at some of the larger events,” Luskin said. “They love that the volunteers are smiling, the lunch is homemade, and the whole event feels like a community party.” That warmth stands out even more when paired with the rugged beauty of the Keweenaw Peninsula. “It’s the perfect place for an event like this,” she said. “You get world-class trails, stunning scenery, and a community that truly embraces the outdoors.” The race has also become an important economic driver for the region. The 2025 event drew more than 800 participants and generated nearly $800,000 in local economic impact through lodging, dining, and recreation spending. “That’s huge for a small rural area,” Luskin said. “It helps our local businesses thrive through the winter season.”
As the race approaches its fifth decade, Luskin and her team are focused on balance—continuing to grow while preserving the event’s authenticity. “We always ask, how can we make the race even better while keeping that community feel?” she said. “We want to maintain a high-caliber event that draws people from all over but never lose sight of what makes it special.” After all, in the Keweenaw, winter isn’t something to endure—it’s something to celebrate. And each March, as skiers glide across the finish line, the Great Bear Chase continues to prove that when a community comes together, the results are nothing short of extraordinary. To learn more, visit greatbearchase.com.
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 15
SAVE MONEY WITH A FREE CUSTOMIZED ENERGY KIT Simple upgrades. Big savings. Yours at no cost.
What if saving money on your energy bill was as easy as answering a few quick questions? Now it is! Thumb Electric Cooperative is offering members a free customized Energy Saving Kit filled with easy-to-install tools to help lower energy use and reduce costs. Each kit is personalized based on your short online assessment and shipped right to your door.
What’s Inside?* SMART THERMOSTAT Comfort control that saves energy
DOOR WEATHER STRIPPING Seal in comfort, keep drafts out
SHOWER OPTIMIZERS & FAUCET AERATORS Use less hot water, same great pressure
WATER HEATER PIPE INSULATOR Reduce heat loss, lower costs *Kits are customized based on responses. All items may not be included in all kits.
ACT NOW! Kits are limited; complete your online assessment today! Scan the QR code to access the assessment or visit mecacoop.wufoo.com/forms/m8ay67q1ckv8nd/ 16 JANUARY 2026
New TEC Fiber Facebook Page TEC Fiber is excited to debut our new Facebook page! This page will be used to give updates on all things internetrelated. If you are interested in staying up-to-date with TEC Fiber content, we recommend following us. Our Thumb Electric page will remain active, but it will primarily be used for content relevant to the electric side of the business. This new page should help reduce confusion in our messaging. For example, if an internet outage occurs, we can notify TEC Fiber customers on this page without potentially alarming people that there is an electric outage.
Additionally, this account will benefit our fiber customers who are not TEC members. Now they will be able to follow a page that has more relevant information for them. We have received a great response to our TEC Fiber page so far, and we are excited to keep it growing. We encourage TEC members to follow both accounts, and we look forward to keeping you informed on all TEC Fiber happenings! /TECFiberInternet
Notice To Members Of Data Privacy Policy The Thumb Electric Cooperative Board of Directors has adopted a policy governing the collection, use, and disclosure of member account information and usage data. A full copy of the Data Privacy Policy can be found in Part V of Thumb Electric’s Tariff Book, Sheet C-24.00, https://www.tecmi.coop/tec-electric-rate-book. If you would like a hard copy of the Data Privacy Policy, call our office at 1-800-327-0166 or contact us at tecmi.coop/tec-contact-form.
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 17
MI CO-OP Guest Column
Where In Michigan Is This?
When Business Took Flight:
Runci’s Spiraling Entrance into Lowell History By J. Joseph Mapes, a Midwest Energy & Communications member MYSTERY PHOTO Win a $100 energy bill credit! Identify the correct location of the photo above by Jan. 25 and be entered into a drawing to win a $100 electric bill credit. Enter your guess at countrylines.com/community.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025 WINNER! Our Mystery Photo winner is Rainer Reichert, a Cherryland Energy Cooperative member who correctly identified the photo as the Shay Logging Locomotive in Cadillac, Michigan. Winners are announced in the following issues of Country Lines: January, March, May, July/August, September, and November/December.
18 JANUARY 2026
My grandfather, C. H. Runciman, moved his small family (including my 1-year-old mother) to Lowell, Michigan, in 1917 after purchasing the Jakeway Elevator at age 27. He had previously been superintendent of Grosse Ile Township Schools (you could advance quickly in those days). Being new to the business, but also a skilled salesman, “Runci” (as he was often called, and also “C.H.”) sought ways to market his business. In 1918, what better way to do so than to hire a local World War I pilot, Charles Stocking, and fly him to a nearby farmer’s land in Parnell. The purpose was for Runci to make an offer on the bean crop at the Cam Herreran farm. To add a little more excitement and attention to this sales call, the pilot made a spiraling drop before landing in the field. It was pretty exhilarating, especially for my grandfather! The result? Farmers came from miles around to see this spectacle and to get to know Runci, which led to doing business with him. It worked, as he remained in business for around 50 years. He was also a community leader known as “Mr. Lowell” and received many local and state accolades over the decades. As his only grandson, for decades, I have had the desire to emulate his voluntary contributions to the community. As best as I can calculate, I have achieved about 10% of his accomplishments. At age 81, I am going to have to live a lot longer to do better!
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How will you
MAKE YOUR MARK? JUNE 14–20, 2026
An all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. What Is Youth Tour?
How To Apply
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Explore Washington, D.C., through historic monuments, world-class museums, and visits with elected officials.
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Applicants must be between the ages of 15–17 years old on June 12, 2026.
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Build leadership skills and discover how you can make your mark on the future.
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You and your parents or guardian must be served by Thumb Electric Cooperative.
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Connect with students from across the country and form friendships that last a lifetime, all sponsored by your Michigan electric cooperative.
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Apply now: Scan the QR code below or visit cooperativeyouthtour.com!
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Application deadline is Jan. 11, 2026.
Learn more: cooperativeyouthtour.com mi.coop.youth.tour
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