Ponds, Paris & Pigskins

Labor Day is behind us, football is officially back, and this week we're digging into a piece of local history that goes all the way back to 1881. Our guest is Rick Hatkowski, Chair of the Save The Ponds Committee, who joins us to talk about the past, present and future of the historic Paris Fish Hatchery. We get into the story behind the ponds, those famous red milk cans, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and the years of work that have gone into preserving and improving this unique piece of Mecosta County history. Most importantly, the work is becoming reality: the groundbreaking ceremony is Friday, September 18 at 3 PM, followed by activities from 6–9 PM. Plus, Ferris has TWO #1 teams, Tommy's Car Wash is opening, Liberty Tax is coming to town, Sisterfolk closes out the Thursday night concert series, and Pat tries to convince Chris that professional sports have meaning. ⏱️ Timecodes 0:00 – Intro & welcome 1:34 – Labor Day recap: Bulldogs, sickness, Raised on Radio & hundreds of hot dogs 5:50 – Football is BACK! Fantasy report & Chris questions the meaning of professional sports 🏈 8:00 – Want to help WUBR with our weekly reels? We're looking for some help! 8:20 – Featured Creature: Leopard Gecko 🦎 10:25 – Thanks to Pastor Mark Robb & Lisa David 11:05 – Welcome Rick Hatkowski from Save The Ponds 12:00 – The Fish Hatchery story begins in 1881 20:00 – Groundbreaking celebration – September 18 27:30 – What's the story behind the red milk cans? 🥛 30:00 – A romantic afternoon under the Eiffel Tower... in Paris, Michigan 🇫🇷 36:30 – Break ground now, cut ribbon later 38:10 – How you can support Save The Ponds 38:55 – TWO #1 Ferris teams! Volleyball & Football 🐶🏆 41:09 – Liberty Tax is coming to Big Rapids 44:30 – Tommy's Car Wash soft opening 🚗 45:14 – Sisterfolk closes out Thursday nights at Pocket Park 🎶 48:03 – Chad Coon's bare-knuckle fight – September 19 🥊 49:07 – Dom's feel-good internet finds: bears, buckets & football science 52:50 – Western vs. Michigan ends in confusion 🏈 55:40 – Another great week in Big Rapids 56:00 – Outro & goodbye #WhatsUpBigRapids #BigRapidsMI #SaveThePonds #ParisMichigan #SupportLocal