Muskegon Rising

The Lakeshore Museum Center has six museums in one. Learn from Melissa Horton, Executive Director, about the Museum of History & Science, the historic sites, and the Heritage Museum of Business & Industry. They are preserving our Muskegon-area history while mixing science and creative fun, making it interesting for all ages.

A company builds a culture. When that culture is built on trust and mutual benefit, it creates the energy and momentum to improve lives, families, and the community around it. Jack Russell of Rolar Products shares his innovative methods through technology and mutual respect.  His view of innovation begins with people, not processes. Valuing the worker is the real innovation in Muskegon manufacturi...

In this Muskegon Rising, we’ll take a glimpse into a community organization transcending service for the people's needs. Citi Boi Corp. owner Rob Mathis opens his shop to everyone in need, offering food and furniture for free, with one goal in mind: “Pay it Forward.”

Host Rem Sprague and guest Aaron Maike discover how Baker College of Muskegon combines classroom and restaurant experience to train award-winning restauranteurs.

DJ Hilson, Muskegon County Prosecutor, has been instrumental in an initiative to improve cooperative efforts in reducing gun violence. Muskegon has received a federal grant to identify teens at risk of engaging in violent behaviors and intervene in a supportive and positive way to redirect them to better solutions.

Innovation has been vital to Consumers Energy over the years, and it is focused on using technological innovations to ensure Michigan’s environment is better in the future. Rich Houtteman shares the utilities’ ambitious clean energy goals for power production and consumption in Michigan. Learn about the Muskegon Solar Energy Center, a 2000-acre solar farm in partnership with Muskegon County, which...

Gabrielle Gerlach, CEO of the Muskegon YMCA, leads programs that reach more than 10,000 people in our community annually. Discover its team's amazing number of services in an ever-expanding series of instruction, care, and insight. Our YMCA is thriving by targeting healthy living, social responsibility, and youth development.

Meet Venita Melton, Correction Team Case Manager at HealthWest. Listen and learn how incarcerated individuals are transitioned back into the community and connected with vital resources to be successful and ultimately reduce recidivism. If you know of someone who’s ever been incarcerated or involved in the criminal justice system, this is a program you don’t want to miss.

Get to know Matt Cortez, Superintendent of Muskegon Public Schools. Discover how Muskegon Public Schools is applying the Ford NGL framework, becoming the fourth district in Michigan to adopt this innovative program. Matt also shares insights into the state-accredited Career Technical Course in Geometry and Construction. Tune in for an engaging discussion on the future of education in Muskegon. 

The Muskegon Clippers, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization run entirely by volunteers, play their home games at Historic Marsh Field as members of the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League. This wood-bat summer league provides college players from Division I and Division II programs throughout Michigan and the Midwest with an opportunity to hone their skills and maintain peak performance in preparatio...

Pigeon Hill Brewing Company opened in downtown Muskegon in 2014. With more elbow grease than capital and more determination than experience, the first tap room was a testament to the owner's love of Muskegon. The taproom became a living museum, with lights from historic Muskegon foundries, tables built from lumber-era pine, and decorations celebrating Muskegon and its rich brewing history. Pi...

Gary Allore, president of Trinity Health Muskegon, explains the role Trinity Health has played throughout its centuries of existence in Muskegon County as a health provider, employer, and community partner. Trinity is so much more than a hospital.

Learn about the vibrant world of the Muskegon Polish Festival with our special guests, Donna and Jason Piasecki. Entering its 9th year this Labor Day weekend, this beloved community event has a rich history of giving back. Get an exciting sneak peek at what attendees can expect. Whether you're a longtime festival-goer or curious about joining the festivities for the first time, learn more abo...

Muskegon's art and culture scene is one of the community’s defining characteristics. Learn about the history and the public art projects that make Muskegon special in a captivating interview with Judy Hayner, Director of the MuskegonCity Public Art Initiative (MCPAI). 

Now in its 18th successful year, Muskegon Bike Time attracts over 100,000 attendees and over 75,000 motorcycles. The first Harley-Davidson franchise was opened in Muskegon in 1919, shortly after the Muskegon Motorcycle Club was established. Bike Time has a multitude of events, including live music, the West Michigan Arm Wrestling Championship, a Cornhole Tournament, a Patriot Ride, and of course,...

This Michigan Irish Music Festival, in its 25th year, provides a cultural experience unseen outside of Ireland. The festival boasts amazing Irish bands on six stages, traditional Irish food, and, of course, Irish beer and whiskey. It is a family-friendly festival that includes dancing, kid's story time, and even an area showcasing Celtic Canines. 

Approximately ninety percent of those men and women who were incarcerated are released after their sentence is served and return home.  There are many barriers and obstacles for those returning home.  The stigma of a criminal conviction, the feeling of hopelessness, and not knowing where to go or who to turn to for answers are real dilemmas that these folks face.  Nate Johnson was one of those ind...

Jon Gale discusses his new role as safety and Security Liaison with Muskegon Area ISD, making safety in our schools a priority. 

Former City of Norton Shores Mayor Nancy Crandall speaks to current Mayor Gary Nelund about the position, challenges, questions, and duties of being a city mayor.  What people should know about local government and the City of Norton Shores.

Kombucha is a 2000-year-old drink that is growing in popularity because of its potential health benefits. Made from tea, sugar, and yeast, it is a fermented beverage that often contains fruits, flowers, and/or spices to enhance the flavors and nutritional benefits. Muskegon is home to Lively Up Kombucha, one of the fastest-growing kombucha brewers in Michigan.

In this interview with Patsy Petty you’ll get a short glance into the history of Muskegon’s progression in local politics through her rare personal experiences over a span of 60 years. If you’ve ever had a question why getting involved in your local community was important you will certainly get your answer after listening to this wise woman’s unique experiences of racial, and sexual inequalities...

Muskegon County is growing rapidly and working with all its communities and governments is a challenging task. Mark Eisenbarth has been doing it well for 10 years. Mark is the Muskegon County Administrator. His leadership relies on personal relationships and trust. Learn how Muskegon County government is an example of positive change.

Muskegon Rising had the pleasure of sitting down with a beloved figure, Dr. Rem Sprague, whose dedication to healthcare has touched countless lives in Muskegon County. Join us as we uncover the wisdom and experiences of this esteemed doctor and explore the impact of the important work happening at Trinity Health. Dr. Sprague explains the logistics behind the Trinity Health merger and how it system...

In today’s episode, Rotarian Lisa Stafford is joined by Stacey Kennedy, the Mission Advancement Lead of Youth for Christ, a global movement dedicated to reaching young people with the transformative message of Jesus Christ.

Kendrah Robinson, local attorney and public defender, talks with DJ Hilson, Muskegon County Prosecutor, about her dynamic initiative for students. Aspiring Ladies of Law is a Muskegon County high school mentorship program empowering young high school ladies to become the future of our Legal careers. These ladies volunteer themselves to receive legal knowledge, jumpstarting them in admission to Law...