Cherryland Electric Cooperative
October 2026
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
Buy the Coat a Size Up National Co-op Month Energy Assessment Kit
Conserving Gaylord’s Elk Population
You may not realize it, but your home is sitting on a free and renewable supply of energy. A WaterFurnace geothermal comfort system taps into the stored solar energy in your own backyard to provide savings of up to 70% on heating, cooling and hot water. That’s money in the bank and a smart investment in your family’s comfort. Plus, with the groundbreaking variable speed 7 Series that operates at exactly the level needed in any heating or cooling situation, you’ll get the ultimate comfort, performance, and savings. Contact your local WaterFurnace dealer today to learn how to tap into your buried treasure. YOUR LOCAL WATERFURNACE DEALERS Allendale Allendale Htg & Clg (800) 327-1937 allendaleheating.com
Grand Rapids Bel Aire Htg & Clg 1 (888) 235-2473 belaire.com
Berrien Springs WaterFurnace Michiana (269) 473-5667 gogreenmichgeothermal.com
Hart Adams Htg & Clg (231) 873-2665 adamsgeothermal-mi.com
Big Rapids Stratz Htg & Clg, Inc. (231) 796-3717 stratzgeocomfort.com
Holland G.H.P. Systems Inc. (616) 396-5833 ghpsystems-inc.com
Cadillac Wilder Htg & Clg (231) 645-4822 Wilderheatingandcooling.com
Indian River M&M Plmb & Htg (231) 238-7201 mm-plumbing.com
Filion/Bad Axe Air-O-Dynamic Htg & Clg (989) 582-0137 aod-hvac.com
Lansing Candor Mechanical (517) 920-0890 candormechanical.com
Gaylord Family Plmb & Htg (989) 732-8099 familyplumbingandheating.com
Manistique Hoholik Enterprise Inc. (906) 286.0572 bhoholik@gmail.com
WaterFurnace is a registered trademark of WaterFurnace International, Inc.
Michigan Center Comfort 1/Aire Serv of Southern Michigan (517) 764-1500 airserv.com/southern-michigan
Mt Pleasant Walton Htg & Clg (989) 772-4822 waltonheating.com Muskegon TMC Mechanical LLC (231) 865-1114 tmcmechanicalllc.com
Sunfield Mark Woodman Plmb & Htg (517) 886-1138 mwphonline.com Three Rivers Bel Aire Htg & Clg 1 (888) 235-2473 belaire.com Traverse City Geofurnace Htg & Clg (231) 943-1000 geofurnace.com
Portage Bel Aire Htg & Clg 1 (888) 235-2473 belaire.com
CO-OP REBATE INCENTIVES
Portland ESI Htg & Clg (517) 647-6906 esiheating.com
$2,250 rebate available through your co-op.
Sparta West Michigan Geothermal (616) 887-1290 westmigeothermal.com
visit us at waterfurnace.com/mi
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
Contents countrylines.com
October 2026 Vol. 46, No.9
/michigancountrylines
/michigancountrylines
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.
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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.
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MI CO-OP Community RECIPE CONTEST
See details on page 10. Brunch Favorites, due Nov. 1; Favorite Side Dishes, due Dec. 1; Air Fryer Favorites, due March 1. Win a $100 bill credit!
GUEST COLUMN
MICHIGAN’S ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES
See details on page 18. Share your fondest memories and stories. Win $200 for stories published!
To enter contests, submit reader content & more, visit countrylines.com/community
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6 YOUTH TOUR
Where rural teens grow, connect, and lead.
10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN Autumn comfort foods: Warm up your table.
14 CONSERVING GAYLORD’S ELK POPULATION The city’s Elk View Park has become a prime destination for elk sightings.
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Seeing our cooperative from the open road.
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CO-OP NEWS October Is National Cooperative Month Cherryland is proud to join more than 900 electric cooperatives across the country in celebrating National Cooperative Month. LEELANAU BENZIE
GRAND TRAVERSE
MANISTEE
WEXFORD
KALKASKA
Cooperatives are a little different. We’re built around the people we serve, and our members have a voice in how their cooperative operates. This October, we’re celebrating the members, employees, and communities that make the cooperative difference possible. Thank you for being part of Cherryland!
Save With Energy-Efficient Upgrades BOARD OF DIRECTORS Gabe Schneider, President 517-449-6453 gschneider@cherrylandelectric.coop Valarie Handy, Senior Vice President 231-392-4705 vhandy@cherrylandelectric.coop Melinda Lautner, Secretary 231-947-2509 mlautner@cherrylandelectric.coop Dean Adams, Treasurer 231-642-0014 dadams@cherrylandelectric.coop Terry Lautner, Director 231-883-6455 tlautner@cherrylandelectric.coop David Schweitzer, Director 231-883-5860 dschweitzer@cherrylandelectric.coop Tom Van Pelt, Director 231-386-5234 tvanpelt@cherrylandelectric.coop CEO Rachel Johnson CO-OP EDITORS: Courtney Doyle: cdoyle@cherrylandelectric.coop Nick Bostwick: nbostwick@cherrylandelectric.coop OFFICE HOURS Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. TELEPHONE NUMBERS 231-486-9200 or 1-800-442-8616 (Mich.) ADDRESS P.O. Box 298, Grawn, MI 49637 PAY STATION Cherryland Electric Cooperative office 5930 U.S. 31 South, Grawn MI, 49637 Cherryland Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
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Thinking about making an energy-efficient upgrade? Cherryland members may be eligible for rebates on qualifying improvements to their homes or businesses. Rebates are available for a variety of upgrades, including ENERGY STAR® appliances and other energy-efficient equipment. Explore available rebates, eligibility requirements, and more at cherrylandelectric.coop/rebates.
Members Support Local Nonprofits Through Cherryland Cares Small change can make a big difference through Cherryland Cares. Participating members round their monthly electric bill up to the nearest dollar, with those contributions combined to support nonprofit organizations throughout our local communities. Members can enroll through SmartHub, call 231-486-9200, or email cec@cherrylandelectric.coop. Local nonprofit organizations seeking financial assistance can learn more and apply at cherrylandelectric.coop/cherryland-cares.
Get Your Free Home Energy Assessment Kit Want to use less energy at home but aren’t sure where to start? Cherryland’s free DIY Home Energy Assessment can help. Complete a short online assessment about how energy is used in your home, and Cherryland will send you a free customized energy-saving kit based on your responses. Your kit may include a smart thermostat, door weather stripping, shower optimizers, faucet aerators, or water heater pipe insulation. Get started at cherrylandelectric.coop/home-energy-assessments. DIY Home Energy Assessment kits are available in limited quantities on a first-come, first-served basis.
cherrylandelectric.coop
/cherrylandelectriccoop
@cherrylandec
To hear more, listen to the Co-op Energy Talk Podcast
Buy the Coat a Size Up By Rachel Johnson, Cherryland CEO
Any parent in northern Michigan knows the rule: when your kids are young and growing fast, buy the winter coat a size up. Buy exactly what fits today, and there’s a decent chance they’ll outgrow it before the snow melts.
at the time—capacity we believed our members would eventually grow into. We did.
Ten years ago, your cooperative made essentially the same decision. Just with a power plant.
And today, most of that “extra” capacity isn’t extra anymore.
Cherryland gets its power through Wolverine Power Cooperative, which we own alongside other Michigan electric cooperatives. A decade ago, Wolverine needed about 200 megawatts of new generation to support reliability for its members and the northern Michigan electric grid. Instead, we built 432 megawatts. The economics made sense. For roughly $40 million more, we could build twice the capacity we needed
Alpine came online in June 2016 after just 18 months of construction. Today, a similar project would take at least seven years. Building that additional capacity today would cost an estimated $400 million—roughly 10 times what it cost us then.
Wolverine’s membership and electric demand have grown. At the same time, the grid increasingly needs generation that can start quickly when electricity use spikes or other resources are not producing enough. Alpine was expected to run 30 to 45 days a year. Today, it runs 90 to 120. That has made Alpine an important reliability resource for Michigan. And, it has also been remarkably valuable for members. Over the past decade, Alpine has generated approximately $270 million
in net revenue, far more than the initial cost of the plant. Here is why that matters to you: When Alpine runs during periods of high power prices, the electricity it sells into the market generates revenue. That revenue is credited directly against the power costs Wolverine’s members pay each month. It goes directly to our power bill and immediately saves you money. In other words, Alpine doesn’t just help keep the lights on when the grid is under stress. It helps offset the cost of keeping them on. Ten years ago, there was no way to know exactly what the electric grid would look like in 2026. We simply knew it was our responsibility to build beyond what members needed in the moment and prepare for what might be needed next. Sometimes buying the coat a size up costs a little more today. Sometimes it saves you from shopping for one in the middle of a blizzard.
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YOUTH TOUR Where Rural Teens Grow, Connect, and Lead By Katie Deller
At first glance, Youth Tour might look like a typical group of high school students taking a trip to Washington, D.C. But ask the students who have experienced it, and many will tell you it is much more than that. For rural teens from all walks of life, Youth Tour can be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see new places, meet new people, use their voice, and discover what they are capable of.
More Than a Trip to Washington The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) hosts the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour, an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., for high school students served by rural electric cooperatives across the country. Each June, Michigan’s rural electric cooperatives send about 20 student delegates and five chaperones to participate. Over the course of the week, delegates visit national landmarks, tour museums, meet with elected officials, participate in leadership activities, build friendships with others from across Michigan and the nation, and learn more about the important role rural electric cooperatives play in their communities.
Finding Their Voice on Capitol Hill One of the most memorable parts of the trip is Capitol Hill Day. Delegates not only tour the Capitol building, but they also have the chance to speak directly with elected officials and their staff while advocating for the issues that matter to them and their communities. During the 2026 Youth Tour, several Michigan delegates
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shared personal stories that reflected both the challenges and the resilience found in rural Michigan. Erica Jones, a delegate from Cherryland Electric Cooperative, said, “I really enjoyed getting the opportunity to speak to representatives about issues important to me and my community.” Katie Deller, Youth Tour director, added, “It’s amazing to see the delegates realize how much their voices matter.”
A Moment They’ll Never Forget Another powerful moment comes at Arlington National Cemetery during the changing of the guard ceremony. For many delegates, the experience is quiet, meaningful, and unforgettable. This year, that moment became even more significant when four Michigan Youth Tour delegates were selected to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Strangers at the Start, Friends by the End While the official itinerary is full, many delegates say the friendships they make are some of the best and most unexpected parts of the trip. Payton Latvala, a delegate from Alger Delta Electric Cooperative Association, said, “The new friendships made the trip.” Those connections are intentional. Deller prioritizes creating space for delegates to get to know one another and find common ground. “It always impresses me the connections that are made when the delegates realize they are more alike than different,” she said.
Discovering What They’re Capable Of That is what makes Youth Tour so meaningful. It is not only about where the delegates go, but who they become along the way. The program gives rural students—whether they are outgoing, quiet, experienced travelers, or leaving home for the first time—a safe and encouraging place to stretch themselves. For
one delegate, growth might mean boarding an airplane for the first time. For another, it might mean giving a speech, trying something unfamiliar, asking a question in a room full of leaders, or realizing they have something important to say. Addison Engels, a delegate from Wolverine Power Cooperative, shared that since
attending Youth Tour, “I’ve found it much easier to talk to people; when I’m out of my comfort zone, it doesn’t feel as hard anymore.” To Deller, that is what Youth Tour is all about: helping students take those first steps on a lifelong journey of confidence, growth, and leadership.
A WEEK THAT CAN SHAPE A LIFETIME To learn more about Youth Tour, please contact Katie Deller at kdeller@meca.coop or visit cooperativeyouthtour.com
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Your Home. Your Energy. Your Free Kit. A few minutes could help you find new ways to save energy at home.
Ready To Get Started?
Want to make your home more energy efficient, but not sure where to start? Cherryland’s free DIY Home Energy Assessment makes it easy. Start by completing a short online assessment about your home and how you use energy. Your responses help identify potential opportunities to improve your home’s energy efficiency—and once you’re finished, Cherryland will send you a free, customized energy-saving kit with easy-to-install tools selected based on your responses.
What Could Be In Your Kit? Because every kit is customized, what you receive may vary. Your kit could include: • Smart Thermostat • Door Weather Stripping • Shower Optimizers & Faucet Aerators • Water Heater Pipe Insulator
Complete Cherryland’s DIY Home Energy Assessment and see what opportunities might be hiding around your home. Take the assessment and get your customized energy-saving kit. DIY Home Energy Assessment kits are available in limited quantities on a firstcome, first-served basis. Availability may vary based on demand.
Need help? Contact Cherryland Member Services at (231) 486-9200.
Need A Closer Look? In some cases, Cherryland may recommend an in-home energy assessment. An energy use advisor can use tools such as thermal imaging to identify areas where energy may be escaping around doors, windows, and other less-obvious places. They can also offer tips for lighting and equipment and help you use SmartHub to better understand and track your home’s energy use over time.
Scan to complete Cherryland’s DIY Home Energy Assessment
SAY ‘BOO’ TO HIGH WATER HEATING COSTS. Heat pump water heaters use less energy and rebates make upgrading easier! Benefits of upgrading: • • •
Uses less energy Lower operating costs Reliable hot water
Heat pump water heaters use advanced technology to move heat rather than generate it, making them one of the most energyefficient ways to heat water. Cherryland Electric Cooperative is offering a $100 rebate on qualified models.
No Tricks All Treats
Scan the QR code to view eligible rebates or visit cherrylandelectric.coop/rebates
Another Great Fair Is in the Books!
Cherryland was proud to once again support the Northwestern Michigan Fair and the hardworking people who make it such a special week. Our team joined in on the livestock auction fun, purchasing two pigs raised by local youth. The pigs were then donated to Goodwill’s Food Rescue, helping turn our support at the fair into something that gives back to the community. We also sponsored the pancake breakfast, where Cherryland volunteers helped flip pancakes and serve sausage to hungry fairgoers. And, of course, we couldn’t miss Kid’s Day! Our team had a blast handing out Cherryland swag, playing games, and spending time with the kiddos. Thanks to everyone who helped make the 2026 Northwestern Michigan Fair another one to remember!
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MI CO-OP Kitchen
AUTUMN COMFORT FOODS Warm up your table.
WINNING RECIPE!
QUINOA CLOUD BREAKFAST PORRIDGE Marlie Cross, Cherryland Electric
2 cups water 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or soy or oat milk) 1 cup white quinoa 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon ground ginger ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom • pinch ground cloves ½ teaspoon vanilla extract ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric • pinch ground nutmeg 1 teaspoon coconut oil ½ cup walnuts, chopped, optional 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed ½ cup shredded coconut 1 banana, sliced 2–4 teaspoons maple syrup • additional nut milk, for serving, optional • ground cinnamon, for garnish, optional If desired, soak the quinoa before cooking. If using soaked quinoa, reduce the water and almond milk to 1½ cups each. Grind the quinoa in a coffee or spice grinder until finely ground, working in batches if necessary. If using soaked quinoa, blend it with the milk instead. In a medium saucepan, bring the water and almond milk to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Slowly whisk in the ground quinoa, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cover, leaving the lid slightly ajar to prevent overflow, and simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring frequently. If the porridge becomes too thick, add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached. Stir in the cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and vanilla and cook for 1–2 minutes more. Remove from heat and stir in the turmeric, nutmeg, and coconut oil. Let stand for 1–2 minutes. Divide among serving bowls and top with the walnuts, flaxseed, shredded coconut, banana slices, maple syrup, additional nut milk, and cinnamon, if desired. Watch a video of this month’s winning recipe at micoopkitchen.com/videos
RECIPE CONTEST
Win a $100 energy bill credit!
Brunch Favorites, due Nov. 1; Favorite Side Dishes, due Dec. 1; Air Fryer Favorites, due March 1. Submit your favorite recipe for a chance to win a $100 bill credit and have your recipe featured in Country Lines with a photo and a video. Submit your recipe at micoopkitchen.com, or send it via email (include your full name and co-op) to recipes@countrylines.com.
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BUTTERNUT SQUASH ITALIAN SAUSAGE SOUP Robin Burpee, Cherryland Electric 1 medium butternut squash • olive oil, for roasting and sautéing 1 pound Italian sausage 1½ cups onion, chopped 2 tablespoons garlic, minced 2 cups chicken broth 2 cups water ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 1 teaspoon sugar 2 cups fresh baby spinach, chopped 1 cup red bell pepper, diced 1 teaspoon ground sage ½ cup heavy cream • salt and black pepper, to taste
CREAMY RICE PUDDING Pamela Balcom, Great Lakes Energy ⅔ cup basmati or white rice 1 teaspoon salt, divided 2 cups water 4 eggs, beaten 2 teaspoons vanilla extract ⅔ cup sugar 4½ cups whole milk (2% or skim milk may be substituted) ½ cup raisins, optional • ground cinnamon, for sprinkling • sugared peaches or strawberries, optional Preheat the oven to 350°F. Combine the rice, ½ teaspoon salt, and water in
CHICKEN MUSHROOM POT PIES Cynthia Hodges, Ontonagon County 2 tablespoons butter 1 medium onion, diced 1 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced 2 carrots, peeled and diced 2 stalks celery, diced 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 (14.5-ounce) can low-sodium chicken broth 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour • Salt and black pepper, to taste 1 cup frozen peas 1 (9-inch) pie crust, homemade or store-bought 1 egg, beaten Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Brush the cut sides with olive oil and place cut-side down on a baking sheet. Roast for 40–50 minutes, or until tender. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, onion, and garlic and cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through and the onion is tender. Scoop the roasted squash from the skin and add it to the pot along with the chicken broth and water. Puree with an immersion blender until smooth. Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes, sugar, spinach, red bell pepper, and sage. Simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the bell pepper is tender. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot.
a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, remaining ½ teaspoon salt, vanilla, sugar, milk, and raisins, if using. Stir in the cooked rice. Pour into an oven-safe baking dish and sprinkle with cinnamon. Place the baking dish inside a larger baking pan and carefully pour hot water into the outer pan until it reaches about 2 inches up the sides of the baking dish. Bake for 1½ hours, or until the pudding is set. Allow to cool slightly before serving, or chill completely. Top with sugared peaches or strawberries, if desired.
Add the onion and mushrooms and sauté until softened. Stir in the chicken, carrots, celery, thyme, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the carrots are tender. In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk the flour with a few tablespoons water to make a smooth slurry. Stir into the chicken mixture and cook over mediumhigh heat until the filling thickens. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then stir in the frozen peas. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly. Divide the filling among four oven-safe bowls. Cut the pie crust into four pieces large enough to cover the bowls and place over each bowl, pressing gently around the edges. Cut a few small slits in each crust to vent and brush with the beaten egg. Place the bowls on a baking sheet and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
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ORYANA COMMUNITY CO-OP:
Committed to Community By Cody Sovis, Oryana Marketing Manager
Co-ops Are Committed to Community October is National Co-op Month, a chance to celebrate the many variations of the cooperative business model worldwide and especially right here in northern Michigan. Like Cherryland Electric Cooperative, Oryana is committed to helping local farmers, local nonprofits, and members of our community in everything we do. It’s a mission built into the cooperative model and philosophy, with real benefits to our friends, neighbors, and owners. While cooperative businesses have enjoyed a resurgence in recent decades, the concept is far from new. Early cooperatives evolved from trade guilds in the Middle Ages, wherein merchants and craftsmen shared risk, set prices, and established quality requirements. Trade guilds became fixtures of the community, often investing in local suppliers
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and infrastructure to grow the local economy, as well as supporting aid, education, and welfare efforts in their communities. The cooperative philosophy shifted from manufacturing and service to retail with the Rochdale Society of Equitable Pioneers. The store’s members shared profits, and soon, the models spread to other industries. Today, you’ll find cooperatives across the economic spectrum, from producer co-ops (including agricultural cooperatives), housing co-ops (where residents own shares in the entity that owns the building), and, of course, utilities like Cherryland. While their services and verticals vary, cooperatives share core principles, such as open membership, democratic decision-making, concern for the community, and economic participation, just to name a few. Built into those principles is a commitment to community that you
rarely find in other types of business. Because we are owned by members, we have an inherent interest in their shared priorities, which are invariably local. Whether it’s a utility, a credit union (another type of co-op), or a grocery store, co-ops put local first.
That’s why food co-ops source 24% of goods locally, compared to just 2% at conventional grocers. Combined, the nation’s 30,000 co-ops generate over $660 billion, employ 2 million people, and invest based on need, not opportunity. For example, utilities like Cherryland Electric Cooperative serve rural communities that may otherwise rely on distant providers with little to no interest in the region. There’s a reason 92% of counties with persistently high poverty rates are served by co-ops: Investor-owned utilities wouldn’t touch them. While the size, scale, and breadth of co-ops have changed, the cooperative ethos remains as strong as ever. Being part of a cooperative is a tangible way to show your connection to your community, and Oryana is proud to strengthen that connection in everything we do.
About the Author: Cody Sovis is the marketing manager at Oryana Community Co-op and a long-time resident of Traverse City, Michigan. He is an avid cyclist, runner, and cookie enthusiast.
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Conserving Gaylord’s Elk Population
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was interested in not only conserving hundreds of acres of land, but the city’s natural wildlife, too. So, he shared a concept with his fellow city council members: to create an elk park, while also using land that had been vacant for over 10 years.
aylord is renowned for a variety of activities, events, and offerings. The annual Alpenfest. Endless golf courses. A gorgeous downtown. But arguably, nothing is more popular than its elk. Yes, elk. In fact, the animal is so well recognized that it’s become Gaylord’s official mascot.
“Originally, when the park first opened, the elk were viewed on Grandview Boulevard, which was the only viewing area until 2025,” said Paul Beachnau, executive director of the Gaylord Area Convention and Tourism Bureau. “The addition of the new viewing platform enhances a tradition that’s set to steadily increase in popularity.”
A Growing Tradition Simply put, there’s no better place to see the Alpine Village’s elk collection than Elk View Park. Located less than five minutes from downtown Gaylord, the park has increased considerably—both in attendance and in total herd count—since it was opened in the late 1980s. At that time, the park only had three elk, which were donated by Project Nature, a former nature center.
By Chris Lewis
Today, the park has more than 50 elk, each of which is free to roam throughout the 108-acre property. Thousands upon thousands of people, many of whom are from other states and countries, visit the park annually now, proving just how popular it’s become not only in Michigan, but across the world. Founded by Gaylord’s longest sitting city council member, Patrick Mankowski, the park began as an idea. Mankowski
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Beachnau’s prediction concerning the elk park’s continuous rise in popularity is due to various factors. First, elk viewing is an activity that families, Gaylord residents, and visitors have relished for generations on the 45th parallel. Second, since Gaylord is located right off of I-75, it’s an easy stop for drivers who are visiting from downstate or the Upper Peninsula. Finally, elk viewing at the park is not only free, but it can be enjoyed by people of all ages as well.
The City’s Elk View Park Has Become a Prime Destination for Elk Sightings
“Aside from elk becoming Gaylord’s official mascot, the park’s popularity is apparent in another main way,” Beachnau added. “According to a tourism survey in 2017,
“It’s not every day that people can witness these majestic animals up close. But in Gaylord, you can do exactly that every day.”
60% of Gaylord visitors participated in elk viewing.” This percentage may be even higher now, as the park now has a live video feed that enables people to view the elk from anywhere in the world (that has Internet access, that is). Not to mention, the Gaylord Tourism Bureau has some social media channels that have further connected people across the globe. “Our elk cam received over 122,000 views in its first month,” said Christy Walcott, director of marketing and communications for the Gaylord Area Convention and Tourism Bureau. “We now have a 24/7 live feed streaming on YouTube, along with the cam, which is always available on our website.”
Enhancements for the Future Over the past 25 years, a variety of changes have occurred at (and nearby) Elk View Park. First, another park was created in 2001. Known as Aspen Park, it provides neighboring biking and walking trails. Second, the adjacent Gaylord Disc Golf Course
opened in 2014. Both areas have views of the elk park, and you may even hear elk bugling during the fall. Furthermore, the aforementioned new elk viewing platform, which, was established in 2025, is located just down the road from Elk View Park’s original viewing area. The new viewing platform is universally accessible, and the park also has bathrooms, a gas fire pit, and a playground. “In addition to the new viewing platform, a paved pathway was recently added to the south ends of the park’s fence,” Beachnau said. “Extending into Aspen Park, the pathway offers visitors even more viewing options. And, of course, the new live feed is improving viewers’ experiences considerably.” Although there is no bad time of the year to visit or view the live feed, there are a few months that especially stand out. In late May and early June, calves are born. Meanwhile, in late September and early October, bulls begin to bugle (a mating call during the rut), crash their antlers together, and fight over cows.
“It’s not every day that people can witness these majestic animals up close,” Beachnau emphasized. “But in Gaylord, you can do exactly that every day.”
For more information, scan the QR code or visit gaylordmichigan.net
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Your Board In Action • The board received a first look at a new predictive outage model developed by Cherryland staff. The tool combines incoming weather data with information about equipment across the system to help predict potential outages, allowing crews to be staffed and staged more effectively before severe weather arrives. • The board reviewed plans for a new voluntary prepaid billing option expected to become available in early 2027. The program would allow participating members to pay for electricity before they use it and receive notifications as their account balance gets low. Rates would remain the same, while providing another payment option for members.
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August 2026 • Cherryland’s annual key ratio trend analysis showed the cooperative continues to operate efficiently compared to its peers. Cherryland serves more meters per employee than any other electric cooperative in the country and has the lowest operating expense per consumer among Michigan electric cooperatives. The report also showed Cherryland remains in a strong financial position as it enters a period of significant capital investment. • The board received an update on the new headquarters project, which officially broke ground in July. Final permitting and site work are underway, with foundations expected to be completed by winter. Approximately 80% of project spending is expected to remain local through area subcontractors.
MI CO-OP Photo Contest
SEASONAL DECORATIONS MOST VOTES
1. MOST VOTES Valarie Cepeda—Hobbies with Grandpa. 2. Kathryn Gordon—Giving Santa his wish list! 3. Laurie Johnston—Waiting for Halloween. 4. Robert McKinley—Santa Claus is coming to town! 5. Robert Smith—Pleasant view from outside our window.
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6. Cathy McKinley—Pumpkin man’s bupkis. Autumn is my favorite season!
Enter to win up to $200 off your energy bill!
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Submit your “Weather Wonders” photos by Oct. 25 for the January 2027 issue! Submit your best photo and encourage your friends to vote! The photo receiving the most votes in our Facebook contest will be printed in an issue of Country Lines, along with some of our other favorites. Enter Your Photos And Win A Bill Credit! To enter the contest, visit cherrylandelectric.coop/ photo-contest or visit facebook. com/cherrylandelectriccoop for a link to the current photo contest. Enter your picture, cast your vote, and encourage others to vote for you as well. If your photo is printed in Country Lines during 2026, you will be entered to win a credit of up to $200 on your December 2026 bill.
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MI CO-OP Guest Column
Seeing Our Cooperative From the Open Road By Kristina Beers, a HomeWorks Tri-County Cooperative member
We spent the entirety of July 2 on an extended motorcycle trip thanks to Tri-County’s Road Trip summer adventure. When I saw the invitation on the last page of our Country Lines in June, I knew right away what we were conquering over the summer! We love to take little day trips but don’t always know where to go, and the game gave us just the places and reasons while feeding my competitive spirit. For that particular day-long trip, I mapped out a route according to the destinations yet to be crossed off our list, getting excited wondering which one will be our new favorite. Since beginning this game, we found a terrific little hole-in-the-wall, ate a very juicy burger, had a fine specialty drink, and chatted with a verbose and entertaining local, all in one spot! We finally stopped at some places we’ve driven past so often (such as the bridge in Portland or a pub in Stanton), opening a new insight into the gems we zoom past or allow to get lost in the background.
member. The miles and miles of fields meant miles and miles of electric lines—something the big companies passed on and what the original cooperative members put their efforts toward bringing to us. Farmhouse after farmhouse, decorated in reds, whites, and blues, and stars and stripes, cheerily welcoming us past their porches. Barn after barn stood tall, in various states of order, some with shrubbery taking over and the wood barely peeking out in the sun to bright red icons of family farms. And family farms aplenty! Sign after sign in the familiar green and gold, notating a Centennial Farm, spotlighting the longevity and loyalty of rural life. Historical markers peppering the route, testifying the importance of tiny beginnings, and lovingly restored homes showcasing the architecture of Italianate, Queen Anne, and Gothic dwellings from humble artisans of old.
This day, we finally saw the Ledges of Grand Ledge, a feature I honestly didn’t know existed (silly me, what did I think the name of the town meant?), ate some delicious ice cream straight from the theoretical udder at Mooville, sat and cooled down on a park bench, and had a piece of darn good pie to close out our day. But best of all was what we discovered in the in-between: a new insight into TriCounty’s purpose and what it means for all of us living in rural America.
I spent most of the trip gazing at the beauty of our rural area, in wonder and awe at the vast undertaking it was (and is) to bring and keep affordable electricity to these tiny towns and kitchens, as well as a good portion of it holding my phone looking for cell service. While my music streaming was hit and miss with zero to one bar, we passed multiple signs for Homeworks Fiber internet, something that cannot be taken for granted in these outlying regions. How lucky we are to have the option for highspeed, reliable internet where poor cell service would force a much more expensive option.
It might have been the sunny day, the green trees, the wind blowing across the fields, or just being out on the open road on the back of a motorcycle, but as the blacktop passed underneath us, an understanding began to dawn about what it means to be a Tri-County
As we whizzed by on our bike during one of the hottest days of the year, farmers were out in the fields cutting hay, mowing their lawns, and generally doing the daily chores that wait for no one, especially weather. We heard the laughter of children playing in
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little pools and sprinklers and passed by monuments to ancestors in the ancient cemeteries. All in all, it was a spectacular testament to the enormity of the work done by a cooperative to honor the enormity of the work each family does to make our small towns the place of love and laughter for all of us. I arrived home weary, hot, and tired but swelled with pride that I get to count myself among the members of this great cooperative. It might not have been the goal when putting together a fun little road trip game, but the fruit of it is there nonetheless: This truly is a rural cooperative with a mission to care for and honor the most beautiful people and places of our state. Thank you for the best little road trip to appreciate the history and hospitality of our country life in all senses of the term.
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