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Copper Country Today

357 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 18 hours ago -

A weekly in-depth interview series highlighting the people who make Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula a great place to work, play and live.

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Episodes

Copper Country Today - May 1, 2022 - Bridgefest Plans

April 30, 2022 19:42 - 26 minutes - 24.1 MB

After two years on the sideline because of COVID-19 concerns, Bridgefest will be back this year! Todd VanDyke talks with organizers Tara Arens, Katie Schleif and David Crowley about the Copper Country’s biggest summer celebration. Copper Country Today airs throughout Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula Sunday mornings at 7:00 on WOLV 97.7 FM, 8:00 WCCY 99.3 FM and 1400 AM, and 9:00 on WHKB 102.3 FM. The program is sponsored by the Portage Health Foundation.

Copper Country Today - May 1, 2022 - Women in the 1913 Copper Strike

April 30, 2022 19:37 - 24 minutes - 22.6 MB

Women played an outsized role in the historic 1913 Keweenaw copper strike. Historian Allie Penn talks with host Todd VanDyke about the groundbreaking actions they took. Copper Country Today airs throughout Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula Sunday mornings at 7:00 on WOLV 97.7 FM, 8:00 WCCY 99.3 FM and 1400 AM, and 9:00 on WHKB 102.3 FM. The program is sponsored by the Portage Health Foundation.

Copper Country Today - April 24, 2022 - Houghton Council Election - Craig Waddell

April 24, 2022 01:54 - 16 minutes - 15.4 MB

Craig Waddell, one of three candidates running for the open seat on the Houghton City Council in the May 3rd general election, talks with Todd VanDyke about the parking deck, waterfront development, and other pressing issues.  Copper Country Today airs throughout Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula Sunday mornings at 7:00 on WOLV 97.7 FM, 8:00 WCCY 99.3 FM and 1400 AM, and 9:00 on WHKB 102.3 FM. The program is sponsored by the Portage Health Foundation.

Copper Country Today - April 24, 2022 - Houghton Council Election - Robyn Johnson

April 24, 2022 01:52 - 16 minutes - 15.3 MB

Robyn Johnson, one of three candidates running for the open seat on the Houghton City Council in the May 3rd general election, talks with Todd VanDyke about the parking deck, waterfront development, and other pressing issues.  Copper Country Today airs throughout Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula Sunday mornings at 7:00 on WOLV 97.7 FM, 8:00 WCCY 99.3 FM and 1400 AM, and 9:00 on WHKB 102.3 FM. The program is sponsored by the Portage Health Foundation.

Copper Country Today - April 24, 2022 - Houghton Council Election - Mike Salmi

April 24, 2022 01:47 - 17 minutes - 16 MB

Mike Salmi, one of three candidates running for the open seat on the Houghton City Council in the May 3rd general election, talks with Todd VanDyke about the parking deck, waterfront development, and other pressing issues.  Copper Country Today airs throughout Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula Sunday mornings at 7:00 on WOLV 97.7 FM, 8:00 WCCY 99.3 FM and 1400 AM, and 9:00 on WHKB 102.3 FM. The program is sponsored by the Portage Health Foundation.

Copper Country Today - April 17, 2022 - Dial Help Sexual Assault Services

April 16, 2022 17:47 - 25 minutes - 23.3 MB

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Paige Setter-Hallwachs and Virginia Lambert from Dial Help talk with host Todd VanDyke about the services they offer, and their upcoming Puppy Parade. Copper Country Today airs throughout Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula Sunday mornings at 7:00 on WOLV 97.7 FM, 8:00 WCCY 99.3 FM and 1400 AM, and 9:00 on WHKB 102.3 FM. The program is sponsored by the Portage Health Foundation.

Copper Country Today - April 17, 2022 - Spring Weather

April 16, 2022 17:45 - 25 minutes - 23.3 MB

Spring weather in the Copper Country can be turbulent. Matt Zika from the National Weather Service talks with host Todd VanDyke about what to watch for, and how to stay safe. Copper Country Today airs throughout Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula Sunday mornings at 7:00 on WOLV 97.7 FM, 8:00 WCCY 99.3 FM and 1400 AM, and 9:00 on WHKB 102.3 FM. The program is sponsored by the Portage Health Foundation.

Copper Country Today - April 10, 2022 - State Senator Ed McBroom

April 09, 2022 20:21 - 25 minutes - 20.2 MB

The State of Michigan will spend $4.7 billion on infrastructure. What will be coming to the Copper Country, and will we get a fair share? Republican State Senator Ed McBroom breaks it down, and also discusses ideas for oversight and ethics reform in Lansing with Todd VanDyke. Copper Country Today airs throughout Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula Sunday mornings at 7:00 on WOLV 97.7 FM, 8:00 WCCY 99.3 FM and 1400 AM, and 9:00 on WHKB 102.3 FM. The program is sponsored by the Portage Health Found...

Copper Country Today - April 10, 2022 - Houghton Considers Land Sale

April 09, 2022 20:17 - 25 minutes - 20.6 MB

The City of Houghton has some land that's not being used. Where did it come from, should it be sold, and for what could the proceeds be used? City Manager Eric Waara talks with Todd VanDyke. Copper Country Today airs throughout Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula Sunday mornings at 7:00 on WOLV 97.7 FM, 8:00 WCCY 99.3 FM and 1400 AM, and 9:00 on WHKB 102.3 FM. The program is sponsored by the Portage Health Foundation.

Copper Country Today April 3, 2022 - Calumet Angel Mission

March 31, 2022 17:05 - 25 minutes - 23.3 MB

Copper Country Angel Mission Board Member Sherry Middlemis-Brown talks with Todd VanDyke about a new home for one of the Copper Country’s most vital charities, and how listeners can help make it happen. Copper Country Today airs throughout Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula Sunday mornings at 7:00 on WOLV 97.7 FM, 8:00 WCCY 99.3 FM and 1400 AM, and 9:00 on WHKB 102.3 FM. The program is sponsored by the Portage Health Foundation.

Copper Country Today April 3, 2022 - MTU Computing

March 31, 2022 17:03 - 25 minutes - 23.3 MB

Dennis Livesay and Tim Havens from Michigan Tech talk with Todd VanDyke about cutting edge computer projects at the university, and the upcoming MTU Computer Showcase. Copper Country Today airs throughout Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula Sunday mornings at 7:00 on WOLV 97.7 FM, 8:00 WCCY 99.3 FM and 1400 AM, and 9:00 on WHKB 102.3 FM. The program is sponsored by the Portage Health Foundation.

Copper Country Today - March 27, 2022 - Fire Safety

March 26, 2022 14:02 - 25 minutes - 23.2 MB

Several tragic fires have already occurred in the Keweenaw this year. Todd VanDyke talks with Jon Stone, EMS Director at Michigan Tech, Instructor for the Michigan Firefighter Training Council, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator for Aspirus Health, and member of the Stanton Township Fire Department, about the simple ways to protect ourselves and our families from fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. Copper Country Today airs throughout Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula Sunday mornings at 7:00 on ...

Copper Country Today - March 27, 2022 - Author Mike Stoumbos

March 26, 2022 13:57 - 25 minutes - 23.5 MB

Grant Dossetto talks with writer Mike Stoumbos about the Authors of the Future program. Copper Country Today airs throughout Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula Sunday mornings at 7:00 on WOLV 97.7 FM, 8:00 WCCY 99.3 FM and 1400 AM, and 9:00 on WHKB 102.3 FM. The program is sponsored by the Portage Health Foundation.

Copper Country Today 03-20-22 Cross Laminated Timber

March 19, 2022 22:08 - 23 minutes - 53.4 MB

Michigan Tech Professor Mark Rudnicki talks about his new research area, cross laminated timber. Rudnicki is looking into whether Michigan hardwoods can be used in the process. Cross laminated timber allows wood to be used in high-rise structures.

Copper Country Today 03-20-22 Calumet Electronics Expansion

March 19, 2022 22:05 - 27 minutes - 63.3 MB

Calumet Electronics COO Todd Brassard discusses the company's expansion and its long-range goals for its campus headquarters.

Copper Country Today 03-13-22 Dog sled racing

March 14, 2022 14:50 - 23 minutes - 54.2 MB

Two Asprirus Keweenaw nurses compete on the trails as mushers. Kelly Engle talks about the sport and its healing properties.

Copper Country Today 03-13-22 Calumet JROTC

March 14, 2022 14:46 - 27 minutes - 62.9 MB

Calumet High School's JROTC program is one of the oldest in the country and they have qualified for the national JLAB competition in academics for the first time ever. Learn about that and the other components of the program, made up of about 90 students. Major Michael Farley and First Sergeant Mark Powell stop by the studio.

Copper Country Today 03-06-22 Foreign Exchange Program

March 07, 2022 12:13 - 25 minutes - 59.3 MB

Lauren Scherr is the regional administrator for the foreign exchange program in the Upper Peninsula. She brought along Olivia, Hilary, and Blanca to talk about their experiences. Host families are always needed, with the next batch of students coming to the area in August.

Copper Country Today 03-06-22 Celebrate the UP!

March 07, 2022 12:10 - 25 minutes - 58.4 MB

The Upper Peninsula Environmental Coalition's Celebrate the UP forum is virtual again this year, beginning on Friday afternoon. Themed "Rewild the UP," gray wolves are in focus. Horst Schmidt and Terri Bocklund discuss the program.

Copper Country Today 02-27-22 Great Bear Chase

February 28, 2022 11:46 - 16 minutes - 15.2 MB

UP Health System - Portage is once again the title sponsor of this year's Great Bear Chase cross country ski race. Angela Luskin discusses. 

Copper Country Today 02-27-22 Houghton Parking Deck Demolition

February 28, 2022 11:46 - 34 minutes - 31.4 MB

How will the City of Houghton pay to demolish its aging parking deck? And what could potentially take its place. Manager Eric Waara talks about the public engagement process to chart the future of the valuable property.

Copper Country Today 2-20-22 Keweenaw Support 4 Healthy Minds

February 21, 2022 12:04 - 19 minutes - 44.8 MB

Michelle Morgan is part of the Copper Country's newest mental health advocacy organization, Keweenaw Support 4 Healthy Minds. Learn more here.

Copper Country Today 2-20-22 Copper Island Academy Open Enrollment

February 21, 2022 12:03 - 31 minutes - 71.9 MB

Copper Island Academy's open enrollment period is underway. Learn more about the school with principal Steve Aho.

Copper Country Today 2-13-22 Winter Carnival's Economic Impact

February 14, 2022 12:15 - 27 minutes - 25.2 MB

What does Winter Carnival mean to the economy of the Keweenaw Peninsula? Convention and Visitor Bureau Executive Director Brad Barnett discusses.

Copper Country Today 2-13-22 Calumet Art Center

February 14, 2022 12:15 - 22 minutes - 52.6 MB

Kristy Walden stops by to talk the artistic process, the different courses offered at the Calumet Art Center, and how gratifying it is to see as a student progresses in their abilities.

Copper Country Today 02-06-22 Guardians of the Keweenaw Ridge

February 07, 2022 12:47 - 22 minutes - 51 MB

Guardians of the Keweenaw Ridge provides the opposite viewpoint on the Scotia Wind Farm. Secretary James Mihelcic says there are a lot of reasons for Adams Township to reject the proposed project.

Copper Country Today 02-06-22

February 07, 2022 12:47 - 29 minutes - 67.2 MB

Circle Power Vice President Chris Moore makes the case for the Scotia Wind Farm in Adams Township.

Copper Country Today 01-30-22 Wolves Documentary

February 07, 2022 00:26 - 23 minutes - 53.6 MB

The National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation has just released a documentary on the rerelease of the gray wolf onto Isle Royale that happened in 2019. Executive Director Tom Irvine stops by with more information.

Copper Country Today 01-30-22 New UPHS - Portage CEO

February 07, 2022 00:25 - 15 minutes - 35.5 MB

Ryan Heinonen joined the program to talk about being made the permanent CEO at UP Health Systems - Portage. He's a Copper Country native and had most recently served as Chief Nursing Officer.

Copper Country Today 01-23-22 Calumet Theatre

January 24, 2022 12:08 - 29 minutes - 27.1 MB

Dan Jamison and Jacob Mihelich from the Calumet Theatre tease this year's fundraiser. Expect an announcement with full details on February 4th.

Copper Country Today 01-23-22 100th Winter Carnival

January 24, 2022 12:06 - 21 minutes - 19.9 MB

Special events for the 100th anniversary of Winter Carnival begin this Saturday. Blue Key's Ian Lawrie and Rachel May discuss what to expect from this year's event.

CCT 01-16-22 Copper Dog

January 17, 2022 12:23 - 31 minutes - 73.2 MB

Learn all about Copper Dog from organizer Doug Harrer. Coming up this Saturday, they are putting on free dog sled rides and hosting a spaghetti dinner fundraiser in Calumet.

CCT 1-16-22 Great Lakes Research Center

January 17, 2022 12:09 - 19 minutes - 45.2 MB

The Great Lakes Research Center has a new director. Learn more about Dr. Timothy Havens, who has a long history with the university as a student and faculty member in electrical and computer engineering.

CCT 01-09-22 Winter Forecast

January 09, 2022 23:25 - 23 minutes - 54.7 MB

Meteorologist Matthew Zika talks about conditions necessary for lake effect snow, how real-time temperature and snowfall data helps improve the National Weather Service forecast, and looks ahead to what we can expect for the next month.

CCT 01-09-22 Keweenaw Snowmobile Club

January 09, 2022 23:24 - 28 minutes - 64.2 MB

Ryan LaPorte, Justin Rogan, and Scott Heikkinen from the Keweenaw Snowmobile Club talk about what it takes to keep 200+ miles of trails maintained from Toivola to High Point.

Copper Country Today 1-2-22

January 02, 2022 17:24 - 1 hour - 158 MB

Happy New Year. Today's topic is the upcoming midterm election and, more specifically the Secure MI Vote imitative proposed by Republican lawmakers in Lansing. William Keith from the Houghton County Democratic Party and his GOP counterpart, Dan Holcomb, weigh in. 

Copper Country Today 12-26-21 Italian Hall Remembrance and 12 Pets of Christmas

December 27, 2021 12:22 - 25 minutes - 58.3 MB

Two guests in one segment. CLK Rotary member Joel Keranen talks about the group's efforts to remember the victims of the Italian Hall tragedy. Alexandria Guth discusses becoming treasurer of the Copper Country Humane Society and discusses 12 Pets of Christmas and Raise the Woof.

Copper Country Today 12-26-21 Copper Country Recycling Initiative

December 27, 2021 12:18 - 25 minutes - 57.3 MB

Horst Schmidt and Ginny Hemmer stop by to help you figure out how to responsibly get rid of your extra Christmas waste. From the tree to packaging, there is an option for all of it.

Copper Country Today 12-19-21 Adaptive Athletics

December 20, 2021 12:47 - 25 minutes - 58.1 MB

Houghton High School senior Maria Velat talks about coping with transverse myelitis, and learning to still compete athletically with the help of a wheelchair. She is working with Athletic Director John Sanregret to petition the MHSAA to allow adaptive athletes to take part in track and field, among other sports. 

Copper Country Today 12-19-21 Elaine Bacon Literacy Project

December 20, 2021 12:44 - 26 minutes - 59.6 MB

Learn more about the Elaine Bacon Literacy Project, which helps families of foreign students and faculty improve their English. Beth Flynn and Denise Heikinen discuss the joys of cultural exchange, the longlasting bonds formed, and some of the more humorous aspects of the experience. Learn more about the project here.

Copper Country Today 12-12-21 New Bridge

December 13, 2021 12:37 - 25 minutes - 59.4 MB

Houghton County Commissioners Tom Tikkanen and Glenn Anderson discuss the efforts of the Recreation Authority and what the news surrounding the Houghton-Douglass Falls will mean for one of the area's most prominent natural attractions. They also talk about the serious efforts underway to put a second span across the Portage Canal.

Copper Country Today 12-12-21 Auto Insurance Reform Consequences

December 13, 2021 12:35 - 25 minutes - 59.1 MB

Hancock native Shannon Perkins talks about her experience as a survivor of a traumatic car crash, and the consequences she is seeing related to Michigan's auto insurance reform. The UP is losing facilities who specialize in treating those with neurological and other brain injuries.

Copper Country Today 12-05-21 Legislative Update

December 06, 2021 11:59 - 28 minutes - 65.6 MB

State Senator Ed McBroom and State Representative Greg Markkanen discuss a range of issues from education and school safety to reciprocity agreements for the lumber industry operating between Michigan and Wisconsin.

Copper Country Today 12-05-21 Old Fashioned Christmas

December 06, 2021 11:57 - 22 minutes - 51.9 MB

Judy Evert from the Chassell Improvement Association stops by to talk Old-Fashioned Christmas happening this Friday and Saturday. Families will love the community tree lighting and a visit from Santa Claus. The next day there is lots of events at the Chassell Heritage Center, a home tour, breakfast with Chassell Schools, and a craft bazaar featuring over 80 vendors.

Copper Country Today 11-28-21 31 Backpacks

November 29, 2021 11:54 - 35 minutes - 81.2 MB

Founders Laurel and Melissa Maki discuss 31 Backpacks, an organization dedicated to ensuring nutritious meals for less fortunate students when they are not at school. There are volunteer opportunities for their weekly packs, providing food over each weekend, and for The Big Pack, designed to handle needs during the holiday break.

Copper Country Today 11-28-21 Angel Mission

November 29, 2021 11:50 - 15 minutes - 36.2 MB

Sherry Middlemis-Brown discusses the Winter Coat Drive and Angel Tree program, both happening now at the Copper Country Angel Mission based in Calumet.

Copper Country Today 11-21-21 Youthwork UP

November 22, 2021 11:52 - 23 minutes - 52.7 MB

Youthwork UP is known for its summer projects, but this year they will have a crew going throughout the winter in the Calumet area. Crew Leader Kevin Weir discusses.

Copper Country Today 11-21-21 Laurium Planning Commission

November 22, 2021 11:51 - 28 minutes - 65.2 MB

The Village of Laurium is working on a Master Plan. Council President John Sullivan stops by to talk about it. 

Copper Country Today 11-14-21 Hancock Christmas Walk

November 15, 2021 11:58 - 20 minutes - 46.9 MB

The Grinch is helping to turn Hancock into Whoville this year. Get the details and learn how you can help on Wednesday, November 24th courtesy of Carol Freeman and Deb Mann.

Copper Country Today 11-14-21 Hunting Season

November 15, 2021 11:56 - 30 minutes - 69.8 MB

Wildlife Biologist John DePue and Conservation Officer Dave Miller talk about this year's rifle season. There are no major rule changes, but antlerless permits are authorized for a portion of the listening area.