Muskegon Rising

In this episode of Muskegon Rising, host DJ Hilson sits down with Emily Morgenstern to explore how Silent Observer is strengthening public safety and supporting economic development across Muskegon County. Learn how this anonymous crime tip program empowers residents to share critical information without fear, helps law enforcement solve serious crimes, and builds a safer, more attractive environment for businesses and investors. From real-world success stories to how you can submit tips or s...

Economic development in Muskegon County is accelerating—and this episode of Muskegon Rising explains why it matters to jobs, workforce growth, and long-term community prosperity. Host Aaron Maike sits down with Trevor Friedeberg, CEO of Greater Muskegon Economic Development, to explore how strategic planning, infrastructure investment, and regional collaboration are driving more than $800 million in capital investment across the county. In this conversation, Trevor breaks down how economic d...

Muskegon Rising, a community service project of the Muskegon Rotary Club, sits down with community leader and fatherhood advocate Norman Young, founder of Man Cave and the seven-week curriculum A Father’s Love. In this powerful conversation, Norman explains how his Dad Detector Test helps fathers and father figures identify their strengths, uncover blind spots, heal from trauma, and move from fear-based parenting to purposeful, love-driven fatherhood. Serving dads from all backgrounds across ...

Celebrate a milestone with us as Muskegon Rising releases its 100th episode. Host Aaron Maike welcomes Dan Skoglund, Executive Director of the Muskegon Rescue Mission, for an in-depth look at how the organization uplifts families through housing, trauma care, childcare, and employment support. Skoglund shares how the mission’s Bright Futures Child Care Center helps families break cycles of poverty by offering affordable care, licensed preschool education, and wraparound services that meet bot...

In this episode of Muskegon Rising, host Aaron Maike welcomes Dan Tavernier, the new City Manager of Whitehall, Michigan, to share his inspiring journey from a 20-year career in the U.S. Coast Guard to leading a vibrant lakeshore community. Tavernier reflects on how his military background in leadership, crisis management, and teamwork prepared him for civic administration, emphasizing his lead-by-example approach and open-door policy for both staff and residents. He discusses Whitehall’s exc...

In this episode of Muskegon Rising, host Aaron Maike sits down with Jeff Cave, CEO of Orthopedic Associates of Muskegon (OAM), to discuss nearly 50 years of orthopedic excellence serving West Michigan. Cave shares the organization’s growth from two founding physicians into a multi-specialty group offering urgent care, physical and occupational therapy, advanced imaging, and robotic-assisted surgeries. With 12 rehab locations and over 60 therapists, OAM ensures convenient, expert care close to...

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 fostering deeper understanding. From social recreation for peopl...