Johannesburg Family: Seeding Success Through Tradition

Ben and Alison Sklarczyk’s five-year-old daughter Morgan has a dream to be Johannesburg, Michigan’s first farmer-police officer. She and her little brother, Dane, are the...

From Capitol Hill to Co-op Storm Recovery: John Kran’s First Weeks at MECA

When John Kran stepped into his new role as president and CEO of the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association (MECA), he expected the usual whirlwind...

Grandparents at the Doorstep

By Alexandra Braddock, a Great Lakes Energy Cooperative member Building Stronger Families and Happier Childhoods When can I have a sleepover at Grammy and (Grand)Dude’s?” my...

When Business Took Flight: Runci’s Spiraling Entrance into Lowell History

By J. Joseph Mapes, a Midwest Energy & Communications member My grandfather, C. H. Runciman, moved his small family (including my 1-year-old mother) to Lowell,...

Michigan’s Majestic Castles

Michigan is home to several stunning castles, each with unique architectural beauty and an equally compelling history, making them fascinating attractions and destinations to...

Exploring Lake Superior’s Underwater Wonderland at Pictured Rocks

By Cassondra Scott Lining the pristine shores of Lake Superior from Munising to Grand Marais, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a marvel of nature. It...

The Butterfly Effect

As the ground thaws and the world warms up, one of the planet’s great travelers and most recognizable insects returns to Michigan from its...

Smart, Simple Ways to Save Energy at Home

Saving energy doesn’t have to cost a lot—or take a lot of time. You don’t need major upgrades or the latest technology to see...

A Soleful Mission

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...

A Cub, A Dream, A Legacy: The Story of Dean Oswald’s Bear Ranch

By Allie Brawley | Photos by Abby MoranThis article was originally published in Cloverland Connections, September/October 2025. When Dean Oswald was 6 years old, he and his...

Autumn Comfort Foods Recipes Due by August 1

Share your favorite “Autumn Comfort Foods” recipe with us by August 1 and you could win a $100.00 credit on your electric bill. Plus,...