Nikki Koons Manistee County Commissioner District 3

05/29/2026

Dear Friends,



Next week, Consumers Energy is taking another significant step to secure Michigan’s electric grid. Our 2027 Reliability Action Plan, which will be filed Tuesday, with the Michigan Public Service Commission, is our request for funding to support critical investments that lead to fewer and shorter power outages.

We want to build on progress that’s happening every day. Since 2021, Consumers Energy’s average electric customer experienced an hour less time without power in normal conditions. That’s a 28% drop. Consumers Energy started increasing spending on the grid late in the last decade, and we have seen direct improvements with fewer equipment problems.

This new request, which the MPSC still must approve, will allow us to move forward with customer-funded projects designed to make the grid more resilient. We plan to:

Trim more trees away from power lines
Bury more lines to protect them from Mother Nature
Invest more to fix circuits where we see repeat outages
Strategically target upgrades to prevent wildfires
Install poles that withstand stronger winds and storms
Add technology that instantly reacts to interruptions


We want to make sure you’re informed, to understand what we plan to do and what we’re already doing in your community. We want our customers to experience fewer outages -- and when the power does go out, we’re focused on restoring it as quickly as possible

Please let us know if you have questions or need more information today or at any point through the MPSC review process.



Eric D Gustad

Community Affairs Manager

Mason, Manistee, Benzie, Leelanau, Grand Traverse

Cell: (231) 233-5830



https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HxBykfQSM/

/PRNewswire/ -- Consumers Energy is taking another significant step to secure Michigan's electric grid, preparing to file its 2027 Reliability Action Plan next...

05/21/2026

US 31 Mdot road audit report

05/21/2026

https://www.michigan.gov/mdot/projects-studies/us-31-rebuilding-manistee-county

04/22/2026

It's a book lovers dream - FREE BOOKS! After record "sales" at our last Freebie Book Fair, we have decided to do it again. All the gently used books are free, and we'll have books for all ages. Remember to bring your sturdiest tote bag:

Freebie Book Fair for All:
THIS SATURDAY, April 25 from 11am-2pm & again on May 2 from 11am-2pm

https://manisteelibrary.org/manistee-county-library-calendar/ #/events/?view=month&jump=2026-04-01T00%3A00%3A00.000Z&keyword=freebie&tag=&ageGroup=&organizations=MqwV9iFrCC&pastEvents=n

04/16/2026

04/16/2026

Manistee County has officially declared a State of Emergency due to the excessive rain runoff impacting the Bear Creek Watershed and the Big Manistee Watershed. This declaration was signed by Manistee County Board Chair Jeff Dontz in coordination with Emergency Manager Alvin Rischel. All our State Elected Officials have been notified of this situation and declaration.

Current conditions have created significant strain on local infrastructure, drainage systems, and water levels throughout the affected areas. This declaration enables us to request additional resources and support to assist the Manistee County Road Commission and/or local units in managing response and mitigation efforts.

02/09/2026

Interested in learning more about Michigan Forest Association's Forest & Water Fund? Stop by our open house this Wednesday, Feb. 11 at 6:30pm for a presentation from Vic Lane to learn more!

01/12/2026

This will be at the Wellston Library Branch.

Welcome back to the library for a fun, hands-on scientific exploration with Kathryn Borowicz, Environmental Educator, from the Manistee Conservation District.

We'll learn about the homes animals build to keep warm and safe in the winter, and how they spend the winter months. This is a great opportunity for elementary homeschooling students and animal-loving kids alike! All ages are welcome. Registration is required as space is limited.

At Home in the Mitten with Manistee Conservation District, January 14 at 10:30am in Wellston

Register at: https://manisteelibrary.org/manistee-county-library-calendar/ #/events/I9tD84j3u3/instances/G6s4ebWzvb/

01/12/2026

Congratulations Tyler, you will do great! Manistee Conservation District

We’re excited to share that Tyler Dula, a member of our team since 2019, is officially stepping into the role of Executive Director!

Tyler has worn many hats around here, first serving as Conservation Technical Assistant from 2019–2023, where he worked closely with NRCS District Conservationist to help landowners access NRCS financial assistance programs—expanding specialty crop, forestry, and wildlife contracts across Manistee and Benzie counties.

From 2023–2025, he served as Conservation Specialist, where his primary focus was assisting watershed groups and lake associations with the organization and implementation of management plans, as well as helping foster and form productive, independent watershed groups.

He stepped into the Executive Director role on an interim basis in May 2025, and formally applied, interviewed, and was offered the permanent position in January 2026. He'll oversee the day-to-day operations, work to achieve our mission and financial goals, support and manage staff, develop and implement strategic plans for the future, and represent the District locally, regionally, and statewide as we continue to grow our partnerships and impact.

Tyler is grateful for the opportunity to lead our team and is excited about what the future of the MCD holds!

11/26/2025

Mark your calendar. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/178G86cafF/

Join Consumers Energy for a series of community meetings, as we gather the public’s opinion on the future of our 13 hydroelectric dams.