Hometown Escanaba

Jason Allen with USDA talks about an announcement of over $275 million in FY2026 funding for U.S. specialty crop industries, including the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, Specialty Crop Research Initiative, and Specialty Crop Multi-State Program. This funding, boosted by the Working Families Tax Cuts, supports Michigan growers in marketing, research, and competitiveness .

As part of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, Delta County Prosecutor Lauren Wickman says the Delta Regional Child Advocacy Center helps youth overcome abuse by investigating allegations of child abuse through forensic interviews and victim advocacy. 

Chris Hackbarth, DTE Regional Manager of Northern Michigan, talks about a utility relocation project planned to begin this year prior to a U.S. 2 and 4 reconstruction project by the Michigan Department of Transportation. That project is expected to begin in 2027. Chris outlines relocation plans and easement efforts.

Mike Canull joins us on a Wednesday morning to talk about flooding, downtown road construction, and music venues for the weekend. The band Grand Design is playing for Holy Name School fundraiser Saturday. He joins us to talk about that. And Wendy Pepin is in for Wendy Wednesday Blues for a Cause Pick of the Week. 

Joe Hellberg starts things off, Mike Canull tags up as we talk about rain (flooding), music and just about anything else we can think of. As Head Lion, Joe also talks about the Lions Spring Social on Saturday, April 18 to raise funds for a Fire Safety House for kids to learn about fire safety.

The Gladstone City Commission has set an April 27 public hearing on city financing for its lead service line program. Gladstone City Manager Rob Sprietzer and City Commissioner Brad Mantella talk about that and a new fireworks proposal for 2027, a Hannahville 2% grant for a bike trail at the sports park, the purchase of a new K9 police vehicle and changes to the city's metal detecting ordinance.

Justin Lauscher, chair of the Ludington Street Cruise committee, outlines plans for the May 29 and 30 car show in Escanaba. Construction on Ludington Street altered plans for the first event. Registration is opened April 1 for those who want to put their vehicle in the show.

Phil Lynch plays some bluegrass music on the turntable from deep inside his vinyl vault to welcome in a bluegrass concert at Bay College tonight. Plus, the U.P. State Fair announces its first act and the Lunch on Ludington music series is announced. Justin Lauscher joins us to talk about the Ludington Street Cruise. 

Matt Sviland of Swanee, Inc., says the plan is to begin construction of a 12-unit waterfront condominium on the shore of Little Bay de Noc in Escanaba this summer. Matt says about a third of the units are already reserved. He describes the units available and how to reserve one.

Julie Mallard, executive director of the United Way of Delta County, says parent input is needed at the quarterly School Readiness Summit. It will be held April 27 at the Intermediate School District building in Escanaba. The United Way will also participate in the annual Healthy Kids event at the Northern Lights YMCA on April 18. Plus, Mallard says the United Way will help celebrate the end of th...

The Michigan DNR is proposing a "one-buck rule" for the 2027 season, limiting hunters to one antlered deer statewide to manage growing populations downstate. What does that mean for the Upper Peninsula? Al Ettenhoffer joins us to talk about the discussion at the Natural Resources Commission along with Roy Dahlgren, Bruce Belanger and Marvin Szukalowski. Marvin also talks about ice fishing conditio...

Marvin Szukalowski joins us to talk about ice fishing, writing music and area events. Mike Markwell stops in to tell how preparations are going for the Spring Expo at the U.P. State Fairgrounds this week. Kevin Chown takes over with music from Trevor Ohlson of Iron Mountain and his performance with Pete Ammel at Leigh's Garden Winery. Jim Hansen steps in to wrap things up with Kevin.

Students at the Delta Schoolcraft Intermediate School District are completing a home they are building as part of coursework. ISD Superintendent Kristina Hansen says they hope to finalize a sale in May. Also, registrations are being taken for new Pre-School students next fall. And the ISD recognizes one of their own.

Bruce Belanger joins me because you need a logroller on the show. Plus, I talk with Escanaba Water Wastewater Superintendent Jeff Lampi and Project Manager Darren Pionk of C2AE about the first road construction projects starting Monday, April 13. Kurt Strassler at Elmer's County Market and Jim Hansen close out the morning.

Escanaba Water Wastewater Superintendent Jeff Lampi and Project Manager Darren Pionk of C2AE talk about the first road construction projects to get underway in Escanaba on Monday, April 13. Areas include the 500 and 600 blocks of South 15th and 16th Streets, the intersection at 2nd Avenue South and South 6th Street and South 10th Street from 5th Avenue to 7th Avenue South. Lead service line replac...

Wendy Pepin with Blues for a Cause announces the lineup for the Lunch on Ludington music series. The 9-week series sponsored by the Escanaba Downtown Development Authority starts June 10 with the Lark Brothers. The Wednesday concert starts at 11:30 a.m. and ends at 1:30 p.m. at the Escanaba Marketplace.

Joe Hellberg steps in for Mike Canull who is a bit under the weather. We examine the national themes for today and discuss the Gladstone Lions Spring Social April 18. Wendy Pepin unveils her picks for this summer's Lunch on Ludington music series. And the Escanaba Robomos get ready to host a district FIRST Robotics competition.

Delta County Administrator Emily DeSalvo talks about the county's opioid efforts including a conference for counties in the U.P. on May 1. The county commission is also considering a ballot proposal to override the Headlee Amendment and DeSalvo updates the county's response to the recent blizzard.

Robotics teams from schools in the Upper Peninsula and downstate will be gathering in Escanaba this weekend for a FIRST Robotics Competition. Gabe Kluka, mentor of the Robomos team talks about the event with Robomos memebers Jack Peterson and Abe Perryman. Team alumni Camree Bonifas and Dillion Bordeau are working to make the event a success.

Joe Hellberg helps to celebrate Michigan's NCAA victory. Also, Joe chooses a few songs for birthday musicians. Who will win the TV Theme Show contest? Kristine Holvand shares her 2 For Tuesday songs. Jim Hansen tries candy that looks like olives.

Vonnie Bruce talks about the role that foster homes play in raising kittens and puppies before adaption. Tonya Gartland talks about the upcoming Fur-Raiser event May 28. This year's theme is The Wizard of Paws. 

Brad Bender and Katie Bender talk about the Shared Interest Fair they are hosting at the Bay College Heirman University Center on Tuesday, April 7, from 4:30-8 p.m. Varies groups and organizations will have tables set up at the college for people to learn more about what is going on in the community.

Mike Markwell steps in to talk about the Escanaba Kiwanis Spring Expo and to share homemade fudge following Easter. Joe Hellberg joins us with some baseball cards. Justin Lauscher talks about the Ludington Street Cruise. Jim Hansen looks back on Easter.

With a little more than a month before the first Ludington Street Cruise car show in Escanaba, Justin Lauscher talks about the registration process and plans to hold the event around construction downtown on May 29 and 30.

Rusty Bluse talks about the Escanaba Quarterback Club's fundraiser May 2 at the Escanaba Elks Lodge 354. A Meat Raffle will begin at 1:30 p.m. with raffles being held every half hour. Proceeds help with the Quarterback Club's Wall of Fame and Veterans' Picnic.