By Margaret Elwood, a Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op member In the summer of 1937, my older sister Barb and I found ourselves knee-deep in dirt, our fingers stained with the earth’s secrets. Our family’s home was in Hillman, Michigan, a couple blocks from the Thunder Bay River. The Great Depression had gnawed a tour livelihood, leaving us with little more than stubborn resolve and empty pockets. One of the stores in town sold bait for fishing, and so my sister and I went in and asked how much we would earn if we dug up worms. The manager answered 10 cents for 100 worms. With shovels and ..read more

By Emily Haines Lloyd In the heart of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, nestled along the Manistique River, lies Northland Outfitters, a campground and canoe/kayak livery that has become more than a destination; it’s a canvas for dreams. Owned by Durea and Levi Brady, a couple who embarked on an extraordinary journey from Denver to the UP, Northland Outfitters is now not just a place for nature lovers, but a home for a giant wooden troll—named Benny. A NATURAL TREASURE The story begins with Durea and Levi, who had a dream of owning a campground. In 2022, after two years of exploration, they stumbled ..read more

Embark on an Adventure through Time & Space Nestled in the charming city of Portage, Michigan, Air Zoo Aerospace and Science Experience (Air Zoo) is a world-class museum and science education center. A testament to the history of aviation and aerospace exploration, Air Zoo invites visitors to discover the wonders of flight.   Igniting imaginations through engaging and immersive exhibits, from hot air balloons, to vintage aircrafts and cutting-edge spacecrafts, the museum’s collection spans the entire spectrum of aviation history. Whether you’re a history buff, a science enthusias ..read more

Share your favorite “Casseroles” recipe with us by July 1 and you could win a $100.00 credit on your electric bill. Plus, there’s more! To make sure your recipe gets the attention it deserves, we take a couple of extra steps to make it look delicious. Our food editor will make your recipe and get fantastic professional photos taken to print in Michigan Country Lines magazine. Additionally, we’ll create an instructional “how to” video to add to your recipe page on our website. SUBMIT RECIPE The post Casserole Recipes Due by July 1 appeared first on Michigan Country Lines Magazine ..read more

By Emily Haines Lloyd When you think of the many human milestones, there are an interesting amount that revolve around mobility. A baby rolls over, crawls, and finally walks. A teenager takes the car out for a spin for the first time. The inaugural trip on a bus, train, or plane, watching the world become both bigger and smaller. These moments shape our connection to the world. There’s a new and electrifying addition to these monumental experiences—a person’s first ride on an e-bike. Bikes are often a child’s first taste of freedom. Just like when the training wheels come off a bicycle, the ex ..read more

By J. Joseph Mapes, a Midwest Energy & Communications member It has been said that “old friends are the bestfriends.” I surely agree. Growing up in Grand Rapids, I began forming many friendships, beginning in kindergarten in 1950. In those days, we didn’t hang out with our parents much…we hung out with our friends. You could say we raised each other, as we were always together having fun. Although I went to Culver Military Academy in high school, my GR friends kept in touch. I then moved to New Jersey and Florida for a few years. Several friends would visit me in Florida (imagine that), an ..read more

Travis Snyder Takes Steps to Highlight Veterans’ Mental Health When Travis Snyder returned from his tour in Afghanistan as a U.S. Marine, he was both proud and relieved that everyone in his unit was brought home in one piece. It took time, as well as a pivotal and heartbreaking experience, to realize that maybe he and his unit actually didn’t come back all put together. This was the beginning of a new journey for Snyder, one that took an unexpected path to a new purpose. A Tour of Duty When Snyder joined the Marines at 24, he was looking to make an impact, serve his country, and find both dis ..read more

The Enduring Spirit of Michigan’s Special Olympics Athletes In 2000, the former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela said: “Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does…Sport can create hope where once there was only despair…It laughs in the face of all types of discrimination.” In Michigan, there are some amazing athletes who would surely agree with Mr. Mandela. SOMETHING SPECIAL IN THE MAKING Since 1968, when the first Special Olympics Games were held at Chicago’s Soldier Field, these athletes with i ..read more

Share your favorite “Homemade Burgers” recipe with us by May 1 and you could win a $100.00 credit on your electric bill. Plus, there’s more! To make sure your recipe gets the attention it deserves, we take a couple of extra steps to make it look delicious. Our food editor will make your recipe and get fantastic professional photos taken to print in Michigan Country Lines magazine. Additionally, we’ll create an instructional “how to” video to add to your recipe page on our website. SUBMIT RECIPE The post Homemade Burgers Recipes Due by May 1 appeared first on Michigan Country Lines Ma ..read more

Share your favorite “Tacos & Margaritas” recipe with us by April 1 and you could win a $100.00 credit on your electric bill. Plus, there’s more! To make sure your recipe gets the attention it deserves, we take a couple of extra steps to make it look delicious. Our food editor will make your recipe and get fantastic professional photos taken to print in Michigan Country Lines magazine. Additionally, we’ll create an instructional “how to” video to add to your recipe page on our website. SUBMIT RECIPE The post Tacos & Margaritas Recipes Due April 1 appeared first on Michigan Cou ..read more