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
THUMB ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
2231 Main Street
Ubly, MI 48475-0157
1-800-327-0166 or 989-658-8571
E-mail: tec@tecmi.coop
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
HURON COUNTY
Randall Dhyse, Treasurer District 1 • 989-658-6013
Craig Osentoski, Director District 2 • 989-658-6003
Erica Weidman, Director District 3 • 989-658-6004
SANILAC COUNTY
Kim Nunn, Vice President District 1 • 989-658-6005
Mike Briolat, Secretary District 2 • 989-658-6006
Scott Campbell, Director District 3 • 989-658-6007
TUSCOLA COUNTY
Louis Wenzlaff, Director District 1 • 989-658-6008
Jonathan Findlay, President District 2 • 989-658-6010
Matt Sommer, Director District 3 • 989-658-6012
Brad Essenmacher, General Manager
Marketing and Communications: Mitch Hirn, CCC, mhirn@tecmi.coop
PAYMENT STATIONS
Huron County
Bad Axe—Northstar Bank
Pigeon—Northstar Bank
Tuscola County
Akron—Northstar Bank
Caro—Northstar Bank
Mayville—Mayville State Bank
Millington—Mayville State Bank
Thumb Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
2026 Annual Meeting. A New Look!
By Brad Essenmacher, General Manager
Unbelievably, we are at the point in the year where the snow has passed, crops are being planted, and summer is staring us in the face. Where does the time go? As we head into that summer season, we are once again preparing to welcome members to TEC’s 88th Annual Meeting. The co-op was officially incorporated on April 13, 1937, and the first pole in the ground was placed on September 10 of that same year. Since then, Thumb Electric Cooperative has held an Annual Meeting with the bylaw requirement being an official business meeting of the members. During many of those years, the gathering became fairly large and evolved into mini carnivallike member appreciation events. Throughout the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s, we prepared for up to 800 guests. The benefits of our Annual Meeting and the member appreciation day had great value. Something, however, has changed over the past 10-15 years. Preparing for 800 guests dwindled down to 200-300 guests, and some years, even some of those chairs went unfilled. Families are finding other ways to utilize their time, such as activities in their home communities, heading to the beach or vacations up north, and a lot of us know about the amount of time spent taking young
folks to their sporting events. We get that people lead busy lives, so we find ourselves competing for that valuable time. The question is, as it is with every decision we make, is this the best use of our members’ money? When the board and management look at the price tag each year, that answer has been trending toward no.
With that in mind, the decision was made to downscale the event into a business meeting. Members can vote in person if they choose not to vote online or by mail, ask questions, learn how things are going at their cooperative, and finish up with a light lunch. You won’t see much for tents; there will be no rides or balloons this year, just an informational meeting to conduct business with our members. The meeting will also take place during the week and during normal working hours for our employees on Thursday, June 11. We understand this may not work for everyone, and we understand we may have to change and adjust in future years. We hope to learn and adapt to see what best fits today’s member in this mandatory event and do it in a manner where we are spending your dollars wisely. We hope to see you at the meeting, but if not, please take a moment to vote online or by mail. One of the seven principles of a cooperative is the democratic voting process, and we hope you take the time to do so.
HURON
TUSCOLA SANILAC
Notice of Tariff Changes
Tariff
Large General Service (LGS) (Rate D-10.00)
Large Power Distribution Substation (LPDS) (Rate D-11.00)
Supplemental Electric Service (SB) (Rate D-22.00)
Green Thumb Renewable Energy Rider (Rate D-24.00)
Renewable Energy and Sale Program (BASA) (Rate D-27.00)
Community Solar Program (Rate D-28.00)
Distributed Renewable Energy Program Generators with a Capacity of 20 kW and Less (Rate D-23.20)
Distributed Renewable Energy Program Generators with a Capacity Greater than 20 kW and Not More than 1MW (Rate D-23.30)
Distributed Renewable Energy Program (DRE) Generators with a Capacity of 20 kW and Less (Rate D-23.40)
Distributed Renewable Energy Program Generators with a Capacity Greater than 20 kW and Not More than 1MW (Rate D-23.50)
Noted Change
Capped Eligibility at 5 MW
Capped Eligibility at 5 MW
Capped Eligibility at 5 MW & Removed Energy Delivered to Cooperative Rate
Reinstated Tariff
Modified Language and Terms of Service
Modified Language and Terms of Service
Closed Rate for Future Use
Closed Rate for Future Use
Available to Members on or After June 15, 2026
Available to Members on or After June 15, 2026
In accordance with MCL460.37(4) the TEC Board of Directors approved the above tariff changes and additions at the Feb. 17, 2026, Board Meeting. Notice of such is hereby given per MCL 460.38(1) and will be in effect on and after June 15, 2026. To see the full tariffs, please visit our website at tecmi.coop or call our office at 989-658-8571 and we can arrange to provide copies of them.
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.
FUEL MIX REPORT
The fuel mix characteristics of Thumb Electric Cooperative as required by Public Act 141 of 2000 for the 12-month period ended 12/31/25.
Holiday Office Closings
Memorial Day: Monday, May 25
Independence Day: Friday, July 3
NOTE: Biomass excludes wood; solid waste incineration includes landfill gas; and wind includes a long-term renewable
Line crews are available 24/7 for outage response. Please call 800-327-0166.
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
The Annual Meeting of the members of Thumb Electric Coopera tive of Michigan will be held at the Thumb Octagon Barn, 6948 Richie Road, Gagetown, Michigan at 10:00 a.m. on June 11, 2026 to take action on the following matters:
1. The reports on officers, directors and committees.
2. The election of one director from Huron County—District 3, one director from Sanilac County—District 3, and one director from Tuscola County—District 3 to the Board of Directors of the Cooperative.
3. All other business which may rightfully come before the meeting or any adjournment or adjournments thereof.
Dated: April 21, 2026
MIKE BRIOLAT,
Secretary
ACCESS TO RULES AND RATES
Please be advised that the following information is available to Thumb Electric Cooperative members:
1. Complete rate schedules;
2. Clear and concise explanation of all rates that the member may be eligible to receive;
3. Assistance from the cooperative in determining the most appropriate rate for a member when the member is eligible to receive service under more than one rate;
4. Clear and concise explanation of the member’s actual energy use for each billing period during the last 12 months.
The information can be obtained by contacting Thumb Electric Cooperative at 800-327-0166.
1. MOST VOTES White-breasted nuthatch. Kristen Daniels
2. Good morning! Marcy Boshart
3. Enjoying the snow. Lois Liedke
4. Oriole visiting. Kayla Jacobs
5. Flinch or finch. Stan Grabitz
6. Camouflaged owl. Honey and Doug Dennison
Submit Your “Cute Pets” Photos by May 25! Submit your best photo and encourage friends to vote! The photo with the most votes will be featured in Country Lines, along with other favorites, in the July/ Aug. issue.
Enter Your Photos And Win A Bill Credit! To enter the contest, visit tecmi.coop/ photo-contest. Enter your picture, cast your vote, and encourage others to vote for you as well. If your photo is printed in Country Lines during 2026, you will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of four $50 credits on your December 2026 bill.
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 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.
YOUR VOTE MATTERS!
MEET THE DIRECTOR CANDIDATES
Erica Weidman was born and raised in Bad Axe and is a proud graduate of Bad Axe High School, class of 2010. She went on to earn her cosmetology license in 2011 from the Huron Area Tech Center (HATC), launching a career in the beauty industry that has spanned over 15 years.
Today, Erica is both a stylist and the owner of New Wave Hair Studio, LLC in Bad Axe, which she established in 2016. Under her leadership, the salon has grown into a thriving business, now home to a team of ten talented stylists.
Erica has been a member of Thumb Electric Cooperative since 2021. She and her husband, Josh, are the proud parents of
Scott Campbell was born in Marlette Hospital and raised on S. Sandusky Rd. He now lives three miles outside of Sandusky with his wife of nearly 45 years, Nancy. Scott and Nancy have three children and seven grandchildren, whose ages range from 1 to 16. All of their children currently reside in Sanilac County as well.
Scott is the former owner and operator of Campbell Farm Tiling, family-owned and operated since 1941. The business is
Matt was born and raised in Reese. His wife, Laura, is from Frankenmuth, and they now live in Millington, where they have been TEC members for the last six years. They have four children: Kaylei, Katie, Allison, and Jason and granddaughter Azalea.
Matt is a member of St. Lorenz Lutheran Church, where he volunteers by running house sound for the Contemporary Connect Worship Service. He is also an active member of the Rotary Club, participating regularly in community volunteerism.
Matt Sommer has worked in sales as a technical solutions architect for Cisco Systems since 2010. Prior to that, he has held various roles in the technology industry since 2001; designing and deploying
two daughters-Leni, age 6, and Kover, who was born in November. Outside of the salon, Erica enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, traveling, and attending sporting events and concerts.
Erica shares, “Over the past three years serving on the board, I’ve had the opportunity to witness significant growth and meaningful change within the cooperative. It’s been incredibly rewarding to be part of decisions that help shape our future while staying grounded in what matters most-our members. I look forward to continuing this work by listening, adapting, and helping ensure our cooperative remains strong, reliable, and member-focused.”
currently being operated by his son, Nathan. Scott has also been on the Exchange State Bank board of directors for 12 years, as well as the Thumb Bank and Trust board for the last three years.
Scott has been a Thumb Electric member for 34 years. Upon becoming a TEC director, Scott stated, “I appreciate the opportunity of being asked to join the board at TEC, and I am looking forward to adding value to the cooperative.”
networks as a network engineer at SVSU, designing DWDM fiber optic networks for AT&T, and as a network architect for Norfolk Southern Railways.
Matt holds a Credentialed Cooperative Director certification from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), and, if re-elected, plans to complete his NRECA Board Leadership Certificate.
“My career experience as a network architect will help me provide valuable oversight and governance of our cooperative as TEC delivers broadband fiber optic internet throughout the Thumb while continuing to provide safe, reliable, and affordable electrical power as it has since 1938,” he said.
TEC received no other petition requests for the 2026 board of directors seats. If you would like to run as a candidate in the 2027 election, watch for upcoming notifications in Country Lines magazine or call our office for details on how to do so.
Huron County – District 3
Tuscola County – District 3
Erica Weidman (Incumbent)
Sanilac County – District 3
Scott Campbell (Incumbent)
Matt Sommer (Incumbent)
Harbor Beach Free Wi-Fi Project
The Harbor Beach athletic complex has long been a gathering place for many young athletes and families to play and watch youth sports. It plays host to games and tournaments for teams around the entire Thumb Area, with events ranging from youth soccer and tee ball, all the way to varsity sports. Now, it is home to another entity, free Wi-Fi, courtesy of TEC Fiber.
The Wi-Fi signal is strong enough to provide coverage to the entire complex, including the Little League fields, softball field, baseball field, soccer field, track, and football field. Spectators can gain access to the Wi-Fi network by scanning the QR code on the TEC Fiber banners located throughout the complex.
By providing reliable Wi-Fi, fans and parents are able to stay connected while at the games. The free TEC Fiber Wi-Fi not only makes connecting to the internet and social media fast and easy, but it also allows families to stay connected with those who are unable to attend the games. Fans can now FaceTime with their loved ones who are unable to be there in person. It
also opens up the possibility of adding cameras to the fields and livestream the events. This will allow friends and families the opportunity to stay up to date on all the games, even if they can’t make it to the ball fields. The football field is already taking advantage of this to stream live games via the NFHS Network.
Ultimately, TEC Fiber was very excited for this opportunity to help the community, and we are happy to hear that the teams and fans have been enjoying the service so far. We look forward to providing free Wi-Fi to the Harbor Beach athletic fields for years to come!
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/
YOUR VOTE MATTERS!
THUMB ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE OF MICHIGAN 87TH ANNUAL MEETING
The Eighty-Seventh Annual Meeting of Thumb Electric of Michigan was held at the Thumb Octagon Barn in Gagetown, Tuscola County, Michigan, at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 7, 2025, pursuant to call and notice thereof given to each member of the Cooperative and pursuant to the laws of the State of Michigan.
The meeting was called to order by Jonathan Findlay, President of the Cooperative, who presided. Kyle O’Mara, Attorney for the Cooperative, acted as recording secretary of the meeting and kept the minutes thereof.
President Findlay introduced the members of the Cooperative’s Board of Directors and Board Officers as follows:
• Jonathan Findlay, President, Tuscola County
• Kim Nunn, Vice-President, Sanilac County
• Randall Dhyse, Treasurer, Huron County
• Michael Briolat, Secretary, Sanilac County
• Louis Wenzlaff, Tuscola County
• Matt Sommer, Tuscola County
• Erica Weidman, Huron County
• Craig Osentoski, Huron County
General Manager Brad Essenmacher and Cooperative Attorney Kyle O’Mara were also introduced. Director Duane Kursinsky of Sanilac County was not present, having previously provided notice.
The reading of the Notice of the Meeting and Affidavit of Mailing thereof to all the Cooperative members within the time prescribed by the Cooperative Bylaws was dispensed with; it having been published in Country Lines. A copy of the Notice and Affidavit is attached to these minutes and incorporated herein.
The President reported that the members of the Cooperative present in person had been checked by the registration of names of the members, and the names of the members who had submitted mail-in or electronic ballots had been duly recorded. He declared that based upon said records, a quorum of the members was present in accordance with the Bylaws of the Cooperative.
The President also reported that members of the Cooperative were present at the meeting in person, by mail-in ballot, and by electronic ballot, all of said members being named and described as to their county of residence and as to their method of attendance. The report of ballots submitted in advance of the
meeting were ordered filed in the records of the Cooperative.
The minutes of the Eighty-Sixth Annual Meeting of the Members were not read since a copy of the same had been mailed to each of the members. There being no additions or corrections to those minutes, upon motion duly made, seconded and carried, said minutes were approved as drafted.
The Treasurer’s Report to the Eighty-Sixth Annual Meeting was not read since a copy of the same had been mailed to each of the members. There being no amendments thereto or questions upon the matters contained therein, upon motion duly made, seconded, and carried, the report was approved as presented.
President Findlay then introduced the Cooperative’s General Manager, Brad Essenmacher. Manager Essenmacher thanked the Cooperative employees for all their labors and efforts over the past year. He then reported on the Cooperative’s financial status, rates, member services, marketing activities, tree trimming, energy supply, TEC’s membership of Wolverine Power Cooperative, and TEC’s ongoing rollout of broadband internet service. In closing, Manager Essenmacher thanked the members for their interest in and support of their Cooperative.
After questions and answers of the General Manager’s Report, the meeting was returned to President Findlay, and upon motion duly made, seconded and carried, the General Manager’s Report was approved as presented.
General Manager Essenmacher then introduced Eric Baker, Wolverine Power Cooperative’s President & CEO. Eric presented information on power supply.
President Findlay then gave the President’s Report explaining growth of the Cooperative’s equity while maintaining competitive rates, power supply matters, tree trimming, TEC’s membership of Wolverine Power Cooperative, and TEC’s ongoing rollout of broadband internet service. Upon motion duly made, seconded, and carried, the President’s Report was approved as presented.
The next order of business was the election of three Directors, one each from Huron County District 1, Sanilac County District 1, and Tuscola County District 1. The director positions are for three-year terms each.
The following attendees were appointed as Inspectors of the Election, all of whom were sworn to the faithful performance of their duties by the Cooperative’s Attorney, Kyle T. O’Mara, who is also a notary public:
• Ron Lentz
• Elwin Koth
• Gerard Kubacki
• Richard Sadro
• Kevin Mazure
Kyle O’Mara advised the meeting that each of the incumbent directors with expiring terms submitted valid nominating petitions to appear on the ballot. No challengers submitted petitions. Each candidate was then introduced and invited to address the members for up to five minutes.
Kyle O’Mara then requested the members to vote on their ballots for the respective Directorships. The Inspectors of the Election were requested to collect and tabulate the ballots.
Kyle O’Mara turned the meeting back over to President Findlay.
The President then asked if there was any old business to address. There being none; he asked for new business. There being none, he then introduced John Kran, MECA General Manager. John then introduced several legislative guest speakers. Each legislator and/or their representative was invited to address the members for up to five minutes.
Following the presentations of the legislators, Kyle O’Mara announced the results of the election, with the total tabulation of votes being determined as follows:
• Huron County – District 1: Randy Dhyse (Incumbent) – 335 votes
• Sanilac County – District 1: Kim Nunn (Incumbent) – 333 votes
• Tuscola County – District 1: Louis Wenzlaff (Incumbent) – 343 votes
The incumbent Directors were declared to have retained their respective seats on the Board.
There being no other business before the Board, on motion made and unanimously carried, the Annual Meeting was adjourned at 11:45 a.m. The members were released to enjoy lunch and the provided entertainment.
MIKE BRIOLAT, Secretary
APPROVED BY:
JONATHAN FINDLAY, President
YOUR VOTE MATTERS!
FINANCIAL STATEMENT BALANCE SHEETS
Electric Cooperative: Dec. 31, 2025, & 2024
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.
