May 2025 Thumb by Country Lines

COUNTRY LINES

WATERFURNACE UNITS QUALIFY

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When you pay good money for something, you think it should last. We agree. Especially when it’s your family’s comfort.

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Geothermal is the only renewable that provides reliable operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

YOUR LOCAL WATERFURNACE DEALERS

Allendale

Allendale Htg & Clg (800) 327-1937 allendaleheating.com

Berrien Springs WaterFurnace Michiana (269) 473-5667 gogreenmichgeo thermal.com

Big Rapids

Stratz Htg & Clg, Inc. (231) 796-3717 stratzgeocomfort.com

Filion/Bad Axe Air-O-Dynamic Htg & Clg (989) 582-0137 aod-hvac.com

Grand Rapids

Bel Aire Htg & Clg 1-888-235-2473 belaire.com

Hart Adams Htg & Clg (231) 873-2665 adamsgeothermal-mi.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/Air Serv of Southern Michigan (517)764-1500 airserv.com/southernmichigan/

Mt Pleasant Walton Htg & Clg (989)772-4822 waltonheating.com

Portage Bel Aire Htg & Clg 1-888-235-2473 belaire.com

Portland ESI Htg & Clg (517)647-6906 esiheating.com

Sunfield

Mark Woodman Plmb & Htg (517) 886-1138 mwphonline.com

Three Rivers Bel Aire Htg & Clg 1-888-235-2473 belaire.com

Traverse City Geofurnace Htg & Clg (231)943-1000 geofurnace.com

CO-OP REBATE INCENTIVES

Alger Delta Electric: up to $2,000

Cherryland Electric: up to $2,500

Cloverland: up to $6,275

Great Lakes Energy: up to $5,000

Homeworks/Tri-County Electric: up to $4,750

Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op: up to $4,750

Thumb Electric: up to $2,000

EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Casey Clark

EDITOR: Christine Dorr

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Karreen Bird

RECIPE EDITOR: Christin Russman

COPY EDITOR: Yvette Pecha

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Emily Haines Lloyd

PUBLISHER: Michigan Electric Cooperative Association

Michigan Country Lines, USPS591-710, is published monthly, except August and December, with periodicals postage paid at Lansing, Mich., and additional ofﬁces. It is the ofﬁcial publication of the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association, 201 Townsend St., Suite 900, Lansing, MI 48933.

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

POSTMASTER:

Send all UAA to CFS.

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

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 Country Lines, Your Communications Partner

For more than 40 years, our co-op members have received Michigan Country Lines because it is the most effective and economical way to share information. Michigan Country Lines keeps members up-to-date about everything going on within their electric co-op. Issues contain news about co-op services, director elections, member meetings, and management decisions that members need to know about as owners of the co-op. The magazine also includes legal notices that would otherwise have to be placed in local media at a substantial cost. Sending Michigan Country Lines helps the co-op fulﬁll one of its essential principles—to educate and communicate openly with its members. The board of directors authorizes the co-op to subscribe to Michigan Country Lines on behalf of each member at an average cost of $4.43 per year, paid as part of members’ electric bills. The current magazine cost is 56 cents per copy. Michigan Country Lines is published, at cost, by the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association in Lansing. As always, we welcome your comments at editor@meca.coop.

MI CO-OP Community

RECIPE CONTEST

See details on page 10. Best Potato Dishes, due July 1. Win a $100 bill credit!

GUEST

COLUMN

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

6 CELEBRATING THE MAGICAL NORTHERN MICHIGAN MOREL SEASON

An annual springtime festival in Boyne City offers foraging, feasting, and festivities.

10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN

Mushroom Masterpieces: Savor the earthy goodness of these mushroom recipes.

14 RESTORING POWER, REBUILDING TOGETHER

After a historic ice storm, co-ops and communities rallied to restore power— and hope—across Northern Michigan.

18 NO BARRIERS WARRIORS

Applications now being accepted for No Barriers outdoor adventures.

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

Duane Kursinsky, 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.

Co-op Power How TEC’s Board Representation Strengthens Member Voices

By Brad Essenmacher, General Manager

Thumb Electric Cooperative (TEC) is proud to be a cooperative, owned by and operated for the benefit of our members. That’s why our transition to Wolverine Power Cooperative (Wolverine) as a memberowner in January 2025 is a natural fit—one that strengthens our ability to deliver reliable, cost-effective energy while ensuring our members have a voice in their power supply.

For years, TEC members have experienced the advantages of cooperative membership, from local decision-making to reinvestment in our communities. Now, by moving from an investor-owned utility (IOU) generation supplier to Wolverine— a cooperative generation supplier— TEC benefits from the same memberfocused model at every level of our power supply. Instead of answering to shareholders, Wolverine’s structure ensures that decisions prioritize reliability, affordability, and longterm sustainability for its members, including TEC.

A key part of this transition is TEC’s representation on Wolverine’s board of directors. We are pleased to share that two of our directors, Kim Nunn (Sanilac County—District 1) and Craig Osentoski (Huron County—District 2), have joined Wolverine’s board, ensuring that TEC members have a direct voice in shaping policies and investments that impact their electric service. Their leadership helps guide Wolverine’s strategic direction alongside representatives from its other distribution member cooperatives: Cherryland Electric

Cooperative, Great Lakes Energy, HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Midwest Energy & Communications, and Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op. Together, these cooperatives work to maintain a reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable power supply for all members.

As part of Wolverine, TEC gains greater influence over infrastructure investments, energy innovations, and policy decisions that directly affect our members. With energy regulations evolving and Michigan increasing its focus on renewable energy, TEC now has a stronger platform to advocate for solutions that enhance reliability and affordability. Wolverine’s diverse energy mix—including natural gas generation, wind and solar power, and its future partnership with the Palisades nuclear plant—ensures that our members benefit from a resilient and forward-thinking power strategy.

The cooperative model thrives on collaboration, and TEC’s membership in Wolverine reinforces our shared commitment to local decision-making, transparency, and community-driven progress. With Nunn and Osentoski representing TEC on Wolverine’s board, we are well-positioned to help shape the future of energy for our members while ensuring they continue to receive reliable, competitively priced electricity.

As longtime advocates for cooperative principles, Nunn and Osentoski bring valuable perspectives to Wolverine’s board. Learn more about their backgrounds, their vision for TEC’s future, and what this new role means for our members.

HURON

TUSCOLA SANILAC

Q&A with Wolverine Power Cooperative’s New Board Directors:

Kim Nunn & Craig Osentoski

Q: What does it mean for Thumb Electric Cooperative (TEC) to have representation on Wolverine’s board?

Kim Nunn: Having two directors from TEC on Wolverine’s board makes sure our members’ voices are heard at the highest level. Unlike IOUs (investor-owned utilities), where customers have no representation, electric cooperatives give members a say in decisions that impact them. It’s an important responsibility, and I’m honored to serve.

Craig Osentoski: It’s about keeping Thumb members informed and making sure their needs are considered. We bring firsthand knowledge of our community, and we can bring concerns directly to Wolverine’s leadership. That local connection is what makes cooperatives different.

Q: Kim, you’ve served on the Thumb board for 38 years. What changes have you seen during that time?

Kim Nunn: When I first joined, TEC was strictly an electricity provider. Since then, we’ve expanded. Now, with fiber broadband, we've grown in ways we never could have imagined years ago. The biggest shift has been how cooperatives continue to change to improve rural living. With fiber, for example, what once seemed impossible—high-speed internet for rural homes—is now a reality.

Q: Craig, you’ve been on the Thumb board for four years. What do you and Kim bring to Wolverine as a team?

Craig Osentoski: We have a great balance. Kim brings nearly four decades of experience; I'm the new guy. But this is a new role for both of us, so we’re learning together. What we both believe strongly in is the power of listening. We’ve only had a few Wolverine board meetings so far, but it’s clear that this board is smart, capable, and passionate about serving the members.

Q: What drew you to serve on TEC’s board and expand that to representing Thumb on the Wolverine board?

Kim Nunn: My dad served on community boards—I could see that it was important to not only be part of a community, but to serve it.

Craig Osentoski: I’ve always been interested in problem-solving and making things run better. I first got involved after hearing a misconception in the community about TEC and a cable company—it made me realize how important it is to be informed and engaged. My interactions with TEC on that issue revealed it was so well-run, I knew I wanted to help them succeed. My great-grandfather was on the first TEC board of directors, so it’s definitely in the family blood.

Q: Kim, as you approach four decades of board service, what keeps you motivated?

Kim Nunn: The members. Their trust and support over the years mean everything. Representation matters— it’s about making sure their voices are heard and that we’re always looking to improve rural living.

Q: You both mention how your families’ support has been critical to your board service—what does that mean to you?

Kim Nunn: I have been married to my wife, Cindy, for 46 years, have two children, and three grandchildren. Family is very important to me and their support has been great. It’s allowed me to do this work for as long as I have.

Craig Osentoski: My wife, Kelly Jo, and I have two children and one grandchild that are so important to us. Kelly Jo was school board president for several years and I saw how hard she worked to help others. Now it’s my turn to serve.

Q: Anything you’d like to say to Thumb members?

Kim Nunn: Thank you for your support over the past 38 years. It’s an honor to continue representing you.

Craig Osentoski: We’re here to listen and serve. If you have questions or concerns, reach out—we want to hear from you.

Power Supply Cost Recovery (PSCR) Quarter 1

Celebrating the Magical Northern Michigan Morel Season

Every spring, a charming lakeside Michigan town gathers to celebrate the marvelous morel mushrooms. For more than 60 years, those merry for morels have traveled far and wide to Boyne City, Michigan, for the National Morel Mushroom Festival.

Held annually on the weekend after Mother’s Day, the National Morel Mushroom Festival is a one-of-akind event, drawing hundreds of mushroom hunters and food lovers from all corners of the country. During this four-day, fungi-ﬁ lled celebration, festivalgoers come to indulge in nature’s delectable treat and be immersed in the magic of the morel season.

Recognized for their nutty, earthy ﬂavor and honeycomb-like appearance, morel mushrooms are rare and highly sought-after. The

mushroom’s ﬂ eeting season usually lasts from mid-April to mid-May. Michigan’s climate, with its mix of hardwood forests and rich soil, provides the ideal conditions for morels to thrive.

The morel’s mystique makes it a prized ﬁ nd among foragers, and competitive mushroom hunts are a popular annual tradition of the National Morel Mushroom Festival. Participants venture into nearby forests, armed with baskets and a little luck, in search of these elusive fungi. Given an allotted amount of time to hunt morels, the person who ﬁ nds the most is awarded a prize.

Savor the Flavor:

stuffed ravioli to creamy morel soups and savory morel stroganoff, food is at the heart of the festival.

A Culinary Celebration of Morels

During the festival’s premiere event, Taste of Morels, local chefs not only showcase their creativity but also compete for the top-three winning morel-infused dishes. Boyne City restaurants and food vendors rise to the occasion, crafting this rare and ﬂavorful mushroom in a variety of intriguing ways.

The largest concentration of morel mushroom cooking in the world takes place at the National Morel Mushroom Festival. From morel-

Another signature sellout festival event is Morel Wine & Dine, held at the Beach House Restaurant on Deer Lake. This is a must-visit experience to savor scenic lake views alongside morel-inspired hors d’oeuvres plates, each paired with ﬁ ne wines.

Art, Music, and Morel Magic: A Festival of Creativity & Entertainment

Beyond its culinary delights, the festival comes alive with nightly entertainment and vibrant daytime activities. As the sun sets, live music takes center stage, with local bands and regional talent bringing high-energy performances to the Motherload Bash—perfect for dancing the night away.

By day, visitors can stroll through rows of canopy tents ﬁlled with handcrafted goods, morel-themed art, and unique souvenirs at the arts & crafts show. Artisans and vendors showcase their work, while live demonstrations, fresh mushrooms, and morel-infused teas tempt curious taste-testers.

Festivalgoers can snack their way through an array of delicious options, from crowd-pleasing burgers and food truck favorites to international ﬂavors and indulgent desserts.

For those looking to get creative, Duncan Studios hosts Painting in the Park, offering guided painting sessions where participants can craft and take home their own morelinspired masterpiece. Adults can also join a Paint & Sip event, enjoying a complimentary glass of wine or beer while following step-by-step instructions to create Michiganthemed morel art.

Aspiring foragers can attend a free morel hunting seminar, where experts share tips on identifying, harvesting, and preparing these prized mushrooms while teaching the difference between true morels and potentially poisonous look-alikes for safe foraging.

Families will love the festival’s classic carnival experience, featuring thrilling rides, competitive midway games, and all the nostalgic fair food favorites. Whether you’re looking for adventure, creativity, or a chance to indulge, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

The National Morel Mushroom Festival in Boyne City is more than just a celebration of a seasonal delicacy—it’s a testament to smalltown hospitality and a community’s love for nature, food, and togetherness. Whether you come for the gourmet dishes, exploring the woods in search of morels, or simply soaking in the festive atmosphere, you embark on an unforgettable adventure.

Boyne City’s 65th Annual National Morel Mushroom Festival is Thursday, May 15, through Sunday, May 18, 2025. More information and a full schedule of events can be found at bcmorelfestival.com or on their Facebook page.

Scan the QR code to watch a video of our visit to the National Morel Mushroom Festival

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.

Power Supply

Electricity use is rapidly increasing across the country, with peak national demand set to skyrocket by an estimated 38 gigawatts over the next four years. New capacity, from both fossil fuels and renewables, will need to be built (along with new transmission, energy storage, and demand management), but there are large differences between the various generation types. Here’s how much of each would be required to meet the need.

Firm Power

Fossil Fuel Plants

50 75

average-sized coal plants (750 MW each)

average gas plants

MW each)

Intermittent Power

Solar

127,000,000

solar panels*

(300 W each)

At ~6 acres per megawatt, this would require 228,000 acres (or 356 square miles) of land.

Nuclear and Hydropower

average nuclear or large hydro plants

GW each)

Wind

15,000 modern wind turbines*

MW each)

*Intermittency and low capacity factor for solar (15-30%) and wind (30-40%) means peak generation will not always coincide with peak demand. Facilities would need to be significantly overbuilt and large amounts of battery storage would be needed to preserve round-the-clock reliability.

MICHIGAN’S FARMLANDS

1. MOST VOTES

Peaceful oasis in Akron. Tiffany Cantrell

2. Beautiful night on the farm. Kathryn Volmering

3. Enjoying a beautiful summer day, making hay! April Taylor

4. Happy moos. Annette Decker

5. Helping pick strawberries. Carol Harmon

6. Farm in Lapeer, MI. Regina Green

Submit Your “Michigan’s Waterfalls” Photos by May 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 July/August 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 2025, you will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of four $50 credits on your December 2025 bill.

MUSHROOM MASTERPIECES

Explore creative and ﬂavorful ways to cook with mushrooms.

RECIPE CONTEST Win a $100 energy bill credit!

WINNING RECIPE!

CRAB STUFFED MUSHROOMS

Amanda Herbert, Midwest Energy & Communications

2 (8-ounce packs) fresh mushrooms

³⁄4 cup melted butter

1 cup ﬁ nely chopped fresh spinach

1 cup crab meat

12 ounces cream cheese

¹⁄2 teaspoon garlic salt

¹⁄2 teaspoon lemon pepper

3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

¹⁄2 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese

2 dashes of Tabasco sauce

³⁄4 teaspoon white wine

Preheat oven to 350 F. Take stems out of mushrooms, rinse, then place in 13x9-inch baking dish. Mix all ingredients together. Top mushrooms with mix. Bake immediately for 15 minutes, then broil till golden brown. Serve and enjoy.

Best Potato Dishes, due July 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

MOREL MUSHROOM MOUSSE

Tamara Elhart, Great Lakes Energy

8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature

¹⁄4 cup (4 tablespoons) butter, room temperature

³⁄4 teaspoon ground white pepper

1 tablespoon butter

¹⁄4 cup ﬁ nely chopped onion

¹⁄2 cup chopped fresh morel mushrooms

2 tablespoons Marsala wine

Using an electric mixer, combine cream cheese, butter, and white pepper. Mix until cream cheese and butter are ﬂuffy. Melt another tablespoon of butter in small skillet over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until onions are tender. Add mushrooms and sauté for 1 minute. Add Marsala wine to the skillet and allow juices to reduce to about 2 tablespoons of liquid. Remove from stove and allow mushroom mixture to cool completely. Add mushroom mixture into cream cheese mixture and blend using electric mixture until ﬂuffy and combined. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Remove and allow mousse to come to room temperature—serve with crackers.

STUFFED MUSHROOMS

Debra Buback, Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op

1 pound large whole white mushrooms

1 tablespoon butter

¹⁄2 cup ﬁ nely chopped onion

¹⁄2 cup ﬁ nely chopped green pepper

1 (5-ounce jar) Kraft Old English cheese spread

1 tablespoon Frank’s hot sauce, optional or to taste.

Preheat oven to 350 F. Wipe mushrooms clean, do not wash. Remove stems and ﬁ nely chop (I use a mini food processor to ﬁ nely chop stems and veggies). In medium sauté pan, melt butter on medium heat, and add stems, onions, and green pepper. Sauté until soft and most of the liquid is cooked off. Add cheese spread. Stir and mix well until cheese is melted. Add Frank’s hot sauce, if using. Turn heat to low, and stuff mushrooms. Fill each as much as possible. Place on a sheet pan and bake about 25 minutes. Serve immediately.

SULPHUR SHELF SNACK (AKA – CHICKEN OF THE WOODS)

Kim Ison, Midwest Energy & Communications

1 tablespoon chopped onion

2 tablespoons of butter

2 cups cleaned sulphur shelf mushrooms, cut into bite-size pieces

³⁄4 cup chicken broth

1 clove of ﬁ nely chopped garlic

¹⁄4 cup sour cream

1 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Sauté the onion in butter for 1 minute, add mushrooms, and stir until the butter is absorbed. Add the broth and cook for 15 minutes or until mushrooms are tender.

Add the garlic, sour cream, and salt. Stir over low until well blended. Sprinkle with parsley, and serve with crackers or toast rounds. Serve immediately.

MEET THE DIRECTOR CANDIDATES

Randall

Randy Dhyse owns and operates a crop and livestock operation in northern Huron County, in partnership with his brother. He has been a member of Thumb Electric Cooperative since 1987.

Randy has lived in Huron County his entire life, except for time spent attending Northern Michigan University and Michigan State University. He and his wife, Mary, have been married for 45 years and have three sons and four grandchildren.

Randy has served on Thumb Electric’s board of directors since 1999, and he currently serves as board treasurer. He is a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Kinde, where he also serves as the church treasurer.

As a TEC board member, Randy has strived to stay informed and understand the many issues that affect TEC as your energy provider. Representing the needs of co-op members and continuing to have Thumb Electric as a viable and reliable source of electricity and fiber internet will be Randy’s goals.

Kim Nunn was born and raised in the Croswell area and has been a Thumb Electric Cooperative member since 1978. Kim graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science degree. He has been involved with agriculture over the last 40 years. Kim has served on TEC’s board of directors since 1987 and is currently the vice president. He is the president of Thumb Energy Services Corporation, and he is also on the Wolverine Power board of directors.

Kim is a member of the Croswell United Methodist Church. He is retired from the Croswell fair board after 35 years. He is also a director on the Mid Thumb Bowling Association.

Kim and his wife, Cindy, have been married for 46 years and have two children, Andrea (married to Wally) and Brandon (married to Kristina). They have three special grandchildren, Clare, Haydn, and Blake.

“As a board member, it is very important to keep your members in mind when making board decisions and to always keep an adequate supply of electricity available,” said Kim. “Keeping up with changing technology is also very important. Fiberto-the-Home internet has been a very big project for us, but it is something that is very much needed in the rural areas for our members.” Keeping the lights on will always be a high priority for Kim.

Louis Wenzlaff is retired from Sanilac Medical Facility in Sandusky after serving 23 years as administrator. Previous to that, he was the chief executive officer of the Kingston State Bank for 22 years. He still is a part-time farmer with his two sons.

Raised in the Kingston area, Louis has been a member of Thumb Electric since 1958. He has served on TEC’s board of directors since 1977. Louis is a graduate of Central Michigan University with a business degree.

He is a member of Kingston Global Methodist Church and previously served on the Kingston Community School Board for 32 years. Louis and his wife, Sharon, have five children, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

As a board member, his goals are to help ensure the co-op runs efficiently, reliable service is provided to all members at a competitive price, the cooperative has an adequate and reliable power supply, the infrastructure is kept updated and reliable, and employees are working safely and are meeting or exceeding the members’ needs. He looks forward to broadband high-speed internet being available to all co-op members so the families can have the latest technology available.

TEC received no other petition requests for the 2025 board of directors seats. If you would like to run as a candidate in the 2026 election, watch for upcoming notifications in Country Lines magazine or call our office for details on how to do so.

Dhyse (Incumbent)

Huron County – District 1

Kim Nunn (Incumbent)

Sanilac County – District 1

Louis Wenzlaff (Incumbent)

Tuscola County – District 1

Holiday Office Closings

Memorial Day, Monday, May 26

Independence Day, Friday, July 4

Line crews are available 24/7 for outage response. Please call 800-327-0166.

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

The Annual Meeting of the members of Thumb Electric Cooperative of Michigan will be held at the Thumb Octagon Barn, 6948 Richie Road, Gagetown, Michigan, at 10 a.m. on June 7, 2025, to take action on the following matters:

1. The reports on officers, directors, and committees.

2. The election of one director from Huron County – District 1, one director from Sanilac County – District 1, and one director from Tuscola County – District 1 to the board of directors of the cooperative.

3. All other business which may rightfully come before the meeting or any adjournment or adjournments thereof.

Dated: April 15, 2025

MIKE BRIOLAT, Secretary

ACCESS TO RULES AND RATES

Please be advised that the following information is available to Thumb Electric Cooperative members:

1. Complete rate schedules;

2. Clear and concise explanation of all rates that the member may be eligible to receive;

3. Assistance from the cooperative in determining the most appropriate rate for a member when the member is eligible to receive service under more than one rate;

4. Clear and concise explanation of the member’s actual energy use for each billing period during the last 12 months.

The information can be obtained by contacting Thumb Electric Cooperative at 800-327-0166.

FUEL MIX REPORT

The fuel mix characteristics of Thumb Electric Cooperative as required by Public Act 141 of 2000 for the 12-month period ended 12/31/24.

YOUR CO-OP’S FUEL MIX

The fuel mix data presented by Thumb Electric is the data from CMS Energy, which supplied nearly all of Thumb Electric’s purchase power through 12/31/24.

RESTORING POWER, REBUILDING TOGETHER

By Emily Haines Lloyd

Ice can be beautiful— but not when it brings disaster to a region.

In Northern Michigan, beauty turned brutal in hours. What began as a quiet snowfall late on March 28 quickly escalated into a catastrophic ice storm, coating counties at the tip of the mitten in a thick, glassy shell. Trees snapped under the weight of more than an inch of ice, power lines were pulled down like string, and thousands of electric poles splintered or collapsed under the strain. Nearly 100,000 cooperative member homes and businesses lost power—many for far longer than expected.

This storm was one of the most challenging Michigan co-ops had ever faced. The damage wasn’t just widespread—it was layered and diffi cult to access. Heavy ice brought down trees and power lines, while relentless waves of snow, wind, and freezing rain made conditions too diffi cult and dangerous for crews to begin restoration work until day three. Downed lines were buried beneath tangled debris, and poles had snapped in remote, hard-to-reach areas. Great Lakes Energy (GLE), which typically replaces around 800 poles per year, replaced that many within the fi rst three days once restoration could begin. Crews worked around the clock in brutal conditions, pushing through exhaustion and emotional strain, knowing thousands were still without power, heat, internet, and water.

Meteorologists called it a “generational” storm—comparable to a multi-day Category 5 hurricane. After the ﬁ rst wave, 99% of Presque Isle Electric & Gas (PIE&G) members had lost power— something that had never happened in the co-op’s 88-year history.

“We call this storm ‘unprecedented,’ because it is,” said Allan Berg, PIE&G CEO. “No other network in our state has been completely taken down like this. But our restoration work is also setting records.”

In a unique show of cross-functional mutual aid, not just lineworkers—but engineers, IT and administrative staff, vegetation management teams, logistics coordinators, and communicators— joined the effort. The situation called for everyone.

Despite the scope of damage, progress was steady. By April 14, most electric outages had been restored, with remaining pockets on track for rebuild and restoration in the days ahead. The work now shifts to ﬁ ber network restoration alongside continued recovery of the electric system, including debris removal over thousands of miles of infrastructure.

But even amid crisis, the storm revealed something extraordinary: the strength and heart of the community.

Every Michigan co-op sent support, and others came from across the

country. Mutual aid crews worked side by side with local teams, sharing tools, resources, and long days. Their dedication was nothing short of heroic.

Community members stepped up, too. Great Lakes Energy and Presque Isle Electric & Gas set up “Storm Camp” at the Otsego County Fairgrounds outside Gaylord. Staffed by volunteers, the site provided bunkhouses, meals, and laundry for a capacity of 1,200 ﬁ eld crews. Neighbors opened their homes. Businesses donated supplies. Across Northern Michigan, people came together—not because they had to, but because that’s who we are.

"It's been amazing to see our team, but also contractors, families, mutual aid workers from across the country, volunteers from other co-ops, and our community—all show up to get power restored,” said Shaun Lamp, GLE CEO. “When you see people show up for one another, it’s humbling.”

Yes, ice can be beautiful—but its beauty fades when it freezes life in place. What lasts longer is the spirit of the people who faced it together: neighbors helping neighbors, strangers becoming friends, and a region proving that even in the harshest conditions, we endure—and we power on.

Follow the day-by-day restoration story at meca.coop/outage-center.

The Cooperative Difference

While Northern Michigan battled ice, Southern Michigan was also hit hard. On March 30, 2025, severe thunderstorms tore through Midwest Energy & Communications (MEC)’s service area, bringing 80 mph winds and two tornadoes. The storm snapped 140 poles and knocked out power to over 10,000 members at the peak—the largest storm the co-op had faced in at least 30 years.

MEC crews worked tirelessly through ongoing storms to restore service. Everyone—from lineworkers to dispatchers to warehouse teams—came together to get the lights back on.

Then, they packed up and headed north.

Once their own system was restored, MEC crews joined mutual aid efforts to help storm-ravaged communities in Northern Michigan.

That’s the cooperative difference. We don’t just serve—we show up. Local teams. National reach. A shared commitment to keeping the lights on—together.

Photo by Jeremy Bassett

THUMB ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE OF MICHIGAN 86TH ANNUAL MEETING

The Eighty-Sixth Annual Meeting of Thumb Electric of Michigan was held at the Thumb Octagon Barn in Gagetown, Tuscola County, Michigan, at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 8, 2024, pursuant to call and notice thereof given to each member of the Cooperative and pursuant to the laws of the State of Michigan.

The meeting was called to order by Jonathan Findlay, President of the Cooperative, who presided. Kyle O’Mara, Attorney for the Cooperative, acted as recording secretary of the meeting and kept the minutes thereof.

President Findlay introduced the members of the Cooperative’s Board of Directors and Board Officers as follows:

• Jonathan Findlay, President, Tuscola County

• Kim Nunn, Vice-President, Sanilac County

• Randall Dhyse, Treasurer, Huron County

• Michael Briolat, Secretary, Sanilac County

• Matt Sommer, Tuscola County

• Erica Peruski, Huron County

• Craig Osentoski, Huron County

General Manager Brad Essenmacher and Cooperative Attorney Kyle O’Mara were also introduced. Directors Duane Kursinsky of Sanilac County and Louis Wenzlaff of Tuscola County were not present.

The reading of the Notice of the Meeting and Affidavit of Mailing thereof to all the Cooperative members within the time prescribed by the Cooperative Bylaws was dispensed with; it having been published in Country Lines. A copy of the Notice and Affidavit is attached to these minutes and incorporated herein.

The President reported that the members of the Cooperative present in person had been checked by the registration of names of the members and the names of the members who had submitted mail-in or electronic ballots had been duly recorded. He declared that based upon said records, a quorum of the members was present in accordance with the Bylaws of the Cooperative.

The President also reported that members of the Cooperative were present at the meeting in person, by mail-in ballot, and by electronic ballot, all of said members being named and described as to their county of residence and as to their method of

attendance. The report of ballots submitted in advance of the meeting were ordered filed in the records of the Cooperative.

The minutes of the Eighty-Fifth Annual Meeting of the Members were not read since a copy of same had been mailed to each of the members. There being no additions or corrections to those minutes, upon motion duly made, seconded and carried, said minutes were approved as drafted.

The Treasurer’s Report to the Eighty-Sixth Annual Meeting was not read since a copy of same had been mailed to each of the members. There being no amendments thereto or questions upon the matters contained therein, upon motion duly made, seconded and carried, the report was approved as presented.

President Findlay then introduced the Cooperative’s General Manager, Brad Essenmacher. Manager Essenmacher thanked the Cooperative employees for all their labors and efforts over the past year. He then reported on the Cooperative’s financial status, rates, member services, marketing activities, tree trimming, energy shortages, and TEC’s ongoing rollout of broadband internet service. In closing, Manager Essenmacher thanked the members for their interest in their Cooperative and for their support.

After questions and answers of the General Manager’s Report, the meeting was returned to President Findlay, and upon motion duly made, seconded and carried, the General Manager’s Report was approved as presented.

President Findlay then gave the President’s Report explaining growth of the Cooperative’s equity while maintaining competitive rates, the acquisition of Air Advantage, tree trimming, and TEC’s ongoing rollout of broadband internet service. Upon motion duly made, seconded and carried, the President’s Report was approved as presented.

The next order of business was the election of three Directors, one each from Huron County District 2, Sanilac County District 2, and Tuscola County District 2. The director positions are for three-year terms each.

The following attendees were appointed as Inspectors of the Election, all of whom were sworn to the faithful performance of

their duties by the Cooperative’s Attorney, Kyle T. O’Mara, who is also a notary public:

• Allan Gillespie

• Elwin Koth

• Elwin Richardson

Kyle O’Mara advised the meeting that each of the incumbent directors with expiring terms submitted valid nominating petitions to appear on the ballot. No challengers submitted petitions. Each candidate was then introduced and invited to address the members for up to five minutes.

Kyle O’Mara then requested the members to vote upon their ballots for the respective Directorships. The Inspectors of the Election were requested to collect and tabulate the ballots.

Kyle O’Mara turned the meeting back over to President Findlay.

The President then asked if there was any old business to address. There being none; he asked for new business. There being none, he announced several legislative guest speakers. Each legislator and/or their representative were invited to address the members for up to five minutes.

Following the presentations of the legislators, Kyle O’Mara announced the results of the tabulation of votes, including in-person, mail-in, and electronic ballots, which were as follows:

• Huron County – District 2: Craig Osentoski (Incumbent) –326 votes

• Sanilac County - District 2: Mike Briolat (Incumbent) – 316 votes

• Tuscola County – District 2: Jonathan Findlay (Incumbent) –328 votes

The elected Directors were declared to be Craig Osentoski from Huron County –District 2, Mike Briolat from Sanilac County – District 2, and Jonathan Findlay from Tuscola County – District 2.

There being no other business before the Board, on motion made and unanimously carried, the Annual Meeting was adjourned at 11:30 a.m. The members were released to enjoy lunch and the provided entertainment.

MIKE BRIOLAT, Secretary

APPROVED BY:JONATHAN FINDLAY, President

FINANCIAL STATEMENT BALANCE SHEETS

Thumb Electric Cooperative: Dec. 31, 2024, & 2023

NO BARRIERS 2025

No Barriers Programs Serve:

• People with disabilities

• Veterans with disabilities

• Youth with disabilities & their families

• Family caregivers

Michigan electric cooperatives believe there should be “No Barriers” for people affected by disabilities. That’s the name and idea behind CoBank’s No Barriers initiative. Michigan cooperatives are seeking affected adults, veterans*, youth, and caregivers from our local community to participate in No Barriers’ multi-day basecamp experiences and backcountry experiences, where participants will learn to overcome challenges and leave ready to elevate their lives and communities.

Full and partial scholarship opportunities for qualiﬁ ed applicants**

*Must have VA disability rating to be eligible.

**Fundraising required for those who do not qualify for a scholarship.

Apply by May 15 to be considered!

In-person programs run from June to September

Learn more & apply: nobarriersusa.org Contact us: info@nobarriersusa.org 970-484-3633, ext. 201

Don’t miss this chance to embark on an unforgettable journey. Apply today!

Where In Michigan Is This?

Identify

March 2025 WINNER!

Our Mystery Photo winner is Daryl Feldpausch, a HomeWorks Tri-County Cooperative member who correctly identiﬁed the photo as the Scott Sunken Garden in Lansing, Michigan.

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