A bottleneck that lasted decades is finally gone, and you can feel the difference the first time you cross it. We bring together MDOT’s John Richard and Walker City Engineer Scott Connors to unpack how the new Fruit Ridge Bridge and interchange deliver safer travel, smoother access to jobs, and real options for people walking and biking. From two skinny lanes to a five-lane span with a 14-foot path and smarter ramp alignments, this is the rare project that makes commutes calmer, business access easier, and neighborhood connections stronger.

We dig into the choices that matter: why modernizing a 1960s-era “hourglass” bridge removes a dangerous pinch point, how aligned ramps and mast-arm signals cut crash risk, and what a center turn lane means for freight-heavy businesses north of the railroad. You’ll also hear how funding unlocked more than a basic rehab; a $25 million state investment and a TAP grant made it possible to rebuild the bridge, reconfigure the interchange, and extend improvements along the corridor. It’s not just infrastructure—it’s a strategy for safety, efficiency, and growth in West Michigan.

Behind the scenes, coordination turned disruption into progress. Transparent updates through social media, email lists, and door-to-door business outreach kept detours manageable and expectations clear. The community showed patience, the contractors delivered ahead of schedule, and local schools even helped celebrate the ribbon cutting. And for anyone who rides or walks, that wide path means your route now continues across the bridge without a white-knuckle squeeze—linking neighborhoods to employers and connecting into trail systems that reach the lakeshore and beyond.

If this conversation resonates, follow the show, share it with a neighbor who uses the corridor, and leave a quick review so others can find it. Your feedback helps us keep telling the stories that move Walker forward.

If you have comments about this podcast, or ideas for future episodes, please email us at [email protected]

Skip the tired script about success requiring a four-year degree. We sit down with Daniel and Jose Gonzalez of Preferred Flooring to explore how a hands-on trade can become a vehicle for purpose, community, and a resilient career. From weekend gigs as kids to leading complex healthcare installations, their path shows how craftsmanship, discipline, and training turn “just a job” into a calling.

We dig into what makes hospital flooring unforgiving and why that pressure builds better habits everywhere else: surface prep, adhesive science, infection control, and close coordination under strict timelines. The brothers explain how sports shaped their approach to leadership—earning your role, taking coaching, and competing with urgency—then connect that mindset to recruiting teens at career fairs. When students snap a plank together and feel the work, they see new possibilities. We also unpack the industry’s labor landscape: the pull of 1099 work, the challenge of offering benefits as a small contractor, and the long game of retention through respect, training, and clear growth paths.

Education runs through everything. Products change, specs evolve, and shortcuts fail under real-world conditions. As certifiers and instructors, Daniel and Jose champion ongoing training to prevent callbacks, protect margins, and elevate the craft. They share why they call subcontractors “partners,” how relationships drive repeat work, and where their own platform—The Huddle podcast—helps new tradespeople set up businesses, manage books, and avoid common pitfalls. If you care about skilled trades, small business realities, or the art of building something that lasts, this conversation delivers practical insights and a shot of motivation.

Listen now, then subscribe, share with a friend who needs a nudge toward the trades, and leave a review to help more people find the show. Want to connect with our guests? Check out pfmi.team for projects or careers, and find The Huddle at thehuddle.team.

If you have comments about this podcast, or ideas for future episodes, please email us at [email protected]

Some names turn into anchors for a whole community. Trevor Slot is one of those names. We open the door to his life through vivid memories, honest grief, and the living legacy he left inside the Walker Police Department and within the hearts of his daughters. What you’ll hear isn’t a eulogy—it’s a map for how kindness, humor, and everyday presence can shape an entire city.

Captain Brandyn Heugel and Sergeant Robin Malley paint a grounded portrait of the man behind the badge: an officer who insisted on first names, who knew business owners and neighbors, and who believed in second chances even for the “frequent flyers.” A single story says it all—a resident once written off offers key information that cracks a serious case; years later, he flags down a cruiser to say Trevor never treated him like a criminal, only as a human being. That’s community policing done right: trust built one conversation at a time, where empathy is both principled and practical.

Katelyn joins us to share snapshots of “dad”—loud music, goofy jokes, and the two-drive-thru ritual that made kids feel seen. She talks about growing up with a department that kept showing up: graduations, milestones, and quiet check-ins that stitched a safety net beneath her and her sister. We also reflect on grief that arrives in waves and the perspective Kim, Trevor’s late wife, offered so powerfully: you can’t change what happened, but you can live fully in the moments you’re given. Inside the department, Trevor’s presence remains tangible—memorials in the hallway, a slogan on a patrol car, letters from across the country carefully preserved, and a field training module ensuring new officers learn not just policies but values.

If you care about public safety, civic trust, and what true service looks like, this story will stay with you. Subscribe, share with a friend who believes relationships still matter, and leave a review to help others find conversations that keep legacies alive.

If you have comments about this podcast, or ideas for future episodes, please email us at [email protected]

Every time a police officer responds to an emergency call, a firefighter races to a blaze, or a snowplow clears your street after a winter storm, there's an unsung team of experts making it all possible. In this fascinating conversation with Ben Willcome, Walker's Fleet Services Supervisor, we pull back the curtain on the critical but often invisible work that keeps our city vehicles running.

Ben and his three-person team maintain over 300 pieces of city equipment—"anything from a chainsaw to a platform fire truck." With remarkable versatility and technical expertise, they handle everything from routine maintenance to complex rebuilds, saving taxpayers substantial money compared to outsourced repairs. A fire truck repair that might cost $200 per hour at a specialty shop gets handled in-house by certified Emergency Vehicle Technicians. Their preventative maintenance program includes innovative approaches like applying specialized rust prevention coatings and completely rebuilding aging vehicles to extend their service life.

The conversation reveals fascinating insights about vehicle lifecycles (police cars typically serve 3 years while fire trucks may run for 30), winter preparation procedures for snowplows, and a particularly rewarding project where the team transformed an underperforming fire tanker into a high-capacity emergency response vehicle. Beyond the technical aspects, Ben shares how his childhood passion for working on vehicles with his father evolved into a fulfilling career serving the public. "We keep the city rolling," he explains, taking pride in supporting every department and participating in community events that showcase their essential role. As Walker grows and vehicle technology evolves toward autonomy and alternative fuels, Ben and his team stand ready to adapt and continue their vital mission.

Ready to discover more about the people and services that make Walker work? Subscribe to Made in Walker for more behind-the-scenes conversations with the dedicated professionals serving our community.

If you have comments about this podcast, or ideas for future episodes, please email us at [email protected]

Mayor Gary Carey delivers his State of the City Address for 2025, highlighting "acceleration" as this year's theme to reflect the increased velocity of growth and development in Walker. Public safety remains a top priority with exceptional community engagement from police and fire departments resulting in a 22% decrease in major crimes over two years despite the city's rapid growth.

• The Fruit Ridge Bridge project will have the biggest impact on residents in 2025, serving 16,000 jobs within a two-mile radius and including a non-motorized trail for enhanced safety
• Walker's strategic financial approach relies on income tax for 65% of revenue, allowing services to improve without raising property taxes
• The city maintains minimal long-term debt, positioning it well for future investments in public safety infrastructure
• Youth engagement initiatives include a Youth Academy for high school students and a Next Gen program for young adults interested in civic leadership
• Widening Wilson M-11 remains a critical long-term goal to address safety concerns and traffic flow

If you have comments about this podcast, or ideas for future episodes, please email us at [email protected]

The bridges we build, the roads we travel, and the paths we create literally shape how our communities grow and connect. In this enlightening conversation with Senator Mark Huizenga, we dive deep into the infrastructure projects that have transformed Walker from the ground up.

When it comes to the Fruit Ridge Bridge project, persistence proved powerful. After eight years of advocacy that spanned from Walker City Hall to Washington D.C., Senator Huizenga finally secured $25 million in funding for this critical expansion. What was once a dangerous two-lane bottleneck connecting five-lane roads will soon safely accommodate both commercial traffic and non-motorized trail users. Most surprising? Despite the nine-month construction timeline, residents recognize the necessity and have embraced the temporary inconvenience for long-term gain.

The tunnel under M45 Lake Michigan Drive tells an equally compelling story of determination. When initial grant funding fell short, creative partnerships with philanthropic organizations made the difference. One potential donor, after witnessing pedestrians playing "Frogger" across the busy highway, immediately recognized the life-saving potential of this project. Beyond safety, this infrastructure improvement created what developers call a "radius of impact" that enhances surrounding property values and development opportunities.

Looking ahead, Walker faces continued infrastructure challenges with Wilson Avenue (M11) and potential regional attractions like the proposed aquarium. Senator Huizenga reveals how the innovative development of the Northridge industrial corridor through 425 agreements and creative tax strategies has already brought thousands of jobs to the area while maintaining separation between industrial and residential zones.

Through consensus-building and a commitment to finding win-win solutions, Walker continues to evolve with infrastructure that serves residents, businesses, and visitors alike. Follow Senator Huizenga on social media to see behind-the-scenes tours of regional facilities and stay updated on the projects shaping West Michigan's future. What infrastructure improvements would make the biggest difference in your daily life? Share your thoughts with us!

If you have comments about this podcast, or ideas for future episodes, please email us at [email protected]

What makes someone leave the warmth of the Gulf Coast to lead a fire department in Michigan? For Russell Schoultz, Walker's new Fire Chief, it was the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in a community that immediately felt like home.

Chief Schoultz brings an impressive 34-year public safety career to Walker, including extensive experience with hurricane response, disaster management, and leading statewide operations in Louisiana. But it's his fresh perspective on community safety that stands out most in this candid conversation. "The only thing I have learned in 34 years is how much I don't know," he reflects, demonstrating the humility that guides his leadership approach.

Throughout our discussion, Schoultz shares powerful insights drawn from decades on the frontlines. Perhaps most sobering is his observation that in his extensive career responding to fatal fires, he's "yet to be on a fatal fire that had a working smoke detector where the people were not disabled." This stark reality drives his passion for community risk reduction – shifting focus from merely responding to emergencies to preventing them altogether.

The conversation reveals ambitious plans for Walker's fire service, including expanded staffing with career firefighters to support the dedicated paid-on-call members, community CPR training initiatives, and innovative approaches to disaster preparedness. Schoultz speaks with genuine admiration about Walker's existing firefighters and the seamless collaboration between city departments that ensures public safety.

Whether you're curious about emergency services, considering a career in firefighting, or simply want to understand how our community stays protected, this conversation offers valuable perspective from someone who's seen it all. Check out the City of Walker Fire Department's social media or visit walkercity.com/fire to learn more about fire safety programs and opportunities to serve.

If you have comments about this podcast, or ideas for future episodes, please email us at [email protected]

Growing older doesn't mean giving up independence, purpose, and connection. Discover how Senior Neighbors of Kent County is transforming the aging experience for adults 60+ throughout our community, including right here in Walker.

Suzanne Callahan, President of Senior Neighbors, takes us inside their comprehensive approach to enhancing seniors' lives through two key service areas: personalized support and vibrant community centers. With their unofficial motto of "we figure it out," the organization walks alongside older adults facing any challenge—from home repairs to transportation needs. Their Walker center, attached to Fire Station 3 on Three Mile Road, creates a welcoming hub where seniors connect over coffee, wellness classes, technology training, and intergenerational activities.

Transportation emerges as a critical lifeline, with Senior Neighbors providing over 51,000 rides last year alone. This mobility service prevents isolation when driving is no longer an option, allowing continued access to medical appointments, social activities, and volunteer opportunities. Funded primarily through the Kent County Senior Millage and philanthropic support, these services remain accessible regardless of financial circumstances.

Perhaps most refreshing is the organization's perspective on aging itself. As Callahan notes, "If you've met one 80-year-old, you've met ONE 80-year-old"—challenging stereotypes by recognizing the diversity, vibrancy and unique needs of each individual. Whether it's learning new technology, participating in wellness programs, or finding purpose through volunteerism, Senior Neighbors focuses on the fundamental human desires for community, independence, purpose, and vitality that transcend age.

Ready to explore Senior Neighbors for yourself or a loved one? Visit seniorneighbors.org, check out their social media pages, or simply drop by the Walker center Monday, Wednesday, or Friday between 9am and 3pm to experience their welcoming community firsthand.

If you have comments about this podcast, or ideas for future episodes, please email us at [email protected]

Police-community relationships often fluctuate like a rollercoaster, affected by events across the nation in ways most professions never experience. Yet in Walker, Michigan, a unique partnership between electrical contractor Feyen ZyIstra and the Walker Police Department is creating a stable foundation of trust and connection through their annual National Night Out block party.

When Feyen ZyIstra  moved into the former Fairview Elementary School building, they made a conscious decision to be good neighbors. This commitment, paired with recognition of tense community-police relations nationally, sparked the creation of what has become one of Walker's largest community events. Over a decade later, their August block party draws families from across the area for an evening of entertainment, giveaways, and meaningful interaction with local first responders.

Officer Tyler Glass explains that these casual encounters humanize police officers while giving residents comfortable opportunities to ask safety questions outside formal settings. Meanwhile, E.B. Sondheim from Fines-Islestra notes the profound generational impact—children who first attended as toddlers now return as teenagers, creating lasting community bonds. The event represents a modern approach to neighborhood safety at a time when traditional neighborhood watch groups have largely given way to social media connections.

Beyond the free hot dogs, bounce houses, and bike giveaways, the block party embodies a powerful message about community resilience. As Officer Glass shares practical neighborhood safety tips—from evening walks to security cameras to locking vehicles—he emphasizes that creating safer communities remains a shared responsibility built on relationships and trust.

Want to experience this community-building event firsthand? Join Feyen ZyIstra on August 5th from 6:00-8:30pm at their headquarters across from Meijer on Alpine Avenue. Bring your family, meet your local officers, and discover how businesses and public safety can unite to strengthen neighborhoods one connection at a time.

If you have comments about this podcast, or ideas for future episodes, please email us at [email protected]

What makes a community thrive when others struggle? State Representative Carol Glanville pulls back the curtain on Walker's remarkable growth story in this revealing conversation about public service, community development, and the power of meaningful collaboration.

Representative Glanville's path from Walker City Commissioner to state legislator offers fascinating insights into how local government experience shapes effective state leadership. Her work on Walker's Waste Energy Committee and Mineral Mining Review Board provided unexpected preparation for tackling statewide challenges in sustainability, infrastructure, and environmental protection. This grassroots knowledge now informs her approach to crafting policies that directly impact residents' daily lives.

As Walker transforms from what Glanville describes as "a rural outpost" of her childhood to one of Michigan's fastest-growing communities, unique challenges and opportunities emerge. Traffic management tops residents' concern list, while excitement builds around expanded recreational spaces and connected trail systems. The Fruit Ridge Bridge project stands as a testament to what's possible when officials from different levels of government collaborate across party lines for community benefit.

Most revealing is Glanville's observation about what makes Walker and the broader Kent County area special: an exceptional capacity for public-private partnerships. When colleagues from other Michigan regions visit, they're consistently amazed by how effectively our community brings together government resources and private philanthropy. From sports facilities to mental health initiatives, this collaborative spirit creates outcomes that neither sector could achieve alone—a model other communities now seek to replicate.

Connect with Representative Glanville through her monthly coffee hours, Facebook page, or state website to share your thoughts about Walker's future. What vision do you have for our growing community?

If you have comments about this podcast, or ideas for future episodes, please email us at [email protected]