Every winter hundreds of people make their way out onto the frozen lakes of Muskegon County for various activities. On occasion rescue or medical help is required. However, getting those responders out on the ice can be a challenge. So how was that problem solved? With a hovercraft! Listen in to learn about the history of hovercraft on our lakes.…

In this episode of Muskegon County Municipalities at Work, host DJ Hilson sits down with newly elected North Muskegon Mayor Chris Nance to explore his remarkable career in public service—from international PR and White House advance work to senior roles under Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger—and how those experiences shape his vision for North Muskeg…

Muskegon has seen many Presidential Campaigns and Presidential visits. With the first happening in 1884, our county has over a century of Presidential history. Listen in to learn who stopped in Muskegon and the places in town most often visited by Presidential Candidates.

In this episode of Muskegon County Municipalities at Work, host DJ Hilson sits down with Roosevelt Park Police Chief Shawn Bride to explore his remarkable 30-year law enforcement career, from his early days with the City of Muskegon to leading a small but highly engaged department. Chief Bride discusses the transformative power of community policin…

Born in Italy, Peter Spaniola immigrated to the United States and made his way to Muskegon. Eventually he and his family would run a local grocery store, but not without many trials and tribulations including a robbery gone wrong, a rabid dog attack, and a terrible family tragedy.

In this episode of Muskegon County Municipalities at Work, host DJ Hilson interviews county Emergency Manager Renee Gavin, whose 20+ years of public safety experience—including law enforcement, EMS, and emergency planning—shape her vital leadership role in community preparedness and disaster response. Gavin explains how emergency management identif…

Kathy Moore, Muskegon County’s longtime Public Health Director and its most senior employee, joins DJ Hilson on Muskegon County Municipalities at Work to share her 35 years of experience serving in wastewater, airport operations, county administration, and public health leadership. She outlines the wide range of services delivered by the health dep…

Located in the Northeast corner of Muskegon County, Holton and Holton Township have a long history. Much of the area was included as reservation land in the Treaty of Detroit and it would become mixed up in various land claims. Eventually a small community would grow and flourish there.

In this episode of Muskegon County Municipalities at Work, host DJ Hilson sits down with Keith Townsend, a lifelong Muskegon resident and second-generation transit worker with the Muskegon Area Transit System (MATS). Townsend shares how MATS connects residents to jobs, schools, and essential services through fixed routes, ADA-compliant vehicles, an…

In this episode of Muskegon County at Work, host DJ Hilson sits down with Emily Morgenstern, Community Coordinator for the Muskegon Police Department, to explore how community engagement is transforming local public safety. A lifelong Muskegon native, Emily shares her journey from the Chamber of Commerce to public service and explains how her role …

From 1943-1954, the United States saw its first professional women's sports, notably in the form of baseball. This episode will look at how the women's league got its start and why it ended. There will also be talk of Muskegon's own team, the Lassies and their history.

DJ Hilson

During World War II the Muskegon chapter of the Red Cross was looking for a new home. They found a home at the old Hackley House, which was donated to them by Erie, daughter of Charles and Julia. Listen in as we talk about how the Red Cross operated in this historic house and what services they provided during wartime.…

In this episode of Muskegon County Municipalities at Work, host DJ Hilson interviews Dawson Romanosky, a lifelong Muskegon resident and automotive professional who now manages the City of Muskegon’s fleet of over 550 vehicles and pieces of equipment. From police cars and plow trucks to bulldozers and utility vehicles, Dawson oversees maintenance, r…

Nestled in a small lot in downtown Muskegon, the Monet Garden is a piece of tranquility in a busy city. This garden is a tribute to Claude Monet the famous French impressionist painter and his garden in France. This episode will explain how this local garden came to be and what existed on that spot before it was transformed. Lakeshore Garden Master…

In this episode of Muskegon County Municipalities at Work, host DJ Hilson interviews Deborah Santiago Sweet, Community Engagement and Communications Specialist for the City of Muskegon. Deborah shares her passion for public service, rooted in a family legacy of community involvement, and highlights her unique role in building collaboration across c…

Did you know that Muskegon in the 1880s had a mini salt boom? Always trying to diversify their business and the towns industry, many lumber barons followed the suit of Saginaw area barons who had great success drilling brine wells to produce salt. Today we look at where this salt came from, how it was produced, and why it ultimately never gained an…

In this episode of Muskegon Municipalities at Work, host DJ Hilson sits down with Detective Sergeant Nick Vander Molen of the Michigan State Police to explore his journey from Allendale native to leader of the Muskegon Major Case Team. Vander Molen shares insights into the intensive state police recruit school, his early assignments, and the collab…

On this episode of Muskegon County Municipalities at Work, host DJ Hilson interviews City of Muskegon Director of Development Services Jake Eckholm about how vision-driven public service is fueling local progress—linking housing as economic development, diversified job growth, and small-business support across the city’s commercial corridors. Eckho…

Debbie Hillebrand, a Pennsylvania native who now runs the Lewis House Bed & Breakfast in Whitehall, shares her journey from business owner to city council member in this episode of Muskegon County Municipalities at Work. After falling in love with the community’s walkability, natural beauty, and vibrant arts scene, she decided to run for council as…

Millions of years ago much of Michigan was covered in a shallow salt water sea. This sea would shape Michigan in many ways including what bedrock, fossils, and resources we would have. Today we learn all about this sea and the basin it created.

The Michigan Irish Music Festival occurs every year in Muskegon in September, and has become one of the largest Irish music festivals in the United States. In this interview we discuss the festivals history, how it operates, and how you can get involved. To find out more information, purchase tickets, or to volunteer check out: https://michiganiris…

In this episode of Muskegon Municipalities At Work, host DJ Hilson interviews Tom Lohman, the four-term mayor of Montague, Michigan, to discuss the intricacies of small-town governance. Mayor Lohman shares his journey from Clay Banks Township to leading Montague, emphasizing the balance between preserving the town’s quaint, close-knit atmosphere an…

In this episode of Muskegon County Municipalities At Work, host DJ Hilson sits down with Norton Shores Mayor Gary Nelund for a candid, in-depth conversation on local government leadership, community service, and the evolution of public policy. Mayor Nelund reflects on his 15+ years in office, highlighting the importance of collaboration, fiscal res…

In this episode of Muskegon County Municipalities At Work, host DJ Hilson interviews Amelia Isitian, operations supervisor at the Muskegon County Resource Recovery Center, about her journey from earning an environmental engineering degree in Turkey to leading wastewater operations back in her hometown. Amelia highlights the center’s critical role i…

Did you know that during WWII German prisoners worked on Muskegon farms? On this episode we will look at the reasons why they were here, and the lifelong connections that formed between the prisoners and farmers.

What began as Deer Park, a petting zoo with deer being a main attraction, would eventually add various rides and become the top attraction in West Michigan. Today we trace the history of Michigan's Adventure from its early days to today.

In this in-depth episode of Muskegon County Municipalities at Work, DJ Hilson interviews Amy Campanelli, Director of the Muskegon County Public Defender’s Office, who shares her powerful journey from leading reform efforts in Cook County to implementing holistic defense in Muskegon. Campanelli discusses her passion for treating clients as whole peo…

In this heartwarming episode of Muskegon County Municipalities at Work, host DJ Hilson interviews longtime public servant Saquetta Chatman, whose decades of experience and unwavering dedication embody the spirit of community service. From her early days at the Muskegon County Courthouse to her current role as the front-line face of the Norton Shore…

In this inspiring episode of Muskegon County Municipalities at Work, hosted by DJ Hilson, Sharonda Carson, Director of Community and Neighborhood Services for the City of Muskegon, shares her passionate journey of serving her hometown. Born and raised in Muskegon, Sharonda discusses how her department supports residents through vital programs like …

With the many rivers, streams, and creeks in Muskegon County, celery was a natural crop to try and grow. Much like other produce tried in our soils, celery farming would become a successful crop and Muskegon would lead the state of Michigan in celery production in the 1950s. In this episode we will trace the history of celery farming and learn how …

Discover the real stories behind Muskegon County’s first responders and law enforcement in this episode of Muskegon County Municipalities At Work. Join us as we sit down with Lieutenant Austin Aamodt of the Muskegon County Sheriff’s Department to learn about his journey into law enforcement, the specialized roles of the Emergency Response Team, and…

In this episode of Muskegon County Municipalities At Work, host DJ Hilson sits down with Rebecca St. Clair, At-Large Commissioner and Vice Mayor of the City of Muskegon, for an inspiring and eye-opening conversation on the vital roles local government plays in building a stronger, more connected community. Learn how Muskegon is addressing the natio…

La Colonia was a community of Latinos that formed together during World War II at the Ryerson Heights project. Here these Latinos from all over the south and Mexico would bond together and create a cultural hub for themselves. Listen in as we share what life was like in La Colonia.

Discover how Muskegon’s Parks and Recreation Department is transforming community life in this episode of Muskegon County Municipalities at Work. Host DJ Hilson interviews Kyle Karczeswkii, Muskegon’s Parks and Rec Director, who shares his journey from Florida to Michigan and the department’s mission to create safe, engaging, and inclusive outdoor …

If you have a sweet tooth McDonald's Candies has you covered. McDonald's Candies started in Charles McDonald's basement and from there grew into the areas most well known chocolate and sweets destination.

In this heartfelt episode of Muskegon County Municipalities at Work, host DJ Hilson sits down with retiring Whitehall Police Chief Roger Squires to reflect on his remarkable 46-year law enforcement career. From his small-town Michigan roots to transformative leadership in Whitehall, Chief Squires shares the lessons, challenges, and triumphs that sh…

With over 30 years of service, Tim Kozal, Safety Director for the City of Muskegon, stands as a guardian of public well-being, bringing unmatched expertise, leadership, and integrity to every facet of community safety. A seasoned professional in emergency management, law enforcement coordination, and public policy, he has consistently championed pr…

Susan Newhof serves the City of Montague as an elected council person and is proud to tell you why. She reveals a personal satisfaction that comes from serving her city. Her respect for local involvement is inspiring. This overview of how the Montague City Council functions is a study in cooperation and goodwill. You will learn a lot about what a c…

One of the oldest churches still in operation in Muskegon, St Paul's has a long history and connection to some of the most important people in our past. Following along as we learn about the history of this congregation and church.

Jim Petrie oversees the daily operations of the City of Muskegon water treatment facility to ensure the safe and efficient purification of drinking water for the community. With a strong background in environmental science and water treatment processes, he leads a team of technicians and operators, manages system maintenance schedules, and monitors…

Meet Mike Bauw, a dedicated Veterans Affairs Officer committed to serving those who have served our nation. With a strong background in advocacy and support services, Mike works tirelessly to ensure veterans and their families have access to the benefits, resources, and recognition they deserve. His deep respect for military service and passion for…

If it's possible to have a community award that is a person, Firefighter Pete might be one. The White Lake Fire Authority Fire Chief, Pete McCarthy, is the embodiment of relentless service with a kind heart. Firefighter Pete, as he likes to be called, is a fine example of the diligence and cooperation that typifies municipal service in Muskegon Cou…

In 1880s Muskegon if you were looking for some night life, the best place to go was Sawdust Flats. This part of town on the outskirts near the Muskegon River was the place were nearly anything went and you could find what you desired, however it also had a softer side in the day. Listen in to learn about this interesting area and its history.…

Chief Sain is a proud third generation police officer in Muskegon Heights. His community service legacy in law enforcement began after an outstanding basketball career with area schools. Chief Sain invests in his officers and community with an attitude that reflects his commitment to respect and communication. His spirit of cooperation is a part of…

On May 6, 2025 a millage will be on the ballot for the Lakeshore Museum Center for the construction of a new museum building and the renovation of the existing space into a collection and archival storage facility. In this episode museum director Melissa Horton explains what this millage entails, why it is needed, and how the community will be serv…

Ensuring safe places requires the ability to enforce standards. The homes and businesses we frequent are set to standards of safety by our local municipality. And those standards, known as codes, are enforced by inspectors. Toby Fredericksen does that for homes in Muskegon Township and other municipalities in Muskegon County. Learn how the safety o…

Fighting fire requires tenacity and sometimes courage, and it’s a step up to instill passion in the performance of that job. Jack Wydeck brings more than 20 years of firefighting experience to bear on his new job of Fire Inspector for Muskegon Township. And his dedication is evident as he shares what’s involved with keeping a community safe by prep…

In honor of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, the museum brings our newest exhibit, Home Front Heroes. Home Front Heroes looks at the effort of Muskegon County during the war. In this podcast episode we look at the Civilian Defense Corps which was in charge of dealing with air raids and drills, civil air patrol, and recruiting volunt…

Safety in public places is something often taken for granted. Death and injury remind us that fire is an enemy that comes for us when we least expect it. This emergency is regularly avoided because local fire laws and the people who enforce them have our best interests top of mind, all the time. We have unclogged aisles and exits that are available…