FIDO IS CONCERNED.

For those of you who are concerned dog owners and have heard about the Hartz Mountain dog food recall due to salmonella related issues, we present the following text from a press release issued recently by the Food and Drug Administration:

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The Hartz Mountain Corporation is voluntarily recalling one specific lot of Hartz Naturals Real Beef Treats for Dogs due to concerns that one or more bags within the lot may have been potentially contaminated with Salmonella. Hartz is fully cooperating with the US Food and Drug Administration in this voluntary recall.

Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems, all of whom are at particular risk from exposure and should avoid handling these products.

Salmonella symptoms may include fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea in both dogs and humans. Anyone experiencing the symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek immediate medical attention. Owners of dogs exhibiting these symptoms should also seek veterinary assistance.

Hartz Mountain Corporation is recalling 74,700 8-oz bags of Hartz Naturals Real Beef Treats for Dogs, lot code BZ0969101E, UPC number 32700-11519, which were imported by Hartz from a Brazilian supplier, Bertin S.A., and which were distributed to a number of customers in the United States. While regular testing conducted by Bertin (prior to shipment to the US) did not detect the presence of Salmonella in any packages of this product, random sample testing conducted by FDA did indicate the presence of Salmonella. Hartz is aggressively investigating the source of the problem.

Although Hartz has not received any reports of animals or humans becoming ill as a result of coming into contact with this product, Hartz is taking immediate steps to remove the product from all retail stores and distribution centers. Dog owners having purchased this product should check the lot code on their bag, and, if the code is not visible, or if the bag has lot code BZ0969101E imprinted thereon, they should immediately discontinue use of the product and discard it in a proper manner.

Consumers can contact Hartz at 1-800-275-1414 at any time with any questions they may have and for information on how to obtain reimbursement for purchased product.

THE VIEW FROM THE STUDIO DOOR.

As the fall-like weather ushers in the cloudy skies of autumn over the treeline behind our new facilities in the Superior Lanes building in Marquette Township, it becomes obvious to this blogger that the summer has drawn to a close and the fall will soon be upon us.  So on that note, we present the following entries on the blog with the Superintendents of two area school districts…Negaunee and Marquette.  Enjoy!

GETTING READY FOR THE YEAR IN THE IRONTOWN.

NEGAUNEE SUPERINTENDENT JAMES DEROCHER.

Negaunee Public Schools Superintendent James Derocher joined us to get families ready for the new school year in Negaunee.  He spoke about some of the new plans and programs in place for this new school year and also how many of the students are already back in school, in effect, through extracurricular programs such as sports and the very popular marching band.  He also outlined information for parents concerning bus routes and other matters that have been mailed out in the district.  To listen to the comments of Superintendent Derocher please click “HERE“.

MOVING INTO THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR IN MARQUETTE.

MAPS SUPERINTENDENT JON HARTWIG.

Marquette Area Public Schools Superintendent Jon Hartwig visited recently to provide the latest information for folks to be aware of as the new school year approaches in the Marquette District.  Several changes have been put into effect that have affected class and school populations as well as building usage and all of those items were discussed by the Superintendent.  To listen to the complete comments of Superintendent Hartwig, please click “HERE“.

SO THERE IT IS!

Time to sharpen the pencil and take your seats.  The new school year starts on Tuesday.  Have fun, learn something and be safe!  And don’t forget to bring a shiny new apple for the teacher!

CHEERS!

-Walt

Well, here’s hoping you all got out an voted in yesterday’s primary election.  Based on the actual numbers for voter turnout, many of you didn’t.  Here’s hoping if you missed the primary, you’ll take part in the general election in November.  In this climate of so much reported citizen dissension in the ranks and the highly touted voter frustration, it’s sad to see a low turn out.  So make up for it in November if you didn’t vote yesterday.  If you did vote, very well done!  Be sure to do it in November.  And as we say on the big program, “If you didn’t vote, DON’T COMPLAIN!!”

A FEW WORDS FROM THE GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATES.

RICK SNYDER (R) & VIRG BERNERO (D)

As a service to you, our loyal listeners and and blog followers, here are a pair of interviews with the top finishers in yesterday’s primary for candidates for Governor.  Both of these interviews were conducted here at Great Lakes Radio over the last few months as the political races were taking shape.  The first interview is with Republican Rick Snyder and was originally conducted in February shortly after he declared his candidacy.  The second interview is with Democrat Virg Bernero and was conducted when he came to Marquette in June on a campaign swing.

Both candidates are very eloquent in their ideas for the future of the state and what they would do if elected Governor.  Please take a few moments to listen and and become an informed voter heading into the November general election.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEWS.

Hey gang!  I think we’ve got the bugs worked out and we’re back on track for keeping this good ol’ morning show blog running on a fairly regular basis.  Of course I say that with the best intentions and with a bit of trepidation, but so what?  I say let’s throw caution to the wind and plug along!  It can’t be a bad thing, now can it?  So in the words of the immortal Jackie Gleason, “And away we go!”

IRON ORE HERITAGE TRAIL UPDATE.

IRON ORE HERITAGE TRAIL ADVOCATE CAROL FULSHER

Carol Fulsher joined us recently to talk about the Iron Ore Heritage Trail that is planned to run across a maj0r portion of Marquette County and is intended to give users a regular pathway to enjoy for recreational as well as educational purposes.  The trail is filled with historic references to the iron ore mining heritage to the Marquette County region.  Included on the trail are artistic displays as well as descriptive signage intended to communicate the historic aspects of the area.  To listen to Carol’s comments, please click “HERE“.  To connect to the official website for the trail, please click “HERE“.

A DOZEN SEASONS AT THE LAKE SUPERIOR THEATER.

MONICA NORDEEN AND B.G. BRADLEY WITH THE LAKE SUPERIOR THEATER

B.G. Bradley and Monica Nordeen, two of the three directors working together on a production of “Twelfth Night” by Shakespeare at the Lake Superior Theater in Marquette.  The production is being mounted at the theater to commemorate the twelfth season of the Lake Superior Theater at the Frazier Boathouse.  To listen to the comments of B.G. and Monica to find out more info about the show’s run and ticket information, please click “HERE“.  To log onto the Lake Superior Theater’s website, please click “HERE“.

IT’S TIME AGAIN FOR THE BLUES!

FESTIVAL DIRECTOR AND INTERNATIONAL MAN OF MYSTERY, MARK STONEROCK

Mark Stonerock, Festival Director with the Marquette Area Blues Society stopped in to give us a run-down of the Seventh Annual Marquette Area Blues Fest.  It’s coming up during Labor Day weekend at the Ellwood Mattson Lower Harbor Park in Marquette.  This year’s festival, as always, features a wide variety of local, regional and international acts showcasing the wide variety of blues styles.  For more about the festival with Director Stonerock, please click “HERE“.  To link up to the Marquette Area Blues Society website, please click “HERE“.

A NEW WELLNESS TRAIL IN ISHPEMING.

BELL HOSPITAL'S MARIE PEASLEY.

Marie Peasley, with the Marketing Department at Bell Hospital in Ishpeming, stopped by to tell us about a new wellness trail at the hospital that is being unveiled to the public later this week.  The trail is based at the hospital and features several options for users to use to work out around the year.  The trail is a new concept in terms of hospitals around the U.P. with Bell being the only one to have such a training and exercise tool.  For more about the trail, click “HERE” to listen to Marie’s comments.  Please click “HERE” to log on to the Bell Hospital website.

FULL UP AND BACK ONLINE!

So there it is!  A full blog back on the internetz for your enjoyment.  Hopefully, we can keep this up and bring you more information and entertainment in the near future!

CHEERS!

-Walt

GARY MULLER FROM MGH AND RICK AMENT WITH BELL.

Gary Muller, President & CEO of Superior Health Partners and Interim President and CEO of Marquette General Health Systems, joined Rick Ament, President of Bell Hospital, in our studios for an exclusive interview to discuss the newly-formed Superior Health Partners.  This alliance of the two hospitals in Marquette County is an unique partnership designed to enable more people to receive their health care close to home in the Upper Peninsula.  Superior Health Partners will focus on enhancing high quality health care services and medical treatments delivered in the Upper Peninsula and proactively prepare for national healthcare reforms.  To listen to the entire long-form interview with Muller and Ament, please click “HERE“.  For more information about Superior Health Partners, please click “HERE“.

DIANNE PATRICK AND PAM CHRISTENSEN IN THE STUDIOS.

A busy week rolls on with an update about a special event coming up this week in Marquette.  Dianne Patrick with Snowbound Books and Pam Christensen of the The Peter White Public Library joined us this morning to talk about an interesting evening this week with three prominent authors.   It is “Writing War: Afghanistan, Iraq, Vietnam,” with noted writers Benjamin Busch, Philip Caputo, and Doug Stanton on Thursday at the UpFront & Co. in Marquette. The event celebrates the conclusion of the Council’s 2009-2010 Great Michigan Read and will be a moderated, panel-style discussion focusing on the impact of war on culture, particularly in relation to recent United States conflicts (Afghanistan, Iraq, and Vietnam).  Tickets cost $5.00 for adults and are free for students. They are available online at the above website and locally at Snowbound Books.  To listen to the interview, please click “HERE“.

YOUR MORNING TEAM AT THE WILD ROVER.

Thanks to the staff and all the fine patrons on the Wild Rover Public House and Bistro for making the latest stop on the Keweenaw Brewing Company/Sunny 101.9 “NAME THE BREW” Tour such a success!  We had a ball bringing the KBC Scottish Ale to all those who wished to give it a try, and we collected quite a few great names for consideration.  To see last night’s winning name entry, head on over to the KBC Name the Brew Tour page here on the blog.  You can also see where where we are headed with the tour over the next two weeks!  We hope to see you out there soon!

PLEASANT WALT IN THE STUDIO.

This morning was another one of those really cool mornings that makes doing a morning radio show here in Marquette County great!  It was another visit with the Marquette County Community Foundation folks to talk about the involvement of young people with the Youth Advisory Committee that works with the foundation to distribute funds to youth-driven events and activities.  It was refreshing to hear about youth in our community doing good things and the typical “damn kids” kind of coverage.  Check out the information below to hear what I’m talking about!

It’s cool and in a way, kind of inspirational, too!

Enjoy!

MARQUETTE COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION UPDATE.

THE MCCF'S CAROLE TOUCHINSKI AND HAYLEY MASKUS.

Dr. Carole Touchinski, Executive Director of the Marquette County Community Foundation joined us today along with Hayley Maskus, who is a member of the MCCF’S Youth Advisory Committee.  Carole and Hayley both talked about the youth factor in money being distributed by the Foundation to youth-oriented program funding proposals.  They also addressed how to get young people involved in the process of being on the Community Foundation’s various Youth Advisory Committees.  To listen to the interview with Carole and Hayley, please click “HERE“.  To log on to the Marquette County Community Foundation’s website, please click “HERE“.

INSPIRATIONAL INVOLVEMENT OF MARQUETTE COUNTY’S YOUTH!

Sounds good, doesn’t it?  It’s nice to hear about something good concerning our young people, isn’t it?  I love it!

CHEERS!

-Walt

US SENATOR DEBBIE STABENOW

Thanks to Michigan’s Junior United States Senator, Debbie Stabenow for joining us this morning to talk about a piece of legislation that has been approved by the US Senate that that clears the way for the transfer of approximately 5.5 acres of land from the U.S Coast Guard to the City of Marquette.  The Marquette City Commission voted 5-2 vote in September 2007 to approve the sale of a 1.5-acre parcel of waterfront property.  The City of Marquette began to take the necessary steps to obtain approximately 5.5 acres of land north of the museum on lighthouse point.  The land fell under the control of the Bureau of Land Management where it was decided that the land would become public trust or be eligible for protection under the National Lighthouse Preservation Act.  Legislative action was required to accelerate the land transfer.  In an effort to speed up the process of the land transfer, US-Senator Debbie Stabenow introduced and passed legislation under the Coast Guard Authorization bill that allows for a direct transfer of land between the City of Marquette and the Coast Guard.  Click “HERE” to listen to the interview.

Whew!  What a week!  From politics to medical marijuana, Boy Scout celebrations to brain tumor and cancer benefits, ham radios to Northern Michigan University updates, school bond and millage elections to YMCA visits, it was all in there!  Wow!  We do more in one week on Mark and Walt in the Morning than many other “community oriented” morning shows do all month!  HA!  We love it!

But enough of this self-serving clap trap, here a few more Marquette County community interviews and updates for your perusal and consideration.

ENJOY!

ISHPEMING SCHOOL DISTRICT REGROUPS AFTER ELECTION RESULTS.

ROBERT BERTUCCI.

Following a defeat of a school bond proposal that would have allowed the Ishpeming Public Schools to re-do and expand the Birchview School building and get out of the C.L. Phelps building, we spoke with the Ishpeming Schools’ business manager Robert Bertucci to find out what is next for the school district to do to adjust their budgets and address a 400-thousand dollar shortfall for next year.  To listen to the complete interview with Robert Bertucci, please click “HERE“.

UPPER PENINSULA BRAIN TUMOR CENTER UPDATE.

DR. ROBERT WINN and DR. RICHARD ROVIN.

Dr. Richard Rovin, Neurosurgeon at Marquette General Health Systems and Dr. Robert Winn, Professor of Biology at Northern Michigan University joined us to discuss the Upper Michigan Brain Tumor Center, a collaborative effort between the two institutions to increase training of students and the effective treatment of brain tumors in patients from Upper Michigan.  To listen to select highlights of the interview with Dr.’s Rovin and Winn, please take a moment and click “HERE“.

NORTHERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY END OF SEMESTER UPDATE.

NMU PRESIDENT DR. LES WONG.

Northern Michigan University President Dr. Les Wong visited our studios to give us a semester wrap-up along with a look ahead for the summer and the next year and a half or so for Northern.  Avoiding the usual blather about budget cuts, Dr. Wong outlined plans for changes in programs and facilities at NMU and what may be some of the strongest enrollment numbers for not only the fall, but the summer semester and the rest of the year.  Wong says the positive numbers bode well for the rest of  year and for the students and the University.  To listen to Dr. Wong’s morning show interview, please click “HERE“.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYBODY!!

CHEERS!

-Walt