Fighting fire requires tenacity and sometimes courage, and it’s a step up to instill passion in the performance of that job. Jack Wydeck brings more than 20 years of firefighting experience to bear on his new job of Fire Inspector for Muskegon Township. And his dedication is evident as he shares what’s involved with keeping a community safe by prep…

In honor of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, the museum brings our newest exhibit, Home Front Heroes. Home Front Heroes looks at the effort of Muskegon County during the war. In this podcast episode we look at the Civilian Defense Corps which was in charge of dealing with air raids and drills, civil air patrol, and recruiting volunt…

Safety in public places is something often taken for granted. Death and injury remind us that fire is an enemy that comes for us when we least expect it. This emergency is regularly avoided because local fire laws and the people who enforce them have our best interests top of mind, all the time. We have unclogged aisles and exits that are available…

Tony Gutierrez, Muskegon County HAZMAT Chief, is a lifelong resident of Norton Shores and has earned 26 years of firefighter experience. His recent promotion to Norton Shores Fire Chief is evidence of his dedication to service. HAZMAT particiapnts are volunteers and are required to take many hours of training each year to maintain their status for …

Jennifer Hodges has served as the Muskegon Township Supervisor for seven years and recently has become the Muskegon County Housing Coordinator as well. Her township has all the services of a city. Working in local government since 2012, her understanding and respect for the people she works for and with is evident in the way she speaks about her wo…

On Christmas Day 1965, Sherman Poppen and his children would be sent outside to play. During this play session a new invention would be created that would become known as the Snurfer. On today's episode we look at the history of this invention and the sport it would go on to inspire.

Join us for an introduction to the wonderful world of Muskegon County Parks. Senior Park Ranger, Kristin Kluting, is enthusiastic about all seasons and activities to be enjoyed at our 7 Muskegon County Parks. Learn about the opportunities to share nature and the comforts of camping, boating and outdoor enjoyment available right here in Muskegon Cou…

In honor of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, the museum brings our newest exhibit, Home Front Heroes. Home Front Heroes looks at the effort of Muskegon County during the war. In this podcast episode we look at one of those efforts, the collection of milkweed pods for the war and what use they had.…

Sheriff Poulin has a long list of responsibilities for keeping our county safe, both as a law enforcement officer and an elected offical with an outstanding record of creating innovative programs both here and around the State of Michigan. Now in his third term as Sheriff, he has been serving in law enforcement in Muskegon County for 38 years and i…

Meet Andrew Nichols, our dedicated Muskegon County Road Commission Maintenance Superintendent, committed to keeping our roads safe, efficient, and well-maintained for everyone. With years of experience in infrastructure and public service he understands the challenges of ever-changing weather, heavy traffic, and community needs. His leadership ensu…

Patrick Finnegan plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of our judicial system, managing the daily administrative tasks that keep our courts running efficiently. He handles case scheduling, oversees budget and personnel matters, and implements policies that support our judges, attorneys, and the public. His work requires patience and a…

Invasive species have for a long time made the Great Lakes and Michigan waterways their home. In our episode today learn about how some of these creatures found their way here, what is being done to stop them, and what you can do to help fight back against them and prevent their further spread.

Karen Buie, our Muskegon County Clerk plays a vital role in keeping local government organized and accessible to the community. She manages public records, oversees elections, and ensures legal documents are properly filed, all while upholding transparency and accuracy. Her work often goes unnoticed, yet it directly impacts the daily lives of Muske…

John Wesley Moon came to Muskegon as a young man and started out in a sawmill eventually working his way up to being a sawmill owner. Moon would later expand his portfolio into many other Muskegon businesses such as The Alaska Refrigerator Company and Muskegon Chemical Fire Engine Company. Moon was a prominent politician though serving at the state…

When the ice and snow cover our area many of us stay inside and find indoor activities to keep us entertained. Ice boaters however spend as much time outside as they can enjoying the frozen waters. Listen in to learn about what ice boats are, and for just how long they have been gliding across our ice.…

Known for her incredibly kindness and willingness to help others, Julia Hackley was an important figure in Muskegon. On this episode we look back at her contributions to Muskegon, her life, and her marriage to Charles Hackley.

Today we look at the history of a internationally known dance group that was formed and trained right in Muskegon County, the Maycroft Square Tappers. The Maycroft Square Tappers blended together square dancing and tap dancing into their own unique style, listen in to hear their story.

Mona Lake long has been an obstacle to travelers going north or south through Muskegon County, with the only way to get around it being by the channel to Lake Michigan or the east side of the lake. Both options were a long way around though and so the idea of bridging the lake across a middle point would eventually occur with the first "float" brid…

Before tomorrows election, we are going to be discussing just exactly how women won the right to vote and how that movement took shape state wide and in Muskegon. AdditionalResources: SuffragistMagazine SmithsonianLearning Lab Suffs theMusical Education Museums: Women’s Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls NY Michigan Women’s Hall of Fam…

On Halloween night 1925, Detective Charles Hammond of the Muskegon Police Department was tracking down a counterfeiter. At the time he had no idea his target was a notorious criminal known as Dutch Anderson. An ensuing confrontation between the two would leave both men dead. Listen in as we uncover the history of these two men and what happened tha…

On August 5, 1919 tension and issues between the Muskegon Traction and Lighting Company, the City of Muskegon, and residents resulted in a large riot lasting the night. This riot would end up resulting in over 1 million dollars of damage today. Join us as we examine the events that led up to the street car riot, what happened that night, and the fa…

The Erie L. Hackley was a steam ship that navigated throughout the Great Lakes. Listen in to learn about its creation, service, and its final fate.

While you might not recognize their name, you have most likely seen their work. Kelly Brothers was the premier interior decorators and wood workers in the late 20th century. Their work includes Hackley Public Library and Charles Hackley's house. Listen in to hear about their achievements and history.…

On the banks of the old White River was the small and at one point thriving village of Mouth. This early settlement lead the growth in White River but would vanish when the current White Lake Channel was constructed.

After a boom in the lumbering industry led to huge growth in North Muskegon, it all started to fall apart when the sawmills began closing down. Facing huge challenges North Muskegon had to redefine itself, the savior would become the resort industry which brought tourist from all over to this small community and reinvigorated it.…

The 1893 World's Fair that took place in Chicago was a glorious spectacle that showcased many brand new inventions and innovations. The event drew millions to Chicago including many county residents. But Muskegon was also well represented in the fairs various displays and creations.

On part three of the Name Game: Streets of Muskegon County we are looking at a family history to find the origin of four Dalton Township roads, Ora, Nielwood, Eklund, and Nielsen.

On the very edge of Muskegon County lies an interesting community know as Casnovia. This village is split right down main street between Muskegon and Kent Counties. Join us today us we discuss its history and the challenges and benefits of being divided in half.

The Red Cross has a long history serving Michigan and also Muskegon. Today we examine that history, and look at some of the work the Red Cross has done and continues to do today.

Every year on May 25 the Muskegon Community celebrates a local holiday, Hackley Day. This holiday has it roots with Hackley Public Library and Charles Hackley's philanthropy. It was created to remember and honor Charles Hackley for all he did and has done for Muskegon. Listen in to hear its story and how it is celebrated today.…

Before the invention of the Big Wheel, lumbering was primarily carried out in winter. With the introduction of Big Wheels though, lumbering could flourish year round. Listen in to learn about the history, construction, and use of these oversized wheels and how they transformed our state.

Before Muskegon was unified into a larger city, many smaller communities existed. Port Sherman was one such area. Located on the Muskegon Channel, Port Sherman served as the first point of contact for boats coming into harbor and was home of many sailors, fishermen, and tugboat operators.

Listen in to learn about the history of this program and its local ties right here in Muskegon.

In the 1800s many small communities came together in Muskegon County, with places such as Muskegon, Whitehall, and Ravenna. While these communities grew and remain today, not all did. Located on Crockery Creek a small village named Trent would flourish in the 1800s, but would eventually disappear off the map entirely by the 1970s. What happened to …

The Great Depression caused upheaval throughout the United States, Muskegon being no exception. Today we look at the impact of the depression in Muskegon and how resident coped with the tough times.

Did you know that Muskegon County was home to several muskrat farms in the 1920s and 30s? Listen in to learn about the muskrat and why farming them became the newest fad in the early 20th century.

Today we examine the history of one of the most prominent milk delivery companies in the area as we look at the history of Sanitary Dairy.

Lumbering was the cornerstone for many cities big and small in Michigan. Today's episode will cover how one of these cities was formed and how it adapted after lumbering ended. Join us as we examine the history of North Muskegon.

L.C. Walker alongside business partner Arch Wilkinson Shaw founded Shaw-Walker a furniture company which would become a nation leading brand. Walker and his family would also become great philanthropists in the area, a legacy which still helps provide for much in the area.

By the early 1900s most sawmills on Muskegon Lake had closed down, however the sound of wood being cut could still be heard as a few sawmills remained in business. One of the last to operate was that run by James Gow. Today we look at his life and how he managed to become the last operating lumber baron in Muskegon.…

As part of the Great Michigan Read, we have a spoiler free discussion of the book Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley, and many of the topics it brings up about Native Americans. Whether you have read the book or not this episode is still for you! Links for things mentioned in the episode: Great Michigan Read Page https://www.michiganhumaniti…

Listen in as we cover the early years of the village of Ravenna. Learn about its strategic location and growth, and how several disasters nearly derailed the settlement.

In the 1970's, Muskegon like many cities went through the process of urban renewal. In this process local and federal fund were used to redevelop downtown Muskegon, tear down older building and creating a downtown mall. In this episode we look into the urban renewal process and see where Muskegon ended up at the end of it.…

Pascoe's Place long held the title of the best fried fish in the area, and attracted visitors from all over to this unassuming little bar in Bluffton. It also though served as the unofficial club for the Actor's Colony and served many famous patrons including Buster Keaton who was a frequent visitor. Listen in to learn about the history of this pla…

Robert Bunker was a long time Muskegon school board member, lawyer and law professor, and was close to Charles Hackley. He would eventually have a school named after him for his dedication and work in seeing Charles Hackley's gifts to the city be completed.

2023 marks the 125th anniversary of the Spanish-American War, a brief conflict that would put the United States of America on the path to a global power. Many Muskegon County residents would be a part of this war. Today we examine the history of this conflict and the role these residents played.

Today's episode takes newspaper stories from the 1880s , eye witness accounts, and testimony to piece together what happened to John Guild and how he ended up dead. This episode will put you in the role of detective to see what you think happened to Guild and who if anyone was responsible for his passing, in a story that made national headlines and…

In the early 1900s Bluffton started to attract performers from all around the United States. These performers eventually formed an actors colony as a summer retreat along the shoreline. Two of those who made Muskegon their home were acrobatics/dancers/animal trainers Samaroff and Sonia who brought their 4 legged friends. Listen in the learn about t…

Our episode today takes us back to our very first episode on the Amazon building in downtown Muskegon, by examining a different aspect of that company. Listen in to learn how the building was constructed and what from, and learn about what they produced, how they made it, and just how much was created.…

Early in the morning on March 17, 1930 an explosion rocks downtown Muskegon. It is discovered that a bomb has gone off at the Regent Theater, but why was the theater targeted, by whom, and did it have any connection to other bombings in the state. Join us today to learn the answers to these questions and uncover a tumultuous time in our past.…