The Beat Gets a Bump! Meet Paul Billings and Big Rob from 103.7 The Beat!

Local radio.....um, don't get me started.   :)
Local radio has been doing just fine over in Muskegon Heights.  Paul Billings and his staff have been THE community station for Muskegon Heights since 2002.  They play a nice selection of music, they tackle tough issues, they operate food truck giveaways, host awards shows, help kids learn the music and recording business.  They have truly built a radio station that caters to the needs of the listeners and they are an asset of the area!

Visit 103.7 The Beat Online

Recently, Paul got a hold of the 106.1 frequency that was licensed to Muskegon Public Schools and brought it back on the air!  The focus will be similar to that of The Beat.  Public safety, awareness, education and advocacy for youth and community.  They are also holding over the popular Rock and Soul music format that listeners enjoyed, and the weekends get a little more wild with EDM (electronic dance music) so, if you need a place to tune in for the party.....try 106.1.

Paul and I had a chance to sit down and talk about both stations along with Big Rob and what he sees as some of the pressing issues facing radio today and how they manage to keep on the air and keep growing.  Take a listen to the interview below.  If nothing else, hear a couple of old radio guys talking about radio things and how much more a community deserves from their local stations than they are getting.

Another example of someone not giving up.....someone who refuses to think that kids are a lost cause....someone who believes that the best days are yet to come for all of Muskegon.  I have been proud to call Paul a friend and confidant for a number of years now.  I was happy to get to share his story with you!

Check out the brand new M106-FM on the web.  You'll find the link in their logo below!!!

The Ladas Hoopes and McNeill Legal Report! Personal Injury Law With Ken Hoopes

I'll sue you!  Seems to be some people's idea of how to get rich quick!  Well, it might not be as easy as it seems when it comes to the law and since we've got Ladas Hoopes and McNeill as a fantastic sponsor of this blog, I grabbed partner Ken Hoopes who specializes in personal injury law to kind of explain a little more about the whole process.

Take a listen to our chat below and see if you or a family member can benefit from the assistance of Ladas Hoopes and McNeill in your injury case.

Ken's a great guy, and the entire office at Ladas Hoopes and McNeill are caring attorneys that make sure their clients have the best possible legal representation possible in and around Muskegon.  They are also firmly committed to this community and are part of multiple boards to help guide community resources the best they can.  If you need an attorney, make Ladas Hoopes and McNeill your first call!

Ladas Hoopes and McNeill's Website

We Welcome The Muskegon County Airport to Positively Muskegon

It's always a welcome sign when places in your area see the value of what you are doing and that they would like to be a part of the telling of so many important stories about the people and places that make Muskegon so awesome!

We are proud to welcome one of the places someone might see when they first come to town, The Muskegon County Airport!

Click for the MKG County Airport Site

The Muskegon County Airport is awesome.  Parking is a breeze and amazingly affordable compared to other area airports.  The waiting areas are clean and well maintained and the food at the Brownstone Restaurant is a very good starting point for a traveler who would like to try all of the great restaurants we have to offer!  Security is equal to any other airport, but there is a much more relaxed feel and with United offering jet service and now even lower fares, flying out of Muskegon makes more sense than ever.

There are flights on special all the time and if you've ever been on one of the casino flights to Laughlin Nevada...you know a good time is only a hop skip and a jump away!

I had a chance to catch up with Dianne Hoofman who handles the marketing for the Muskegon County Airport to welcome her as well as find out a little more about why everyone should fly Muskegon.  Take a listen!

The Muskegon County Airport may very well be the best kept secret in all of West Michigan.  Less hassle, lower parking prices, lower ticket prices, a comfortable atmosphere and the knowledge that Muskegon really has a gem on our hands with our own airport! Make sure you get signed up for their email list so you know when the super fares are available!! Fly anywhere, from home!

Follow the Muskgon County Airport on Facebook!

The Boys and Girls Club of Muskegon Making a Difference in Our Future

It was a long time coming and a lot of work by many people to secure the building, start the program and give our young people a place to call their own and be able to utilize some direction, some help and some mentor-ship.

The pieces of the puzzle all fell into place and the Boys and Girls of Muskegon became a reality.

Find the Boys and Girls Club on Facebook

Led by an incredible board of directors, staff and countless volunteers, the Boys and Girls Club of Muskegon has been open for about a year and I made a long over due visit to speak with Dakota Crow who is the director of our local chapter and to talk about this first year at the club.

We'll let Dakota tell the story, as I too am very curious about the program, the needs and the impact the Boys and Girls Clubs of America have on today's youth.  Click on the video below to hear the story!

Impressive!  Inspirational and above all....Hopeful!  There is a very bright future for the kids of Muskegon and the Lakeshore!  If you'd like to know more, please, click on the photo below and go to the Boys and Girls Club of Muskegon's Website!

Boys and Girls Club of Muskegon Online

The Hero Mud Run! Back for Year 2!

Starts off like a lot of things.  A guy is sitting around thinking "I wish there was something fun to do" and just like that...The Hero Mud Run is born!

If it were only that easy.

Meet Josh Mueller.  He's the founder of the Hero Mud Run along with David Gawlik and Eric Briggs, who got their feet wet last year in Muskegon with their first event at the Muskegon County Fairgrounds.

Visit Hero Mud Run Online

It was a big undertaking, the conception of and the building of a huge obstacle course filled with all kind of challenges and of course....mud!  No to worry, the course is designed for all levels of athletic skill.  There are courses from 3-8 miles with plenty of military style obstacles and the best part is...if you just want to head out and watch, spectators are free.

It's a great thing for Muskegon County, bringing in tourists from all over the state and region and bringing a new event for them to enjoy!

With last year being the inaugural year, and quite a successful inaugural year might I add, I asked Josh to come on in to Positively Muskegon and talk a little about how the first year went, what was learned and what's in store for 2016!   Have a listen to the chat below!

The Hero Mud Run is happening May 7th at the Muskegon County Fairgrounds.  Sponsorship opportunities are available, registration is going on now and the gauntlet has been thrown down!  Are you tough enough for Hero Mud?  Find out May 7th!

If you'd like to save a few bucks on your entry fee, at check out ENTER PROMO CODE "positive" and you'll save 20%!!

Find Hero Mud Run on Facebook

Positively Muskegon - 100th Anniversary!

Today, we celebrate the 100th story on Positively Muskegon!  Let me start by saying a very heartfelt thank you to you for taking the time to read the stories, share them on your social media, tell friends, talk back, share story ideas and generally refuse to believe what you see and hear, or don't hear on other media outlets!

The idea was simply this.  Muskegon needs something to tell the story of the good people here who work tirelessly to make a difference!  A good case in point, over the last year...I spoke to one person for a story who has not had a paycheck for 2 years, but still believes that her work is so important that she can't give up.  It's her against homelessness.  We've found out there are teams of dedicated people who help make sure kids have dinner who otherwise might go without.  We've heard about fun events, peoples passions, met former heavy weight contenders, shared career day with 8th graders and have people in other cities seeing the value and charm of our community.....it's been an adventure!

We've also picked up some really great sponsors.  Sincere thanks to them for believing in me and telling the stories that would otherwise possibly go unnoticed.

In the end, this short thank you note goes to you!  We're getting close to 30,000 readers!  THIRTY THOUSAND!  It's an awesome number and it's growing.  Why?  Because apparently I am not the only one who truly Loves Muskegon.  Share the stories!  Tell me what's important to you!  Watch Us Go for the next 100!  A very humble thank you! - Andy O

Earth, Wind and Tired! Muskegon Winter Sports Complex Hosts a 5K!

By most accounts, it was a pretty mild Winter around the area.  Not so mild the Winter Sports Complex didn't pack in a full season, but just mild enough to be considered acceptable by most.  Luge, ice skating, snow shoeing, sledding....all enjoyed by more than ever before, but when the season comes to a close....it's time to get to know the Winter Sports Complex without it's blanket of white!  It's time for Earth Wind and Tired!

Earth Wind and Tired on Facebook

Imagine a 5 k taking you thru the woods, with the natural beauty of the Lake Michigan shoreline, the dunes, the cool breeze....it's a picture perfect to add another notch in your belt for good health, adventure and showing some pride in Muskegon!

I had a chance to get out and talk to Bill Bailey from the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex about the event and we touched on a few other things coming up you may want to jot down on your calendar for the "off season" at the park.  I think you'll see that the "off season" is a lot busier than you think!  Have a listen to the details below!

If Earth, Wind and Tired sounds like your kind of adventure, click on the logo below to get yourself signed up. USE THE PROMO CODE "positive" on check out and save 15% for being a Positively Muskegon reader! (Promo Code valid until March 26th)  If you are coming in from out of town to join the fun... welcome!  We're glad you're making the trek to Muskegon and we hope to see you again!  If you're coming to the Winter Sports Complex....you'l be treated to one of our true town treasures!  We're glad you came.  If you are a local, hey....you already know what we've got here.....ain't we lucky?

Get Registered for Earth Wind and Tired