Muskegon Rising

On this episode of Muskegon Rising, Ken James of Muskegon Community College speaks with Barbara Lee VanHorssen, “experimenter” and executive director of the Momentum Center, about creating inclusive communities through mental health support, cultural immersion, and grassroots conversations. Barbara shares how initiatives like Across the Bridge build relationships between Muskegon and the Tri-Cities, breaking down stereotypes and fo...

In this episode of Muskegon Rising, host Nancy Crandall sits down with Dr. Paul Lomeo to explore his remarkable journey from 35 years in emergency medicine to launching a family-run cannabis grow and retail business in Muskegon. Dr. Lomeo shares how the pandemic, personal passion, and groundbreaking science on cannabis receptors inspired his career shift, offering insights into cannabis as both a medical alternative to opioids and ...

In this episode of Muskegon Rising, host Nancy Crandall speaks with Pam Curtis, Director of Senior Resources of West Michigan, about the vital role the Area Agency on Aging plays in supporting older adults and caregivers across Muskegon, Ottawa, and Oceana counties. Celebrating over 50 years of service, Senior Resources connects seniors to critical programs, including in-home care, transportation, nutrition, and advocacy, while par...

Angelita Valdez, founder of Servicios de Esperanza (Services of Hope), shares how her bilingual, CARF-accredited clinic expands access to mental health care in Muskegon. With 19 years as a therapist and 12 years leading the practice, she outlines services for adults and children including play and art therapy, EMDR, substance use counseling, and telehealth. Topics include meeting people where they are, Medicaid and low-cost options...

Muskegon Community College is celebrating 100 years of education, innovation, and community impact, as shared in this inspiring interview with President Dr. John Selmon on Muskegon Rising. From honoring its centennial with alumni events and a new logo to achieving a 100% pass rate on the nursing exam, MCC continues to prepare students for workforce success and four-year transfers while strengthening ties with local employers. Dr. S...

How do the trillions of microbes living in and on us shape our health and the medicines that work best? Dr. Keith Crandall, professor at George Washington University and Grand Valley State University’s 2025 Innovator of the Year, breaks it down in plain English. He shares how DNA sequencing reveals which microbes are helpful or harmful, how antibiotic resistance can be flagged from a simple sample, and why software now lets hospita...

Muskegon native Dr. Stephanie Briggs, Associate Dean of Workforce and Talent Development at Muskegon Community College, joins host Kendrah Robinson to share how MCC is connecting learners to high-demand careers. We talk about apprenticeships, short-term certificates, and custom training with local manufacturers, plus resources like Muskegon Promise and Michigan Reconnect that can make college affordable or even free. If you’re unsu...

How do you prevent violence before it happens? Hear from Dr. Brian Stork, a Muskegon-based urologist and University of Michigan professor, about SafERteens and a growing community effort to support young people. Hear how emergency room screenings, brief interventions, and school-based programs are helping youth set goals, build skills, and find support. Dr. Stork explains why a public health approach matters, how data guides the wo...

This episode of Muskegon Rising highlights how Denver Air Connection is transforming regional travel with Tonya Ruhsenberger. Discover how convenient air service strengthens Muskegon's economy, connects local businesses, and opens doors for visitors. Tonya shares her journey from nonprofit leadership to aviation, Denver Air's community partnerships, and what makes flying out of Muskegon stress-free, from friendly boarding...

This episode of Muskegon Rising explores the remarkable journey of LST 393 with John Stephenson from the USS LST 393 Veterans Museum. The World War II landing ship stormed Omaha Beach on D-Day before beginning a second life as a Great Lakes freighter. Today, it serves as a museum in downtown Muskegon, filled with thousands of authentic artifacts and powerful personal stories. Visitors can tour from the engine room to the wheelhouse...

In this episode of Muskegon Rising, marketing director and educator Kristina Broughton shares how she turned a simple idea into the Muskegon Area Marketing Professionals, a growing network of more than 80 marketers and creatives. What began as a private Facebook group has evolved into in-person events, professional development sessions, and unexpected collaborations across industries. Kristina discusses the power of connection, men...

Erhardt Construction’s Arlen Dean Gaddy shares how the company is helping revitalize Muskegon County through projects like the courthouse, Muskegon Museum of Art, and the Front Porch initiative. Learn how Erhardt blends innovation, sustainability, and community impact while supporting workforce development and economic growth. From modernizing public spaces to partnering with nonprofits and local businesses, this episode highlights...

Park Kersman, president of Lorin Industries, joins us to share how a nearly 100-year-old Muskegon manufacturer is leading with purpose. From its roots as a family business to its global reach in anodized aluminum, Lorin’s story is one of innovation, community, and culture. Park talks about what it means to invest in people, why giving back matters, and how curiosity and a “take it forward” mindset are driving growth at home and aro...

In this episode of Muskegon Rising, Muskegon Rotarian Nancy Crandall sits down with Kathy Moore, Executive Director of the Muskegon County Health Department, to reflect on her pivotal leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kathy shares her unique journey from finance to public health, discusses the evolving challenges of vaccine hesitancy, youth mental health, opioid abuse, and budget cuts, and emphasizes the power of collaborati...

In this inspiring episode of Muskegon Rising, host Aaron Maike sits down with Dave Alexander, incoming President of the Muskegon Rotary Club for 2025–2026, to discuss the future of service, leadership, and community impact in Muskegon. From his deep roots in journalism and civic engagement to his vision of hyperlocal initiatives, youth leadership, and regional collaboration, Dave shares how the Rotary’s legacy of “Service Above Sel...

In this episode of Muskegon Rising, host Aaron Maike welcomes Bernard Brown from the Muskegon ISD's Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department to discuss how hands-on career exploration is transforming education for Muskegon County students. From launching new high school programs in aviation mechanics, engineering, and agroscience, to innovative middle school STEM labs funded by the Department of Defense, Bernard shares ...

Mike Olthoff’s name is synonymous with impact in Muskegon. In this episode of Muskegon Rising, Mike shares the story behind building Nichols into a regional powerhouse and why he and his wife, Kay, made giving back a lifelong priority. From early lessons in the marching band to launching the Muskegon Angels, Mike reflects on the role of purpose, persistence, and people in shaping his legacy. It is a candid conversation about risk, ...