Hometown Escanaba

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.  

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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 tim...

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.

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.

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. 

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

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.

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.

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.