PODCAST · news
Hometown Escanaba
by Craig Woerpel
Connecting with the people, activities and newsmakers of Escanaba and Michigan‘s Upper Peninsula.
Episodes
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House Band pays respects to band's founder with a tribute concert
The All-Star members of the House Band are paying their respects to the band's founder today with a tribute concert today in Ludington Park. Kevin Chown passed away this month after a lengthy illness. He started the House Band to be the house band at the House of Ludington. Wednesday nights…
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RADIO SHOW: Friday
Kevin Chown has been a part of my radio program for six years. Each week he would come in to talk about music, life and his vision for Escanaba. Cancer took his life this week at the age of 56. He seamlessly transitioned between the world and national stage as a musician and his hometown. Today,...
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Wienermobile to make special appearance at Ludington Street Cruise car show
Elmer’s County Market is bringing the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile to the Ludington Street Cruise car show in May. Elmer’s General Manager and LSC Committee member Kurt Strassler says the Wienermobile will be at Elmer’s on Friday, May 29, in the parade that evening, and at the car show on Saturday....
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Milling starts on Ludington Street, two more blocks closed
Jeff Lampi, Escanaba Water Wastewater Superintendent, and Darren Pionk, Project Manager at C2AE, provide an update on construction on Ludington Street and other parts of the community. Milling is set to begin Thursday and Friday. Ludington Street from 6th to 8th Streets is added to the closure.
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Bay College graduation nears as Hughes highlights student futures
Bay College graduation is May 9. College President Nerita Hughes tells us what that means for the students and what their futures might hold. Hughes is also preparing for a legislature luncheon May 1 that will highlight the college's Manufacturing Innovation Center. And, Hughes is serving on the...
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Bonifas highlights classes, gallery show, Spring raffle, LogJam vendor signup
Gallery Director Kate Oman and Education Coordinator Noah Johnson talk about upcoming classes at the Bonifas Arts Center, the show in the gallery, Spring raffle and need for art and craft vendors to register for Escanaba LogJam Music Festival.
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ToHuBoHu trades electric sound for piano set at Leigh’s Garden Winery show
The band ToHuBoHu is going to be taking on a different sound when they play at Leigh's Garden Winery this weekend. John Beck says he will be playing the grand piano at the winery. A bit different from the electric keyboard and guitar that he normally plays. Joining him will be Bruce Cassell on…
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Crowdfunding push aims to bring refrigerated ice rink to Escanaba
Enhance Escanaba is working to raise 75-thousand dollars through the Patronicity website by June 30 to fund a refrigerated outdoor ice rink. Board President Karen Moore says if the goal is met, the project will qualify for a matching grant through the Public Spaces Community Places program, along...
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RADIO SHOW: Monday, April 27, 2026
Phil Lynch joins us on a Monday morning to spin records on the turntable. He has a new used watch that is uniquely significant. Mike Markwell shares some recognitions he has received. Justin Lauscher brings us up-to-date on the Ludington Street Cruise.
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DDA urges business support during construction, highlights upcoming events
As Ludington Street closures expands, Sue Parker, chair of the Escanaba Downtown Development Authority, says it is important to connect with downtown businesses. She also talked about upcoming events like Spoil Mom Week, Ludington Street Cruise and Escanaba LogJam Music Festival.
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Escanaba Library plans busy May, gets ready for Live on the Lawn music
Jane Lynch with the Escanaba Public Library talks about all of the activities planned for May. It includes a poetry reading night and celebration of the Winter Little Library program. Plus, Lynch is getting ready for the Live on the Lawn music series this summer.
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A signup event is being held for Ludingon Street Cruise registration
Sign up for Ludington Street Cruise car show will be available this weekend at the GreenTree Auto Styling car show. Cruise Chair Justin Lauscher talks about how to register for Ludington Street Cruise. The event will be May 29 and 30. It includes Smokey and the Bandit reenactors Southbound and…
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TRAILS & TALES: April 25, 2026
Marvin Szukalowski is getting ready to go fishing but first we are taste testing a passion he is once again creating, a pizzasty. Al Ettenhofer says there is still time to get tickets for U.P. Whitetails' Spring Banquet. Bill Cook talks about his new book, Beyond the Crest. It details his journey...
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Late Escanaba graduate’s $3.65M gift honoring teacher mother surprises school officials
The story of the man who gave $3.65 million to the Escanaba School District's scholarship fund has caught school officials by surprised. School Superintendent Coby Fletcher says they had no contact with the 1947 Escanaba graduate before Dr. David Millard Locke passed away last year. Locke...
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BayCon expands to two days as popular culture event returns to Bay College
BayCon kicks off its fifth year on Friday at Bay College. This is the first year the pop culture convention will be held for two days. Organizer Dave Laur says that is because the event continues to grow. BayCon celebrates everything from vintage video games and comics to cosplay and celebrity...
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Five blocks of Ludington Street close to prepare for summer construction
Ludington Street closes this afternoon from 9th to 14th Street. The intersection at 10th Street will remain opened. Project Manager Darren Pionk of C2AE says the construction company needs to get started before milling the street. Construction is also planned for 6th to 9th Street but Pionk says...
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DeSalvo updates flooding issues, staffing changes at airport
The Delta County Airport reopened Tuesday following a week of flooding that closed the runways. Delta County Administrator Emily DeSalvo says flooding issues are receding throughout the county. They have been taking reports from those who have been affected by flooding. Delta County is also...
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Rapid River school finishes construction, Gladstone starts strategic planning
The final touches are being completed on the entrance project at the Rapid River schools. School Superintendent Jay Kulbertis says it took a lot longer than expected. Gladstone schools is also starting it strategic planning.
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Cook reflects on Pacific Crest Trail journey in new book Beyond the Crest
Author Bill Cook talks about his new book, Beyond the Crest: A Trail Through Time. It details his backpacking journey along the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail and explores how that experience shaped his perspective over the following five decades.
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Car show organizers announce plans for Ludington Street Cruise
The parade route for Ludington Street Cruise is being altered to accommodate the construction that will be occurring on Ludington Street this summer. Committee Chair Justin Lauscher says the annual car parade on May 29 will begin in Ludington Park as usual start down Ludington Street.
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Conservation District reschedules tree sale pickup, continues native plant sale
Weather is affecting the delivery of trees for the Delta Conservation District tree sale. Ben Marchant says pickup for those who purchased trees as part of the conservation district tree sale has now been scheduled for May 1 and 2 at the U.P. State Fairgrounds. The Delta Conservation District is...
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TRAILS & TALES: April 18, 2026
The group continues to talk about proposed license changes for deer hunting in Michigan. And, Ben Marchant with the Delta Conservation District says pickup for those who purchased trees as part of the conservation district tree sale has now been scheduled for May 1 and 2 at the U.P. State...
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McNeil discusses downtown construction, ladder truck purchase
Escanaba City Manager Jim McNeil talks about the planned construction for downtown Escanaba and the rest of the community. The Escanaba City Council has approved the purchase of a new ladder truck for Public Safety. It will take up to four years to receive it. And the council has made another…
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U.P. Arts and Culture Alliance receives two NEA grants
The Upper Peninsula Arts and Culture Alliance has been awarded two competitive grants totaling 50-thousand dollars from the National Endowment for the Arts. Sue Roll says the funding includes a 30-thousand dollar Grants for Arts Projects award that will support a regional mini-grant program. A...
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Milling of Ludington Street delayed a week as preparations begin
The milling of Ludington Street and ultimate closure has been delayed a week. The street was to close on Monday but construction equipment could not be brought into Escanaba because of seasonal road restrictions. Stacy Eagle, civil engineer at C2AE, says construction is now scheduled to begin on...
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Legault provides business, construction updates in Escanaba area
Ed Legault, executive director of the Delta County Economic Development Alliance, talks about upgrades at Billerud, construction starting in downtown Escanaba and DTE's construction project planned for Escanaba. Also, provides information on the Chamber of Commerce golf outing in June.
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U.P. urged to take advantage of new specialy crop programs
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...
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Prosecutor says community benefits from Child Advocacy Center
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.
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DTE to relocate Escanaba gas main ahead of MDOT reconstruction
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…
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RADIO SHOW: Wednesday, April 15, 2026
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...
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RADIO SHOW: Tuesday, April 14, 2026
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.
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Gladstone sets lead line financing hearing, reviews fireworks and park upgrades
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…
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Ludington Street Cruise committee finalizes plans for upcoming car show
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.
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RADIO SHOW: Monday, April 13, 2026
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...
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Ground to be broken on Northshore Flats condominium in summer
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.
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United Way to hold School Readiness Summit, participate in Healthy Kids program
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…
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TRAILS & TALES: April 11, 2026
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...
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RADIO SHOW: Friday, April 10, 2026
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…
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ISD students nearing completion of Delta House project
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...
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RADIO SHOW: Thursday, April 9, 2026
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...
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Road construction to start April 13 at three Escanaba locations
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…
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Music lineup announced for Lunch on Ludington series
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...
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RADIO SHOW: Wednesday, April 8, 2026
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...
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DeSalvo talks about county's opioid efforts, budgets, blizzard response
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.
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Escanaba gets ready for district robotics competition
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...
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RADIO SHOW: Tuesday, April 7, 2026
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.
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Delta Animal Shelter has need to foster kittens, puppies
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.
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Shared Interest Fair to promote community discussion
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...
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RADIO SHOW: Monday, April 6, 2026
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.
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Registration underway for Ludington Street Cruise car show in May
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Hometown Escanaba have?
Hometown Escanaba currently has 89 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Hometown Escanaba about?
Connecting with the people, activities and newsmakers of Escanaba and Michigan‘s Upper Peninsula.
How often does Hometown Escanaba release new episodes?
Hometown Escanaba has 89 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Hometown Escanaba?
You can listen to Hometown Escanaba on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Hometown Escanaba?
Hometown Escanaba is created and hosted by Craig Woerpel.
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