Hometown Escanaba artwork

Hometown Escanaba

89 episodes - English - Latest episode: 16 days ago -

Connecting with the people, activities and newsmakers of Escanaba and Michigan‘s Upper Peninsula.

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Episodes

Kiwanis Home & Garden Show kicks off Spring at U.P. State Fairgrounds

April 08, 2024 14:42 - 14 minutes - 13.5 MB

Escanaba Kiwanis will be flipping pancakes this weekend at the annual Kiwanis Home & Garden Show and Pancake Days at the U.P. State Fairgrounds. Gordy Fitch says pancakes have long been the main attraction at the show. They are being served throughout the weekend. Mike Markwell says there are a lot of vendors signed up for the show that can help you get a jump start on Spring around your home. The Home and Garden Show runs Friday, April 12, from 5 to 8 p.m., Saturday, April 13, from 9 a.m....

Judge Davis to ask audience to render verdict on retrial of 1859 homicide

April 08, 2024 14:04 - 14 minutes - 13.7 MB

Former Circuit Court Judge Stephen Davis wants your help in solving a murder. Those who attend the Delta County Historical Society’s presentation on Wednesday will be sworn in as jurors to help solve the mystery of a retrial that never occurred involving a homcide in 1859. His presentation titled “Death at the Castle on the Shore” involves a shooting at a home being invaded on Seul Choix Point on June 18, 1859, which was then part of Delta County. The man was convicted but the State Suprem...

Escanaba City Band enjoys 100 years of community performance

March 18, 2024 18:14 - 20 minutes - 18.7 MB

Members of the Escanaba City Band are getting ready to celebrate its 100th anniversary this year with special events, recognition and performances. The city band held its first organizational meeting on March 18, 1924, at the Escanaba City Hall. They have been playing ever since. Band Director Bruce Cassell, Business Manager Andrea Sullivan and Centennial Celebration Chair Amy Chown talk about the celebration. John Chown, 93, talks about continuing to play trumpet in the band.

Robomo Radio — Episode 2

March 06, 2024 20:11 - 32 minutes - 30 MB

Members of the Robomos talk about the upcoming FIRST Robotics District Competition that will be held at the Escanaba High School March 7-9. Interviews are with Marie Young and Jamie Peterson. 

Canull reflects on the music scene in Escanaba

March 01, 2024 10:40 - 25 minutes - 23.2 MB

Music is becoming a big part of the entertainment scene in Escanaba. Mike Canull of the Stonewall talks about how that has affected the community and some of the activities upcoming in the area. Includes a song from Stonewall and a parody written by Canull.

Robomo Radio - Episode 1

February 29, 2024 00:40 - 24 minutes - 22.1 MB

Members of the Escanaba Robomos robotics team are putting together a program on their program. Each week, they will offer interviews, reviews and robotic information.

Few Delta County residents voted early in Presidential primary

February 27, 2024 10:59 - 6 minutes - 6.02 MB

Very few people took advantage of early voting in Delta County. Voters could vote in person at the Wells Township Hall during nine days before the election. Delta County Clerk Nancy Przewrocki says the process went well but the result was costly for the county.

'Lumberjacks in Love' takes to the Bonifas Arts Center stage

February 27, 2024 10:50 - 13 minutes - 18.4 MB

Players de Noc’s musical comedy “Lumberjacks in Love” opens Thursday at the Bonifas Arts Center Theater in Escanaba. The play includes four lumberjacks, a mail-order bride and a woman disguised as a man. Jim Soderberg plays Muscrat, one of the lumberjacks at a camp in Northern Wisconsin. He says the production is a lot of fun. He is joined by Sam Komay.

Yooper Squirrel Derby program to support youth shooting team, Delta Crushers

February 26, 2024 16:40 - 17 minutes - 16.2 MB

Colter Lubben talks about the 9th Annual Yooper Squirrel Derby that will be held in Nahma on March 16. It is a fun time small game hunting, with prizes and a program that supports the youth shooting sports team, Delta Crushers. Lubben has a passion for small game hunting and he is looking to expand the event.

RADIO SHOW: Friday with Craig Woerpel

February 23, 2024 23:01 - 48 minutes - 44.4 MB

Kristine Hovland joins Craig Woerpel to explain her dreams, talk about acting characteristics and explain cat behavior. Dave Schaaf talks about his son's new beer and Jim Hansen keeps an eye on the ice in hopes of launching his sailboat.

RADIO SHOW: Thursday with Craig Woerpel

February 22, 2024 16:12 - 45 minutes - 41.9 MB

Bruce Belanger joins Craig Woerpel for a fun morning of laughs and camaraderie. Talk is about the Great Lakes Timber Show, letting the snow melt rather than shovel, traveling the Upper Peninsula and referring basketball games.

Delta County begins expansion at Fuller Park

February 22, 2024 00:43 - 26 minutes - 24.6 MB

Delta County is going to proceed on development of a day use area at Fuller Park despite a procedural glitch that is delaying funding. The board Tuesday voted to refer the issue to its finance committee before considering the full package. Commissioner Bob Peterson says in the meantime, the board approved up to $15,000 to start the project.

RADIO SHOW: Wednesday with Craig Woerpel

February 22, 2024 00:31 - 50 minutes - 46.4 MB

Craig Woerpel is joined with Joe Hellberg, Wendy Pepin, his wife Patty and Jim Hansen. Joe talks about his band Merrier Orchestra Revival and effort to recover music. Wendy joins us for Wendy Wednesday Blues for a Cause Pick of the Week. Patty remembers her time on Escanaba High School teams. Jim reminds us of a Red Cross blood drive.

Bleacher renovations begin at Escanaba High School gym

February 20, 2024 17:34 - 16 minutes - 14.8 MB

Escanaba School Superintendent Coby Fletcher talks about the renovations of the bleachers at the Escanaba Jr. and Sr. High School gymnasium, the hiring of a new principal and presentations by Lemmer music students and Upper Elementary robotics program.

RADIO SHOW: Tuesday with Craig Woerpel

February 20, 2024 16:52 - 54 minutes - 49.6 MB

Marvin Szukalowski joins Craig Woerpel to talk about ice conditions on Little Bay de Noc, ebikes and the need to get along with one another no matter our differences. Plus, Marv explains his song, "Lucy Come Find Me."

Gladstone schools prepare for Gov. Whitmer's free preschool proposal

February 20, 2024 15:05 - 14 minutes - 13.2 MB

Jay Kulbertis, superintendent of the Gladstone and Rapid River schools, says they are being the discussion on how to handle a preschool program if required by the state. Gladstone School Board also approve a budget amendment as Kulbertis keeps on eye on how the state budget might be progressing.

RADIO SHOW: Monday with Craig Woerpel

February 19, 2024 15:50 - 1 hour - 55 MB

Phil Lynch joins Craig Woerpel to play records from extended U.P. family members. He recaps his Louis Armstrong presentation at Bay College, talks curling and the art of creating. Includes his U.P. UFO song from a year ago.  

Anthony discusses bear hunting, furbearer regulations, other NRC issues

February 17, 2024 15:37 - 39 minutes - 35.7 MB

Michigan Natural Resources Commission member Dave Anthony talks about bear hunting, antler point restrictions, furbearer regulations and the process of the Deer Management Initiative being put together by the Department of Natural Resources.

Escanaba to purchase Renewable Energy Certificates to meet new energy law

February 16, 2024 23:28 - 16 minutes - 15.2 MB

Even though Escanaba has its own solar farm, the new energy laws in Michigan will require the city to purchase Renewable Energy Certificates to offset the use of energy not considered renewable. City Manager Jim McNeil says the amount of solar energy produced in Escanaba does not produce enough energy to meet the new state requirements.

RADIO SHOW: Friday with Craig Woerpel

February 16, 2024 16:55 - 58 minutes - 53.6 MB

Kevin Chown joins Craig Woerpel Friday on the WDBC morning show. Talks about the House Band playing at Leigh's Garden Winery last Saturday night and what is happening in Escanaba. Jim Hansen joins at the end with a fun conversation on procrastination. 

Legault looks at housing, employment to grow economy

February 16, 2024 00:50 - 14 minutes - 13.1 MB

A workforce report by Michigan Works shows a larger population of younger and older people in the Upper Peninsula but fewer people from 25 to 55 years old. Ed Legault with the Delta County Economic Development Alliance says that should be a concern for those who are looking to grow the U.P. economy.

Effort underway to build additional housing at Bay College

February 15, 2024 21:03 - 17 minutes - 15.8 MB

Bay College is applying for a federal loan to build additional housing on the Escanaba Campus. Bay President Nertita Hughes says the current housing is inadequate. She will also meet with Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist to talk about housing needs at Bay in hopes of getting state commitment on the project.

Viau, Malnar discuss energy resolution, Delta County Airport

February 15, 2024 20:57 - 22 minutes - 21 MB

Delta County Commissioners Steve Viau and John Malnar say they support the ballot initiative that would repel the portion of the state’s new energy bill that would put solar and wind turbine siting approvals in the hands of the Public Service Commission. Malnar says they need to restore local control in siting decisions in the state. Viau says, in the Upper Peninsula, the move could affect the timber industry as well as farming.

RADIO SHOW: Thursday with Craig Woerpel

February 15, 2024 14:11 - 39 minutes - 35.8 MB

Bruce Belanger joins Craig Woerpel on a snowy Thursday morning to talk about the weather, comedy night at the casino, sports and the passing of the inventor of Pop-Tarts.

Prosecutor discusses red flag laws, jury duty

February 15, 2024 02:53 - 17 minutes - 16.2 MB

Delta County Prosecutor Lauren Wickman talks about the red flag laws that went into effect this week. She also talks about the importance of jry duty and what jurors can expect when they serve.

RADIO SHOW: Friday with Craig Woerpel

February 15, 2024 00:22 - 58 minutes - 53.3 MB

Mike Canull joins Craig Woerpel for Valentine's Day. Joe Helberg with Merrier Orchestra Revivial joins the group to talk about playing for Valentine's at the House of Ludington. Plus, ten roadside stops to visit in the Upper Peninsula. And Wendy Wednesday Blues for a Cause Pick of the Week. 

Ranstadler says Delta County Airport Out of 'Administrative Crisis'

February 14, 2024 18:14 - 34 minutes - 31.5 MB

Delta County Airport Manager Robert Ranstadler talks about how they worked through an "administrative crisis" and what the future is at the airport.

RADIO SHOW: Tuesday with Craig Woerpel

February 14, 2024 01:14 - 36 minutes - 33.4 MB

Marvin Szukalowski joins Craig Woerpel on Fat Tuesday to talk about Paczkis and what guys need to know for Valentine's Day. Plus, Marv's song, Lucy Come Find Me.

Warm Winter Weather Closes Gladstone Ski Hill Early

February 13, 2024 18:37 - 18 minutes - 17.1 MB

The Gladstone Ski Hill has closed for the season despite colder temperatures and snow in the forecast this week. Gladstone City Manager Eric Buckman says they got the hill ready twice this winter but were unable to keep it operational. Buckman and Commissioner Brad Mantella talk about various Gladstone issues.

Moyle talks about Delta County Airport, Parks, Recall

February 13, 2024 18:01 - 21 minutes - 19.6 MB

Delta County Commissioner Dave Moyle says he does not regret his vote a year ago to terminate Emily DeSalvo as Delta County Administrator. That vote is being used as the reason to recall him and two other commissioners on May 7.

RADIO SHOW: Monday with Craig Woerpel

February 13, 2024 02:08 - 43 minutes - 40 MB

Phil Lynch joins Craig Woerpel to play Louis Armstrong records as part of Black History Month. Phil will present a talk on Armstrong at Bay College in the afternoon. Plus, a century old song will be on our turntable. And, Jim Hansen talks about the Super Bowl.

Annual tree sale supports Delta Conservation District

February 12, 2024 22:55 - 13 minutes - 12.7 MB

The Delta Conservation District is holding its annual tree sale. Trees can be ordered online for delivery in April. District Manager Heather LeDuc says trees can be ordered at deltacd.org.

United Way, Great Start collaborate on Kindergarten readiness

February 12, 2024 22:22 - 15 minutes - 14.3 MB

The Great Start Collaborative is starting to put together Kindergarten readiness bags. Mallory Clickner says they will go to families with children attending Kindergarten in the fall. The program is in partnership with the United Way of Delta County. Julie Mallard talks about the effort to support Kindergarten readiness.

Community support helps OSF succeed for 140 years

February 12, 2024 21:29 - 14 minutes - 13.6 MB

The President of OSF HealthCare St. Francis Hospital and Medical Group says they have been able to succeed for 140 years because of the support of the community. Kelly Jefferson says it started with a need that the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis from Peoria, Illinois fulfilled in 1884.

Bay de Noc Gobblers to hold NWTF banquet Saturday

February 10, 2024 21:14 - 21 minutes - 19.3 MB

Tickets are still available for the Bay de Noc Gobblers Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation banquet this Saturday in Escanaba. Ken Buckholtz says about 200 people will be at the Highland Golf Club. The funds raised go to help with habitat, education and other conservation projects. Buckholtz says they will also be awarding the Tim Kobasic and Mary Way scholarships at the event.

ISD takes steps to build addition for welding, offices

February 10, 2024 03:06 - 16 minutes - 14.7 MB

A contract to build an addition at the Delta Schoolcraft Intermediate School District in Escanaba has been awarded to Ness Construction. ISD Superintendent Doug Leisenring says a new welding lab and office space will be built off the southwest corner of the current facility.

Dahlgren says warm winter weather adversely affecting trapping

February 09, 2024 23:03 - 18 minutes - 17.2 MB

Roy Dahlgren with U.P. Trappers Association talks about the winter workshop held in Hermansville, how winter trapping is going and the upcoming district banquet. We start with a song by Phil Lynch, I Wish I Were A Beaver.

Van Ginhoven talks about Delta County recall campaign

February 08, 2024 17:52 - 17 minutes - 15.9 MB

One year after Emily DeSalvo was fired as Delta County Administrator, Kelli Van Ginhoven says the reasons for the firing are still as objectionable today as it was on Feb. 7, 2023. Van Ginhoven is one of three candidates running to recall three commissioners who voted to fire DeSalvo.

Peterson talks about Delta County Airport, Energy Resolution

February 07, 2024 16:47 - 14 minutes - 13.6 MB

Delta County Commissioners approved a resolution in support of a ballot initiative aimed at restoring local siting control of solar and wind projects in Michigan. Commissioner Bob Peterson says it was a tough decision because, in this case, he feels state control is giving landowners a better opportunity to use their land the way they want to but in the end he says he prefers that decision is made locally.

Wery Makes Plans for Delta County Parks

February 07, 2024 15:58 - 17 minutes - 16.1 MB

Plans are to expand Fuller Park in Delta County this summer. Parks manager Steve Wery says they want to add a pavilion and playground at the park. He says the new day use area will be in a wooded section between two camping sites. This is the first year that Delta County is taking over operations of its parks.

Northern Lights YMCA is raising funds through annual campaign

February 06, 2024 22:08 - 12 minutes - 11.8 MB

The Northern Lights YMCA Annual Campaign is currently underway to raise funds for those who need help in affording Y services. Caron Salo says the money is used to provide programs like day care, swim lessons and summer day camp to those who can’t afford it. 

Placement at Delta Animal Shelter down slightly in 2023

February 06, 2024 21:47 - 13 minutes - 12.1 MB

The Delta Animal Shelter placed 1,140 animals in 2023, down from 2022 but Tonya Garland says they did very well despite being down slightly for a few months. They took in 627 cats in 2023 and 463 dogs. They also took in 1 chinchilla, 1 gerbil, 12 guinea pigs, 1 hedgehog, 31 rabbits and 4 rats. To adopt a pet, go to deltaanimal.org to see what animals are available. 

OSF to celebrate 140 years in Escanaba

February 05, 2024 21:38 - 17 minutes - 15.7 MB

It has been 140 years since the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis in Peoria, Illinois, came to Escanaba on Feb. 12, 1884, to sign an agreement to staff the newly opened Delta County Hospital. Joanna Wilbee-Amis at OSF says the new hospital at the time was a wood-framed structure that was located at 1018 South 13th Street.

Immanuel Lutheran to hold Lenten breakfast, musical program

February 05, 2024 21:28 - 12 minutes - 11 MB

A Lenten Breakfast and musical program will be held in Escanaba at Immanuel Lutheran Church on Saturday. Barb Denny says it has been a tradition for more than 60 years. The program is always held the Saturday before Ash Wednesday and kicks off the Lenten Season before Easter. Pastor Mike Markell says this year’s theme is “Find Your Mission.”

Holy Name students celebrate Catholic Schools Week

January 29, 2024 16:48 - 20 minutes - 19.1 MB

Students at Holy Name are celebrating Catholic Schools Week this week. Each day is a different day such as red, white and blue day and entrepreneur day. Talked with students Annalise Cooper, Henry Trottier and Eadi Diebolt along with Interim Administrator Jeffery Sierpien.

Sand Point Lighthouse opens for Christmas Open House

December 23, 2022 14:07 - 17 minutes - 23.7 MB

The Sand Point Lighthouse and Delta County Historical Museum will be open Monday, Dec. 26, and Tuesday, Dec. 27, from 1 to 4 p.m. Charles Lindquist says the annual free holiday event is a gift to the community for their support in restoring the lighthouse in 1986.

Author JL Hyde to sign books at Leigh’s Garden Winery in downtown Escanaba

December 21, 2022 18:52 - 14 minutes - 20.5 MB

Author JL Hyde will be signing books in downtown Escanaba Thursday, Dec. 22, at Leigh’s Garden Winery.  The former Escanaba resident has written four books, three based in the Upper Peninsula. They are Delta County, Summer of ’99 and Midnight in Delta County. The book signing at Leigh’s will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 22. Books will be for sale at the winery or you can bring a book to be signed.

Spruce buds are used to make special beer at H&H Brewpub

November 01, 2021 20:23 - 12 minutes - 11.8 MB

To raise funds for Delta County Non-Motorized Trails, Brewmaster Mike Sattem at Hereford and Hops is brewing a Kölsch beer with sprigs of Blue Spruce added.  The new growth cut from trees at the Escanaba Country Club will be added at the end of the process. Sattem says the spruce infused beer will be light and refreshing. Delta County Non-Motorized Trails will receive 50 cents for every beer sold. 

Trails group wraps up busy year developing trails in Delta County

November 01, 2021 19:51 - 25 minutes - 46.4 MB

Delta County Non-Motorized Trails is finishing up a year of several trail projects. So far, they have finished constructing three miles of single track mountain biking trail at the Days River Pathway. Rick Elrod says they hope to create up to 12 miles of new trail when it’s done. Other projects have included work on the West Side Recreation Trail in Escanaba. They plan to start a biking trail at the Gladstone Sports Park.

Bonifas gets ready for Northern Exposure exhibit, Holiday Arts Fair

October 27, 2021 15:36 - 13 minutes - 18 MB

Paula Jordan, events coordinator at the Bonifas Arts Center, says the annual Northern Exposure exhibit opens Nov. 12 and runs through the end of December. Artists are still being sought for the Holiday Arts Fair that will be held Nov. 6. Jordan also runs through the many classes and workshops through November.