Discover Montcalm Podcast

Quick answer: The Lakeview National Ice Fishing Championship, beginning in 2026, is a U.S. qualifying event for the World Ice Fishing Championship, hosted annually on Tamarack Lake in Lakeview, Michigan. Lakeview earned this recurring role after successfully hosting the 2025 World Championship, proving its capacity for high-level international competition and offering a pathway for anglers to the...

Quick answer: Living Water Wellness in Howard City, Michigan, led by Brianna Krampe, offers therapeutic reflexology and holistic health practices. Brianna helps clients address chronic issues like fatigue and migraines by focusing on root causes and lifestyle changes. She also runs Four Brothers Farm, a homestead promoting self-sufficiency and ethical food, embodying a comprehensive approach to we...

Quick answer: West Michigan businesses, including small companies, are adopting AI tools like ChatGPT to enhance efficiency, save time, and foster growth. These tools assist with tasks such as content creation, organization, and clear messaging, making AI a practical, everyday solution even for those without a tech background, though human oversight remains essential. Key Takeaways West Michigan b...

Quick answer: Cozy Bear Bakery, owned by Karli Beckett, is a Gowen, Michigan-based business specializing in homemade treats like classic and custom decorated cookies, cupcakes, cakes, breads, and chocolate-dipped pretzels. Launched in April 2025, it offers pickup and delivery in the Greenville area and throughout Montcalm County, focusing on comfort, creativity, and community. Key Takeaways Cozy B...

Quick answer: Duane Weed, founder of DW Video & Multimedia, LLC in Howard City, Michigan, preserves local stories through the Discover Montcalm Podcast. Launched in 2002, the podcast features in-depth conversations with Montcalm County residents, business owners, and community leaders, documenting their experiences and histories to strengthen community connections and ensure valuable local na...

Quick answer: Edmore, Michigan, faced significant economic hardship in the early 2000s due to the closures of Hitachi Magnetics (2004) and Electrolux (2005-06), resulting in thousands of job losses across Montcalm County. The community, through collaboration, education, and workforce development, rebuilt by diversifying its industrial base and fostering local initiatives like Growing Edmore Togeth...

Quick answer: Tony Gates is a veteran rock radio broadcaster who, after decades in corporate radio, found a true home at WGLM 106.3 FM in Greenville, Michigan. He hosts weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., sharing music history and stories, drawn to WGLM’s community-driven spirit, deep music library, and authentic approach to broadcasting. Key Takeaways Tony Gates has over three decades of...

Quick answer: Montcalm Community College is celebrating 60 years of shaping education, workforce development, and community life in Montcalm County. Approved by voters on March 2, 1965, MCC began classes in various community locations before opening its permanent campus in 1967. Its rich history, leadership through decades, and evolution are detailed in Episode 164 of the Discover Montcalm Podcast...

Quick answer: Jim Wonsey is a longtime local musician in Montcalm County and the driving force behind Tequila Roze Chilled. Featured in the Discover Montcalm Podcast, he shares his journey from childhood inspiration to playing various local venues and festivals. Wonsey discusses the evolution of Montcalm County’s live music scene since the 70s and 80s, emphasizing the importance of supportin...

Quick answer: Episode 162 of the Discover Montcalm Podcast highlights holiday celebrations across Montcalm County, Michigan. It features events in Pierson Township, Howard City, Michigan (Tree Lighting Celebration), and Lakeview (Winterfest with parade and tree lighting). This visual episode captures the unique energy and traditions of these small towns during the holiday season. Key Takeaways Epi...

Quick answer: Little Rascals Wildlife Rescue, founded by Sara Dido, is a growing wildlife rehabilitation effort based in the Howard City area of Montcalm County, Michigan. Sara specializes in caring for orphaned and injured small mammals, including raccoons, opossums, and squirrels. Operating from dedicated facilities, she aims to secure 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, providing an essential resource...

Quick answer: Montcalm County residents express gratitude for personal well-being, family, and strong community bonds. Many are thankful for supportive local businesses, steady employment, new opportunities, and the comfort of having a home. Appreciation also extends to technology for connectivity, the county’s natural beauty, and the simple, everyday moments of joy, as highlighted by the Di...

Quick answer: Sheridan Community Hospital is an independent rural community hospital in Montcalm County, dedicated to providing quality, local healthcare. It offers critical services and personalized care, including advanced neurosurgical expertise from Dr. Kim Williams, Jr., who specializes in complex spine and minimally invasive surgeries. This commitment ensures residents have access to special...

Quick answer: Montcalm County, Michigan, is home to the cities of Greenville, Carson City, and Stanton, which serves as the county seat. It also includes villages such as Howard City, Edmore, Lakeview, McBride, Pierson, and Sheridan. Additionally, census-designated places like Crystal and Trufant, alongside numerous unincorporated communities such as Amble, Coral, and Six Lakes, contribute to the...

Quick answer: The Howard City, Michigan music scene is vibrant, largely driven by local musician Kevin Shell. Shell regularly performs at events like Music in the Park and the Howard City Music Festival, and hosts a weekly open mic at Jean’s Pizza Café. Howard City acts as a music hub in Montcalm County, featuring annual festivals, regular live music events, and supporting emerging local tal...

Quick answer: Episode 156 of the Discover Montcalm Podcast, titled ‘Murder, Mayhem, and Madness at Forest Home Cemetery,’ features local historian Christopher Hunter. He shares chilling, true stories from Greenville’s Forest Home Cemetery, established in 1871. These captivating tales, based on accounts from the Greenville Independent newspaper, explore the city’s past, blur...

Quick answer: Don Bauman, a lifelong resident whose family has lived in Howard City, Michigan since 1872, explores the town’s history on the Discover Montcalm Podcast. He shares memories of Howard City’s industrial roots, including the railroad and Skinner Steamer, and its commercial life, featuring old gas stations and Frank Salufo’s early IGA, painting a vivid picture of the communit...

Quick answer: Dayna Neff of the Montcalm Economic Alliance discusses Montcalm County, Michigan, as an attractive region for living, working, and business. She highlights its blend of small-town charm, economic potential, skilled workforce, and diverse recreational opportunities, including over 200 inland lakes and the Fred Meijer Heartland Trail. The Alliance actively supports local economic devel...

Quick answer: The Lakeview Fall Fest and Christmas in Lakeview are annual celebrations that strengthen community bonds and create lasting traditions. These events, vital for community pride across Montcalm County—including Howard City, Michigan—rely entirely on the dedication of local volunteers. Without their support, these cherished traditions would not be possible. Key Takeaways Lakeview Fall F...

Quick answer: Northern Pines Taxidermy and Wholesale Rugs is a family-owned business in Howard City, Michigan, established in 1989 by Steve and Donna DeVaney. Now run by Stephine Denton and Jon DeVaney, it offers high-quality taxidermy and custom rugs. Unique for combining these two specialties, it serves hunters, collectors, and outdoor enthusiasts across the U.S. and Canada. Key Takeaways Northe...

Quick answer: Montcalm County is shaped by its people, whose stories highlight its rich history, vibrant present, and promising future. Key figures include Fred Meijer, local business owners like Adam from Carson Village Market, and community advocates such as Cari with Great Start Collaborative. Individuals preserving traditions, like Cody from Backwoods Sugar Shack, also contribute, collectively...

Quick answer: The Montcalm Heritage Festival is an annual tradition held the first weekend in August on the Montcalm Community College Sidney campus. It transforms the campus into a living time capsule through Heritage Village, featuring restored historic buildings, reenactments, craft demonstrations, vintage base ball games, and live music, offering an immersive experience to celebrate Montcalm C...

Quick answer: Vestaburg Community Days is an annual celebration held every third weekend in July in Montcalm County. It fosters local pride, community connection, and new ideas, featuring family-friendly activities and gatherings that strengthen community bonds. The Discover Montcalm Podcast episode 149 highlights this event with guests Sharon Gerlach and Larry Koutz. Key Takeaways Vestaburg Commu...

Quick answer: Sheridan Community Hospital is an independent healthcare facility in Montcalm County, led by CEO Lili Petricevic. It provides personalized, accessible medical care close to home, serving as a vital resource for emergencies and contributing to the local economy. The hospital is committed to its mission of local care, adapting to changes while prioritizing community needs. Key Takeaway...

Quick answer: The Danish Cultural Center in Greenville, Michigan, highlighted in Episode 147 of the Discover Montcalm Podcast, is a vital hub for preserving Danish heritage. Led by President Susan Hoppough, it celebrates the cultural contributions of Danish immigrants through exhibits, language classes, traditional celebrations, and public programs, fostering community connection and education. Ke...