Editor's note: Dan Gorman, food services director of Montague Area Public Schools, has been a proponent of trying to serve more locally grown foods in the schools. The district has received grants and awards for his efforts. Gorman discusses R.R. Oehrli Elementary school receiving the Healthier U.S. School Challenge Gold Award and his goal for serving more homegrown food... Full story »

Editor's note: As Michigan gears up for rifle season, Norton Shores Police Sgt. Jim Campbell discusses hunter safety and changes for the 2009 hunting season. Campbell, who has been a police officer since 1974, has been a hunter safety instructor for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for six years. Download the MP3 or listen to the interview.  Full story »

Editor’s note: Robb White is the department chairman for Culinary Arts and Food and Beverage Management for the Culinary Institute of Michigan. The institute, which is part of Baker College’s curriculum, recently opened in downtown Muskegon. Download the MP3 or listen to the interview.  Full story »

Editor’s note: Roger Vanderstelt is the Fruitport village president. Vanderstelt and other village officials have been forced to oversee a massive cleanup as the village was one of the areas hardest hit by the damaging Aug. 9 storm. Here he talks about the ferocity of the storm, its impact on the village and the cleanup that followed. Download the... Full story »

Editor's note: Pam Curtis became director of Senior Resources, 560 Seminole, earlier this year. Senior Resources is an Area Agency on Aging for Muskegon, Ottawa and Oceana counties. The agency advocates for services for older adults in the communities in which they live. Download the MP3 or listen to the Pam Curtis interview.  Full story »

Theresa Balavitch quickly found the pickings were slim late Sunday afternoon as she sought some authentic Irish food at Heritage Landing. Balavitch walked up to McGovern’s Catering stand at the Michigan Irish Festival looking for stew. But it was sold out. She asked for Bangars and Mash, but that was gone too. Finally, Balavitch settled on potato soup —... Full story »

Editor's note: City of Muskegon Finance Director Tim Paul recently discussed the financial implications of the city's six charter amendments on the Nov. 3 general election ballot. Download the MP3 or listen to the interview.  Full story »

Editor's note: Chris Bedford is a food system consultant and organizer of Healthy School Meals, a local project that is promoting the use of locally-produced farm produce and more nutritious food choices in school lunch programs. More info is at www.healthyschoolmeals.org. Download the MP3 or listen to the interview.  Full story »

Editor's noteDawn Willi, historic sites manager for Lakeshore Museum Center, implemented a few changes in the way volunteers give tours this season at the Hackley and Hume Historic Site at Sixth Street and Webster Avenue. Tours will be free for Muskegon County residents during September. Download the MP3 or listen to the interview.  Full story »

Editor's note There have been several water rescues along beaches in Muskegon and Ottawa counties in recent weeks, prompting Muskegon County Sheriff's Marine Sgt. Gary Berdinski to get the word out on water safety. Berdinski has been a marine office for 27 years. Download the MP3 or listen to the interview.  Full story »

Justin Brownlee is known as "Superman," a reference to the iconic superhero who fights evil and promotes morality through his good deeds. It's not just his shirts, emblazoned with the Superman "S." More importantly it's his incredible feats of volunteerism. Photo slideshow Full story »

Editor's note: Blake Born, General Sales Manager for Betten Chevrolet Cadillac, Inc, 2474 Henry Street, recently met with The Chronicle to discuss the nationwide Car Allowance Rebate Systems, or C.A.R.S., known as the "Cash for Clunkers" program, and what it could mean to Muskegon's economy. Download the MP3 or listen to the interview.  Full story »

Editor's note: Bobbie Twa is a career coach, and owner and certified career consultant with Changing Directions in Spring Lake. In this interview, she talks about the importance of preparing for the changing job market. Twa will host a free seminar on improving job skills, 10 a.m. Aug. 5 at Spring Lake District Library, 123 E. Exchange. Her Web... Full story »

Editor's note: Montague City Clerk Melinda O'Connell is retiring Friday after 28 years with the city. She also has served as a secretary/receptionist, deputy clerk, deputy treasurer, treasurer and acting city manager. Download the MP3 or listen to the interview.  Full story »

Editor's note Muskegon Department of Public Works Director Bob Kuhn recently discussed the city's elimination of curbside recycling. Download the MP3 or listen to the interview.  Full story »