Welcome back to another episode of Diving In on 96.7 The Wave! In this exciting installment, we are joined by a local legend who truly embodies the spirit of the Grand Lake region: Matt Tuttle. Matt is a professional crappie fisherman and local guide who has been fishing Grand Lake St. Marys since 1991. He sits down with us to share his deep love for this incredible fishery and the community surrounding it. Matt reveals some surprising secrets about crappie behavior, explaining why the hot months of July and August can be just as productive as the spring spawn if you target the right feeding windows. He also breaks down the game-changing technology of LiveScope, which allows anglers to spot fish up to 90 feet away , and why Grand Lake’s concrete seawalls are a hidden goldmine for bites.

But fishing is only half the story! Matt and his wife of 15 years, Megan, are the dynamic duo behind Grains of Love, a thriving local bakery born out of a true passion project. Matt shares the heartwarming journey of how Megan started baking sourdough bread to help manage his diabetes. That single weekly loaf quickly snowballed into selling hundreds of items at local farmer's markets. Now operating out of a remodeled storefront at the only stoplight in Rockford, Ohio, they are famous for their daily fresh sourdough, particularly their highly demanded pepperoni and mozzarella loaf.

Tune in to hear a genuine conversation about turning passions into a way of life and how great local businesses support one another!

Welcome back to another exciting episode of Diving In on 96.7 The Wave! This week, we sit down with Brianna Albers, Marketing Coordinator for Bruns Construction, to discuss the massive waterfront development transforming the local lakefront.

If you’ve driven up and down 127 recently, you’ve undoubtedly noticed the vibrant colors and architecture that make the shoreline look more like a Florida getaway than a typical Midwest town. Brianna takes us behind the scenes of Boardwalk Village and the Boardwalk Grill, sharing how this ambitious project evolved from colorful blueprints in 2019 into a premier destination. We discuss how the team has created an all-encompassing experience so guests can enjoy food, drinks, and entertainment without ever having to leave the lake.

In this episode, we dive into:

• The Ultimate Boardwalk Vibe: Exploring the open-air Coconut Hut tiki bar, the rentable cottages, and an incredible live music lineup featuring eight different shows a week.
• An Action-Packed Summer Calendar: A breakdown of upcoming events, including the highly anticipated return of the boat Regatta, Boardwalk Fest on June 19th and 20th, and even live MMA fights.
• Inside the Shipyard: How this formerly flood-prone area was completely transformed into a massive indoor complex hosting weekly sports tournaments, golf simulators, energy fitness, and the Sub Shack.
• What's Next for the Area: Brianna shares exclusive hints about seven new cottages opening this summer and teases the potential future of the beloved Bella's property.To wrap things up, Brianna reveals her favorite underrated menu item—the shrimp tacos at the Boardwalk Grill! Tune in to hear how this dedicated team is boosting tourism and bringing amazing energy to the Grand Lake region.

In this exciting fourth episode of Diving In on 96.7 The Wave, we sit down with Sean Seitz and Mike Hoying from the Coldwater Knights of Columbus Council 1991. As festival season kicks off in the Grand Lake region, the guys gear up to discuss the highly anticipated 59th annual KofC Community Picnic, running from June 5th through the 7th.

This year brings a major update for festival-goers: the festivities are moving off the blacktop and onto the grassy area where the old feed mill once stood. This change allows the paved areas to be used for much easier parking. As always, the picnic is an incredibly family-oriented event featuring jumpies for the kids and free pony rides on Sunday. The food is a massive draw, especially the famous waffles made by the Squires, who fry up 15 five-gallon buckets of batter using eggs generously donated by Cooper's. Live entertainment will also keep the energy high all weekend, featuring Roger Demange on Friday, the CPR band on Saturday, and Two Fat Dads closing things out on Sunday.

Beyond the picnic, Mike and Sean shed light on the incredible charitable work the KofC does. From their famous summer sweet corn sales to the Cancer Corn Maze—which raised an astonishing $39,000 for the Cancer Association last year alone—their dedication to helping the community is inspiring. The Knights also provide over 50 donations to causes like the Neurological Center, seminarians, and local scholarships. With 35 to 40 sponsors backing the picnic this year, it’s clear that the Coldwater community loves coming together for a great cause.

In Episode 3 of Diving In, host Lee Keaser sits down with Brian Miller, a dedicated trustee of the Lake Improvement Association (LIA). With deep roots growing up at his family's marina and a respected career as the former state park manager for Grand Lake St. Marys, Brian brings unparalleled expertise and a lifelong passion to the conversation.

Founded in 1947, the LIA is proudly one of the longest-standing friends groups to an Ohio State Park. Brian discusses the vital role of the organization's 1,500 members in advocating for the lake and funding beautiful new amenities for the community. The episode highlights recent successes, such as the new West Bank playground and shelter house, and previews the highly anticipated all-abilities playground currently being developed on the East Bank.

The discussion doesn't shy away from the hard topics; Brian addresses the water quality stigma that began with a wake-up call in 2009. He emphasizes the region's strong work ethic and the LIA's reliance on scientific experts from Wright State University to educate the public with factual information regarding Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs).

Beyond environmental efforts, Brian highlights the fun side of Grand Lake. Listeners will hear about the resurgence of world-class crappie fishing, busy weekend bass tournaments, and legendary LIA events like the August Bar Stool Open and the heartwarming Handicapped Kids Fishing Derby held every September.

Whether you are a lifelong boater or just visiting the Grand Lake region, this episode is packed with valuable insights—including a tip to download the free Grand Lake app for easy navigation. Tune in to learn why this lake is much more than a backdrop; it is the true identity of the region!

Welcome to Episode 2 of Diving In with Lee Keaser! In this episode, we are fully embracing summer and the incredible lake life culture right here in West Ohio. Lee sits down with A.J. Mast from The Boathouse at Grand Lake to discuss everything you need to know about getting out on the water.

For residents of Celina and the surrounding Grand Lake region, having a boat isn't just a weekend hobby; it is a true way of life and a staple of the local culture. A.J. shares his deep passion for the area, reflecting on his journey from sweeping marina floors as an 11-year-old kid to eventually purchasing The Boathouse with his parents back in 2014. At its core, he explains that his business is truly built around helping families create lasting memories on the water.

Whether you are a seasoned captain or a curious beginner, this episode is packed with great insights. A.J. addresses common intimidation factors for new boaters, such as navigating a vessel without brakes and managing the wind. He also explains why pontoons and tri-toons are the ideal choice for Grand Lake's shallow waters. Plus, you'll learn about the Boathouse's comprehensive maintenance services—they joke that they are your "first and last boat ride of the year" by handling all the winterizing, storing, and spring prep!

Finally, Lee and A.J. highlight the booming local tourism scene, from the return of the Governor's Cup to the rapid expansions at Boardwalk Village. Mark your calendars, because A.J. also drops the details on the massive Boathouse Viaggio Experience—a dedicated pontoon boat show coming to the Boardwalk Village on May 15th and 16th.

Grab your life jacket, hit play, and let's dive in!!

In the premiere episode of WCSM Radio's "Diving In," the host sits down with Stacy Beougher, the Executive Director of the Celina Mercer County Chamber of Commerce. Celebrating her ninth year in the role, Beougher discusses the incredible post-pandemic momentum that is transforming the Grand Lake region into a bustling tourist destination.

The conversation highlights how the area's rich sense of community and business collaboration is driving this growth. Beougher points to the remarkable turnaround of Grand Lake itself, noting that the county has worked hard to overcome past stigmas associated with toxic blooms, resulting in a safe, fun, and highly attractive lake. A significant driver of this new vibe is the Boardwalk development, playfully marketed as "Not Key West, West Ohio" by the Grand Lake Ohio Visitor Center. The Visitor Center is also praised for its outstanding social media efforts that draw tourists to the area.

Beyond the water, the episode spotlights the impressive expansion at the Mercer County Fairgrounds under manager Kara Muhlenkamp. With additions like the Market Hall, the Nelson wooden statue, and a massive new event center, the fairgrounds recently secured a huge international Airstream rally. Beougher also praises local institutions like the Mercer County Library and its director, Liz Muether, for creating experience passes that keep the community engaged with local attractions.

Ultimately, Beougher defines local success not just by tourism dollars, but by retaining the hometown feel and encouraging local youth to build their careers in Mercer County. She emphasizes the value of local educational opportunities, like the four-year degree programs at Wright State Lake Campus, to help bring students back home to fill local jobs.