Hometown Escanaba: Recent Episodes
Craig Woerpel
Escanaba Kiwanis will be flipping pancakes this weekend at the annual Kiwanis Home & Garden Show and Pancake Days at the U.P. State Fairgrounds. Gordy Fitch says pancakes have long been the main attraction at the show. They are being served throughout the weekend.
Mike Markwell says there are a lot of vendors signed up for the show that can help you get a jump start on Spring around your home.
The Home and Garden Show runs Friday, April 12, from 5 to 8 p.m., Saturday, April 13, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 14, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Former Circuit Court Judge Stephen Davis wants your help in solving a murder. Those who attend the Delta County Historical Society’s presentation on Wednesday will be sworn in as jurors to help solve the mystery of a retrial that never occurred involving a homcide in 1859.
His presentation titled “Death at the Castle on the Shore” involves a shooting at a home being invaded on Seul Choix Point on June 18, 1859, which was then part of Delta County.
The man was convicted but the State Supreme Court overturned the conviction and ordered a retrial. The trial never occurred, until Wednesday. Davis will present the evidence and ask the jury, those who attend the session, what their verdict might be.
It will be held at 7 p.m. at the Heirman University Center at Bay College. This is the third of the Historical Society’s Winter Outreach Series.
Members of the Escanaba City Band are getting ready to celebrate its 100th anniversary this year with special events, recognition and performances. The city band held its first organizational meeting on March 18, 1924, at the Escanaba City Hall. They have been playing ever since. Band Director Bruce Cassell, Business Manager Andrea Sullivan and Centennial Celebration Chair Amy Chown talk about the celebration. John Chown, 93, talks about continuing to play trumpet in the band.
Members of the Robomos talk about the upcoming FIRST Robotics District Competition that will be held at the Escanaba High School March 7-9. Interviews are with Marie Young and Jamie Peterson.
Music is becoming a big part of the entertainment scene in Escanaba. Mike Canull of the Stonewall talks about how that has affected the community and some of the activities upcoming in the area. Includes a song from Stonewall and a parody written by Canull.
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 timber industry as well as farming.
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.
Phil Lynch joins Craig Woerpel to play Louis Armstrong records as part of Black History Month. Phil will present a talk on Armstrong at Bay College in the afternoon. Plus, a century old song will be on our turntable. And, Jim Hansen talks about the Super Bowl.
The Delta Conservation District is holding its annual tree sale. Trees can be ordered online for delivery in April. District Manager Heather LeDuc says trees can be ordered at deltacd.org.
The Great Start Collaborative is starting to put together Kindergarten readiness bags. Mallory Clickner says they will go to families with children attending Kindergarten in the fall. The program is in partnership with the United Way of Delta County. Julie Mallard talks about the effort to support Kindergarten readiness.
The President of OSF HealthCare St. Francis Hospital and Medical Group says they have been able to succeed for 140 years because of the support of the community. Kelly Jefferson says it started with a need that the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis from Peoria, Illinois fulfilled in 1884.
Tickets are still available for the Bay de Noc Gobblers Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation banquet this Saturday in Escanaba. Ken Buckholtz says about 200 people will be at the Highland Golf Club. The funds raised go to help with habitat, education and other conservation projects. Buckholtz says they will also be awarding the Tim Kobasic and Mary Way scholarships at the event.
A contract to build an addition at the Delta Schoolcraft Intermediate School District in Escanaba has been awarded to Ness Construction. ISD Superintendent Doug Leisenring says a new welding lab and office space will be built off the southwest corner of the current facility.
Roy Dahlgren with U.P. Trappers Association talks about the winter workshop held in Hermansville, how winter trapping is going and the upcoming district banquet. We start with a song by Phil Lynch, I Wish I Were A Beaver.
One year after Emily DeSalvo was fired as Delta County Administrator, Kelli Van Ginhoven says the reasons for the firing are still as objectionable today as it was on Feb. 7, 2023. Van Ginhoven is one of three candidates running to recall three commissioners who voted to fire DeSalvo.
Delta County Commissioners approved a resolution in support of a ballot initiative aimed at restoring local siting control of solar and wind projects in Michigan. Commissioner Bob Peterson says it was a tough decision because, in this case, he feels state control is giving landowners a better opportunity to use their land the way they want to but in the end he says he prefers that decision is made locally.
Plans are to expand Fuller Park in Delta County this summer. Parks manager Steve Wery says they want to add a pavilion and playground at the park. He says the new day use area will be in a wooded section between two camping sites. This is the first year that Delta County is taking over operations of its parks.
The Northern Lights YMCA Annual Campaign is currently underway to raise funds for those who need help in affording Y services. Caron Salo says the money is used to provide programs like day care, swim lessons and summer day camp to those who can’t afford it.
The Delta Animal Shelter placed 1,140 animals in 2023, down from 2022 but Tonya Garland says they did very well despite being down slightly for a few months. They took in 627 cats in 2023 and 463 dogs. They also took in 1 chinchilla, 1 gerbil, 12 guinea pigs, 1 hedgehog, 31 rabbits and 4 rats. To adopt a pet, go to deltaanimal.org to see what animals are available.
It has been 140 years since the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis in Peoria, Illinois, came to Escanaba on Feb. 12, 1884, to sign an agreement to staff the newly opened Delta County Hospital. Joanna Wilbee-Amis at OSF says the new hospital at the time was a wood-framed structure that was located at 1018 South 13th Street.
A Lenten Breakfast and musical program will be held in Escanaba at Immanuel Lutheran Church on Saturday. Barb Denny says it has been a tradition for more than 60 years. The program is always held the Saturday before Ash Wednesday and kicks off the Lenten Season before Easter. Pastor Mike Markell says this year’s theme is “Find Your Mission.”
Students at Holy Name are celebrating Catholic Schools Week this week. Each day is a different day such as red, white and blue day and entrepreneur day. Talked with students Annalise Cooper, Henry Trottier and Eadi Diebolt along with Interim Administrator Jeffery Sierpien.
The Sand Point Lighthouse and Delta County Historical Museum will be open Monday, Dec. 26, and Tuesday, Dec. 27, from 1 to 4 p.m. Charles Lindquist says the annual free holiday event is a gift to the community for their support in restoring the lighthouse in 1986.
Author JL Hyde will be signing books in downtown Escanaba Thursday, Dec. 22, at Leigh’s Garden Winery.
The former Escanaba resident has written four books, three based in the Upper Peninsula. They are Delta County, Summer of ’99 and Midnight in Delta County.
The book signing at Leigh’s will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 22. Books will be for sale at the winery or you can bring a book to be signed.
To raise funds for Delta County Non-Motorized Trails, Brewmaster Mike Sattem at Hereford and Hops is brewing a Kölsch beer with sprigs of Blue Spruce added.
The new growth cut from trees at the Escanaba Country Club will be added at the end of the process.
Sattem says the spruce infused beer will be light and refreshing. Delta County Non-Motorized Trails will receive 50 cents for every beer sold.
Delta County Non-Motorized Trails is finishing up a year of several trail projects. So far, they have finished constructing three miles of single track mountain biking trail at the Days River Pathway. Rick Elrod says they hope to create up to 12 miles of new trail when it’s done.
Other projects have included work on the West Side Recreation Trail in Escanaba. They plan to start a biking trail at the Gladstone Sports Park.
Paula Jordan, events coordinator at the Bonifas Arts Center, says the annual Northern Exposure exhibit opens Nov. 12 and runs through the end of December. Artists are still being sought for the Holiday Arts Fair that will be held Nov. 6. Jordan also runs through the many classes and workshops through November.
State Rep. Beau LaFave wants to eliminate the permit needed to carry a concealed pistol and require Conservation Officers with the Department of Natural Resources to wear body cameras. He also wants the traditional handicap logo to show more motion in a new sign design and compensate local governments for revenue lost to disabled veterans exempt from property taxes. LaFave says the new legislative boundaries will not pass the courts and he is receiving endorsements for his run for Secretary of State.
The Gladstone City Commission approved the purchase of property in the North Shore Development Project area. Commissioner Brad Mantella says it will help to find a developer for the project. He also provided a North 15th Street Project update, an electric department asset management plan, a new shipping container ordinance and marina pump out station grant.
Rory Mattson with the Delta Conservation District says cleanup of the Escanaba River was completed last week and cleanup of the Wells Township property in the Bay View Location is about complete.He says efforts are now being made to get funding for Phase 4 in preparation of the Hannahville Indian Community development project. It includes water and wastewater for that part of the township from Gladstone or Escanaba.
Mike Sattem is looking to return to the Escanaba City Council. He says he misses attending city meetings and being involved in issues. The election is Nov. 2. He would like to see more done to upgrade city roads and encourage the construction of condos in the city.
Escanaba Mayor Marc Tall says he enjoys serving as mayor and would like to continue as a member of the Escanaba City Council. The city election is Nov. 2.
His priority continues to be fixing roads. He also talks about expanding the capacity of the wastewater treatment plant, operating the 911 Central Dispatch independently of the city and the progress of the Escanaba Downtown Development Authority.
Kathy LeDuc is directing the Players de Noc members who are portraying figures from Escanaba's past who are buried at the Lakeview Cemetery. The Cemetery Walk will be held tonight and Saturday. LeDuc joins Sam Komay in describing the event. Promises to be howling good time.
Escanaba Mayor Marc Tall and Escanaba City Manager Patrick Jordan address the call for more transparency on the investigation of what happened to money connected to the development project of the former county jail property. They also discuss Jordan's job evaluation and other items from last night's city council meeting.
Highline Internet held an open house to highlight the progress of providing broadband to rural residents in the Upper Peninsula.
Midwest CEO Bruce Moore says they started installing lines in Delta County this summer and plan to expand to 14 of the 15 counties in the U.P. during the next few years.
Linda Butkis of Flat Rock was Highline’s first customer. She talks about the how it has made a difference.
And Ed Legault with the Delta County Economic Development Alliance talks about the economic impact that the service will provide the U.P.
Leigh’s Garden Winery in downtown Escanaba is passing from Leigh Schmidt to Julie and Tony Lambert. Schmidt started the winery in 2008 with five wines. Today, there are more than 20 varieties. Julie had been working at the business as the taste room manager when Schmidt decided to retire.
Bay President Laura Coleman says enrollment is up at Bay College at time when area employers are in need of educated employees. She says demand includes nursing, EMT, corrections, megatronics and water tech. Plus, Bay is continuing its co-advising program to assist students affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and other pressures that can affect their education.
Escanaba City Councilman Ralph Blasier says a crime may be at the heart of an investigation involving money in the city’s dealing with Proxima Management Group but, he says, he is not ready to make an accusation.
The city admits that an investigation is being held in conjunction with the project but provided no details.
Blasier made his comments as part of an interview about his re-election to the Escanaba City Council. The election is Nov. 2.
As a business owner in Escanaba, Mark Ammel says he wants to do everything he can to improve the community. He says leadership is needed to get the type of development that the city would to see.
Ammel is running for Escanaba City Council on Nov. 2. He currently serving on the Escanaba Downtown Development Authority Board.
Ron Beauchamp says the city of Escanaba needs to continue to fight the Dark Store issue in court. The city has taken the lead in the state on the issue.
The Dark Store tax loophole bases the property value of big box stores on other closed or dark stores.
In his campaign to return to the Escanaba City Council, Beauchamp says it is important for the city to continue its fight against the ruling.
Delta County Commissioner John Malnar says he believes a tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac will be built to house Enbridge's Line 5 oil pipeline and other utilities. Malnar attended the Mackinac Straits Corridor Authority meeting last week in St. Ignace. He says he is impressed with the plans to build a tunnel beneath the Straits.
With shows cancelled in the first year of COVID-19, Bruce Belanger wasn’t sure how this year would go or even if he wanted to perform again.
But when he did his first show in the Spring, he realized why he loves taking his lumberjack and logrolling show on the road. With the season now at an end, he says it was a good year.
OSF St. Francis Hospital and Medical Group exceeded capacity this week for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began, causing it to execute its emergency plan to make more room available at the hospital.
Dr. Bill Hook, director of medical services, says OSF has converted its ambulatory care unit to in-patient beds to handle the overflow. That means procedures normally conducted there are being postponed.
Although COVID-19 patients are the reason the hospital reached the tipping point this week, OSF President and CEO Dave Lord says they are seeing a lot of patients who put off treatment during the pandemic on other health issues who now need care.
Delta Schoolcraft Intermediate School District Superintendent Doug Leisenring says the school districts within the ISD are moving quickly to respond to continuing cases of COVID-19. Leisenring also received the Educational Excellence award from the Delta Chamber.
Katelyn Beaver started making fishing lures when sitting around bored during the COVID-19 pandemic. She turned her love of fishing into a business that is now open on Ludington Street in Escanaba.
Al Ettenhofer says here are just a few tickets available for the fall U.P. Whitetails Banquet on Nov. 3. Plus, he talks about changes in the state's antlerless deer permits and what hunters can expect this year.
Mike Canull joins Craig Woerpel in a conversation about traveling the U.P., — including Mike's parody "I've Been Everywhere" — decorating pasties and chasing squirrels. It could be a fun time.
JL Hyde based her second murder mystery book on Escanaba where she grew up. Readers will recognize the features of the town even if the story is new. The book, "Delta County: A Novel" is about returning home ten years after an unspeakable tragedy for a class reunion. Jamie talks about how she started writing and using her hometown as a backdrop.
Delta County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Lauren Wickman says cocaine is becoming a bigger problem as dealers move into the area. The prosecutor's office has two positions open in its victim unit. Plus, we talk about serving a juror at the courthouse.
Gladstone City Manager Eric Buckman and Gladstone City Commissioner Brad Mantella talk about the purchase of more than 20 acres for the North Shore Development Project. The commission also approved a proposal to build eight pickleball courts at the sports complex and offered support or the Build Back Better Regional Challenge known as MITTEN. Absentee ballots are also ready for November's city election.
Isabelle Pascoe, 12, and Madeya Pascoe, 15, both got their first bucks bow hunting this month. The two cousins tell their stories with their grandfather, Joe Pascoe.
Josh Marenger with Bay de Noc Brewers takes me around their event to see what breweries and wineries in the Upper Peninsula brought to the annual UPtoberfest event in Escanaba's Ludington Park. We talk with Nick VanCourt at Barrel + Beam in Marquette, Kris Rusch at Three Bridge Brewing Company in Menominee and Tony Lambert at Leigh's Winery in Escanaba. I also talked with Mark Ammel at Bobaloon's about the amazing food. Josh follows up on how the event went and about the craft beer industry in the U.P.
Julie Mallard of United Way of Delta County starts by recapping UPtoberfest that was held Saturday in Ludington Park, promotes a community survey they are taking to provide a new direction for United Way and brings us up-to-date on the fall campaign. As a United Way agency, Erin Viau of Tri-County Safe Harbors explains why Domestic Violence Awareness Month is important.
Escanaba City Manager Patrick Jordan and Escanaba Mayor Marc Tall talk about an ordinance change that would expand the commercial district of Escanaba's downtown, the council's support of an effort to expand tourism infrastructure in the city and other items from Thursday's city council meeting.
Dean Shipman retired as Delta County Circuit Court judge in 1994 after 25 years on the bench. He talks about why he retired and his time with the court. He also compares his love of flying as a naval jet pilot ad sailing on the Great Lakes.
He is celebrating his 90th birthday tonight with a fish fry, because, he says, that’s what you do in Escanaba on a Friday.
Delta County Sheriff Ed Oswald says they have been able to keep COVID-19 from spreading through the general jail population. He also talks about how they will handle 17-year-olds now considered juveniles, school bus safety and being called to jury duty.
The Escanaba Public Library and the Delta County Great Start Parent Coalition are hosting the weekly “Meet Me at the Marketplace” events during October. Jane Lynch talks about the activities for kids, crafts, take & make kits and free books as well as the live music during Farmer's Market.
Delta County Administrator Emily DeSalvo talks about the restart of Superior Trade Zone meetings, various issues with COVID-19 response in the county and Delta County’s 911 Authority operating independently of the city of Escanaba.
Delta County Commissioners discussed a proposed resolution that rejects mask mandates or proof of vaccination against COVID-19. OSF Healthcare St. Francis Hospital & Medical Group President and CEO Dave Lord and Health Officer Mike Snyder with Public Health Delta and Menominee Counties talk about the COVID-19 problem in the community with Delta County Chair Pat Johnson.
Sue Gartland and Tonya Gartland with the Delta Animal Shelter talk about the recently held Caturday that allowed people to adopt cats for free. The shelter also has pigeons for adoption and are getting ready for a Howl-ween Paw-ty.
Community Service Coordinator Joanna Wilbee-Amis at OSF Healthcare St. Francis Hospital & Medical Group talks about the community health needs assessment survey and how it will helps to set the goals and priorities for the year in community based health programs.
A flu shot clinic is being held Saturday at the hospital for those 19 and older from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the OSF Drive Thru Testing Center behind the hospital.
Alexis Dahlgren talks about growing up in a trapping family and her continuing love of trapping. Alexis and her father, Roy Dahlgren, are getting ready for new trapping seasons that begin this month.
State Rep. Beau Lafave formally announced his campaign for Secretary of State.
LaFave says he is running to reopen the Secretary of State offices in the state. He would be the first from the U.P. to hold a statewide office since Chase Osborn of Sault Ste Marie was Governor from 1911 to 1913.
Mike Furmanski was the Electric Superintendent with the city of Escanaba when he served on the Governor’s U.P. Energy Task Force. He is now general manger of the Alger Delta Electric Cooperative.
He says it seemed the task force was formed with a predetermined goal — to close Line 5.
Players de Noc is holding auditions tonight for a unique event that will be held this month at the Lakeview Cemetery in Escanaba.
Jamie Peterson says they are looking for actors to portray historic figures from Escanaba who are buried at the cemetery. It will be part of an event called Playing Dead: A Cemetery Walk with Players de Noc that will be held on Oct. 22 and 23, 2021.
Strong winds and great weather made sailing on Little Bay Noc a great time this year. Jim Hansen of Escanaba says visiting sailors are often impressed with the community and its facilities.