HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative
October 2026
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
Are You A Co-op Voter? Tales From The HomeWorks Road Trip It’s National Co-op Month!
Conserving Gaylord’s Elk Population
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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.
18 GUEST COLUMN
Seeing our cooperative from the open road.
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
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Powering Our Future:
The Strength of the Cooperative Voice at the Polls OSCEOLA
CLARE
By Chris O’Neill, President/CEO
MECOSTA ISABELLA
MONTCALM GRATIOT
IONIA
BARRY
SAGINAW
CLINTON
EATON
INGHAM
JACKSON
Portland office/Mail payments to: 7973 E. Grand River Ave. Portland, MI 48875 Open 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday Blanchard office: 3681 Costabella Ave. Blanchard, MI 49310 Open 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday Night deposit box available at both locations. Electric bill/account questions: 517-647-7554 or 1-800-562-8232 Pay by phone, anytime: 1-844-963-2875 Service questions/outages: 517-647-7554 or 1-800-848-9333 (24 hours for emergency calls) Tri-County Propane: 1-877-574-2740 HomeWorks Connect 1-800-668-8413 BOARD OF DIRECTORS District 1 — John Lord, Vice-Chairman 2276 Plains Rd., Leslie, MI 49251 517-974-2518 • jlord@homeworks.org District 2 — Jim Stebbins 7139 Peddler Lake Rd., Clarksville, MI 48815 517-930-8132 • jstebbins@homeworks.org District 3 — Luke Pohl, Chairman 15560 W. Hanses Rd., Westphalia, MI 48894 989-292-0427 • lpohl@homeworks.org District 4 — Jake Borton 7543 E. Edgar Rd., Vestaburg, MI 48891 989-506-3404 • jborton@homeworks.org District 5 — Theresa Sopocy 6996 E. Wilson Rd., Bannister, MI 48807 989-292-0295 • tsopocy@homeworks.org District 6 — Dave Livermore 8060 W. Airline Rd., Weidman, MI 48893 989-289-3019 • dlivermore@homeworks.org
October is National Co-op Month, so I thought I would start this column out with a little bit of electric cooperative trivia. Did you know that President Franklin D. Roosevelt championed the launch of electric co-ops in America when he created the Rural Electric Association (REA) in 1935? FDR believed that bringing electricity to rural America would be key in his mission to foster economic recovery across the nation in the wake of the Great Depression, and he was right. In the mid-1930s, nine out of 10 rural homes were without electricity, but by 1953, thanks in large part to the REA and the dawn of electric co-ops across the nation, 90% of U.S. farms had been electrified. With electricity came access to new resources, more jobs, and the opportunity for economic growth.
As democratic organizations, the success of electric cooperatives depends on member engagement with the co-op, but it also depends on member participation in local, state, and national elections. Here at HomeWorks, we work year-round to engage our elected representatives in a nonpartisan manner to advocate for the issues that matter to you, our members. In the same way, your Co-op and your rural community depend on co-op voters to cast their vote on matters such as grid security and reliability, broadband access, vegetation management, economic development, small business administration, and more.
Here in mid-Michigan, did you know that your electric Co-op was founded in 1937 by farmers in Eaton, Ingham, and Jackson counties? They came together to bring electricity to their rural communities when the state’s larger utility companies refused to serve their areas because of a lack of profitability. Now, nearly nine decades later, we’re walking that same historical path with HomeWorks Connect, which has brought access to high-speed fiber internet to all of our members.
Midterm elections are coming up Nov. 3, and I implore you to participate. If you want to learn more about the issues and the candidates in state and federal elections, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association provides great resources via the nonpartisan Co-ops Vote program at www.vote.coop.
Back to trivia, did you know there are over 900 electric cooperatives across the United States, and they all follow the
District 7 — Shirley Sprague, Secretary-Treasurer 15563 45th Ave., Barryton, MI 49305 989-382-7535 • ssprague@homeworks.org Editor: Charly Markwart, CCC cmarkwart@homeworks.org
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OCTOBER 2026
same Seven Cooperative Principles? One of those principles is Democratic Member Control. Every member has a voice and a vote. The elected representatives who serve on our board of directors are accountable to our membership.
homeworks.org
Electric co-op members have been in this together for 90 years, and our democratic participation is no less important today than it was in 1935. Let’s turn out this coming Election Day and make our voices heard on the issues that matter to our cooperatives and rural America.
/homeworks.org
tricoenergy@homeworks.org
CHECK YOUR VOTER REGISTRATION
LEARN WHAT IS
ON THE BALLOT
MAKE A PLAN TO VOTE
REMEMBER TO VOTE
ELECTION DAY NOVEMBER 3, 2026
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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OCTOBER 2026
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. 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.
The savings become even sweeter when you take advantage of available incentives. Cooperative 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.
Don’t get spooked by rising energy costs. Visit homeworks.org/eo 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. HomeWorks is offering a $100 rebate on qualified models.
No Tricks All Treats
Scan the QR code to view eligible rebates or visit homeworks.org/eo HomeWorks.org facebook.com/homeworks.org
HomeWorks is proud to power your rural mid-Michigan farms! As you work hard from sunup to sundown and beyond this harvest season to keep us all fed, please stay safe and stay mindful of the overhead electric lines around you. We wish you a prosperous harvest!
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.
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 11
Co-op’s 89th Annual Meeting Of Delegates Adjourned To 2027 The business meeting portion of HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative’s 89th Annual Meeting of Delegates, held on Aug. 15, 2026, at the Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mt. Pleasant, had to be officially adjourned to 2027. According to HomeWorks’ bylaws, a majority of the Co-op’s 233 approved 2026 delegates needed to be present to establish a quorum and conduct official business. While the meeting had a strong showing of 108 dedicated delegates, attendance fell just short of the 117 required to meet the required threshold. Despite having to postpone the formal business meeting, attendees still enjoyed an in-depth review of the Co-op’s 2025 financial report, a comprehensive update on our strategic goals and current operations, an insightful power supply update from Wolverine Power Cooperative, a community outreach update, and more. The event wrapped up with musical entertainment by Cool2Duel dueling pianos, prize giveaways, and a lunch buffet. Thank you to all delegates who attended! We look forward to coming together again in 2027 to successfully conduct the business of our Co-op. At a brief reorganizational board meeting held after this year’s meeting, 2026 director electees Jim Stebbins (District 2) and Jake Borton (District 4) were officially seated. Also at the reorganizational meeting, the board re-elected the following slate of board officers: Chairman Luke Pohl, Vice Chair John Lord, and Secretary/Treasurer Shirley Sprague.
Applications Are Open For 2026-27 Classroom Grants Teachers, it’s time to apply for our 2026-27 Classroom S.T.E.A.M. Grants of up to $2,000! We’d love to support an innovative project in your classroom, so click the Community tab at HomeWorks.org to apply by Dec. 14!
Tri-County Propane • Metered service & auto-fill options • Capped winter rates, no hidden fees • Convenient payment options • Qualified new customers: Use promo code HARVEST200 upon sign-up to receive a $200 bill credit!
No pricing games: Same capped winter rate, four years in a row! This service is not regulated by the Michigan Public Service Commission.
CALL 877-574-2740 TODAY!
Your Board In Action Meeting in Portland on Aug. 24, your board of directors: • Approved the proposed addition of a new accounting clerk I position to aid in supporting the current accounting team and to assist with succession planning, and approved an adjustment to the 2026 Tri-County Electric budget to accommodate the added position. • Reappointed Directors John Lord and Shirley Sprague to the board audit committee, Directors Shirley Sprague and Jim Stebbins to the board policy committee, and Directors Jake Borton, Luke Pohl, and Theresa Sopocy to the board redistricting committee for the next one-year term. • Received an update on the Co-op’s deployment of HomeWorks Connect fiber internet service in the city of Portland, showing that three years into the initiative, the project
has exceeded the target subscriber take rate and led to additional opportunities for growth. • Reviewed the results of the 2026 HomeWorks Park Parties and learned that a total of nearly 1,000 people attended the seven member appreciation events this summer. • Received an update on the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) initiative, and reviewed the risks and benefits associated with the project. • Appointed Director Shirley Sprague as the Co-op’s voting representative for the upcoming election of the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation. • Reappointed Director Theresa Sopocy as the Co-op’s representative on the Spartan
Renewable Energy board of directors for the next one-year term. • Reviewed and approved Board Policy 104 – Committees of the Board of Directors, as revised. • Learned there were 101 new members in July.
Time Set Aside for Members to Comment Before Cooperative Board Meetings The first 15 minutes of every board meeting are available for members who wish to address the board of directors on any subject. The next meetings are scheduled for 9 a.m. on Oct. 26 at Portland and Nov. 23 at Blanchard. Members who wish to have items considered on the board agenda should call 517-647- 7554 at least a week in advance of the meeting.
Tri-County People Fund Supports Neighbors In Need Meeting remotely on Aug. 27, our People Fund board made four grants totaling over $4,685, including: • $3,000 to Habitat for Humanity in Ionia, to purchase drywall for a housing project for a family in need; • $862.96 to an Ionia County family, for car repairs; • $500 to a Montcalm County family, to help with septic tank repairs; and • $323.96 to an Isabella County family, to help with utility payments.
How to Apply for a Tri-County Electric People Fund Grant The Tri-County Electric People Fund provides grants to individuals and organizations in the Co-op’s service area for food, shelter, clothing, health, and other humane needs, or for programs or services that benefit a significant segment of a community. Write to 7973 E. Grand River Ave., Portland, MI 48875, for an application form and grant guidelines, or visit the People Fund page at HomeWorks.org. Note: Applications must be received by Nov. 11 for the November meeting.
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 13
Conserving Gaylord’s Elk Population
G
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
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 15
Get 2 Free Months of High-Speed Fiber Internet No Contracts No Install Fee Nothing to Lose PLUS: REFER YOUR NEIGHBOR TO SIGN UP FOR HOMEWORKS CONNECT
AND WE’LL CREDIT YOU BOTH $65! We know that you’ll love having a reliable internet connection with HomeWorks Connect. That’s why we want you to be able to try it risk-free for 60 days! Sign up today with promo code COUNTRYLINES to receive 2 months of free high-speed fiber internet from HomeWorks Connect. Already loving our internet connection? Refer a friend or neighbor! If they sign up, you’ll both receive a $65 bill credit once they’re installed.
Get Signed Up with HomeWorks Connect! Visit Join.HomeWorksConnect.org or call 800-668-8413!
l a r u g u a n i e h t m o r f tales
S K R O HOMEW p i r T d Roa
Over the next several issues, we’ll be sharing some of your best stories from the 2026 HomeWorks Road Trip, starting with this very touching anecdote from HomeWorks member Renee Green.To share your own HomeWorks Road Trip tale, email cmarkwart@HomeWorks.org.
heart attack; all April 17. On June 5, he survived a on ery surg ss bypa le trip had and My husb Road Trip, and time, we got your magazine about the that t Abou ed. fail had sses bypa e thre t catheterization to do it”. He was scheduled for a hear we both got excited and said “let’s the stents.” ’s get the stops done before I get place stents on July 31. He said “let ’t bother him. We winded, but driving his Corvette didn He couldn’t do much without getting ge Street Bridge, east and stopped at the Ledges, Brid live in Comstock Park, so we headed a four-and-a-half, and a few extra side stops. It was Motz County Park, MOO-ville Creamery es. He got out for hous ugh the towns and seeing the old hour day trip. We loved driving thro let me do on my own. some of the selfies, and others he our day trip and l. There, we took a two-and-a-half-h Then we headed to our cottage in Cora d Millpond. Then, char Blan the and r Lake family Park, wate Cold le, Cast s land High the to went & Girls Orchards. on July 27, we finished up at Anderson xing and on these road trips. It was very rela My husband loved driving his Corvette July 29. I am so passed away from a heart attack on enjoyable for both of us. My husband yed it so much, that we could participate in. He enjo thankful that you had this road trip n. agai week-and-a-half together. Thanks and I have great memories of our last
~ Renee Green
THE GREENS
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
18 OCTOBER 2026
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.
GUEST COLUMN Win $200 for stories published!
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October Is National Co-op Month. Did you know electric co-ops power more than 20 million homes, farms, businesses, and schools across America? Here in rural mid-Michigan, HomeWorks is proud to have served generations of families like yours since 1937.