Midwest Energy & Communications
October 2026
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
Meet District 4 Director Topper Stream Detroit Sports Gobles Opens StudentRun Coffee Shop
Conserving Gaylord’s Elk Population
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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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Behind the Scenes of Electric Reliability Chad Ritchie, Vice President of Electric Operations CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS AND CASSOPOLIS SOLUTIONS CENTER 60590 Decatur Road, Cassopolis, MI 49031 M–F 8 a.m.–5 p.m. TECUMSEH SOLUTIONS CENTER 5050 South Occidental Hwy., Tecumseh, MI 49286 M–F 8 a.m.–5 p.m. CONTACT US Midwest Energy & Communications 800-492-5989 teammidwest.com Email: info@teammidwest.com BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jim Wiseley, Chairperson, Bloomingdale 269-760-4619 Jim.Wiseley@teammidwest.com Dan Bodette, Vice Chairperson, Wauseon 419-344-4015 Dan.Bodette@teammidwest.com Ron Armstrong, Secretary, Lawton 269-299-0443 Ron.Armstrong@teammidwest.com John Green, Treasurer, Dowagiac 269-470-2816 John.Green@teammidwest.com Fred Turk, Decatur 269-423-7762 Fred.Turk@teammidwest.com Clarence “Topper” Barth, Three Rivers 269-279-9233 Clarence.Barth@teammidwest.com Jeff Diehl, Union 574-274-6693 Jeffery.Diehl@teammidwest.com Gerry Bundle, Cassopolis 269-414-0164 Gerry.Bundle@teammidwest.com Erika Escue-Cadieux, Onsted 419-346-1088 Erika.Escue-Cadieux@teammidwest.com PRESIDENT/CEO: Terry Rubenthaler DIRECTOR, CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING: Amy Pales COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST: Grant Zamora Midwest Energy & Communications is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Please note: electric customers of MEC must adhere to our bylaws, which can be found at teammidwest.com/bylaws.
Did you know it takes an average of 2,000 people to make a blockbuster movie? Beyond the actors you see on screen and the directors accepting awards, there is a much larger team of people performing duties behind the scenes to bring you the movies you love. The same thing goes for MEC. You’re used to seeing crews restoring power after storms, battling fallen trees, broken poles, and damaged transformers. That’s what gets attention, as it should. It’s important work and something we take pride in. However, these crews and their teammates also do a lot of work year-round to bring you safe, reliable electricity. While you might not see these projects posted on social media, they are just as critical to what you do see during outage restoration.
• We recently added another circuit to our Ontwa substation to better serve customers at a nearby subdivision and industrial area. • In several areas, we performed “line reconductoring,” which is installing larger wires and poles. Just like water coming from a hose, electricity gets weaker the farther it travels. Reconductoring reduces that natural voltage loss and helps ensure customers at the end of a line get the same service as those at the beginning. • We strategically buried lines in areas where it was most needed but also practical, possible, and cost-effective. • We also continued working on substation automation and smart switching to add more ability to reroute power during outages, minimizing the number of customers who experience sustained power outages when there is a problem.
I’m referring to our comprehensive multiyear work plan, which maps out upgrades and new construction to proactively address service issues, prevent outages, and improve reliability. To build the plan, we evaluate our system to identify areas in need, such as those with voltage and capacity issues. Then, we identify specific projects and analyze costs. Last, just like you do at home, we determine the highest-priority projects to maximize impact while balancing expenses.
MEC maintains about 4,000 miles of line and over 100,000 poles, and not a week goes by without work to improve reliability. And let’s not forget our treeclearing program. Keeping trees and brush away from our infrastructure not only helps with outage restoration, but also improves safety for our crews and the public. Ultimately, this makes our work plan more efficient by ensuring our crews can focus on our infrastructure, not what’s blocking it.
By the end of 2026, we will have made about $16 million in system upgrades. Here are some of those projects:
After all, storm restoration will always be part of our job, but true reliability starts long before the lights go out. That’s where your behind-the-scenes team makes the most impact so you can comfortably enjoy movie night or the big game!
• We have begun the early stages of having another substation built near Twin Lakes to accommodate increased residential and agricultural demand.
teammidwest.com /teammidwest
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OCTOBER 2026
OUR MISSION: Delivering first-in-class innovations and solutions where others won’t OUR VISION: Creating vibrant, relevant, sustainable rural communities®
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For Youth Tour 2027! High schoolers: Do you like to travel and want to learn more about our country’s government? We’re accepting applications for NRECA Youth Tour, an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., for students 15-17 years old. Each year, we choose up to two delegates. You’ll join nearly 1,800 other high schoolers from across the country to visit historical sites, meet lawmakers, and discover the history of America’s rural electric cooperatives. It’s a great opportunity to have an interactive experience with our nation’s inner workings and have fun while doing it—just ask Aiden, one of our 2026 delegates. “During the week, we visited many historical monuments and museums such as the Washington Monument, Mount Vernon, the National Air and Space Museum, and Capitol Hill,” Aiden says. “My favorite part was meeting new people and learning about history and government with them. Traveling with other people from
Michigan taught me to be more open to new people, and by the end, we were like family. “I learned how to make social connections and their importance, along with how electric co-ops represent their communities and their importance on Capitol Hill. I also learned how accessible our government is to citizens and that everyone’s voices do matter, and it’s our duty to stay informed to make the best decisions. “If I could give one piece of advice to future delegates, I would say take time to learn about the government and history, because one day you will help decide the future of America!”
DON’T DELAY! Visit cooperativeyouthtour.com for full details.
Board Assigns 2025 Patronage Capital As an electric and fiber cooperative, we are different from our investorowned counterparts in that our consumers, through their patronage, provide capital for the co-op. We allocate our excess operating margin to customers in a patronage account that is determined by how much electricity and/or internet you use. Capital credits do not represent “cash in the bank” and are not disbursed annually. They are disbursed when approved by the board of directors. Most often though, the money is disbursed upon the death of the customer. When that occurs, a legal representative can request the retirement of the account on a discounted basis. The board has authorized the allocation of the 2025 net margin totaling $37,658,336.04. Your portion of this allocation is not payable at this time. It does not represent a reduction of your electric and/or internet bill but rather indicates your equity share in our cooperative’s 2025 margin. Please notify us of any address changes so we can forward payments when patronage capital is retired. If a current or former customer fails to claim cash retirement of patronage capital or other payment from the cooperative within five years after payment has been made available at the last known address, that payment will be added to the cooperative’s general fund.
Digital SkillBuilding Classes We partner with local libraries and other organizations to offer free digital skillbuilding classes. Space is limited—RSVP today at teammidwest.com/classes!
OCTOBER 8: Galien Township Public Library TOPIC: AI Basics: Usage & Safety SESSION TIMES: 11 a.m.–noon OR 1–2 p.m.
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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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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
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Careers in Energy Week October 19-23 is Careers in Energy Week! We’re proud to be part of an industry that supplies a vital resource used by nearly everyone in the world each and every day. Our work isn’t just a job—it’s powering stadium lights for the big game, porch decorations for Halloween, and ovens for Sunday dinner. If you have a drive to serve your community and to help supply the electricity that connects your neighbors, visit us at teammidwest.com/careers where you can explore our culture and sign up to receive job alerts whenever a new position is available.
Scholarship Opportunity:
Southwestern Michigan College
SMC-bound students can apply for our one-course scholarship to cover Intro to Computer Technology. Get full details at teammidwest.com/smcscholarship.
SAY ‘BOO’ TO WATER HEATER ENERGY WASTE. Heat pump water heaters use less energy and rebates make upgrading easier! Benefits of upgrading: • • •
More efficient Less energy waste 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. Midwest Energy & Communications is offering a $100 rebate on qualified models. This program is part of the State of Michigan’s Energy Waste Reduction Standards and is not available to customers in Indiana and Ohio, or to customers who do not receive MEC electric service.
Scan the QR code to view eligible rebates or visit teammidwest.com/energy-savings
No Tricks All Treats
Service With a Purpose Clarence “Topper” Barth isn’t just our District 4 director. He first joined the board 30 years ago and has since served as president of both MEC’s board and the board of our power supplier, Wolverine Power Cooperative. Topper has seen MEC through name changes, the establishment of our fiber internet service, and much more. Armed with multiple decades of experience, he continues to work hard to provide meaningful, impactful service to our customers and to the members he represents.
Laying Down Roots Topper was born in Marion, Indiana, but in 1947, he moved to Three Rivers, Michigan, and became a member of MEC. Although it was called Fruit Belt at the time, it was still the same cooperative, with many of the same needs Topper deals with today: the need to provide reliable power, the need to serve customers in the best way possible, and the need to support rural communities and help keep them vibrant, relevant, and sustainable. Topper’s father, Martin, was elected to the board of directors shortly after moving and served on the board for 20 years. When Martin stepped down, Topper was chosen to fill the vacancy. His decision to join the board was born out of love for the cooperative and the community it serves. “I wanted to join the board to keep it viable,” Topper says. “Knowing my dad’s experience, I wanted to take care of the cooperative and help keep it going for members.” Topper was an excellent choice to fill the vacancy his father had left. As a commercial farmer, he knew how to steer a business in the right direction, how to quickly adapt to new situations and challenges, and how to ensure that a company’s finances are in order. Topper also liked to stay involved in his community, having led the rocket football program in Three Rivers and coached the eighth-grade girls’ basketball team—roles that required him to be extremely familiar with southwest Michigan’s rural communities.
Looking Out for the Little Guy In his time as a director, Topper has ushered MEC through multiple forward-thinking initiatives and opportunities, including: • The merger of Fruit Belt Electric Cooperative and Southeastern Michigan Rural Electric Cooperative in 1997 that resulted in MEC. • Partnering with Transworld Network to offer customers a long-distance phone option well before MEC fiber phone. • Entering the propane business.
“ Being a cooperative director means you get to serve the people who have been looked over by other companies.”
• Changing our power supplier to Wolverine Power Cooperative (one of his proudest achievements, which he says saved members millions in the long run). It’s not all about looking ahead, though. Topper says the most rewarding part of being a director has been bringing fiber internet to customers who might otherwise not have the option. “In the ‘30s, rural electric cooperatives connected people in the countryside to electricity when big providers wouldn’t,” Topper says. “We did a similar thing when we built fiber internet to our customers. Being a cooperative director means you get to serve the people who have been looked over by other companies.” Topper says he’s been blessed to serve the members of District 4, and hopes he can continue serving in meaningful ways. He and his fellow board members know that whenever a new challenge presents itself, they’re ready to take it on—never losing sight of the members who rely on them for reliable, sustainable service.
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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.
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 11
MEC in the Community FIREMAN’S GRILL: We volunteered to serve food, with all proceeds benefiting Cass County fire departments.
COUNTY FAIRS: We purchased 4-H projects at county fairs, investing in the kids of our communities and donating the resulting meat products to local food pantries. Look for more in a future issue of Country Lines.
Cass County COA Opens Adult Day Service Expansion The Cass County Council on Aging can serve local seniors better than ever thanks to its new Adult Day Service expansion! The grand opening was held Friday, July 24, as part of the COA’s Grandfest celebration. Participants in the Adult Day Service program get the chance to connect with each other by listening to music, playing games, sharing meals, and much more. According to the COA’s monthly newsletter The Messenger, the expansion doubled the facility’s capacity, enhancing its ability to provide care for seniors living with dementia, memory loss, and other age-related changes. The expansion was made possible via a grant from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. The COA also received a rebate on a new, energy-efficient HVAC system through the State of Michigan’s Energy Waste Reduction (EWR) Program. For more information about the Cass County COA’s Adult Day Service program, visit CassCOA.org and select Care Services, then Adult Day Service. 12 OCTOBER 2026
Photo courtesy of Cass County Council on Aging
Apply for EWR Rebates The COA received a rebate on an energy-efficient appliance, and our Michigan electric customers can too! Visit teammidwest.com/energy-savings to see what’s available and apply. Please note that this program is part of the State of Michigan’s Energy Waste Reduction Standards and is not available to customers in Indiana and Ohio, or to customers who do not receive MEC electric service.
A Warm Cup of Coffee, the Tiger Way If you live in Gobles, your morning cup of coffee could be an investment in local students. Gobles Public Schools has officially opened the Tiger Den Café, a student-run coffee shop that helps students develop real-world career skills. Virtual Academy Mentor Baylee Goff, who co-manages the Tiger Den with High School Math Teacher Andy Wood, says the shop is designed to create a framework of employment for students who will one day enter the workforce, following the district’s tradition of effective, innovative academic experiences. “We’ve always had award-winning academics, so this only adds to it,” Goff says. “We want to lead the pack and create something that’s going to build our future. We represent the Tiger Way.”
The Daily Grind At the time of writing, the Tiger Den has been open to the public for less than one full week. Nevertheless, Goff, Wood, and the students have already settled into their groove. Every morning before 6 a.m., two students join Goff to open the shop. They grind the beans, brew the coffee, prepare the mixes for specialty drinks, and boot up the cash register. Morning service starts promptly at 6 a.m. Customers can get drinks inside until 7 a.m. or pick up their drinks curbside until the shop closes at 7:30 a.m. The rest of the day is curbside service only. Wood and one or two other students open back up for the lunch rush from 10:30 a.m. until 12:15 p.m. In the afternoon, a third staff member supervises the final set of students from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., and then they close the shop until the following morning.
Brewing Success The Tiger Den was first envisioned when local businesses expressed a
Photos courtesy of Baylee Goff
need for employees who were already familiar with the expectations of a job. As such, jobs in the shop are open to any of the district’s high schoolers who would like to sign up. For students, working at the Tiger Den involves learning vital career skills like customer service, communication, teamwork, and punctuality. Some even develop a background in marketing as they complete tasks like designing a menu for display.
The shop and the coffee it produces have already received lots of positive feedback from community members. As the school year continues, Goff looks forward to new opportunities like seasonal menu items, but more importantly, to building students’ futures—one cup of coffee at a time.
As Goff and Wood begin to receive more interest from student workers, they also plan to implement a formal interview process, which will give students yet another experience to learn from as they embark on their career paths.
Espresso to Impress-o As Goff puts it, the Tiger Den perfectly encapsulates the mission and values of Gobles Public Schools. “Schools are always wanting to make a difference and be better than what they were yesterday. Outside of the Den, our whole goal as a school is to lead the pack,” she says. “Our core values are leadership, integrity, respect, responsibility, and pride & tradition. This is what we call the Tiger Way, and the Tiger Den absolutely represents the Tiger Way.”
Find more online Follow the Tiger Den Café on Facebook for the latest news. To place an order, download the Tiger Den Café app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. 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
How to Recover Your SmartHub Login and Change Your Password Did you know you can easily recover or reset your SmartHub login information without logging in? Here’s how. RECOVER YOUR LOGIN EMAIL
MOBILE
1. Open your SmartHub mobile app. Email recovery is not available on desktop. 2. Tap Can’t access your account? 3. Tap the Recover Registered Email tab. 4. Input your billing account number and last name/business name, then tap Continue. 5. Select the security question you wish to answer from the dropdown menu. Then input the answer in the following box, and tap Submit. 6. SmartHub will display a pop-up message. The email address on the message is your account login email.
RESET YOUR PASSWORD 1. Go to teammidwest.com/login on desktop, or open your SmartHub mobile app. 2. Select Can’t access your account? 3. On the Reset Password tab, input your billing account number, last/business name, and email address, then click or tap Continue. 4. Select the security question you wish to answer from the dropdown menu. Then input the answer in the following box, and click or tap Submit. 5. SmartHub will send a password reset button to the email address associated with your account. Click the blue Update Password button in the email. 6. In the browser window that opens, write your new password, then write it again and click or tap Save.
16 OCTOBER 2026
DESKTOP MOBILE
How to Stream Detroit Sports in 2026 and 2027 Looking to stream your favorite sports but not sure where to start?
LIONS You can watch NFL games via many live TV streaming services. • Paramount+ paramountplus.com • YouTube TV tv.youtube.com • Sling TV sling.com • Hulu Live TV hulu.com • Fubo TV fubo.tv • NFL Plus (live game video available on mobile only) nfl.com/plus
RED WINGS AND TIGERS A new streaming option has arrived in the form of Detroit SportsNet. This new platform will air all games that would have been aired on FanDuel in the past. In addition to streaming TV, many cable and satellite TV providers are expected to carry Detroit SportsNet. According to the FAQ section on their website, “specific channel locations and cable/ satellite providers will be announced closer to Tigers Opening Day.” Visit Tigers.com/DetroitSportsNet to access the Detroit SportsNet website. Even though the link says “Tigers,” it has information and packages for watching both Tigers and Red Wings games.
PISTONS In past years, the Pistons have streamed games on several services including Peacock, Amazon Prime Video, and ESPN. Channels like ABC and NBC have also carried the games on TV. To access the Pistons schedule visit their website, NBA.com/schedule/Pistons, which includes all available information about where and when you can watch each game.
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.
GUEST COLUMN Win $200 for stories published!
Share your fondest memories and stories. Win $200 for stories published. Visit countrylines.com/ community to submit.
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TeamMidwest.com
HIGH SCHOOLERS:
THE GAME
You’re Invited to the
November 7
Rocket League
DOORS OPEN
10 a.m. Teams of three high schoolers will compete in a double-elimination bracket at Southwestern Michigan College's Barbara Wood Building. Teams can be school-affiliated, or you can sign up to compete with friends (must form your team prior to registering—we will not match you up). Just want to spectate? That's cool too! Come watch the showdown and enjoy Smash Bros. (casual play) and small giveaways.
All players and spectators must RSVP by October 16! *Maximum 16 teams. Must be a current high school student to compete. Admission will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Space is limited. Priority will be given to school teams for competing.
T O U R N A M E N T S TA R TS :
11 a.m.
NEW THIS YEAR:
SUPER SMASH BROS. SINGLES TOURNAMENT That’s right—by popular demand, we’re testing a whole new tournament this year! Up to 16 individual players will compete in a single-elimination, best-of-three Super Smash Bros. Ultimate tournament. The winner will get a Nintendo Switch 2! Match rules available at teammidwest.com/esports. Please note that you cannot compete in both the Rocket League tournament and the Smash Bros. tournament—you must choose only one.
The tournament will be livestreamed on Twitch at twitch.tv/teammidwest!
Steam Deck SIGN UP: teammidwest.com/esports
QUESTIONS: email mec.esports@teammidwest.com
GRAND PRIZE
OLED 512 GB
$100 Gift Cards
2ND 3
$50 Gift Cards
RD
Any school teams that place in the top three will also win a donation to their school! Limit one team per school. Private schools are not eligible for a donation.