Great Lakes Energy Cooperative
October 2026
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
Co-op Month: Celebrating YOU Three Directors Elected People Fund Supports Firefighter Training
Conserving Gaylord’s Elk Population
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CO-OP REBATE INCENTIVES
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$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.
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
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Celebrating the Co-op Difference: YOU By Shaun Lamp, Great Lakes Energy President/CEO
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Howard Bowersox, Chair, District 8 219-670-0977 hbowersox@glenergy.com Janet Andersen, Vice Chair, District 6 231-690-4622 jandersen@glenergy.com Paul Byl, Secretary, District 7 231-742-2643 pbyl@glenergy.com Dale Farrier, Treasurer, District 5 231-564-0853 dfarrier@glenergy.com Mark Carson, Director, District 2 231-675-0561 mcarson@glenergy.com David Coveyou, Director, District 1 231-347-4056 dcoveyou@glenergy.com Richard Evans, Director, District 3 231-883-3146 revans@glenergy.com Ed Hunt, Director, District 4 989-370-1092 ehunt@glenergy.com John LaForge, Director, District 9 269-623-2284 jlaforge@glenergy.com PRESIDENT/CEO: Shaun Lamp 888-485-2537 BOYNE CITY HEADQUARTERS 1323 Boyne Ave. Boyne City, MI 49712 Call center hours: 7 a.m.–5:30 p.m. M–F Phone: 888-485-2537 Email: glenergy@glenergy.com TO REPORT AN OUTAGE: Call 888-485-2537 or login to your account at gtlakes.com or the GLE mobile app.
Change of Address: 888-485-2537, ext. 8924 Great Lakes Energy is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
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OCTOBER 2026
Fall is one of my favorite times of the year because it brings football season, school activities, community events, and opportunities to spend time with family and friends. It’s also the time of year when cooperatives across the country celebrate National Co-op Month. For me, National Co-op Month is a reminder of what makes Great Lakes Energy different. The difference is you. For nearly 90 years, GLE has been guided by a simple mission: providing reliable electric service while helping improve the quality of life in the communities we serve. That commitment remains as strong today as it was when local farmers joined together to bring electricity to rural western Michigan. What I appreciate most about the cooperative model is that our priorities are shaped by the people we serve. Because GLE is owned by our members, every decision we make is focused on meeting your needs and creating value for the communities we call home. That member ownership is one of the things that makes cooperatives different. Unlike investor-owned utilities, Great Lakes Energy is governed by a board of directors elected by the members we serve. Our directors live in our communities, understand the unique needs of our region, and help ensure decisions are made with the long-term interests of members in mind. You can see that commitment throughout our service area. We continue expanding access to highgtlakes.com
speed internet through Truestream, a project born directly from member feedback. We invest in local communities through scholarships, youth leadership programs, sponsorships, and other initiatives that help strengthen our region. Through the People Fund, members have helped direct more than $5.2 million to charitable organizations and community projects since 1999. We’re also committed to adding convenience to our members’ lives through online account access and the GLE mobile app. These resources make it easy to monitor electric usage, understand your bill, and access convenient services such as Auto Pay, paperless billing, outage notifications, and many other account management features. This year, we’re marking Co-op Month with several opportunities to say thank you. Throughout October, members can participate in special promotions, prize giveaways, and other activities designed to show our appreciation for your support. Please see the information on the next page for details on how you can get involved in the member appreciation activities we have planned throughout the month. While our industry and the technologies that support it continue to evolve, the cooperative principles that guided GLE nearly 90 years ago remain just as relevant today. By working together, supporting our communities, and focusing on the needs of our members, we can continue building a stronger future for the generations to come. As we celebrate National Co-op Month, I’m reminded that the difference has always been our members. Thank you for your trust, your engagement, and your commitment to the communities we share. The difference is you.
/greatlakesenergy
/jointruestream
National Co-op Month:
A Celebration Of You At Great Lakes Energy, National Co-op Month is more than a tradition. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the people who make our cooperative what it is: our members. Because Great Lakes Energy is a cooperative, our members aren’t just customers. You’re owners. Every day, your involvement helps strengthen the cooperative and the communities we serve. National Co-op Month gives us a chance to recognize that relationship and show our appreciation in a fun and meaningful way.
Many Chances to Participate and Win Throughout October, members can look forward to special contests and giveaways delivered through multiple avenues. Whether you enjoy following GLE on Facebook, visiting your local office, or taking advantage of member programs, there will be plenty of opportunities to join in the celebration. One of this year’s featured giveaways is a drawing for a new TV. Residential and seasonal members can earn entries by participating in convenient GLE account services, with both
current participants and new enrollees eligible to earn chances to win. Watch your email inbox for more details. Members receive entries for: • Auto Pay using a bank account (ACH): 3 entries • Paperless billing: 2 entries • Auto Pay using a credit or debit card: 1 entry • Online account enrollment: 1 entry If you’re already enrolled in one or more of these programs, you’re already earning entries. If not, October is the perfect time to sign up and increase your chances to win.
A Visit Could Pay Off We’re also inviting members to stop by their local Great Lakes Energy office during October to enter a drawing for an energy-efficiency gift basket. One winner will be selected at each GLE office, giving members across our service area the opportunity to take home a collection of useful energysaving products, including: • A Google Nest smart thermostat • A smart power strip • LED light bulbs
• A solar lantern • Great Lakes Energy-themed items It’s just one more way we’re saying thank you for being part of the co-op family.
Favorite Traditions Return Of course, some of the most popular Co-op Month traditions are returning as well. Many members look forward to stopping by their local office each October to pick up complimentary calendars and other small appreciation gifts. Those favorites will once again be available while supplies last.
Thank You for Being a Member As we celebrate throughout October, we hope you’ll take advantage of the giveaways, visit your local office, and join us in recognizing the cooperative spirit that connects us all. Most of all, we simply want to say thank you for being part of the Great Lakes Energy family.
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
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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
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
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Don’t Let High Water Heating Costs Haunt Your Home As the days get shorter and spooky season creeps in, there’s one household monster you don’t want lurking in the shadows: high energy bills. Fortunately, a heat pump water heater can help keep those frightening costs at bay. Unlike traditional electric water heaters that create heat, heat pump water heaters pull warmth from the surrounding air and transfer it to your water. This highly efficient process uses significantly less electricity, helping many homeowners reduce the energy needed for water heating while still enjoying plenty of hot water for showers, laundry, and dishes.
The savings become even sweeter when you take advantage of available incentives. GLE members may be eligible for a $100 rebate on a qualifying heat pump (hybrid electric) water heater installation, helping reduce the upfront cost of making the switch. Whether you’re planning home improvements, replacing aging equipment, or simply looking for ways to reduce energy use, now is a great time to explore your options.
Think of it as a smarter way to heat water. Heat pump water heaters are designed to deliver reliable performance while using less energy, making them an excellent upgrade for homeowners looking to improve efficiency and lower operating costs. Many models also offer advanced settings and ENERGY STAR® certification, giving you even more ways to save.
Don’t get spooked by rising energy costs. Visit gtlakes.com/energy-wise/to learn more about heat pump water heater incentives and discover all the rebates available for energy-efficient appliances and heating and cooling equipment. The savings are real...no tricks, just treats!
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 energy-efficient ways to heat water. Great Lakes Energy is offering a $100 rebate on qualified models.
Scan the QR code to view eligible rebates or visit gtlakes.com/energy-wise/
No Tricks All Treats
GLE Photo Contest
SEASONAL DECORATIONS MOST VOTES
1. MOST VOTES Young and carefree, Debbie Andrews, Reed City 2. Holy pumpkin!, Beth Pipe, Baldwin 3. What, Xmas again?, Dotty Hamilton, Baldwin 4. Eeny, Meeny, Miny and Moe, Mary Madrigal, Hersey 5. Beauty of fall, M. Card, Petoskey
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6. Yeehaw, cowboy!, Amity Robinson, Fountain
Enter to win a $200 energy bill credit!
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Submit Your “Weather Wonders” Photos By Oct. 25 for the January 2027 issue! Each month, members can submit photos on our website for our photo contest. The photo with the most votes is published here, along with other selections. How To Enter: Enter the contest at gtlakes.com/ photocontest/. Make sure to vote and encourage others to vote for you, too. The photo receiving the most votes will be printed in an issue of Michigan Country Lines along with other favorites. All photos printed in the magazine in 2026 will be entered into a drawing to win a $200 bill credit in December 2026.
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
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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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Three Directors Elected Great Lakes Energy members recently elected three members to three-year terms on the cooperative’s board of directors through a combination of mail-in and online ballots. In District 3, incumbent director Ric Evans of Ellsworth was reelected, receiving 467 votes in an uncontested race. In District 4, voters selected Ed Hunt of Gaylord over incumbent Mary O’Connell, of Gaylord, and challenger Constance (Connie) Keene-Meyer, of Frederic. Ed received 539 votes, while Mary received 524 votes, and Connie received 217 votes. In District 5, voters selected incumbent Dale Farrier of Kalkaska over challenger Gary White, also of Kalkaska by a 493-394 margin. Ric operates his own energy audit business, Ed is the president of a construction management, design/build, and contracting company, and Dale is retired from a 39-year career serving as the office manager for the Antrim County Road Commission.
Ric Evans, District 3
Ed Hunt, District 4
Dale Farrier, District 5
Great Lakes Energy members in districts 3, 4, and 5 received mail-in ballots along with their July/August issue of Michigan Country Lines. This year’s election marked the fourth year members had the option of voting online. Roughly two-thirds of voters cast their votes online in the 2026 election. Instructions for online voting were included with the mail-in ballots. GLE’s election management vendor, Survey and Balloting Systems of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, processed both online and mail-in ballots. The election concluded on Aug. 20, and results were announced at the cooperative’s annual business meeting on Aug. 26 at its headquarters in Boyne City.
Streaming Made Easier One of the many benefits of Truestream high-speed fiber internet service is that it opens up a world of video streaming options that may have been unavailable to you before. But it can be a challenge to decide which services are best for you. To help you navigate the sea of streaming options, we’ve partnered with MyBundle, a free service that provides recommendations to help you find the best streaming service for your needs. MyBundle will take the guesswork out of choosing the best streaming service for you and your TVwatching preferences!
Visit truestreamfiber.com/cutting-cord/ or scan the QR Code After entering some basic information and your musthave channels, MyBundle will recommend which streaming services are the best fit for you. If you decide to take the streaming plunge, you can sign up for the service of your choice right there, too.
With Truestream and MyBundle, smarter streaming is just a few clicks away!
Piloting For The Future GLE explores drone technology to strengthen grid reliability Great Lakes Energy is evaluating drone technology as part of its ongoing commitment to innovation, process improvement, and reliable electric service. Through a pilot project funded by a Michigan Department of Transportation and Michigan Economic Development Corporation grant, GLE and its partner, Skyports Drone Services, are using drones to inspect utility poles, power lines, and rights-of-way in portions of our Boyne City and Reed City service areas. Skyports is a global drone services provider and a recognized leader in power line inspections, having conducted utility surveys for major electric companies worldwide. The project will provide GLE’s operations and vegetation management teams with aerial imagery and data that can help identify maintenance needs, monitor vegetation growth, and detect potential reliability concerns more efficiently. By exploring emerging technologies, GLE aims to improve system planning, enhance worker safety, and strengthen the resilience of the electric grid that serves its members. Drone flights will occur periodically during daylight hours through October. Following the pilot program, GLE will evaluate the technology’s effectiveness and potential role in future grid maintenance and reliability efforts.
Notice to Members of Great Lakes Energy Cooperative Tariff Changes Effective On or After Nov. 1, 2026 The Great Lakes Energy Cooperative Board of Directors, at its regular monthly meeting on Aug. 26, 2026, took the following actions: • Added a Large Load Tariff to the rate book • Removed Norwich Township, Missaukee County, from the list of areas served by the cooperative For specific details on the changes to Great Lakes Energy’s tariffs, please call us at 1-888-485-2537 or visit our website at gtlakes.com.
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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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Marion Community Fire Department Assistant Chief Bruce Tower (right) and firefighter Cody Barron (left) are pictured outside of the department's recently completed training facility, partially obscured by simulated smoke.
Into The Smoke
People Fund grant helps enhance firefighter training
When firefighters enter a burning building, visibility can disappear in an instant. Smoke fills rooms, hinders searches for victims, and turns already unfamiliar spaces into dangerous mazes. Preparing firefighters for those conditions is critical, and thanks to a recent $4,000 grant from Great Lakes Energy’s People Fund, the Marion Community Fire Department will offer firefighters a more realistic way to train for those life-or-death moments. The grant awarded earlier this year helped the department purchase a professional-grade smoke-generating machine to use in its newly completed firefighter training facility, a project spearheaded by Assistant Fire Chief Bruce Tower after years of fundraising and community support. The training center was built to replicate many situations firefighters encounter during emergency calls, including kitchens, stairwells, window openings, and many more. While the smoke machine may seem like a simple piece of equipment, Bruce said its impact on firefighter training is substantial. “It makes the training so much more realistic,” he said. “Other than the heat, it’s about as close as you can get to the real thing.”
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In a matter of minutes, the machine produces dense, non-hazardous smoke that closely mimics conditions firefighters encounter during structure fires. It can be used throughout the facility in a variety of training scenarios. It can fill a mock bedroom before a search-and-rescue exercise or saturate a simulated attic space before firefighters practice roof ventilation operations. When crews open the roof, smoke pours out just as it would at
a working fire. The smoke also provides firefighters with the opportunity to practice using handheld thermal imaging devices to guide their firefighting and rescue efforts. The training center project was built almost entirely through community support. Over a two-year period, the department raised roughly $60,000 through donations, grants, and fundraising events. Local businesses donated labor, equipment, and materials, while the Village of Marion provided the two-acre site where the facility now stands. “We are so grateful for the support we’ve received through grants, like GLE’s, and from the community, who continually support the department’s fundraising efforts,” Bruce said. He added that he expects the center will become a valuable regional resource for many departments in the area to hone their skills. Rural fire departments often rely heavily on mutual aid, especially during major incidents, making joint training opportunities especially valuable. “This training center is available to any fire department around that wants to come up and utilize it,” he said. The center also includes features intended to support specialized training. A third-story training platform was designed to accommodate aerial ladder operations, allowing firefighters to practice working with aerial trucks operated by neighboring departments. Bruce believes the facility will also help attract future recruits to the department by making high-quality training more accessible close to home. For Great Lakes Energy’s People Fund, the investment is about more than equipment. It is an investment in firefighter readiness and the safety of communities throughout the region. Every firefighter who trains at the facility and every community they serve stand to benefit from the enhanced training opportunities it provides. To learn more about the Marion Community Fire Department, including opportunities to become a firefighter or medical first responder and ways to support the department’s fundraising efforts, visit marioncommunityfire.org or the department’s Facebook page.
Since it was established in 1999, the People Fund has awarded more than $5.2 million in grants to support organizations making a meaningful difference in the communities we serve. The grants are entirely funded by GLE members who agree to have their monthly electric bills rounded up to the next whole dollar. For an average monthly contribution of about $0.50, GLE members can work together to make a positive impact in their communities.
If you aren’t already a People Fund participant, enrolling is easy! • Log in to your GLE online account or the GLE mobile app and select “People Fund” under the “Bill and Pay” menu. • Visit gtlakes.com/peoplefund, select the “Sign Up Now” button, and complete the online form. • Call (888) 485-2537 and speak to a member of the member services team.
For more information about the People Fund, including a list of recent grant recipients and information about the grant application process, visit gtlakes.com/people-fund.
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 17
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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