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
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
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS AND CASSOPOLIS SOLUTIONS CENTER
60590 Decatur Road, Cassopolis, MI 49031
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CONTACT US
Midwest Energy & Communications
800-492-5989
teammidwest.com
Email: info@teammidwest.com
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Clarence “Topper” Barth, Chairperson, Three Rivers 269-279-9233
Clarence.Barth@teammidwest.com
Dan Bodette, Vice Chairperson, Wauseon 419-344-4015
Midwest Energy & Communications is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Please note: electric customers of MEC must adhere to our bylaws, which can be found at teammidwest.com/bylaws.
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/teammidwest
What MEC Does When Your Lights Go Out
By Terry Rubenthaler, President/CEO
Growing up in Nebraska, I saw my fair share of wild and windy weather. How windy? I always joke that, until I moved to Michigan, I had never seen snow fall straight down—it was always blowing sideways! So, when I interviewed at MEC in October and experienced some of Michigan’s iconic fall weather, I was looking forward to trading chaos for calm skies. Turns out, the joke was on me.
This year has already had quite a bit of eventful weather, and once again, March came in like a lion with tornadoes and an intense windstorm. Unfortunately, it seems like this is becoming the norm. While our line clearance program and smart grid technologies go a long way to reducing the impact that severe weather has on our infrastructure, these storms have sure been tearing up our lines and causing many outages.
Therefore, this month, I thought I would share how we restore your power when Mother Nature strikes: It all starts with preparedness.
Preparedness means having the right people and equipment ready when needed. MEC not only has our linemen, dispatchers, and supervisors on call and ready, but we also have contractors available to help replace poles, fix wires or fiber, and cut trees. Being prepared before the storm hits is the way to win the battle.
Safety : Storm restoration begins with responding to 911 calls reporting downed power lines. Getting to those scenes quickly is critical not only to protect the public but also to allow first responders to move on once the lines are safely de-energized.
Damage assessment and repairs: We also begin damage assessment and immediate repairs while we respond to 911 calls. Throughout this process, we rely on team members known as “bird dogs,” who scout damage and report it to our dispatchers. This enables linemen to focus on restoration and ensures they bring the appropriate materials and equipment to specific outages.
Once the overall assessment is complete, we can make the educated decision on how many crews we need and be able to better answer your primary question, “When will I be back on?”
We generally start with the largest outages first, as well as any outages that impact restoration further down the line. Whenever possible, we reroute power from other sources so customers can have power while repairs are happening.
It’s important to know that if your neighbor’s power comes back before yours, it’s often because they’re served by a different source or were part of a different outage. And if you see our trucks working nearby and then leave, it means they need to make additional repairs elsewhere along the line. Your power will be restored once we complete all repairs affecting your service.
Generators and what we can’t repair: If you have a generator, it’s critical that it be installed correctly. Improperly installed generators can be deadly to our crews because they can unexpectedly re-energize lines. To avoid this, you can purchase a GenerLink that we install, or a qualified electrician can install a transfer switch.
Also, if your meter base, service riser, or weatherhead is damaged, those repairs must be completed by a qualified electrician, as this equipment is customer owned. Once repairs are finished, please contact us to schedule reconnection. You will then have 10 days to provide proof of a passed electrical inspection.
Storm restoration is an all-hands-ondeck scenario. From our call center to our teams in the field and myself, we don’t stop until everyone’s lights are back on. While it certainly seems like Michigan weather is becoming more extreme and is giving my Nebraska storm memories a run for their money, I want you to know that MEC is prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws our way.
Build Your Online Skills with MEC
We partner with local libraries to hold free digital skill-building classes for our local communities! Our classes in May, June, and July will show you how to improve your life with internet and will cover telehealth, streaming services, and fact-checking.
Each class will last one hour. When two class times are available, the same information will be presented in both sessions.
Space is limited! RSVP today at teammidwest.com/classes or email mecevents@teammidwest.com .
Digital Skills Classes
MAY 13 ...... Cass District Library – Mason/Union Branch Start Times: 1 p.m./3 p.m.
JUNE 24 Van Buren District Library – Decatur Branch Start Time: 1 p.m.
JULY 8 Van Buren District Library – Covert Branch Start Time: 1 p.m.
Memorial Day Closure
Our solutions centers will be closed Monday, May 25, in honor of Memorial Day. Make a payment or report an electric outage via SmartHub or by calling 800-492-5989.
Dropbox payments made at our solutions centers will be processed on the next open business day.
Southwestern Michigan College Scholarship
SMC-bound students can apply for our one-course scholarship to cover Intro to Computer Technology. Get full details at teammidwest.com/smc-scholarship
OUR MISSION: Delivering first-in-class innovations and solutions where others won’t OUR VISION: Creating vibrant, relevant, sustainable rural communities®
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.
Manage Your Payments in SmartHub
Need to make a payment or request an extension to your due date? It’s easy in SmartHub!
SMARTHUB MOBILE APP
1. Log in at teammidwest.com
2. On the homepage, click Payment and Billing Options followed by Make a Payment
3. In the Make a Payment box , write the amount you wish to pay for each account in the corresponding box, then click Continue.
4. On the following screen, confirm your payment details and complete any remaining steps.
REQUEST A PAYMENT EXTENSION
We offer qualified customers the opportunity to temporarily extend the due date of their bills. To check if you are eligible for a payment extension:
1. Log in to your account at teammidwest.com or via your SmartHub mobile app.
2. Navigate to the menu and select Payment and Billing Options followed by Payment Extensions.
3. If you meet the eligibility requirements, SmartHub will provide a link to request an extension.
4. Alternatively, if you do not meet the requirements, SmartHub will show that you are ineligible. If you are not eligible and would like to discuss your situation, please email us at info@teammidwest.com
1. Log in to your SmartHub mobile app.
2. Navigate to the menu, then tap Payment and Billing Options. On Android, tap Make a Payment .
3. In the Total Balance box, tap Pay and complete any remaining steps.
Cooking With Chemistry
At Clinton Middle School, students are eating their schoolwork.
In teacher Katie Frederick’s “Cooking with Chemistry” course, students learn scientific concepts by applying them to a cooking class—a class that’s taking full advantage of new supplies with the help of an MEC Strengthening Schools Grant, funded via partnership dollars through our power supplier Wolverine Power Cooperative.
A Dash of Inspiration
Frederick developed the concept for the class while looking for a way to show her students that their chemistry curriculum had real-world applications.
One day, her own children wanted to make a cake, but there were no eggs in the house. Frederick explained that they could substitute other ingredients with similar properties. This inspired the first project of the new class: Bake a cake without using eggs.
The school’s administration loved the idea and got to work on setting Frederick up with a classroom and supplies. Frederick has now been teaching the class for three years. Each sixth grader has the opportunity to take it at least once, and students in seventh and eighth grade often ask to volunteer as teacher aides.
A Cup of Education
Each week includes a different cooking project. In addition to cake, students are tasked with making ice cream, pretzel bites, garlic breadsticks, doughnuts, and more.
When they present their finished food, they’re asked to explain the cooking techniques they used, any substitutions they made, and why they think different outcomes happened.
One student, Grayden, says his favorite recipe was chicken pot pie “because it was fun to make and it tasted good. Like, really good!”
As their projects keep them engaged, students develop their working knowledge of measurements, ingredient ratios, chemical properties, and other scientific concepts.
A Pinch of Gratification
The class has been wildly successful at helping students learn what Frederick is teaching. How does
she know? Because their parents frequently tell her all about the food their children now make.
“For example, one student will get off his games and make cookies for his family just because he enjoys it,” says Frederick. “They’re taking the lessons and pushing them past the walls of the school.”
During our visit, multiple students mentioned how much they enjoyed the class and how much they had learned. The experience illustrated yet again why MEC is proud to offer the Strengthening Schools program. By supporting forward-thinking projects and educational opportunities, we’re investing in our communities’ students and their futures.
Apply Now for a Strengthening Schools Grant
Katie Frederick used her Strengthening Schools Grant to invest in supplies and bulk items for her lessons. Are you looking for funds for your educational project, organization, or other classroom needs? We’re accepting applications!
Teachers, administrators, and school officials at public elementary, middle, or high schools serving students in our electric service territories are eligible. Visit teammidwest.com/school-grants for full details and to apply by Oct. 12.
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.
MEC in the Community
Neighbors Step Up to Help with Tornado Recovery
In early March, windstorms and three separate tornados swept across our southwest Michigan service areas, leaving many of our neighbors and customers in need of food and basic necessities.
In a moving display of compassion, community members and organizations rallied around them. Edwardsburg Public Schools, the American Legion, United Way, and many others teamed up to distribute supplies to those in
need and feed families and first responders—including MEC crews who were working tirelessly to restore electricity.
To assist with the recovery effort, MEC donated personal hygiene items, diapers, and money to the United Way, who then distributed our donations to the people who needed them most. We also attended the Cass County Emergency Management Office’s recovery resource event to share resources with impacted community members.
The effort was yet another reminder of why we love to live and work here in south Michigan. We’re proud to serve a community that, when the worst happens, takes care of each other.
Career Days
MECers Rebecca and Justin staffed a booth at Dowagiac Union High School’s career day, while Lexie attended the Berrien Springs Discovery Academy Career Fair, with hundreds of students in attendance at both events. Together they talked to students about job opportunities and career paths at MEC.
Cassopolis Main Street
We’re a proud sponsor of this year’s Cassopolis Main Street lineup of events, including:
• Beach Bash
• Rock the Block
• Lakeside Live
• Beach Blankets & Blockbusters
Check out page 13 for event dates, and visit cassopolismainstreet.com for more details.
Come See Us at the Fair!
Will you be at any of these county fairs? Stop by our booth to speak with our team!
7/26 to 8/1
Lenawee County Fair lenfair.com
Adrian, MI
8/2 to 8/8
Cass County Fair mycasscountyfair.com
Cassopolis, MI
8/17 to 8/22
Berrien County Youth Fair bcyf.us
Berrien Springs, MI
9/11 to 9/19 Allegan County Fair allegancountyfair.com Allegan, MI
9/20 to 9/26 St. Joseph County Grange Fair sjcgfair.com Centreville, MI
Check out these other fun summer events in and near our service territory.
Various Dates, May through August
Warner Vineyards Summer Concert Series warnerwines.com
Paw Paw, MI
5/25
Pullman Memorial Day Community Picnic beautifypullman.org Pullman, MI
5/30, 7/18, 8/15, 9/5
Lake Bluff Artisan Fair stjoetoday.com/artisanfair St. Joseph, MI
6/5 to 6/6
Cassopolis Beach Bash cassopolismainstreet.com Cassopolis, MI
Thursdays, 6/11 to 8/27
Cassopolis Lakeside Live cassopolismainstreet.com Cassopolis, MI
Fridays, 6/12 to 8/28
Cassopolis Beach Blankets & Blockbusters cassopolismainstreet.com Cassopolis, MI
6/19, 7/10, 8/14, 9/11
Pullman Movies in the Park beautifypullman.org Pullman, MI
6/21, 7/12, 8/9
Pullman Sundays in the Park beautifypullman.org Pullman, MI
6/27
Marshall Blues Fest marshallbluesfest.com Marshall, MI
7/3 to 7/11
St. Joseph County 4-H Fair 4hfair.com
South Bend, IN 7/4
Berrien Springs Pickle Festival facebook.com/ BerrienSpringsPickleFestival
Berrien Springs, MI
7/9 to 7/11
River Raisin Festival riverraisinfestival.org Blissfield, MI
7/11
Lawton Summerfest lawtonmi.org Lawton, MI
7/11 to 7/18
LaGrange County 4-H Fair lagrangecounty4hfair.org LaGrange, IN
7/11, 7/25, 8/1, 8/8
Pullman Food Trucks & Free Concerts beautifypullman.org Pullman, MI
7/16 to 7/18
Ann Arbor Art Fair theannarborartfair.com
Ann Arbor, MI
7/17 to 7/19
Thunder Over Michigan Air Show thunderovermichigan.org Ypsilanti, MI
7/18
Dowagiac Summer Festival dowagiacchamber.com Dowagiac, MI
7/18 to 7/25
Barry County Fair barryexpocenter.com Hastings, MI
7/18, 8/15
Cassopolis Rock the Block cassopolismainstreet.com Cassopolis, MI
7/20 to 7/25
Marshall Bluegrass Festival marshallbluegrassfestival.com Marshall, MI
7/20 to 7/25
Van Buren Youth Fair vanburenyouthfair.com Hartford, MI
7/24 to 8/1
Elkhart County 4-H Fair 4hfair.org
Goshen, IN
8/1
Decatur Day Festival facebook.com/DecaturMI
Decatur, MI
8/4 to 8/8
Kalamazoo County 4-H Showcase kalcounty.gov/399/kalamazoocounty-fair
Kalamazoo, MI
8/6 to 8/9
National Blueberry Festival blueberryfestival.com
South Haven, MI
8/9 to 8/15
Jackson County Fair jacksoncountyfair.net
Jackson, MI
8/14 to 8/15
Bluegill Frolic facebook.com/BluegillFrolic Marcellus, MI
8/16 to 8/22
Calhoun County Fair calhouncountyfairgrounds.com Marshall, MI
8/25 to 8/29
Chelsea Community Fair chelseafair.org
Chelsea, MI
9/4 to 9/10
Fulton County Fair fultoncountyfair.com
Wauseon, OH
9/11 to 9/13
Paw Paw Wine and Harvest Festival wineandharvestfestival.com
Paw Paw, MI
TBD Williams County Fair wcofair.com
Montpelier, OH
9/19 to 9/20
Artalicious Fine Arts Fair facebook.com/artalicious
Adrian, MI
10/3
Constantine Oktoberfest constantinemi.com
Constantine, MI
10/10 to 10/11
Tecumseh Appleumpkin Festival facebook.com/appleumpkin Tecumseh, MI
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/
Introducing Internet SMARTBIZ
When you’re running a small business, your days are nonstop. MEC SmartBiz Internet can keep your business running and productive with exceptional Wi-Fi coverage, robust security, an automatic failover to your backup network, and four distinct Wi-Fi networks to provide safe and secure connectivity for business systems, sta , and guests.
Secure
Protect sensitive data with isolated networks, automatic hacker and malware blocking, and content filtering.
Avoid costly disruptions with 99.999% reliability and an automatic failover to your backup network.
Get 24/7 local tech support.
Manage
A free MEC router provides reliable Wi-Fi with symmetrical upload/download speeds, unlimited data, and no need to compete with nearby businesses and homes for bandwidth.
Use the free MEC SmartBiz mobile app to manage employee access and create dedicated networks for activities like point-of-sale.
Grow
O er free Wi-Fi to your customers and collect useful data and contact information for future outreach.
Gain insights into customer behavior to create and promote specific o ers and products.
AVAILABLE TODAY
You may need to upgrade your equipment to use MEC SmartBiz features.
Call 800-492-5989 or email smartbiz@teammidwest.com to let us know if you’re interested in learning more.
Upgrade Your Commercial Kitchen with the Energy Optimization Program
ENERGY STAR® electric steam cooker: Up to $1,650
ENERGY STAR hot holding cabinet: $200 per unit
ENERGY STAR commercial refrigerator or freezer: $50 per unit
ENERGY STAR ice machine: $50 per unit
Combination elec tric oven/steamer: $1,300 per oven
And more! Scan the QR code to view eligible rebates or visit michigan-energy.org
ACCESS TO RULES & RATES
Please be advised that the following information is available to Midwest Energy & Communications (MEC) customers:
• Complete rate schedules;
• Clear and concise explanation of all rates that the customer may be eligible to receive;
• Assistance from MEC in determining the most appropriate rate when the customer is eligible to receive service under more than one rate;
• Clear and concise explanation of the customer’s actual energy use for each billing period during the last 12 months.
The information can be obtained by contacting MEC at 800-492-5989.
Please note: Electric customers of MEC must adhere to our bylaws, which can be found at teammidwest.com/bylaws.
FUEL MIX REPORT
fuel mix characteristics of Midwest Energy & Communications as required by Public Act 141 of 2000 for the 12-month period ending 12/31/25.
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.
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.
