Exploring Silver Lake Sand Dunes
Along the eastern shores of Lake Michigan lies an oasis in Oceana County where stunning sand dunes meet sparkling serene waters. The unique landscape...
Little Teacher, Big Lesson
Isn’t it amazing when kids teach you something you already know but haven’t bothered to practice? My 3-year-old grandson Lincoln schooled me recently. You...
Power of Co-op Communities: From the REA to Today—the Enduring Power of Connection
When the Rural Electrification Act (REA) passed in 1936, it did more than bring electric lines to farms—it powered a movement. Built by neighbors...
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...
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,...
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...
The Poet
By David Clapp, a Great Lakes Energy Cooperative member
My grandfather, Francis Merton Clapp, was born in 1897 in Genesee County, Michigan. He served in...













