March 2026 Cloverland Connections

cloverland CONNECTIONS

• Manager’s Message: 2026-28 Rate Adjustment

• M ichigan 211 Connects Cloverland Members to Assistance Resources

• Keeping Boats Afloat—Behind the Scenes at MCM Marine

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cloverland

CONNECTIONS

March | April 2026

VOL. 11, NO. 2

MEMBER SERVICE CENTER

2916 W. M-28

Dafter, MI 49724

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Phone: 906-635-6800 800-562-4953

PUBLISHER: Cloverland Electric Cooperative

EDITOR: Allie Brawley, Director of Communications & Member Relations

ASSISTANT EDITOR: Abby Moran, Communications Specialist

w: cloverland.com

e: connections@cloverland.com

DESIGNED BY:

pioneerutilityresources.com

Cloverland Connections is published bimonthly with postage paid at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. It is the official publication of Cloverland Electric Cooperative, a not-for-profit, member-owned electric utility established in 1938. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Cloverland Connections, 725 E. Portage Ave., Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783. The appearance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement of products or services advertised. Cloverland Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

of Lake Michigan’s last third-generation commercial fisheries faces an uncertain

as

due to

species. Through resilience, adaptation and collaboration, the Jensen family continues fighting to preserve both a vital ecosystem and a working Great Lakes heritage.

Members acknowledge that the electric rates reflected on their bill encompass an annual subscription to Connections magazine with an annual value of $6. To opt-out of the print Connections subscription, please email memberserv@ cloverland.com.

cloverland Manager’s Message

CONNECTIONS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Email: board@cloverland.com

District A

William LaLonde, chairperson

906-298-1406 | St. Ignace Term: 2023-2026

Gerald Nettleton

906-430-0910 | DeTour Village Term: 2024-2027

Jason St. Onge

231-420-0462 | Mackinac Island Term: 2025-2028

District B

John Sawruk, vice chairperson

906-630-1287 | Sault Ste. Marie Term: 2023-2026

Patrick Egan

906-437-5526 | Brimley Term: 2024-2027

Carmine Bonacci Jr., secretary/treasurer

906-440-4063 | Sault Ste. Marie Term: 2025-2028

District C

Virgil Monroe

906-341-8808 | Manistique Term: 2023-2026

Ronald Provo

906-341-5300 | Manistique Term: 2024-2027

Kevin Vanatta

906-450-4310 | Newberry Term: 2025-2028

PRESIDENT & CEO

Mike Heise

BOARD MEETINGS

Visit cloverland.com for the board meeting schedule, agendas, call-in details and past meeting minutes. Cloverland members are welcome to participate in person or by phone.

2026-28 RATE ADJUSTMENT: MOVING FORWARD WITH TRANSPARENCY AND PURPOSE

By Mike Heise, President & CEO

In our January | February issue, I shared how Cloverland Electric Cooperative is working to build a stronger, more resilient electric system for the members we serve. Our commitment to reliability, safety and long-term affordability guided the comprehensive cost-of-service study completed in 2025. I’d like to share the outcome of that work and what it means for members in the years ahead.

A cost-of-service study is a detailed, independent analysis that examines how electricity is delivered to different member classes and ensures rates fairly reflect the actual cost of providing service. This study confirmed what we have experienced across the electric industry: rising costs for power supply, system maintenance, equipment, labor and regulatory compliance are placing sustained pressure on utility operations. At the same time, Cloverland must continue investing in infrastructure to maintain reliability across our large, rural service territory and 58 islands— often under challenging weather conditions.

Based on the study’s findings, the Cloverland Board of Directors approved a three-year, phased rate adjustment designed to minimize short-term impact while responsibly addressing long-term needs. Beginning in 2026, residential members can expect an

average rate increase of approximately 6.5% in year one, followed by the same adjustments in 2027 and 2028. Commercial and nonresidential members will see a collective average increase of approximately 9.6% in year one, also followed by stepped adjustments over the next two years.

Importantly, this approach avoids a single, larger rate increase and allows members and businesses time to plan. It also supports continued investment in system reliability, local renewable generation through our hydroelectric plant, workforce training and technology improvements that strengthen service and responsiveness.

I know any rate increase matters to household and business budgets. Please know this decision was made carefully, with a focus on fairness, transparency and long-term value for the cooperative as a whole. Detailed information about the rate adjustment, including rate tables and bill impact examples, is available at cloverland.com/2026-rateadjustment.

Cloverland exists to serve its members—not shareholders—and every decision we make is rooted in that responsibility. Thank you for your continued trust as we work together to ensure reliable, affordable power today and for generations to come.

Beginning with the July | August issue, Cloverland’s member magazine will transition from Cloverland Connections to Michigan Country Lines, a statewide cooperative publication produced by the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association (MECA). This change provides significant cost savings while continuing to feature Cloverland-specific content focused on keeping our Eastern Upper Peninsula members informed. Our popular recipe and photo contests will continue—please refer to details on Page 12.

UTILITY RATES ACROSS MICHIGAN

Even as Cloverland invests in system reliability and long-term infrastructure, its average residential electric rate remains among the lowest in the Upper Peninsula and one of the more affordable options in Michigan, according to 2024 U.S. Energy Information Administration data. Note: rates continue to fluctuate as many utilities are in the process of adjusting rates.

Chairperson’s Corner

THANK YOU FOR ENGAGING WITH YOUR COOPERATIVE

Willie LaLonde Chairperson, Cloverland Electric Board of Directors

On behalf of Cloverland Electric Cooperative’s Board of Directors, I want to sincerely thank the members who took time to attend our town hall-style community meetings in January. Your questions, comments and perspectives are an essential part of how this cooperative operates and your engagement helps guide the decisions we make on behalf of our membership.

As your elected board, we work closely with Cloverland’s staff to ensure the cooperative remains on strong financial footing while continuing to provide safe, reliable and affordable electric service. Over the past several years, that work has required careful planning, difficult conversations and a long-term view of what it takes to serve more than 34,000 members across five counties in Michigan’s Eastern Upper Peninsula. Maintaining 4,000 miles of line, serving 58 islands, responding to severe weather and investing in system infrastructure all require responsible financial stewardship.

The cost-of-service study and resulting rate adjustment are part of that work. While no one welcomes higher costs, the board’s focus has been to balance fairness, system reliability and the long-term

health of the cooperative so Cloverland can continue meeting member needs today and into the future.

As a reminder, board meetings are open to all members to attend in person or join by phone.

Meeting dates, agendas and minutes are available on Cloverland’s website.

Thank you again for being engaged, informed and invested in your cooperative. Your input strengthens Cloverland and reinforces the cooperative principle that we are strongest when members and

work together.

CO-OP DIRECTOR ELECTION VOTING ELIGIBILITY:

CO-OP DIRECTOR ELECTION VOTING ELIGIBILITY:

CO-OP DIRECTOR ELECTION VOTING ELIGIBILITY:

UPDATE YOUR ACCOUNT

UPDATE YOUR ACCOUNT

UPDATE YOUR ACCOUNT

2916 M-28

Dafter, MI 49724-9501

2916 W. M-28 Dafter, MI 49724-9501

2916 W. M-28 Dafter, MI 49724-9501

John and Susan Member

123 Anywhere St. SAULT SAINTE MARIE, MI 49783-2732

John and Susan Member 123 Anywhere St. SAULT SAINTE MARIE, MI 49783-2732

John and Susan Member 123 Anywhere St. SAULT SAINTE MARIE, MI 49783-2732

Residential members: Contact our member services team to update your account information. Members interested in voting electronically—please verify an accurate email address. Board of director elections occur in May—one director will be in each district. Ballots are mailed to the account holder’s address on file as of the date of record, March 27, 2026. If a candidate is running unopposed, ballots will not be sent to members of that district.

Residential members: Contact our member services team to update your account information. Members interested in voting electronically—please verify an accurate email address. Board of director elections occur in May—one director will be elected in each district. Ballots are mailed to the account holder’s address on file as of the date of record, March 27, 2026. If a candidate is running unopposed, ballots will not be sent to members of that district.

Residential members: Contact our member services team to update your account information. Members interested in voting electronically—please verify an accurate email address. Board of director elections occur in May—one director will be elected in each district. Ballots are mailed to the account holder’s address on file as of the date of record, March 27, 2026. If a candidate is running unopposed, ballots will not be sent to members of that district.

GoodFriday Good HOLIDAY OFFICE CLOSING Friday

For accounts held jointly, such as with a spouse, either member may cast the vote for that membership if names are both listed on the account. The eligible name(s) to cast the ballot is printed on the ballot mailing label.

For accounts held jointly, such as with a spouse, either member may cast the vote for that membership if names are both listed on the account. The eligible name(s) to cast the ballot is printed on the ballot mailing label.

For accounts held jointly, such as with a spouse, either member may cast the vote for that membership if names are both listed on the account. The eligible name(s) to cast the ballot is printed on the ballot mailing label.

Business members: The March 27 deadline applies for business accounts to have a voter designation letter on file with the co-op. Business accounts include any entity eligible to vote such as a firm, association, corporation, partnership or government unit. Organizations must designate the representative authorized to vote on its behalf by the date of record, March 27. A sample letter is available at cloverland.com. Ballots received from businesses without a voting representative will not be counted.

Business members: The March 27 deadline applies for business accounts to have a voter designation letter on file with the co-op. Business accounts include any entity eligible to vote such as a firm, association, corporation, partnership or government unit. Organizations must designate the representative authorized to vote on its behalf by the date of record, March 27. A sample letter is available at cloverland.com. Ballots received from businesses without a voting representative will not be counted.

Business The March 27 deadline applies for business accounts to have a voter designation letter on file with the co-op. Business accounts include any entity eligible to vote such as a firm, association, corporation, partnership or government unit. Organizations must designate the representative authorized to vote on its behalf by the date of record, March 27. A sample letter is available at cloverland.com. Ballots received from businesses without a voting representative will not be counted.

In observance of Good Friday, Cloverland Electric Cooperative will be closed April 3. Alternative bill pay options include:

• Cloverland.com

QUESTIONS? Contact us at 800-562-4953 or memberserv@cloverland.com

QUESTIONS? Contact us at 800-562-4953 or memberserv@cloverland.com

QUESTIONS? Contact us at 800-562-4953 or memberserv@cloverland.com

• SmartHub app

DIRECTOR ELECTION SCHEDULE:

DIRECTOR ELECTION SCHEDULE:

DIRECTOR ELECTION SCHEDULE:

• Pay-by-phone, 844-843-6837

• FEB. 27 – Last day for director nominating petitions

• FEB. 27 – Last day for director nominating petitions

• FEB. 27–Last day for director nominating petitions

• Dafter drop box

• MARCH 27–Last day to verify member of record

• MARCH 27 – Last day to verify member of record

• MARCH 27 – Last day to verify member of record

• APRIL 27–Ballots mailed to members of record

• Postal mail

• APRIL 27 – Ballots mailed to members of record

• APRIL 27 – Ballots mailed to members of record

• MAY 29–Ballots due | voting ends

• MAY 29 – Ballots due | voting ends

• MAY 29 – Ballots due | voting ends

• Auto pay

• JUNE 4 – Annual meeting of members | election results announced

• JUNE 4–Annual meeting of members | election results announced

• JUNE 4 – Annual meeting of members | election results announced

NOTICE TO MEMBERS OF CLOVERLAND ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

NOTICE TO MEMBERS OF CLOVERLAND ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

NOTICE TO MEMBERS OF D ATA PRIVACY POLIC Y

NOTICE TO MEMBERS OF D ATA PRIVACY POLIC Y

The Cloverland Electric Cooperative board of directors has adopted a policy governing the collection, use and disclosure of member account information and usage data.

The Cloverland Electric Cooperative board of directors has adopted a policy governing the collection, use and disclosure of member account information and usage data.

A full copy of the Data Privacy Policy can be found at: michigan.gov/documents/mpsc/cloverland5cur_580418_7.pdf

A full copy of the Data Privacy Policy can be found at: michigan.gov/documents/mpsc/cloverland5cur_580418_7.pdf .

If you would like a hard copy of the Data Privacy Policy, call our office at 800-562-4953 or visit our website at cloverland.com.

If you would like a hard copy of the Data Privacy Policy, call our office at 800-562-4953 or visit our website at cloverland.com.

ACCESS TO RULES AND RATES NOTICE

ACCESS TO RULES AND RATES NOTICE

We remind co-op members annually that the following information is available upon request:

We remind co-op members annually that the following information is available upon request:

• Rate schedules

• Rate schedules

• Explanation of all available rate options

• Explanation of all available rate options

• Assistance in determining most appropriate rate when eligible for multiple rates

• Assistance in determining most appropriate rate when eligible for multiple rates

•Explanation of actual energy use for each billing period

•Explanation of actual energy use for each billing period

This information is also available at cloverland.com and through our SmartHub mobile app.

This information is also available at cloverland.com and through our SmartHub mobile app

30-DAY NOTICE

Notice To Members Of Cloverland Electric Cooperative

The Board of Directors for Cloverland Electric Cooperative voted on Feb. 24, 2026, to revise its electric rates which will go into effect April 2026. Furthermore, the Board of Directors approved the supporting rate tariffs as a result of these changes.

The Cooperative retained the services of GDS Associates Inc. Engineers & Consultants to provide a cost-of-service study. GDS has recommended a three-year stepped rate plan to keep pace with rising costs and produce the revenue necessary to meet construction planning needs. The three-year step plan was preferred and recommended to ease the financial impact on members.

Residential rates will increase approximately 6.5% effective April 2026, followed by rate adjustments of 6.5% in 2027 and 2028.

Residential Facility Charge:

Charge:

Charge:

Optimization:

General Service 1

Facility Charge:

Charge:

General Service 3

Facility Charge: Energy Charge:

Large Power

Charge:

Large Power-Mining

Commercial and nonresidential rates will see a collective rate increase of approximately 9.6% effective April 2026, followed by rate adjustments of 9.6% in 2027 and 2028.

The Cooperative continues to advance its mission to improve its aging infrastructure in order to sustain electric reliability in its ultimate mission to deliver safe, reliable and affordable electricity to its members.

The Cooperative has chosen to follow the recommendations of the GDS consultants, which has resulted in the following rates for the following years under the new rate plan. The 2026 Rate is effective April 2026. The 2027 Rate is effective January 2027. The 2028 Rate is effective January 2028.

Primary Substation Distribution

Facility Charge:

Energy Charge:

Energy Capacity:

Energy Optimization: Demand Capacity:

Large Power-Choice

Facility Charge:

$200/mo.

$0.04899/kWh

$0.00503/kWh

Energy Charge: First 200 kWh/kW Energy Charge: Excess Demand Rate: $50/mo. $0.0254/kWh $0.0204/kWh

Large Power-Mining-Choice

Facility Charge: Energy Charge: Energy Optimization: Demand Rate:

Primary Substation Distribution-Choice

Facility Charge:

Charge:

Optimization:

Lighting

Charge:

175-watt Mercury Vapor

175-watt Mercury Vapor w/pole

400-watt Mercury Vapor

400-watt Mercury Vapor w/pole

100-watt High Pressure Sodium

100-watt High Pressure Sodium w/pole

250-watt High Pressure Sodium w/pole

250-watt High Pressure Sodium

60-watt LED

60-watt LED w/pole

164-watt LED

164-watt LED w/pole Energy Optimization

Street Lighting

400-watt High Pressure Sodium

250-watt High Pressure Sodium

150-watt High Pressure Sodium

100-watt High Pressure Sodium

400-watt Mercury Vapor

250-watt Mercury Vapor

175-watt Mercury Vapor

2,500 Lumen Incandescent

60-watt LED

164-watt LED Energy Optimization

$13.39/mo.

$15.35/mo.

$21.99/mo.

$23.94/mo.

$10.24/mo.

$12.20/mo.

$19.41/mo.

$17.45/mo.

$10.39/mo.

$12.35/mo.

$12.12/mo.

$14.07/mo.

$0.13/light/mo.

$21.99/mo.

$17.45/mo.

The Power Supply Cost Recovery (PSCR) Factor cap will change from $0.0125/kWh to $0.02500/kWh, effective April 2026. As required by 2008 PA 167, the Cooperative is providing members with written notice of the adoption of the new rates by publishing this notice at least 30 days prior to the rate’s effective date. A full copy of the current and proposed rate tariffs are available online at cloverland.com or by request at the Cooperative. Rate tariffs will be filed with the Michigan Public Service Commission as required.

Cloverland Members: You May Qualify for Energy Assistance

If you’re struggling to keep up with your electric bill, help is available.

Funding requirements for the Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) have expanded. That means Cloverland members who were previously denied assistance may now qualify for help. Apply now while funding remains available!

HOW TO APPLY

Applying is simple—call 211 or visit 211.org.

A trained specialist will help you connect with MEAP funding and other local assistance programs. It’s free, confidential and available now.

This outreach is sponsored by Cloverland Electric Cooperative, in partnership with Chippewa Luce Mackinac Community Action and the Upper Peninsula Commission for Area Progress, working together to ensure energy assistance reaches the communities we serve.

TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR ENERGY USE

Cloverland’s Home Energy Usage Tool is your go-to resource for understanding how energy is used in your home—and how to use less of it. Designed for members who want more insight and control over their energy bills, this free, intuitive tool connects directly to your Cloverland account to deliver personalized, easy-tounderstand information.

By creating a customized home profile, you can enter details such as your home’s square footage, number of occupants and appliances. The tool then analyzes your actual energy use and shows you where your electricity is going each month, including:

• Always-on

• R efrigeration

• Heating

• Cooling

• Water heating

• Lighting

• Cooking

• Entertainment

• Laundry

Even better, the tool provides actionable tips tailored to your home, from smart thermostat suggestions to simple habit changes tha t can help lower your bill and improve efficiency. You’ll gain a clearer picture of your energy habits—and learn practical ways to reduce costs.

Getting started is easy:

• Register for a free SmartHub account

• Build your home profile (takes about five minutes)

• Track your energy use and start discovering ways to save

Your energy data holds powerful insights. Start using our Home Energy Usage Tool today and put those insights to work for your home and budget.

Go to Cloverland.com/ home-energy-usage-tool to watch a how-to video series.

Coming This Summer: Member Magazine Transition

Now that Cloverland is part of the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association, or MECA, we will transition our bimonthly member magazine, Cloverland Connections, to Michigan Country Lines, beginning with the July | August issue. This move allows us to be part of a statewide publication, share Cloverland stories with other cooperatives and achieve significant cost savings in production and postage—a direct benefit to our members as we continue to be mindful stewards of your dollars. Members can expect customized content focused on Cloverland and our EUP service area, and rest assured—our popular recipe and photo contests will continue with a new submission process. We’re proud of the 11 volumes of Cloverland Connections and excited to collaborate with the MECA team on this next chapter!

Note: Our member magazine is the primary way Cloverland communicates important cooperative information to our membership, including required notices such as the annual report and rate adjustment information, which must be mailed to all members. Members who prefer not to receive nonessential print issues may opt out by providing a valid email address to our Member Services team at 800-562-4953.

CULINARY CURRENTS: PIZZA PARTY

Kristi Werner, of Cedarville, shared, “We have a pizza oven and will set up a toppings bar and everyone makes their own. A favorite version is made with no pizza sauce! Use a drizzle of olive oil on top of crust and spread with some fig jam. Top with fresh mozzarella, bacon, sausage and mushrooms. Any toppings go well with the fig jam—think salty and sweet!”

• 1 tablespoon yeast

• 1 ½ cups warm water

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ cup sourdough (optional)

• 3 ½ cups flour

Italian pizza toppings:

Olive oil, sliced fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, peppers, onions, mushrooms, olives, sausage, minced garlic, basil, oregano, parsley and fennel. Top with Parmesan or Asiago cheese.

Instructions:

Dissolve yeast in water, then add oil and salt. Stir in half of the flour. Add sourdough and remaining flour. Knead until smooth. Let rise once. Makes two large or three medium pizzas. Roll out dough. Spread with olive oil. Top with veggies and meat. Sprinkle with herbs and cheese. Bake at 400 F for 20-30 minutes.

Culinary Currents depends on your submissions to share with members!

Great Lakes Gatherings

From dockside lunches and family picnics to campfires and cabin weekends, Great Lakes Gatherings highlights the perfect picnic dishes that bring Michigan communities together all summer long.

Deadline: March 15

Submit recipes to connections@cloverland.com or Cloverland Connections, 725 E. Portage Ave., Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783. Members whose recipes are printed in 2026 Connections are eligible for a $100 electric bill credit. One winner per year.

Power Line Pruning—Trimming for Safety & Reliability 2026 TREE - TRIMMING PLANS

Cloverland contractors, Chop Tree Service, Wright Tree Service and Davey Tree, will clear rights of way along high-voltage power lines. Cloverland maintains a total of 4,056 miles of line, with approximately 300 miles scheduled for clearance in 2026 across our Eastern Upper Peninsula service territory.

Scheduled work will occur across:

District A: Clark, DeTour, Drummond Island, Marquette, Pickford and Raber townships.

District C: Garfield, Hudson, Doyle, Manistique, Hiawatha, Inwood and Thompson townships.

Additional maintenance work may occur across Cloverland’s service territory.

Safe clearances are maintained by removing select trees and pruning limbs along power lines. Crews are identified by the company logo on their vehicles and identification badges.

Contact Cloverland at 800-562-4953 if you are concerned about vegetation in proximity of your service line.

Our tree-trimming process involves two phases to ensure efficient and thorough work.

Trimming: The first crew trims the limbs and branches, leaving them in piles.

Chipping: The second crew follows to chip the trimmed branches.

There may be a two- to four-week gap between phases, so you may notice branches accumulating during this period. Thank you for your understanding and patience.

Members affected by 2026 tree trimming plans will be notified in advance by email and automated phone message. Call 800-562-4953 to update your email or phone number to stay informed.

Jensen’s Fishery Holds the Line

Protecting Whitefish and a Great Lakes Way of Life

Resting at the pier at Jensen’s Fishery in Manistique, is the J.R. Jensen, an 80-yearold steel boat and a working relic that has survived storms, economic collapse and generations of sunrises and sunsets. The air carries the scent of diesel fuel, wet rope and fish, an aroma belonging to families who never sought fame—only a fair catch.

Inside the boat, gillnets are packed neatly into large black bins, ready to be tied together and set into the lake, forming a fence that can stretch nearly 2 miles. These nets hold more than fish. They carry stories of days full and days empty.

For the Jensen family, fishing is a lineage. Bob Jensen earned his commercial fishing license at age 12, and he has worked Lake Michigan for 70 years. His son, Joe, now 46, guides the boat with instincts learned over decades beside his father. Their understanding of the lake runs deeper than charts or data sheets, shaped by experience and time.

Jensen’s Fishery is one of the last thirdgeneration, family-run fisheries on Lake Michigan. It has endured storms, recessions and regulations, but the threat it faces now is quieter and more devastating: the disappearance of whitefish.

Near the helm rests a weathered logbook, the family fishing journal, filled with thousands of daily entries. Inside are coordinates of both fortune and failure, fishing grounds first discovered by Bob and

entrusted to Joe. In recent years, Joe turns the pages to find once-productive locations now marked with a single word: NONE.

For over a century, whitefish anchored the Lake Michigan fishery and sustained coastal communities. Today, boats often return with nearly empty holds, burning more money on fuel than the value of the fish they bring back. The decline is not the result of overfishing, but of ecological change.

Invasive zebra and quagga mussels arrived in the ballast water of oceangoing ships and spread rapidly across the lakebed. These tiny filter feeders cleared the water, making the lake appear cleaner, but in doing so, they stripped away algae that sustained the food web. The loss of diporeia—small, shrimp-like organisms that feed whitefish—has left young fish unable to survive to maturity. Without food, there is no next generation.

Climate change compounds the problem. Warming waters disrupt spawning cycles and alter the lake’s natural rhythm. Clearer water allows ultraviolet light to penetrate deeper, exposing eggs and newly hatched fish that once developed safely in murkier conditions. Whitefish now struggle to find both food and shelter and the population is aging.

The nets tell the story. Some days, they bring up more mussels than fish. The lakebed itself is now nearly covered in shells,

CLOCKWISE FROM RIGHT: Lake trout greatly outnumber whitefish. Invasive zebra and quagga mussels caught in fishing nets. Most of Lake Michigan’s bottom is covered with mussels. There are few open spots left. Joe Jensen ensures the gillnet pulls up evenly into the boat and that the fish are not lost.

and nets can return so heavy with zebra and quagga mussels that the bottom of the boat fills inches deep. The question is no longer just how many fish are caught, but whether fish remain at all.

Still, the Jensens persist. The fight for survival is quiet—no protests, no banners, just steady determination. They experiment with sustainable net designs, shift fishing grounds and work alongside tribal fishers whose treaty rights and ancestral knowledge extend far deeper than modern records. Together with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, university biologists and tribal natural resource crews, the family is working to rebuild what has been lost—one hatchling at a time.

Those who fish the lake daily often become its strongest defenders. On any given day, they are conservationists, mechanics and mussel collectors, and if they are fortunate, whitefish fishers. Always, they are stewards of a legacy that refuses to quit.

When the J.R. Jensen returns to the dock, Joe calls local distributors to report the day’s catch. On good days, buyers wait eagerly. On lean days, which are increasingly common, no one comes. Joe stocks his own store and smokes his own fish to keep the business alive. There are easier ways to make a living in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, but few carry this much history or identity.

If the whitefish disappear, the loss will reach far beyond ecology. A culture will vanish. So will the stories held in nets and waves, the knowledge passed through generations by watching water and weather and a working heritage that fed communities long before supermarket frozen aisles. This fish, once a staple of the Great Lakes, could be lost forever.

Yet there is still time.

Lake Michigan can heal, but only through cooperation: policy guided by science, funding for hatcheries, partnerships grounded in trust and a shared belief that the old ways still matter.

Joe Jensen and his crew will continue to rise before dawn, pushing their boat into wind and waves in search of whitefish—not because success is guaranteed, but because hope, like the lake itself, is still worth fishing for.

Robert Miller grew up in Michigan and splits his time between Canton and Thompson, where he lives on the shores of Lake Michigan. A National Geographic author and photojournalist, Robert’s visual storytelling assignments span worldwide. Learn more at robertmiller.com.

Amplifying Member Awareness

CLOVERLAND ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

NOV. 4, 2025, REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD

CALL TO ORDER

A regular meeting of the board of directors was held on Tuesday, November 4 at 9:30 a.m. The board met in person at CEC’s admin building and the membership was able to attend in-person or by using the call-in number.

Chairperson LaLonde called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m.

ROLL CALL

Roll call was taken and the following directors were in attendance: Chairperson LaLonde, Vice Chairperson Sawruk and Directors Monroe, Provo, Egan, Nettleton, and Vanatta. Secretary/ Treasurer Bonacci arrived after roll call.

President and CEO Mike Heise, COO Pat Frazier, Executive Coordinator Julie Chadwick, Director of Finance Jillian Tomkinson and board attorney Evashevski were also in attendance.

AGENDA

A motion was made by Director Vanatta, supported by Director Monroe to approve the agenda as presented. A roll call vote was taken, all directors voted in favor and the motion passed unanimously.

M INUTES

A motion was made by Director Provo, supported by Director Monroe to approve the minutes from the September board meeting. All directors voted in favor and the motion passed unanimously.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Ms. Witucki thanked the staff and board members for appearing at the community event this summer.

BOARD CONCERNS

Director Vanatta appreciated the mutual aid efforts being made.

Director Egan informed the board that he met with a member of Marquette Power.

Vice Chairperson Sawruk shared appreciation for the work done by Cloverland’s tree crew.

P RESIDENT AND CEO REPORT

Mr. Heise reviewed his report as previously presented to the board of directors. Mr. Heise informed the board that MECA’s board would be voting later in the month to allow Cloverland to join MECA in January. Mr. Heise attended the Sault Ste Marie city council meeting on Monday, November 3.

Secretary/Treasurer Bonacci entered the meeting at 9:40 a.m.

Mr. Heise also reviewed the PSCR report as previously presented to the board. Director Egan confirmed with Director of Generation Roger Line water and headgate status. Vice Chairperson Sawruk asked Mr. Line to report on the progress of the canal work this year. Director Egan asked if we received the capacity adjustment from September.

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER REPORT

Mr. Frazier asked if there were any questions on

his previously presented report, the board had none. Mr. Frazier had no additional information to share at this time.

DIRECTOR OF FINANCES REPORT

Ms. Tomkinson reviewed the financial highlights as well as all financial reports as previously presented to the board of directors. There are currently 0.5 percent of members that are 90-days past due.

CONSENT AGENDAS

A motion was made by Vice Chairperson Sawruk, supported by Director Vanatta to approve the consent agendas as presented.

Director Egan asked about the status of member payments at banks/outposts. Director Provo asked how the status of the board’s cyber security training has been progressing.

All directors voted in favor and the motion passed unanimously.

CHAIRPERSON OF THE BOARD REPORT

Chairperson LaLonde thanked all staff for their hard work as well as the board’s commitment to Cloverland.

ATTORNEY REPORT

Ms. Evashevski will provide her report in executive session.

OLD BUSINESS

There was no old business at this time.

N EW BUSINESS

A motion was made by Director Provo, supported by Secretary/ Treasurer Bonacci to approve the estate retirements in the amount of $19,563.88. A roll call vote was taken, all directors voted in favor and the motion passed unanimously.

A motion was made by Director Vanatta, supported by Director Egan to approve the 2026 Director election materials. A roll call vote was taken, all directors voted in favor and the motion passed unanimously.

A motion was made by Vice Chairperson Sawruk, supported by Director Monroe to approve the 2026 board meeting calendar. A roll call vote was taken, all directors voted in favor and the motion passed unanimously.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

A motion was made by Director Vanatta, supported by Director Nettleton to enter into

executive session at 10:13 a.m. All directors voted in favor and the motion passed unanimously. The board took a break before starting executive session at 10:27 a.m.

REGULAR SESSION

A motion was made by Vice Chairperson Sawruk, supported by Director Nettleton to enter into regular session at 1:21 p.m. All directors voted in favor and the motion passed unanimously.

ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by Director Vanatta, supported by Secretary/Treasurer Bonacci to adjourn the meeting at 1:22 p.m. All directors voted in favor and the motion passed unanimously.

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CLOVERLAND ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

DEC. 10, 2025, REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD

EXECUTIVE SESSION

The board met at 8:49 a.m. for executive session, adjourning at 9:05 a.m.

CALL TO ORDER

A regular meeting of the board of directors was held on Tuesday, December 10 at 9:30 a.m. The board met in person at CEC’s admin building and the membership was able to attend in-person or by using the call-in number.

Chairperson LaLonde called the regular meeting to order at 9:31 a.m.

ROLL CALL

Roll call was taken and the following directors were in attendance: Chairperson LaLonde, Vice Chairperson Sawruk and Directors Provo, Egan, Nettleton, St. Onge and Vanatta. Director Monroe was unable to attend the meeting. President and CEO Mike Heise, COO Pat Frazier, Executive Coordinator Julie Chadwick, Director of Finance Jillian Tomkinson and board attorney Evashevski were also in attendance.

AGENDA

Mr. Heise informed the board that there will be a Resolution added to new business.

A motion was made by Vice Chairperson Sawruk, supported by Director Vanatta to approve the agenda as amended. A roll call vote was taken, all directors voted in favor and the motion passed unanimously.

MINUTES

A motion was made by Director Provo, supported by Secretary/Treasurer Bonacci to approve the minutes as presented. A roll call vote was taken, all directors voted in favor and the motion passed unanimously.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Ms. Witucki thanked the board for holding open meetings as well as the quick restoration of power outages.

BOARD CONCERNS

There were no board concerns at this time.

P RESIDENT AND CEO REPORT

Mr. Heise reviewed his report as previously presented to the board of directors. Mr. Heise has continued discussing community’s interest in the training center. Mr. Heise reviewed the PSCR as previously presented.

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER REPORT

Mr. Frazier asked if any board members had questions regarding his previously presented report. Mr. Frazier discussed future supply opportunities. Vice Chairperson Sawruk congratulated Mr. Frazier and his department on the ongoing progress of UP Paper.

FINANCIAL REPORTS

Ms. Tomkinson reviewed the financials as previously presented to the board of directors.

CONSENT AGENDAS

A motion was made by Vice Chairperson Sawruk, supported by Director Vanatta to approve the consent agendas as presented. A roll call vote was taken, all directors voted in favor and the motion passed unanimously.

CHAIRPERSON OF THE BOARD REPORT

Chairperson LaLonde thanked the staff and board for all their hard work and wished everyone a Merry Christmas.

ATTORNEY REPORT

Ms. Evashevski had nothing to report.

O LD BUSINESS

There was no old business at this time.

N EW BUSINESS

A motion was made by Director St. Onge, supported by Secretary/Treasurer Bonacci to approve the estate retirements in the amount of $13,686.90. A roll call vote was taken, all directors voted in favor and the motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Heise discussed the necessity of a rate increase. Mr. Heise introduced Mr. Schneider of GDS Associates, Inc. to discuss the Cost of Service study as previously presented to the board of directors.

A motion was made by Director Vanatta, supported by Secretary/Treasurer Bonacci to approve the Cost of Service Study results as presented today, including the multiple year increase concept. A roll call vote was taken, all directors voted in favor and the motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Heise and Ms. Tomkinson reviewed the 2026 budget presentation as previously presented to the board of directors.

A motion was made by Vice Chairperson Sawruk, supported by Secretary/Treasurer Bonacci to approve the 2026 budget as presented on December 10, 2025 based on the following: TIER estimate 1.62, OTIER estimate 1.21, PSCR basing point $0.065/kWh, PSCR factor $0.0125/kWh, maximum authorized PSCR factor $0.0125/kWh, PSCR revenue $9,172,709, net margins $2,908,281, capital spending budget $28 million and capital credit retirements $750,000. A roll call vote was taken, all directors voted in favor and the motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Perman, Director of Energy Services, discussed the Garden solar project as previously presented to the board of directors.

A motion was made by Director Nettleton, supported by Director Egan to authorize Michael B. Heise, President and CEO of Cloverland, to negotiate and execute any and all documents necessary and to make all payments necessary, to effectuate the installation of the purchased assets and rights that were approved by the board under Resolution 2025-04 at the March 25, 2025 meeting and as outlined in the memo presented to the board. A roll call vote was taken, all directors voted in favor and the motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Heise reviewed the 2026-2029 Energy Waste Reduction (EWR) plan with the board of directors as previously presented to the board of directors.

A motion was made by Secretary/Treasurer Bonacci, supported by Vice Chairperson Sawruk to approve the 2026-2029 EWR plan as presented. A roll call vote was taken, all directors voted in favor and the motion passed unanimously.

A motion was made by Director Egan, supported by Secretary/Treasurer Bonacci to approve the 2026 CEO contract. A roll call vote was taken, all directors voted in favor and the motion passed unanimously.

A motion was made by Director St. Onge, supported by Secretary/Treasurer Bonacci to approve Resolution 2025-10. A roll call vote was taken, all directors voted in favor and the motion passed unanimously.

NEXT REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD

The next regular meeting of the board will be Tuesday, January 27 at 9:30 a.m. at Cloverland’s administration building.

ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by Vice Chairperson Sawruk, supported by Director Vanatta to adjourn the meeting at 11:31 a.m. A roll call vote was taken, all directors voted in favor and the motion passed unanimously.

Cloverland board meetings are open for all members to attend. Board meeting dates, agendas and minutes are available on cloverland.com or by request (contact our member services team at 800-562-4953).

STAY AWAY FROM DOWNED LINES

NEVER DRIVE OVER A DOWNED POWER LINE.

STAY AT LEAST 50 FEET AWAY.

Always assume a downed power line is energized and dangerous, even if it’s not sparking or making noise. Know what to do to save lives.

Keep your distance:

•Stay at least 50 feet away.

•Do not touch the line, or anything or anyone it’s touching.

•Warn others to stay far back.

•Do not touch or step in water near a downed line. Water conducts electricity and creates a dangerous mix.

•Call 911 and state it’s an electrical emergency.

If you’re inside your vehicle:

If you must exit the vehicle due to fire or other danger:

K EEPING BOATS AFLOAT –B EHIND THE SCENES AT MCM MARINE

Keeping commercial boats in good repair is crucial to getting people to and from local islands, moving products up and down the St. Marys River and meeting critical needs of the Coast Guard and other agencies.

What many locals may not know is that a small company located on the bank of the lower St. Marys River in Sault Ste. Marie works year-round to keep these boats in good condition to meet these needs.

MCM Marine Inc., formerly Twin City Dry Dock, has been serving boats that ply the river since 1970, according to Shipyard Superintendent Charlie Bumstead. Thanks to his team of welders and other mechanics, boats like the Sugar Island Ferry and Coast Guard cutter Buckthorn can safely perform their duties.

Neil Moran

The next closest dry dock is 420 miles away in Superior, Wisconsin, says Bumstead, which makes MCM the preferred company to service these vessels.

“We’ve got a pretty big customer base,” says Bumstead. “It currently tops 150.”

The company ser vices ferries for Sugar Island, Neebish Island and Drummond Island, as well as vessels for the U.S. Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, all local tugboats and an occasional freighter. MCM Marine is also called on periodically for emergency repairs.

“If it floats, we work on it,” says Bumstead.

When a boat comes into the shipyard, the first chore is to place it in a dry dock. Bumstead says several years ago, the company fashioned a dry dock out of an old tugboat barge. The dry dock process begins by opening 10 valves on a vertical wall—five on each side. The valves have 12-inch openings and begin to fill up, sinking the platform down into the water. Then the MCM crew brings the vessel forward over the surface of the platform and starts pumping water out with six 12-inch pumps, allowing the loaded barge to return to the surface. The vessel sits on solid wood beams to be serviced.

U.S.

Shipyard Superintendent Charlie Bumstead oversees operations at MCM Marine Inc., where nearly every vessel on the St. Marys River—ferries, research boats and Coast Guard ships alike—depends on skilled hands and problem-solving to stay mission-ready.

in dry dock at MCM Marine Inc., where extensive structural steel repairs, piping upgrades, propulsion shaft inspections, new shaft bearings and full hull sandblasting and painting prepare the vessel to safely return to service.

“It’s capable of lifting 2,000 tons,” says Bumstead. “It’s really pretty amazing.”

Bumstead’s team of seven workers, including himself, get to work on the vessel. It often includes cutting out and replacing sections of a hull where the constant wear and tear of the water and exposure to road salt corrodes the steel.

“People don’t realize that salt off of vehicles on the ferries degrades the vessel over time,” says Bumstead.

Bumstead says he also must be ready for the unexpected. One evening he received a call about a freighter with a crack in the bottom and was “shooting water like Old Faithful.” He was called out to fix the leak by installing a “hog,” to pinch off the incoming deluge of water and build a steel box around it to fill with cement.

“Anything that gets them on their way,” says Bumstead of the repair, which took 21 hours to complete.

In addition, MCM Marine sandblasts and paints the boats. As locals may recall, over two years ago. Drummond Island’s backup ferry had to be used while the Sugar Islander II was dr ydocked for painting and maintenance. It took time, but when completed, Bumstead says, “it looked like a million bucks!”

The Coast Guard requires ferries and tour boats to be inspected every five years. MCM has an ultrasound machine that measures the thickness of the hull. Once it is wasted to 25% of its thickness, it requires repair. The crew gets to work by cutting out a section of the hull and replacing it with new steel.

Bumstead and his crew have also replaced motors, props and just about anything that needs to be repaired. Most of the trades are involved in the work they do, including welding, plumbing and HVAC. Much of the electrical work is completed by subcontractors. They use a stick weld on the hulls, which is the cleanest weld.

Prior to coming to MCM, Bumstead worked at a fabricating plant in Kinross until it closed. He was encouraged to apply at MCM, despite a lack of knowledge of boats. His mechanical aptitude and willingness to work hard to learn the ropes over five years allowed him to become head of operations.

“I like the challenge,” says Bumstead. “On a house, everything is square and plumb. With a boat, you throw out a square and level, it’s all angles. It’s kind of a lost art. I enjoy it and even after 30 years, I’m learning new things all the time.”

Neil Moran has been contributing articles to Cloverland Connections and Michigan Country Lines for over three decades. He is an avid gardener and has written three books on gardening, most notably "North Country Gardening: Simple Secrets to Successful Northern Gardening." Neil and his wife, Sherri, reside just south of Sault Ste. Marie.

SPRING SCENES

1. Lilacs in early bloom.

—Susan Hamberg, Cedarville

2. Spring sunset.

Ashley Geisz, Goetzville

3. My butterfly chasing a butterfly.

—Misty Murdock, Kincheloe

4. Mackinac Island tulips in bloom!

—Emily Taylor, Manistique

May

5. The Crisp Point Lighthouse Historical Society completes spring road cleanup.

—Judy Umlor, Trout Lake

6. Morel mushrooms waiting for harvest.

—Deanna Long, Cedarville

7. Rylynn Krupa enjoys every season the UP springs upon us.

—Juanette Hakola, Rudyard

8. Springtime hide-and-seek with my nephew.

—Kristan Brady, Kinross

9. The first lilacs bloom on my tree.

—Angela Smart, Brimley

10. A sure sign of spring after the winter ice melts!

—Sara Berry, Sault Ste. Marie

11. Nothing says spring like the determination of crocuses pushing through the fall leaves.

—Brenda Ransom, Sault Ste. Marie

Cloverland’s Energy Optimization program offers cash rebates for the purchase of qualifying ENERGY STAR® home appliances — and a limited number of free recycling appointments!

*Must be ENERGY STAR® qualified.