JulyAug 2026 Thumb

Thumb Electric Cooperative

July/August 2026

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

Taking the Long Way Around Annual Meeting Highlights TEC Scholarship Winners TEC Youth Tour Representative

TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE

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MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

Contents countrylines.com

July/August 2026 Vol. 46, No. 7

/michigancountrylines

/michigancountrylines

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

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

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

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

MI CO-OP Community

CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Please notify your electric cooperative.

See page 4 for contact information.

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

MICHIGAN’S ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES

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6 DIGGING INTO THE RICH

RECIPE CONTEST

HISTORY OF MICHIGAN’S KEWEENAW PENINSULA The majestic land of the Keweenaw captivates visitors with natural beauty and hidden riches below the surface.

GUEST COLUMN

10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN

MYSTERY PHOTO

14 TAKING THE LONG

See details on page 10. Autumn Comfort Foods, due Aug. 1; Heirloom Recipes, due Sept. 1.

Win a $100 bill credit!

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

Chill Out! No Cook: Summer made simple.

WAY AROUND More than an endurance event, the Mackinac Island Swim is rooted in joy, connection, and community.

18 GUEST COLUMN

A Farmers Market Tradition.

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, Director 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 Holds 88th Annual Meeting

By Brad Essenmacher, General Manager

Jonathan Findlay, President of the Board of Directors, opened the 88th Annual Meeting of TEC members held on June 11 at the Thumb Octagon Barn.

An estimated 150 people attended the meeting, which was highlighted by the election of three Directors as a part of TEC’s Annual Meeting.

Elected to three-year terms of District 3 were Erica Weidman, Huron County; Scott Campbell, Sanilac County; and Matt Sommer, Tuscola County.

President Findlay introduced TEC’s Attorney Kyle O’Mara and members of the current TEC Board of Directors including Erica Weidman, Randall Dhyse and Craig Osentoski, Huron County; Kim Nunn, Mike Briolat and Scott Campbell, Sanilac County; and Louis Wenzlaff and Matt Sommer, Tuscola County. Also introduced was General Manager Brad Essenmacher.

President Findlay thanked the current TEC workforce for their dedication and commitment. tecmi.coop

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TEC’s Board President, Jonathan Findlay, highlighted the following areas: • TEC’s Total Utility Plant with both the Electric and Fiber increased just under $23 Million from 2024 to 2025. These expenditures in Capital Improvements were in large part to our TEC Fiber buildout project, but also included rebuilding identified circuits of aging poles & wire, upgrading substation equipment, building new electric services, upgrading existing electric services, purchase of trucks/ vehicles, office equipment, and other investments that improve our efficiency and enhance our overall system’s reliability.

• President Findlay presented the following 2025 financial information. TEC and TEC Fiber’s combined 2025 Operating Statement showed operating revenues of nearly $43,000,000 and expenses of about $40,500,000.

/thumbelectric

@thumbelectric

These expenses are the costs to maintain and operate the electric and fiber optic system. The resulting operating margin for 2025 was just over $2.2 Million. The Cooperative also earned additional revenue on short-term investments, rental income, subsidiary income, and patronage capital from other Cooperative organizations. Total margins allocated for 2025 will be $4,081,810. This is the great thing about being a Member of a Cooperative. These margins are returned back to the Members.

• The Cooperative uses some Members’ patronage over time to make Capital improvements.

It isn’t expected that general retirements will be issued this year due to low equity with ongoing fiber construction. Once construction winds down, equity is projected to rise and retirements would then continue. Since patronage payments began, TEC has paid back over 13.8 million to its members.

• The Cooperative paid over $2.5 million in property taxes to schools and other governmental agencies in Huron, Sanilac, and Tuscola Counties as well as the State of Michigan in 2025.

TEC’s General Manager, Brad Essenmacher, highlighted the following: • Discussed the multiyear TEC Fiber project has close to 1800 miles of fiber placed between overhead and underground. We have all substations lit up in different stages of service. All member areas are now active meaning all TEC members have fiber internet service available to them. TEC Fiber currently has nearly 5300 subscribers.

General Manager Brad Essenmacher

• The employees have reached seven years without No Loss Time injury in 2025. TEC employees take pride in getting the lights back on as quick as we can but never to compromise safety.

• Discussed power supply reliability and costs associated with data centers, new solar, and other renewables. TEC is in good position with existing resources built at yesterday’s costs. Zach Anderson, COO of Wolverine Power Cooperative, also updated members on power supply topics effecting membership.

• The Cooperative continues to work with its Statewide and National Organizations to ensure that issues that may affect the availability, reliability and affordability of electricity to its membership are heard by our elected officials in Lansing and Washington, DC.

Board President John Findlay

• The Cooperative continues to support/ promote America’s Electric Cooperative PAC, formerly known

as “ACRE”. All TEC members can participate directly in this national PAC that represents Cooperative members throughout the United States on legislative matters that may affect Cooperatives negatively.

• TEC continues its maintenance program, including aggressive right-of-way clearing, vegetation spraying, pole testing and other system improvement programs to improve reliability of bringing service to Members.

• TEC continues to offer a full slate of programs and services to its members to help become more energy efficient and save money.

• In closing, General Manager Essenmacher urged members to continue their strong interest in Thumb Electric Cooperative, to stay engaged, follow TEC on Facebook, and thanked them for their support.

After the business meeting, a lunch was served.

In action taken after the annual meeting, the Board of Directors elected Jonathan Findlay President; Kim Nunn Vice-President; Mike Briolat Secretary; and Randall Dhyse Treasurer.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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DISCOVERING MICHIGAN’S MAGIC Cassondra Wanders Adventure Series

Digging Into the Rich History of Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula

By Cassondra Scott

huge influx of immigrants from Finland, Cornwall, and other regions, creating a unique cultural identity and helping shape the area’s diverse population.

This can be seen today in bilingual street signs, architecture, museums, and foods like the famous pasty.

Rising production costs, violent miner strikes, and the Great Depression brought job loss and population decline and ultimately led to the fall of the mining industry. Without the mines, the economy began to collapse. Many towns vanished, leaving behind ghost towns, industrial relics, and remnants of a bygone era.

Today, the Keweenaw National Historical Park preserves 20 heritage sites that offer tours into the past— showcasing the impact the mining downturn left on the communities and landscape for generations. Some of these sites include:

Forming the northernmost tip of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, a striking shark fin-shaped area of land stands along the shore of by Lake Superior. Isolated by geography and refined by a geology so unique, there is nowhere else in the world quite like the Keweenaw Peninsula.

To really understand the whole picture, we have to go back a billion years to the Mesoproterozoic Era. This period of forming and shifting of Earth’s continents is when a midcontinent rift formed. Volcanic activity left behind nearly pure copper lava, producing the only strata on Earth with large-scale recoverable native copper at 97%.

For over 7,000 years, Lake Superior Indigenous people and their ancestors

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mined and traded this copper, using it to make tools, beads, and ornaments.

As European settlers arrived, the Ojibwa shared their knowledge of copper resources and by the 1840s, “copper fever” had struck.

In 1842, the U.S. gained title to the Keweenaw Peninsula and opened it to commercial mining, which continued to dominate the economy until the 1960s. Industrialization attracted a

• Once one of the nation’s largest copper producers, the village of Calumet gives a first-hand glimpse of what life was like in a mining town during the 19th century.

Landmarks include Calumet Visitor Center, Coppertown Mining Museum, and Calumet Theater.

• Quincy Mine, nicknamed “Old Reliable” for being one of the largest copper producers in the UP, is open year-round for tours.

Free self-guided tours are available above ground, while the full tour takes visitors on a cog-rail tram to descend 360 feet below ground and walk through the massive hoist house.

• From mid-May to October, Delaware Mine offers self-guided underground tours to explore at your own pace. Walk 110 feet below ground to Shaft No. 1. See copper veins on the walls, ruins of stone buildings, antique engines, and mining equipment.

The “Gateway to the Keweenaw” begins in Houghton, the largest city in Copper Country. Directly across the Portage Canal sits the rolling hills and red brick cityscape of Hancock.

Connecting the two cities is the Portage Lake Lift Bridge, the world’s heaviest and widest double-decked, vertical-lift bridge.

The 25-mile partially man-made Keweenaw Waterway bisects the Keweenaw Peninsula. It serves as a vital transport route, also offering cruises and boat tours. Everything to the north is known as Copper Island, because it’s technically surrounded completely by water.

monks. These men of peace have been serving up savory heavenly treats, jams, and jellies since 1983.

Copper Harbor is a harmonious blend of old America sprinkled with parks, beaches, waterfalls, shipwrecks, and lighthouses. It’s a popular destination for hiking, mountain biking, and camping.

It’s also home to Fort Wilkins State Park, an 1844-era frontier fort with 11 original buildings to tour.

Established to keep peace and manage civil unrest during the early copper rush, the fort remained open for only three years, as the harsh winters proved to be nearly unbearable for soldiers

to survive. By 1870, the Army had permanently abandoned the facility.

A wildly majestic place that seems to magically transport visitors back in time, the Keweenaw Peninsula offers natural beauty as far as the eye can see and an even greater treasure just beneath the surface. Shaped by Indigenous influence, European exploration, and a century-long mining boom, it remains one of Michigan’s richest regions in both history and landscape.

Scan the QR code to watch a video of Cassondra’s adventures to the Keweenaw Peninsula.

The drive from Houghton to Copper Harbor, the very northern point of the peninsula, is a little less than 50 miles.

The mountainous, rugged drive makes for an easy day trip. You’ll traverse Brockway Mountain, Keweenaw’s best-known summit, which towers 735 feet above the lake below.

Take a pilgrimage to the Jampot in Eagle Harbor, a bakery, candy, and coffee shop run by Catholic Byzantine

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.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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School-Year Savings Start at Home with ENERGY STAR Appliances Back-to-school season brings busy schedules, packed lunches, endless laundry, and appliances working overtime. If you’re looking for ways to manage energy use while keeping up with the season, ENERGY STAR ® certified appliances are a smart solution.

standard models, helping lower energy use with every load while still delivering excellent cleaning performance.

ENERGY STAR® appliances are designed to use less energy without sacrificing performance, and with appliance rebates from Thumb Electric Cooperative, upgrading can save even more.

Dry More Efficiently with an ENERGY STAR® Heat Pump Clothes Dryer

Keep It Clean with an ENERGY STAR® Clothes Washer From school clothes to sports uniforms, laundry piles up quickly during the school year. Traditional washers can use a large amount of water and energy, especially with frequent hot-water cycles.

An ENERGY STAR® certified clothes washer uses less water and energy than

Plus, you can receive a $25 rebate on an ENERGY STAR® certified clothes washer to help keep laundry day efficient and affordable.

During the school year, dryers often run nonstop with uniforms, towels, and weekend catch-up loads.

Traditional electric dryers can use significant energy and add extra heat to your home.

ENERGY STAR® certified heat pump dryers use advanced technology that recycles warm air instead of constantly venting heated air outside.

This process uses significantly less energy, is gentler on clothing, and helps reduce heat buildup in your laundry space.

With a $50 rebate available, upgrading to an ENERGY STAR® heat pump dryer can deliver long-term savings for busy households.

Chill Out with an ENERGY STAR® Refrigerator Back-to-school season also means your refrigerator is working harder to keep lunches, snacks, and quick dinners fresh. Since refrigerators run around the clock, choosing an energyefficient model can make a noticeable difference in household energy use.

ENERGY STAR® certified refrigerators are designed to use less energy while maintaining reliable cooling performance. You may also qualify for available rebates when upgrading to a qualifying model.

Learn more about ENERGY STAR® appliance rebates from Thumb Electric Cooperative and start the school year with smart savings at home.

SAVINGS THAT MAKE THE GRADE Upgrade your appliances and get money back on your energy bill.

Every appliance comes with two price tags— the purchase price and the operating cost.

ENERGY STAR® qualified appliances help reduce the operating cost by reducing energy use without sacrificing performance.

Thumb Electric Cooperative is offering rebates on qualified appliances to help you save on the purchase price. Now that’s smart savings!

Back to School Back to Savings

Scan the QR code to view eligible rebates or visit tecmi.coop/rebates-programs

MI CO-OP Photo Contest

CUTE PETS MOST VOTES

1. M OST VOTES Chi Chi. Robert Daniels 2. H igh alert.

Marcy Boshart 3. B rotherly love.

Kayla Jacobs 4. A pril showers bring May flowers.

Sarah Bills 5. Y ou have a treat?—Sky. Marlena Polega

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6. K eeping an eye on each other. Aimee Lemke

Enter for a chance to win a $50 energy bill credit!

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Submit Your “Iconic Landmarks” Photos by July 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 Sept./Oct. 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.

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MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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MI CO-OP Kitchen

CHILL OUT! NO COOK Summer made simple.

SESAME CHICKEN CRUNCH SALAD

WINNING RECIPE!

Katie Grzesiak, Great Lakes Energy Dressing: 1 tablespoon sugar ¾ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon black pepper ¾ teaspoon ground ginger ⅓ cup neutral oil (such as canola or avocado oil) 1½ tablespoons sesame oil 3 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar) 2 tablespoons soy sauce, or tamari (for gluten-free) Salad: 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded (about 4–5 cups) or 6 cooked chicken breasts, seasoned and shredded 1 small head Napa cabbage, shredded (about 5 cups) or 2 heads romaine lettuce, shredded 1–2 carrots, shredded 4 green onions, thinly sliced 3 tablespoons toasted sliced or slivered almonds 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds 1 (3-ounce) can fried rice noodles (Asian-style crunchy noodles, such as La Choy) In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar, salt, black pepper, ground ginger, neutral oil, sesame oil, vinegar, and soy sauce until well combined. Set aside. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cabbage/lettuce, carrots, green onions, almonds, sesame seeds, and fried rice noodles. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to coat and combine. Serve immediately. If you expect leftovers, allow the chicken to cool completely before adding it to the salad and serve the rice noodles separately to keep them from becoming soggy.

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

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HAM-N-CHEESE BALL

CHOCOLATE PEANUT CLUSTERS

Julie Stellema, Alger Delta 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened 1 pound sharp cheddar cheese, shredded 1 teaspoon onion powder 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon dried parsley ½ teaspoon paprika ½ teaspoon seasoning salt 3 tablespoons finely chopped ham, optional 1 cup bacon bits, optional

In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, garlic powder, parsley, paprika, seasoning salt, and ham, if using. Stir well until combined. Form the mixture into a ball, cover, and chill in the refrigerator until firm. When ready to serve, spread the bacon bits on a plate and roll the cheese ball in the bacon until evenly coated. Transfer to a serving platter and serve with crackers.

Bill & Mary Jo Williams, Great Lakes Energy 1 (6-ounce) bag Nestlé Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels 1 (10-ounce) bag Reese’s Peanut Butter Morsels

1 can (10–12 ounces) Planters Spanish Peanuts (use only Spanish peanuts for best results)

Combine the semi-sweet chocolate morsels and peanut butter morsels in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 1 minute, then stir well.

Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth. Stir in the Spanish peanuts until evenly coated. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto wax paper or parchment paper. Let the candy harden at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then leave on the counter for at least 1 hour before storing in a tin or airtight container. Makes approximately 45–50 clusters. The recipe can easily be doubled.

GRAPE SALAD

SEVEN-LAYER TACO DIP

Rhonda DeBolt, Cherryland Electric

Linda Gowman, Presque Isle

4 pounds seedless green grapes, or a combination of green and red grapes 8 ounces sour cream 8 ounces cream cheese, softened

½ cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 4 ounces chopped pecans 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Remove the grape stems and rinse the grapes in vinegar water, then allow them to dry completely. In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the grapes, then mix in most of the pecans and brown sugar, reserving a small amount to sprinkle over the top before serving. Cover and refrigerate overnight if possible, allowing the sugar to fully dissolve and the flavors to blend.

RECIPE CONTEST

1 (15-ounce) can refried beans 5 tablespoons mayonnaise 5 tablespoons sour cream 2 tomatoes, seeded and diced

1 bunch green onions, chopped (green tops only) ½ can black olives, drained and sliced 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese

Layer the ingredients in the order listed in a shallow serving dish, glass pie plate, or 8x8-inch baking dish, beginning with the refried beans and ending with the shredded cheddar cheese. Serve chilled or at room temperature with tortilla chips and salsa.

Win a $100 energy bill credit!

Autumn Comfort Foods, due Aug. 1; Heirloom Recipes, due Sept. 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.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 11

2026 Scholarship Winners MYA GARZA Mya is a 2026 graduate of Deckerville High School. In the fall, she plans to attend Saginaw Valley State University to pursue a general business degree, with the ultimate goal of becoming a real estate agent. “ I am excited to head to SVSU to major in business this fall, but the reality of college costs can be stressful. This scholarship makes a massive difference for me by taking away a lot of that financial weight, and it will allow me to completely focus on my classes and career goals. This support gives me a lot of motivation to do my absolute best at SVSU. Thank you so much to everyone at Thumb Electric Cooperative for investing in me and helping me get through college!”

BROOKLYN WENDLING Brooklyn is a 2026 graduate of Sandusky High School. In the fall, she will partake in the ALBAT Lineman Apprenticeship Training program in Ohio. “ It means a lot to me because I’m very excited to start my journey as a lineman. It’s a special thing for me to receive this scholarship from a very successful company and from people I look up to.”

DANIELLE CURRY Danielle is a 2026 graduate of Kingston High School. In the fall, she plans to attend Saginaw Valley State University to pursue a degree in Nursing. “ For me, this scholarship is a reminder of how small communities can do so much to help build a student’s future. I am incredibly thankful to receive this scholarship as I continue my education, and I cannot wait to give back to our Thumb community as I continue my career.”

TEC would like to congratulate Mya, Brooklyn, and Danielle, and we wish them the best of luck in their future careers!

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TEC Fiber Customers:

Call Miss Dig Before You Break Ground

As TEC Fiber internet continues to expand across neighborhoods and communities, more homeowners and contractors are undertaking projects that involve digging—whether it’s planting trees, installing fences, or landscaping. But before you grab a shovel, there’s one essential step that every fiber internet customer should take: calling Miss Dig.

Miss Dig is Michigan’s free utility notification system that helps prevent damage to underground utility lines.

They can be reached by dialing 811 or by searching www.missdig811.org. When you call or file a request online at least three business days before digging, utility companies come out to mark the locations of underground lines, including high-speed fiber cables.

Why is this so important for TEC fiber customers?

To begin, you can prevent potential service outages. A single accidental cut can knock out internet service, not just for your home, but potentially for your entire neighborhood.

This can disrupt remote work, streaming, online learning, and more.

Next, you can avoid costly repairs. If you damage a fiber line because you didn’t contact Miss Dig, you could be held financially responsible for the repair costs. These can run into thousands of dollars, depending on the extent of the damage.

You can also ensure safety by calling Miss Dig. Fiber lines often run alongside other utilities, like gas and electricity.

Calling Miss Dig helps prevent dangerous situations that can lead to serious injury or even death.

Finally, it’s the law. In Michigan, calling 811 before digging is not just a recommendation—it’s a legal requirement.

Compliance protects you, your property, and your community. Calling Miss Dig is free and can help you avoid costly fines.

In conclusion, fiber internet brings incredible speed and reliability, but it also comes with a responsibility. Whether you’re digging deep or just a few inches, always contact Miss Dig before you start. It’s free, easy, and it could save you from major headaches down the road. For more information, go to www.missdig811.org.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 13

British Landing

TAKING THE LONG WAY AROUND

By Emily Haines Lloyd Grand Hotel

Fort Mackinac

Arch Rock

SWIM START

M

ost Mackinac Island visitors take the familiar route, walking its streets, pedaling its perimeter, or settling into a horse-drawn carriage.

But on one August morning each year, before the first rush of day-trippers arrives, hundreds of swimmers cross the straits with a different plan entirely. They step off early ferries wrapped in neoprene and nerves and head toward the shoreline to do something equal parts daunting and delightful: swim 8.2 miles around Mackinac Island.

From the outside, the Mackinac Island Swim can look like a test of endurance alone, the kind of event soaked in competitiveness and bragging rights.

And, yes, it is a serious challenge. But that’s only part of the story.

More Than an Endurance Event Talk to Event Director Jon Vos, and a different picture comes into focus.

“Endurance events can become all about the competition,” Vos says.

“From day one, we wanted it to be about the experience, the people, and just enjoying this thing we love to do with others who love it, too.”

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FINISH LINE

That philosophy shapes everything about the day. Yes, swimmers are timed, but mostly so organizers can track who is safely in and out of the water. There are no podiums at the finish line and no pressure to outperform. In fact, the only “trophies” handed out come from the local bakery, appropriately called Humble Pies. What you do see and feel are the people cheering each other on, taking in the crystal-clear water, and embracing the rare chance to experience Mackinac in an entirely unique way.

A Challenge Shared One of the most unique aspects of the swim is how connected it feels. Mackinac’s bike path traces the shoreline, making it unusually spectator-friendly. Friends and family can follow along from land, turning the entire route into a moving cheering section. Aid stations become gathering places. Visitors become invested in strangers.

“People make it their own,” Vos says.

“You see families out there, relay teams, people coming back year after year. It becomes part of their story.”

Even when conditions have been tough with cold water, wind, and waves, the response is often the same: “That was awful…see you next year.”

How It Began Like many good ideas, the Mackinac Island Swim started with a simple question.

In the wake of COVID, when events were canceled and plans disrupted, a small group of swimmers found themselves still heading north, still eager for connection and adventure.

Someone floated the idea: What if they went to Mackinac Island and swam around it?

It was a little bold. Totally impractical.

And immediately exciting.

With help from local swimmers and organizers, the idea quickly came together. The first year drew a whopping 250 swimmers. Last year there were over 400, with solo swimmers, relay teams, and support crews taking part.

What has stayed constant is the intent behind it. From the beginning, Vos wanted the swim to feel different from

MACKINAW ISLAND SWIM August 9, 2026 For more information, visit swimaroundmac.com

the ultra-competitive atmosphere often found in endurance sports: Less swagger. More shared experience.

A Community Effort Pulling off an 8.2-mile swim around an island is no small feat. It requires coordination with ferry operators, local boat captains, lifeguards, island paramedics, the Coast Guard, and city leaders. Around 70 people are involved each year, including a core planning team and dozens of volunteers.

But that effort reflects something more than logistics. The event has become part of the community itself.

Through its partnership with the Mackinac Women’s Club, the swim has helped raise roughly $100,000 to support local initiatives.

Where Bravery Meets Joy When the swimmers come ashore, they’re usually tired, sometimes shivering, but always smiling.

Yes, it takes endurance. Yes, it takes bravery.

But what people remember is the joy.

The cheers from shore. The stories traded afterward. The feeling of having done something hard, beautiful, and just a little bit crazy. Together.

As swimmers come out of the water smiling ear to ear, it’s clear this was never really about who finished first or beat their personal best. It was about taking the long way around to see both Mackinac and themselves differently.

And to carry home a story that only the water could give them.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 15

Youth Tour Student Representative Chosen Kendyl Reehl of Elkton Pigeon Bay Port High School was selected to represent Thumb Electric Cooperative during the 2026 Youth Tour in Washington, D.C. The trip lasted from June 14 to June 20. Kendyl, who will be a sophomore this upcoming fall at EPBP Lakers High School, joined representatives from across the country for the event. During their time in D.C., the students learned the basics of electric co-ops, toured the U.S. Capitol and other national landmarks, met with lawmakers, attended a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, and much more!

If you know a high school student who is interested in applying for next year’s Youth Tour, please watch for information in the fall issues of Country Lines magazine, the TEC Facebook page, our website at tecmi.coop, or at cooperativeyouthtour.com.

RETIREMENT SPOTLIGHT

Doug Diem After four decades of dedicated service to Thumb Electric Cooperative, Doug Diem has decided to retire. Doug was hired on April 7, 1986, as a utility man. In 2021, he took the position of member service representative. Doug retired on April 14, 2026.

All of us at TEC would like to congratulate Doug on an outstanding career, and we wish him the best in retirement!

16 JULY/AUGUST 2026

The Benefits of COMMUNITY SOLAR Have you ever walked out of your house on a sunny day and thought, “I wish I could harness the sun’s energy to power my home”? Okay. Maybe you haven’t. But I’m sure you have noticed solar panels on top of homes in your community, and maybe you have even seen a solar farm here or there. If you have considered solar as a part of your home’s energy mix—but have been dissuaded by high costs or maintenance requirements—we here at Thumb Electric Cooperative are happy to tell you that solar energy is more accessible than you might think!

Participating in a community solar program also eliminates maintenance costs and concerns that can be a hassle for those who own and maintain their own residential solar system. With community solar,

TEC takes care of installation, maintenance, and insurance fees, making it easy for members to participate. Each panel is rated at 335 watts. The approximate annual credit is anticipated to be $40.

HOW COMMUNITY SOLAR WORKS SHARED SOLAR FARM The co-op builds a solar array.

Members buy a share of the project, often in the form of a solar panel.

Community solar programs harness natural energy from the sun and often cost less than installing a solar system at your home or business. If you are a homeowner, participating in community solar keeps you from having to worry about zoning restrictions or appealing to your homeowners’ association.

The community solar model is easy to understand. TEC builds a solar array—a group of solar panels in an empty lot or field—then you purchase a share of the energy produced, often in the form of one or more solar panels.

The energy is distributed to the power grid, and solar-farm members receive credits that lower their electric bills.

To learn more about community solar and other programs we offer, go to tecmi.coop/renewable-energy-programs

COMMUNITY SOLAR ENGAGEMENT PARTICIPANTS Solar-farm members receive credits for that electricity, which lowers their monthly bills.

Source: Shelton Group, Inc.

UTILITIES The renewable electricity is distributed to the power grid.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 17

Where In Michigan Is This?

MI CO-OP Guest Column

A Farmers Market Tradition

By Kelsee Nemetz, A Cherryland Electric Cooperative member

MYSTERY PHOTO Win a $100 energy bill credit!

Identify the correct location of the photo above by July 25 and be entered into a drawing to win a $100 electric bill credit. Enter your guess at countrylines.com/community.

MAY 2026 WINNER! Our Mystery Photo winner is Christian Kleber, a Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op member who correctly identified the photo as Gertz Village Square in downtown Millersburg, Mich.

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

18 JULY/AUGUST 2026

A family tradition is something that moves us closer to those we love. They provide an opportunity for bonding and create lifelong memories. These family traditions were exactly what we were looking to create for our new little brood.

We moved from my daughter’s and my birthplace of Grand Rapids when she was 3, and landed in my husband’s hometown of Traverse City. Moving from a bigger city to a smaller beach town was a bit jolting. Everything was now much closer to us, no longer needing a trek across the highway just to get groceries. And that newfound shorter driving radius included a ton of little pop-up farmers markets.

I have always loved the idea of a farmers market. However, traveling to the markets in Grand Rapids always proved stressful. Traffic was usually a nightmare, and when you arrived...it was a coin flip if you would find a decent parking space. I noticed that all changed when we moved up north. With everything much more spread out and spacious, I experienced a lot less stress just getting around town.

We began by visiting the Sara Hardy

market in downtown Traverse City, and then expanded our search to the Interlochen Farmer’s market.

Now, opening weekend is a bit of a ritual. My daughter loves riding in our wagon and looking around at the jewelry and baked goods stalls, always appreciating a good cookie.

My favorite stop lately has been the Cheese Lady’s stand. There’s a special feeling that comes with strolling the market on a finally warm and sunny mid-morning, and it has now become our treasured spring tradition. Creating and keeping family traditions looks different everywhere you go. For our family, it’s a sunny stroll through a local farmers market on warm weekends. Maybe it’s the weather, finally getting out of the house and doing an outdoor activity after months of stagnation. Maybe it’s the togetherness of it all and the joy of browsing local treasures with the ones you love the most. Or maybe it’s creating those lasting memories, the ones that my daughter will take on to adulthood. One day, maybe she will take her own children to her town’s farmers markets. Just like her mom used to take her.

GUEST COLUMN Win $200 for stories published!

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

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Thumb Electric Cooperative tecmi.coop facebook.com/thumbelectric

2022 2026

ANNUAL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

EARLY BIRD PRIZE DRAWING WINNERS

FINAL PRIZE DRAWING WINNERS

1. AIR PURIFIER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gertrude Salowitz, Palms

1. TCL 43” SMART TV. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Larry Weber, Filion

2. AMAZON FIRE STICK. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . William Wisneski, Kinde

2. GAS GIFT CERTIFICATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Donald Wismer, Palms

3. FOOD GIFT CERTIFICATE. . . . . . . . . . . . Curtis Cumper, Sandusky

3. ENERGY EFFICIENCY GIFT CERTIFICATE . . . . . . . Dalton Colling, Fostoria

4. GAS GIFT CERTIFICATE. . . . . . . . . . . . . John Richmond Jr., Filion

4. FOOD GIFT CERTIFICATE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cathryn David, Palms

5. ENERGY EFFICIENCY GIFT CERTIFICATE. . . . . Bobbi Lugo, Vassar

5. GAS GIFT CERTIFICATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Susan Shuart, Bad Axe

6. FOOD GIFT CERTIFICATE. . . . . . . . . . . . . Allan Gillespie, Marlette

6. ENERGY EFFICIENCY GIFT CERTIFICATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . David Hunt, Ubly

7. GAS GIFT CERTIFICATE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . William Dedoe, Clyde

7. FOOD GIFT CERTIFICATE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . William Putnam, Cass City

8. ENERGY EFFICIENCY GIFT CERTIFICATE. . . James Fifield, Decker

8. GAS GIFT CERTIFICATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lester Gosson, Caro

9. FOOD GIFT CERTIFICATE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Randy Hastedt, Caro

9. ENERGY EFFICIENCY GIFT CERTIFICATE. . . . . . . . . Nancy Hacker, Bad Axe

10. GAS GIFT CERTIFICATE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dale Fox, Vassar

10. FOOD GIFT CERTIFICATE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elwin Koth, Filion

11. ENERGY EFFICIENCY GIFT CERTIFICATE. . . . Allen Daum, Palms

11. GAS GIFT CERTIFICATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kenneth Hoff, Sandusky

12. FOOD GIFT CERTIFICATE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alvin Yaroch, Kinde

12. ENERGY EFFICIENCY GIFT CERTIFICATE . . . . . . . . . William Parker, Caro

13. ROKU STREAMING STICK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Martin Kubacki, Ubly

13. FOOD GIFT CERTIFICATE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Len Briolat, Ubly

14. MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES COOKBOOK. . Eric Fisher, Cass City

14. ROKU STREAMING STICK. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thomas Braun, Caro

15. AMAZON FIRE STICK. . . . . . . . . Joseph Jaskowski, Chesterfield

15. COUNTRY LINES COOKBOOK. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arthur Haas, Port Austin