MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
Your well could lower your heating and cooling costs.
If your home has a well, you may be halfway to a geothermal HVAC system.
Your water well can make switching to a WaterFurnace geothermal heating and cooling system easier and more affordable. An existing well can often serve as part of the geothermal loop field, reducing installation timelines and costs. WaterFurnace delivers:
• Steady, year-round heating and cooling that’s twice as efficient and lasts 40% longer than traditional HVAC
• Savings of up to 70% on home energy costs
• Long-lasting HVAC system that adds home value
Contact your local WaterFurnace dealer to schedule a no-pressure home assessment for a personalized estimate.
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
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/Aire Serv of Southern Michigan (517) 764-1500 airserv.com/southern-michigan
Mt Pleasant
Walton Htg & Clg (989)772-4822 waltonheating.com
Muskegon
TMC Mechanical LLC (231)865-1114 www.tmcmechanicalllc.com
Portage
Bel Aire Htg & Clg 1 (888) 235-2473 belaire.com
Portland
ESI Htg & Clg (517) 647-6906 esiheating.com
Sparta West Michigan Geothermal (616) 887-1290 westmigeothermal.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
$2,250 rebate available through your co-op.
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.
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
6 DISCOVERING MICHIGAN’S MAGIC: A hidden culinary gem in Leelanau.
RECIPE CONTEST
See details on page 10. Pizza, due July 1. Win a $100 bill credit!
MYSTERY PHOTO
See details on page 18. Win a $100 bill credit!
To enter contests, submit reader content & more, visit countrylines.com/community
10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN Salads with a Twist: Fresh. Fun. Unexpected.
14 ANGELINE BOULLEY: WRITING NATIVE STORIES ROOTED IN MICHIGAN Identity, belonging, and the Upper Peninsula.
18 NO BARRIERS WARRIORS Applications now being accepted for No Barriers outdoor adventures.
MI CO-OP Community
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Gabe Schneider, President 517-449-6453
gschneider@cherrylandelectric.coop
Valarie Handy, Senior Vice President 231-392-4705
vhandy@cherrylandelectric.coop
Melinda Lautner, Secretary 231-947-2509
mlautner@cherrylandelectric.coop
Dean Adams, Treasurer 231-642-0014
dadams@cherrylandelectric.coop
Terry Lautner, Director 231-883-6455
tlautner@cherrylandelectric.coop
David Schweitzer, Director 231-883-5860
dschweitzer@cherrylandelectric.coop
Tom Van Pelt, Director 231-386-5234
tvanpelt@cherrylandelectric.coop
CEO
Rachel Johnson
CO-OP EDITOR: Courtney Doyle: cdoyle@cherrylandelectric.coop
OFFICE HOURS
Monday–Friday 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
TELEPHONE NUMBERS 231-486-9200 or 1-800-442-8616 (Mich.)
ADDRESS
P.O. Box 298, Grawn, MI 49637
PAY STATION
Cherryland Electric Cooperative office 5930 U.S. 31 South, Grawn MI, 49637
Cherryland Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
CO-OP NEWS
Cherryland’s 88th Annual Meeting
Scheduled for June 11
Cherryland’s 88th Annual Meeting will take place Thursday, June 11, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Incredible Mo’s in Grawn. For more information about this year’s event, refer to this issue’s cover wrap and find updates and details on our website and social media.
Vote
in Cherryland’s Election
Vote in the 2026 Cherryland Election, and you could win a $100 bill credit! Vote on SmartHub, by mail, or in person during our 88th Annual Meeting on June 11. For more information about voting, check the back of this issue or visit our website. This year, members will choose one at-large director and one Leelanau County director. You can read about the candidates in the annual report at the center of this issue of Michigan Country Lines.
Cherryland
Office Closings and Summer Hours
The Cherryland office will be closed Monday, May 25, in observance of
Memorial Day. Normal business hours resume Tuesday, May 26.
Later this summer, your cooperative will resume summer office hours. From June 1 through Sept. 4, the cooperative office will be open Monday through Thursday from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. These extended hours are intended to increase operational efficiency in the field and provide a larger window of time for members to take advantage of our in-person member services.
The office will be closed on Sept. 7 in observance of Labor Day. Traditional office hours (Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m.) will resume on Tuesday, Sept. 8. Additional reminders and more information about the scheduling change will be shared in Michigan Country Lines, on social media, and via email.
During office closures, line crews are always on call to respond to any outages or emergencies. You can report an outage by texting OUT to 800-442-8616, logging into SmartHub, or calling us at 231-486-9200.
MANISTEE WEXFORD
The Answer Is YES
By Rachel Johnson, Cherryland CEO
Over the last few months, I’ve heard from some of our most loyal, longtime members. They’re hearing a lot— in the news and online—and they want to know if their cooperative is in good shape. I love this question because it shows how much our members care. The answer is yes, your cooperative is in good financial shape and well-positioned to handle ongoing cost pressures and upcoming expenditures.
In 2025, Cherryland delivered one of its strongest financial performances in years. Our equity came in at approximately 43%, ahead of our own targets and above comparable utilities across Michigan. Think of it like the equity in your home—it’s the share of what you own that isn’t mortgaged. The stronger it is, the more financial flexibility you have when it matters most. Our margins are healthy for the same reason: Despite rising costs, we managed expenses tightly and invested where it made the biggest difference.
Strong equity and margins give us access to competitive interest rates for borrowing, which lowers the long-term cost of capital investments in your electric system. Just like your home finances, better borrowing terms means every dollar we invest on your behalf goes further. That matters more than ever.
Costs are top of mind for all of us. When financial pressure builds, it can be tempting to pull back on continued investment. I understand that instinct, but for a cooperative like ours, the responsible move is the opposite. Pulling back now means higher costs and lower reliability later. We’ve
spent years building a strong financial position to maintain steady, purposeful investment even when the environment is hard.
This year, your board will consider a five-year capital investment plan that includes ongoing technology, reliability, and facility improvements. The goal is simply to keep doing what we do best: keeping the lights on. Cherryland members currently experience about one-third the power outages of the average Michigan electric customer. Consistent, purposeful investment got us here and it’s what will guide us into the future as well.
You asked if your cooperative is in good shape. Thank you for asking. That kind of engagement is exactly what makes a cooperative different. The answer is yes, absolutely—and it’s because we’ve made the kind of choices that put longterm service ahead of short-term ease.
These financial results represent more than a strong year. They represent years of disciplined decisions designed to keep your cooperative on strong footing so we can keep moving forward, for you and for the members who come after you.
You can see the full picture in the audited financials published in the annual report at the center of this issue.
To hear more, listen to the Co-op Energy Talk Podcast
Cassondra Wanders Adventure Series
A Hidden Culinary Gem in Leelanau
By Cassondra Scott
Throughout Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula, wine and cherries are widely popular staples, drawing visitors with their sweet appeal. But beyond those well-known flavors, the region is also home to a rich and delicious cheesemaking tradition.
A Small Creamery with Big Impact
Tucked away in Suttons Bay, Leelanau Cheese has been a standout in the craft cheese world for over 25 years. The creamery blends Michigan dairy with traditional European cheesemaking techniques, earning a respected place in the local food community.
Old World Tradition Meets Michigan Dairy
Like traditional European cheeses, Leelanau Cheese relies on climate and environment to shape its flavor and character. Its handcrafted cheeses have earned international recognition for their quality and authenticity.
A Legacy of Artisanal Excellence
Founded in 1995 by John and Anne Hoyt, Leelanau Cheese built its reputation on producing high-quality, preservative-free cheeses. Using locally sourced milk and cave-aging methods, the creamery creates cheeses known for their rich flavor and unique texture.
Award-Winning Raclette
In 2007, Leelanau Cheese’s raclette was named Best of Show by the American Cheese Society and received Super Gold at the World Cheese Awards—an honor given to only a select few cheeses worldwide.
What Makes Raclette Special
Raclette is a semisoft cow’s milk cheese from the Swiss Alps, known for its smooth texture and strong aroma when melted. With a short aging period and high moisture content, it melts beautifully and delivers a silky, rich experience.
From Alpine Tradition to Modern Tables
Traditionally melted over an open fi re and served with potatoes, raclette is now enjoyed in a variety of ways— from broiled and bubbling to sliced on charcuterie boards. Its versatility makes it a favorite for both casual meals and entertaining.
A Fresh Favorite: Fromage Blanc Leelanau Cheese also produces fromage blanc, a soft, fresh Frenchstyle cheese with a mild, tangy flavor. Its creamy texture makes it perfect for both sweet and savory dishes.
A Versatile Culinary Staple
Whether paired with fruit and honey or blended with herbs and garlic, fromage blanc is a delicious addition to crackers, sandwiches, and cheese boards.
Continuing the Tradition
Partners Gary Smith and Joshua Hall have operated Leelenau Cheese since 2021. They continue to honor the creamery’s legacy while celebrating Michigan’s agricultural roots.
Visitors can tour the facility yearround, sample products, and watch cheesemaking in action.
Celebrate at the Cheese Festival
The annual Leelanau Cheese Festival highlights the region’s dairy heritage with a full day of hands-on activities, tastings, and family-friendly fun. The 2026 festival begins at 10 a.m. on June 6.
Tours, Tastings, and Hands-On Experiences
Guests can enjoy guided tours of the cheese cave, meet local cheesemakers, and participate in workshops like wine and cheese pairing or cheesemaking demonstrations.
Fun for the Whole Family
From sampling local products to participating in the Cheese Olympics, there’s something for everyone. Kids can enjoy crafts, games, STEM activities, and even a petting zoo.
Discover Suttons Bay
Located along the eastern shore of Grand Traverse Bay, Suttons Bay offers scenic waterfront views, small-town charm, and plenty of opportunities for swimming and boating—making it the perfect backdrop for a day of cheesefilled fun.
Scan the QR code to watch a video of
Cassondra’s adventures to Leelanau Cheese.
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.
Upgrade Your Home. Save Energy. Get Rebates.
Looking for simple ways to make your home more comfortable and cut down on energy use?
Now is the perfect time to upgrade your everyday essential appliances. Our online marketplace makes it easy to find rebate-eligible, energy-efficient products that help you save both now and later. No lines, no driving, no heavy boxes—your rebate-eligible items ship straight from Amazon, making it easier than ever to upgrade your home from the comfort of your couch.
Smarter Comfort Starts with Smart Thermostats
Take control of your home’s heating and cooling with a smart thermostat. Easily customize heating and cooling schedules that fit your routine and easily adjust temperatures from your phone. The result is lower energy use and a home that’s always the right
temperature. Wi-Fi-enabled smart thermostats are eligible for a $50 rebate. Up to two thermostat rebates are available per member.
Breathe Easier with Energy Star Room Air Purifiers
Cleaner air means a healthier home. Energy Star-certified room air purifiers remove dust, allergens, and pollutants while using less electricity than standard models. Purchase up to four Energy Star-certified room air purifiers and receive a $25 rebate for each.
Reduce Moisture with Energy Star Room Dehumidifiers
High humidity can make rooms feel uncomfortable and promote mold and mildew. Room dehumidifiers efficiently pull excess moisture from the air, helping protect your home and improve indoor comfort, while
using less energy. Rebates of $25 are available for the purchase of up to four qualified dehumidifiers.
Shop Smart. Save More. After purchasing, simply submit your rebate application at cherrylandelectric.coop/rebates/ to start saving even more. Rebates of $100 or less will be credited to your monthly energy bill.
A FRESH START FOR SAVINGS
Rebates are made easy with the Michigan Electric Cooperative Online Marketplace.
Our online marketplace is a convenient way for Cherryland Electric Cooperative members to find trusted energy-efficient products, designed to help lower your home energy use. The best part? Every marketplace item qualifies for a rebate!
After making a purchase through the online marketplace, don’t forget to apply for your rebate at cherrylandelectric.coop/rebates.
Scan the QR code to visit the marketplace or visit meca.coop/marketplace/
Winter Storm Iona
Looking back on the messy storm that rolled through in March, it’s a good reminder of something we talk about a lot around here: What we do before the storm matters just as much as what happens during it.
This storm packed a punch—bringing multiple rounds of heavy snow, ice, and strong winds. It took down trees and knocked out power for about 1,600 members, and for some it happened more than once.
As challenging as this storm was, the impact could have been a lot worse. That’s where the behind-thescenes work comes in. From trimming trees that have the potential to cause an outage to staying on top of routine maintenance, those steady investments help keep our system strong when it matters most. It’s not flashy work, but it makes a real difference.
From preparation to final restoration, it’s all powered by our people. They’re the ones putting in the hours before, during, and after the storm for our members. We’re pretty darn proud of them, and we hope you are too.
WINTER
1,642 Individual Members Affected
5 Broken Poles
32 Lineworkers
8,437 Storm Center Webpage Views
SALADS WITH A TWIST
MEXICAN PASTA SALAD
Mary Card, Great Lakes Energy
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 ears of corn, husks removed
1 pound macaroni noodles, cooked, drained and rinsed
½ cup red onion, fi nely chopped
6 Roma tomatoes, seeded and chopped
½ cup sliced black olives, drained
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
Dressing:
1 cup salsa
1 cup sour cream
1 clove garlic, minced
¼ cup mayonnaise
½ teaspoon ground cumin
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro or chives
¼ cup fresh lime juice (about 2 small limes)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Preheat oven to 400 F. Cover a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil, then coat with the olive oil. Roll the ears of corn in the olive oil to coat and place on the baking sheet. Roast for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Cool and cut the corn kernels off of the cobs and transfer to a large bowl. Then add the cooked noodles, red onion, tomatoes, black olives, and black beans and gently combine. In a small bowl, mix together the salsa, sour cream, garlic, mayonnaise, cumin, cilantro or chives, lime juice, salt, and black pepper until well blended, then pour the dressing over the salad. Gently mix until everything is coated. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour before serving, and refrigerate leftovers for up to 2 days.
ROASTED VEGGIE SALAD WITH FETA SAUCE
Alexandria Marchi, Thumb Electric
1 medium head caulifl ower, cut into fl orets
3 large carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
1 butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
1 large onion, peeled and diced
4 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried parsley
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 (15-ounce) can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
1 (8.8-ounce) packet instant whole grain rice
• arugula or greens of choice, chopped
Yogurt Sauce:
1½ cups Greek yogurt
6 ounces feta cheese
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 lemon, zested and juiced
• salt and black pepper, to taste
Preheat oven to 400 F. In a large bowl, toss the caulifl ower, carrots, squash, and onion with the oil, garlic powder, oregano, paprika, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 25–35 minutes, stirring once, until tender and lightly browned. While vegetables roast, pat garbanzo beans completely dry. Toss in same bowl, adding a little oil and any leftover spices (add cayenne if using). Air fry at 400 F for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crispy. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can pan fry the garbanzo beans in a skillet over medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crispy. Cook rice according to packet instructions. Optional: Add rice to the oiled pan and cook until crispy. In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, feta, and garlic. Season with lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper, to taste. On a large plate or wide bowl, layer the rice, chopped arugula, and roasted vegetables. Top with yogurt sauce and crunchy garbanzo beans. Enjoy!
MARINATED CHICKPEA SALAD
Julie Duvall, Homeworks Tri-County
2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained
¼ cup fresh lime juice (about 2 small limes) or ¼ cup vinegar
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 garlic cloves, peeled and fi nely minced
2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
¼-½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Optional add-ins:
• cherry tomatoes, capers, olives, small cubes of feta cheese
In a bowl or jar, add all of the ingredients together and toss well to combine. Can be served immediately, but it tastes better after marinating in the refrigerator for a couple of hours. Store in a quart jar (with a lid) and shake it a few times while it marinates.
PEACHES & BURRATA WITH PICKLED SHALLOTS
Ralph Kridner, Great Lakes Energy
Pickled Shallots:
12 shallots, thinly sliced
²⁄3 cup white wine vinegar
3 tablespoons sugar
3 teaspoons salt
1 serrano chili, minced (optional)
Salad:
4 pieces burrata
2 ripe peaches, halved and sliced
2 ripe plums, halved and sliced
8 fresh basil leaves, chiffonaded
12 pickled shallots, plus 1 tablespoon of pickling liquid
2 tablespoons lemon-flavored extra-virgin olive oil
• flaky sea salt
• freshly ground black pepper
1 lime, zested
To make the pickled shallots, place the sliced shallots in a small jar. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the vinegar, sugar, salt, and chili (if using) and bring to a gentle simmer, swirling the pan to help the sugar dissolve. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the shallots and let them cool to room temperature. Store the pickled shallots in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
When ready to serve, place 1 burrata each on the center of four plates. Arrange the peaches and plums around the burrata. Then place 3 pickled shallots on each plate and sprinkle with the basil. Drizzle lemon oil and 1 tablespoon pickling liquid evenly over the salad. Season with fl aky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Finish by zesting the lime over the salad. Serves 4.
Build Your Co-op Toolkit
Join us for this year’s Annual Meeting at Incredible Mo’s, where we’re bringing a little extra fun to the co-op experience. This year, we invite you to explore your Co-op Toolkit—discovering the everyday tools, programs, and people that help power your home, support your community, and make the most of your membership.
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Each of these tools represents a different way Cherryland supports you—because being a co-op means giving you more than power. It means giving you the tools to use it well. Let’s rummage through the toolbox to explore some of the tools and topics we’re featuring at this year’s event!
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1 TAPE MEASURE: Measure What Matters
Understanding how your home uses energy is the first step toward using it more efficiently. We’ll have staff ready to share the tools available to you—from rebates to an optional time-ofuse program.
2 REMOTE CONTROL: Take Control with Ease
Cherryland’s online member portal, SmartHub, gives you the power to pay your bill, explore your energy use, or send us a quick question all in one spot. Whether it’s on our app or your web browser, you have control to manage your account from wherever you are. Stop by to learn more about how to make the most out of this online tool.
3 FLASHLIGHT: See What’s Ahead
Our drone program helps us inspect our system to spot potential issues before they cause an outage—so we can keep your lights on, your service reliable, and your actual flashlight tucked away in the drawer. Our licensed drone operators will be demonstrating how they capture the view from above.
Join us for this year’s Annual Meeting and membership expo on June 11, 2026, from 4–8 p.m. at Incredible Mo’s!
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4 HARD HAT: Safety Comes First
From our crews in the field to the communities we serve, safety is always our top priority. Catch up with our line crews and get an up close look at the trucks and tools they use to keep everyone safe.
5 WRENCH: Strengthen the Connection
Through Cherryland Cares, small contributions come together to make a big impact. Swing by to hear firsthand how members are helping local nonprofits, and learn how you can sign up to start making a difference, too!
June 11, 2026
From 4–8 p.m. at Incredible Mo’s
Business Meeting starts at 5:30 p.m.
Explore the fun at Incredible Mo’s and discover the tools available to you as a Cherryland member.
Angeline Boulley
Writing Native Stories Rooted in Michigan
By Emily Haines Lloyd
“I want Native girls to see themselves as the hero of the story. Native people are still here, living full lives.”
Every place has its own stories. In Michigan, many of them are tied to the land and to the Native communities that have lived here for generations.
For author Angeline Boulley, those connections are not just background. They shape everything she writes. Long before she became an
international bestselling author, her sense of identity and belonging was formed by the Upper Peninsula and her roots in the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.
The Long Road to the Page
For Boulley, storytelling has always been tied to where she comes from. The idea for her first novel,
“Firekeeper’s Daughter” first came to her when she was 18. It grew out of the people, places, and questions she carried with her from the Upper Peninsula and her family history.
That story stayed with her for decades.
It was not until her 40s, after years of working in Indian education, including serving as Director of the Offi ce of Indian Education at the U.S. Department of Education, that she fi nally put it on the page. When “Firekeeper’s Daughter” was published, it quickly found an audience. The book became a breakout young adult hit and introduced readers to a Native teenage protagonist whose strength comes from loyalty, determination, and community.
Boulley followed with “Warrior Girl Unearthed” and her most recent novel, “Sisters of the Wind.” Across her books, she blends mystery, family, and history, all set in the forests, shorelines, and small towns of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Her stories are set in the present and refl ect the lives of Native people today.
“We (Native communities) have rich histories, but we also live in the world as it is now,” Boulley said. “What better way to bring attention to our stories and issues than through a story where you care deeply about the characters?”
Writing Native Girls as Heroes
For many years, Native characters were rarely seen in children’s and young adult books. A 2018 study from the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Cooperative Children’s Book Center found that only 1% of books for young readers featured Native characters.
That gap is something Boulley writes directly against.
Her main characters are Native girls who are curious, determined, and imperfect. They make mistakes. They learn. They move between Indigenous and non-Indigenous worlds while managing family, school, and expectations that don’t always align.
“I want Native girls to see themselves as the hero of the story,” Boulley said. “Native people are still here, living full lives.”
She often hears from readers who see themselves in her characters for the fi rst time.
“A lot of people feel like they are not enough of something,” she said. “When readers tell me they fi nally feel seen, that means everything to me.”
Michigan as a Character
Although Boulley’s books are read around the world, they remain fi rmly set in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. “Firekeeper’s Daughter” was named
“A
lot of people feel like they are not enough of something. When readers tell me they finally feel seen, that means everything to me.”
one of Time magazine’s top 100 young adult novels of all time, but its setting is close to home.
“I have a real connection to Sault Ste. Marie and Sugar Island,” Boulley said. “Memories of visiting my grandparents, going into local stores that seemed to never change. Those places ground me. And my characters.”
Michigan readers often tell her they feel proud seeing familiar places refl ected in her books.
By writing Native stories grounded in real Michigan communities, Boulley pushes back against the idea that Native heritage belongs only in the past. Her characters are not symbols or artifacts. They are present-day Native girls navigating family, school, and identity in places that still exist and still matter.
Her books remind readers that Native stories are not outside Michigan’s story. They are part of it, and they always have been.
To learn more about Angeline Boulley or to purchase her books, visit: /angelineboulley/
FUEL MIX REPORT
The fuel mix characteristics of Cherryland Electric Cooperative as required by Public Act 141 of 2000 for the 12-month period ending 12/31/25.
Your Board In Action
March 2026
• Cherryland’s metering supervisor gave an update on the ongoing metering upgrade project. The cooperative has just over 2,000 meters left to replace. All are making the system better and more reliable for members.
AND WASTE COMPARISON
*Regional average information was obtained from the MPSC website and is for the 12-month period ending 12/31/25. Cherryland purchases 100% of its electricity from Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative, Inc., which provided this fuel mix and environmental data.
• Cherryland staff shared a recap of Winter Storm Iona and it’s impact on the system. Despite multiple rounds of winter weather, staff was proud to share that the system held up well and there were no safety incidents in the cooperative’s response.
• The chief operating officer gave an update on our facilities planning, highlighting that after years of work, the cooperative closed on the land for the future facility.
• The board approved the 2025 audited financials.
BIRDS
1. MOST VOTES Kelly Halvorsen–“Winter’s beauty”
2. Cody Malloy–“Snowy owl flying by Turtle Creek Stadium”
3. Melanie Deshasier–“Catch me if you can”
4. Lauren Vaughn–“Evening grosbeak—Interlochen”
5. Gary Smith–“America’s bald eagle, photographed on Lake Mitchell in Cadillac”
6. Rebecca Sanford–“Waiting on Mama”
Enter to win up to $200 off your energy bill!
Submit Your “Cute Pets”
Photos By May 25! Submit your best photo and encourage your friends to vote! The photo receiving the most votes in our Facebook contest will be printed in an issue of Country Lines, along with some of our other favorites. Our June theme is Cute Pets! Photos can be submitted through May 25 to be featured in our July/August issue.
Enter Your Photos And Win A Bill Credit! To enter the contest, visit cherrylandelectric.coop/ photo-contest or visit facebook.com/ cherrylandelectriccoop for a link to the current 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 to win a credit of up to $200 on your December 2026 bill.
APPLY BY MAY 15 TO BE CONSIDERED!
APPLY BY MAY 15, 2026 FOR IN-PERSON EXPEDITIONS & EXPERIENCES TAKING PLACE JUNE-SEPTEMBER
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’ multiday 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 qualified applicants
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.
Where In Michigan Is
Identify the correct location of the photo to the left by May 25 and be entered into a drawing to win a $100 electric bill credit. Enter your guess at countrylines.com/community
MARCH 2026 WINNER!
Our Mystery Photo winner is Sheri Welche, a Midwest Energy & Communications member who correctly identified the photo as the mini Mac at the Clare Welcome Center 634 Mile Marker, 160 US-127. Winners are announced in the following issues of Country Lines: January, March, May, July/August, September, and November/December.
