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.
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 MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
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.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Howard Bowersox, Chair, District 8 219-670-0977 hbowersox@glenergy.com
Janet Andersen, Vice Chair, District 6 231-690-4622 jandersen@glenergy.com
Paul Byl, Secretary, District 7 231-742-2643 pbyl@glenergy.com
Dale Farrier, Treasurer, District 5 231-564-0853 dfarrier@glenergy.com
Mark Carson, Director, District 2 231-675-0561 mcarson@glenergy.com
David Coveyou, Director, District 1 231-347-4056 dcoveyou@glenergy.com
Richard Evans, Director, District 3 231-883-3146 revans@glenergy.com
John LaForge, Director, District 9 269-623-2284 jlaforge@glenergy.com
Mary O’Connell, Director, District 4 517-974-5797 moconnell@glenergy.com
PRESIDENT/CEO: Shaun Lamp 888-485-2537
BOYNE CITY HEADQUARTERS 1323 Boyne Ave. Boyne City, MI 49712
TO REPORT AN OUTAGE: Call 888-485-2537 or login to your account at gtlakes.com or the GLE mobile app.
Change of Address: 888-485-2537, ext. 8924
Great Lakes Energy is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Electrical Safety A Year-Round Commitment
By Shaun Lamp, Great Lakes Energy President/CEO
As May arrives, we can all take a deep breath of warmer spring air as winter weather, and the challenges it brings, are behind us. As the leaves and flowers begin to bloom, the changing season also brings a new set of weather-related considerations for our infrastructure and crews.
While the hazards Mother Nature may throw at us change with the seasons, one thing remains constant year-round: our shared commitment to safety. That’s why May, which is Electrical Safety Month, is an ideal opportunity to focus on how each of us can help keep ourselves and others safe.
At Great Lakes Energy, “Safety is paramount in our work” tops the list of our seven guiding principles. While it’s especially critical for our lineworkers, who are highly trained and use special equipment to manage the dangers they face working near energized power lines, electrical safety is a responsibility we all share.
One of the most dangerous situations for both our crews and our communities is a downed power line. That’s why we regularly remind everyone never to go near one. Always assume a downed power line is energized and stay at least 35 feet away from it or anything the line might be touching.
If you see our crews in the field performing outage restoration work, please do not approach or
engage them while they are working. Lineworkers are often operating in environments where serious, lifethreatening hazards may be present, and minimizing distractions helps keep everyone safe.
Many of you rely on generators to keep essential equipment running during power outages. If you have a generator that is directly connected to your home’s electrical system, it is critical that your home is equipped with a transfer switch and that you use it whenever your generator is operating. Transfer switches isolate your home from the electrical distribution system, helping protect lineworkers and others outside your home from possible electric shock. They also prevent potential damage to your home’s electrical systems if GLE power is restored while your generator is still running.
If you use a portable generator, never operate it indoors—including in a basement or garage—or within 20 feet of an exterior window or door. This helps prevent exposure to dangerous carbon monoxide emissions.
Finally, electrical safety extends well beyond storms and downed power lines. There are everyday risks in our homes and workplaces that require ongoing awareness. The electrical safety checklist on the next page offers practical tips to help you reduce common risks and stay safe.
By staying aware, taking simple precautions, and making safety a shared priority, we can help ensure our families, our communities, and GLE crews remain safe—no matter the season.
Electrical Safety Checklist
Use a smart plug or power strip to turn off power when devices are not in use.
Surge protectors offer protection from power surges that can damage electrical equipment.
Avoid running extension cords across doorways or under carpets. If you need to use an extension cord for a long period of time, consider having an electrician install a new outlet where needed.
In households with young children, use safety caps for all unused outlets.
Never use electrical equipment near water, and unplug small kitchen and bathroom appliances when not in use.
Make sure all outdoor outlets, and those in bathrooms, kitchens, and other locations where moisture may be present, are ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets.
Always place lamps on a level surface and away from flammable materials.
Be aware of outlets or switches that feel warm. If you notice this or have recurring problems with blown fuses, tripped circuit breakers, or flickering lights, call an electrician for help.
Do not overload outlets or power strips.
Watch for damaged electrical cords and make sure they aren’t pinched by furniture, windows, or doors.
Be sure to sign up for outage notifications so you can be prepared and safe when an outage happens.
Do not approach or interact with our lineworkers while they are engaged in outage restoration work.
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.
Cook Up Energy Savings in Your Commercial Kitchen
Is energy going down the drain in your commercial kitchen? Because food service buildings are four times more energy intensive than other commercial buildings in the U.S., it’s easy for energy use to get out of control.1
But where there’s a high level of use, there’s a high potential for savings. That’s where the Energy Optimization program comes in. Great Lakes Energy commercial electric members are eligible for rebates on energy-saving upgrades to your commercial kitchen or food service facility.
Upgrading to efficient electric ENERGY STAR ® appliances, refrigeration equipment, or heating and cooling systems in your facility
can help significantly reduce energy consumption.2 An electric kitchen is also a safer kitchen, as open flames are eliminated and indoor air quality is improved.
Ready to craft your savings recipe? Visit michigan-energy.org and select the Great Lakes Energy 2026 NonLighting Application to find qualifying food service equipment and apply for your rebates.
Need assistance completing your application?
Looking for more ways to improve efficiency and save energy at your business? Our experts can help! Contact an Energy Advisor at info@michigan-energy.org to get started today.
Submit Your “Cute Pets” Photos By May 25! Each month, members can submit photos on our website for our photo contest. The photo with the most votes is published here, along with other selections.
How To Enter: Enter the contest at gtlakes.com/ photocontest/. Make sure to vote and encourage others to vote for you, too. The photo receiving the most votes will be printed in an issue of Michigan Country Lines along with other favorites. All photos printed in the magazine in 2026 will be entered into a drawing to win a $200 bill credit in December 2026.
1. MOST VOTES Snack time, Dana Lewis, Boyne City
2. My morning visitor, Connie Blimeister, Gaylord
Beautiful cardinal, Anna D., Wayland
Soaring high eagle, Beth Pipe, Baldwin
Back-riding loon, Gene Klco, Pellston
Proof that love is bringing snacks, Bob Grant, Elmira
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
fl akes, 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
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.
FUEL MIX
REPORT
The fuel mix characteristics of Great Lakes Energy Cooperative as required by Public Act 141 of 2000 for the 12-month period ending 12/31/2025.
Community Grant Giveaway 2026 Update
NOTE: Biomass excludes wood; solid waste incineration includes landfill gas; and wind includes a long-term renewable purchase power contract in Wolverine’s mix.
Look for updates on the Community Grant Giveaway in future issues of Country Lines and at gtlakes.com/community-grant-giveaway COMPARISON OF
Because of changes in the funding cycle for GLE’s Community Grant Giveaway program, the next round of nonprofit nominations, voting, and grants will be delayed until early 2027.
Since 2021, GLE has offered our members the chance to have a say in which local nonprofit organizations in our service area receive one of three Community Grant Giveaway grants through a nomination and voting process that typically takes place in May and June.
Delaying the next round of grants to early 2027 will help ensure we can continue our partnership with CoBank to offer this meaningful support to nonprofit organizations serving our communities.
ACCESS TO RULES AND RATES
Please be advised that the following information is available to Great Lakes Energy 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 visiting gtlakes.com or contacting Great Lakes Energy at 1-888-485-2537.
Historic Farms Honored
Three family farms served by Great Lakes Energy were recently recognized by the Michigan Centennial Farm Program.
The David F. Schmalzried Farm, which was founded on Dec. 18, 1899, near Levering in Emmet County, was certified as a Centennial Farm on Feb. 24, 2026. The current owner is Josh Schmalzried.
The Thomas D. Cassidy Farm, which was founded on April 26, 1911, near Levering in Emmet County, was certified as a Centennial Farm on Feb. 5, 2026. The current owners are Gerald and Nancy Kilpatrick.
The Robert and Elizabeth Parsons Tullock Farm, which was founded on Jan. 1, 1871, near Charlevoix in Charlevoix County, was certified as a Sesquicentennial Farm on Dec. 12, 2025. The current owners are Ethel and Roger Grunch.
Great Lakes Energy is a sponsor of the Michigan Centennial Farm Program that honors Great Lakes Energy members and other Michigan residents whose farms have been owned and operated by the same family for 100 years for centennial farms and 150 years for sesquicentennial farms. Once a farm is certified, the owners receive a certificate as well as a display marker for their farm. GLE members can request an application or receive more information about the program by contacting the Historical Society of Michigan, (517) 324-1828, or by visiting the organization’s website, centennialfarms.org.
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/
Safety At The Core: How GLE Protects Its People And Communities
Safety is more than a priority at Great Lakes Energy; it is a guiding principle that shapes everything we do. From the moment an employee is hired to the ongoing education that continues throughout their career, GLE is deeply committed to protecting its workforce and the communities it serves. That commitment is backed by structure and resources. GLE maintains a five-person safety department, ensuring best practices, regulatory compliance, and continuous
improvement remain front and center across the cooperative. This team works hand in hand with employees at all levels to reinforce a culture of “Safety is paramount in our work.”
Building Safe Lineworkers from Day One
For apprentice lineworkers, safety begins on day one and continues for years. Before becoming a journeyman, an apprentice lineworker must complete 7,000 hours of on-thejob learning and complete
320 hours of classroom, technical, and safety training, covering topics such as electrical theory and equipment operation, as well as jobsite hazard recognition.
Continuous Training for a Changing Environment
Safety training doesn’t stop once a lineworker earns journeyman status. GLE lineworkers participate in regular refresher training to keep their skills sharp and ensure they are always prepared for emergencies.
These sessions include annual reviews of critical emergency procedures such as making mayday radio calls and performing pole top rescue techniques. Lineworkers also regularly review proper lock-out/tagout procedures. Just as importantly, employees receive ongoing instruction on the proper care, use, and inspection of personal protective equipment.
This commitment to continuous improvement helps GLE crews respond safely and effectively, whether restoring power after a major storm or performing routine maintenance.
Leadership in Safety
GLE’s dedication to safety is further reflected in the expertise of our safety leadership. Our staff regularly pursues additional training and certification. In one recent example, GLE Senior Safety & Compliance Specialist Kady Gracik recently earned her Certified Loss Control Professional (CLCP) designation through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. This represents a significant achievement within the electric utility industry.
The CLCP program provides a strong educational foundation for safety professionals, equipping them with the tools and knowledge needed to lead effective safety programs. Earning the certification is no small task. To complete the program, Kady
participated in four one-week seminars, passed multiple examinations, completed a 30-hour OSHA course, and successfully delivered a comprehensive safety project.
Achieving this certification verifies that Kady has met a recognized industry benchmark for competency and commitment to safety—and it strengthens GLE’s ability to protect its employees and members alike.
A Promise to People and Communities
Kady’s accomplishment is just one example of how GLE lives out its guiding principle that safety comes first. Through rigorous training, dedicated safety leadership, and an organizational culture that empowers employees to speak up and look out for one another, Great Lakes Energy continues to set a high standard for safety in the electric utility industry.
For GLE, investing in safety isn’t just about compliance; it’s about honoring a responsibility to the people who power our communities and ensuring they return home safely at the end of every day.
Extending Safety Beyond the Workforce
GLE’s commitment to safety doesn’t stop at the jobsite. It extends to our members and the communities we serve every day.
Throughout the year, GLE delivers safety information through a wide range of channels, including Country Lines magazine, bill inserts, bill messages, e-news, our website, social media, and community outreach. These efforts are designed to provide timely, practical guidance on topics such as downed power line safety, generator use, seasonal and common household hazards, and what to do before, during, and after outages.
GLE also brings important electrical safety education to the community through our in-person, on-site safety demonstrations. Our PowerTown presentations are tabletop demonstrations tailored for students in grades 3–7 and are offered to schools and youth groups in GLE’s service area, while our hotline safety demonstrations use a trailer-based display for outdoor presentations ideal for first responders, road commissions, and community groups.
Earlier this year, GLE brought its PowerTown demonstration to Beechnau Elementary School in Ravenna, where the presentation was especially timely following an incident last fall in which a Ravenna Public Schools bus struck a GLE utility pole. Thankfully, no one was injured, but the incident serves as a reminder of the critical role electrical safety education plays in the community.
Both of these programs bring electrical safety to life through engaging, age-appropriate demonstrations and real-world scenarios. These presentations help participants understand how electricity works, where dangers exist, and how to stay safe around power lines and electrical equipment.
Through consistent education and proactive outreach, GLE reinforces a simple but critical message: Safety is everyone’s responsibility. By equipping our staff, members, and the community with knowledge and awareness, the cooperative helps reduce risks, prevent accidents, and promote safer homes and communities across its service territory.
If you’d like to learn more about our safety demonstrations or request one for your organization, visit: gtlakes.com/communityoutreach/#safety
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
Don’t miss this chance to embark on an unforgettable journey.
PHOTO: Win a $100 energy bill credit!
Where In Michigan Is This?
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.
