Spring has finally arrived in Big Rapids… even if everyone’s a little too busy to enjoy it.

This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we cover everything from the aftermath of The Masters and a successful Chamber kickoff to a wave of new development and momentum across town.

We’re joined by representatives from the Ferris State Toastmasters Club, including Dr. Scott Dell and student president Alex. It’s a great conversation about communication, confidence, and why learning to speak well might be one of the most valuable skills you can develop — at any age.

We also highlight a major community recognition, preview a packed calendar of events, and dig into everything from road construction headaches to pickle-themed internet algorithms.

0:00 – Intro & welcome
0:45 – Spring is here… but everyone’s busy 🌸
2:45 – Masters recap + Chamber kickoff success + city momentum
4:25 – Thanks to Trudi Clark from Papa’s Place ❤️
5:35 – No school Friday or Monday — calendar debate
6:35 – MDOT road cleanup — watch for volunteers 🚧
7:50 – Featured Creature: PacMan Frog 🐸
9:10 – Is Pacman the villain?? 🤯
12:50 – Guest intro: Ferris State Toastmasters Club 🎤
14:30 – Life in Big Rapids as a Ferris professor
16:00 – SS Badger ferry talk 🚢
17:07 – Why Toastmasters matters
19:20 – What Toastmasters is all about
21:38 – What a meeting looks like
26:00 – Why Chris wishes he found this earlier
28:07 – Meet Alex, student president
30:55 – Plans after college
32:15 – Public speaking fears vs reality
33:35 – The power of group encouragement
34:48 – Cross-generational learning benefits
35:30 – Preparing for life’s big moments
36:50 – How to join (Ferris Business Building, Room 111)
40:30 – Thanks to Dr. Scott & Alex
41:45 – Local updates: road construction & closures 🚧
43:41 – Theater update — sold out shows! 🎬
44:45 – Hanchett property likely becoming senior housing
45:22 – Chipotle, car wash, Five Below updates — lots of growth 🏗️
47:02 – Uplifting Moment: Debe Mitchell honored for 44 years of service 👏
49:30 – WUBR logo contest — $500 in prizes 🎨
52:00 – Business After Hours (Luau theme) 🌺
52:55 – Championship Weekend (April 23–25) 🏆
54:25 – Banded Raccoon indoor market
55:00 – Karaoke for a Cause (May 1) 🎤
56:09 – FSU Jazz & Concert Band performances 🎶
59:28 – Farmers Market returns May 8 🌱
1:00:29 – Chamber Golf Outing ⛳
1:01:15 – Pocket Park music series begins May 29
1:02:05 – Back to the Bricks (June 5) 🚗
1:03:18 – Summerfest (June 6) ☀️
1:05:45 – Tigers spend big + Pistons playoff talk 🏀
1:07:57 – Dom’s pickle algorithm mystery 🥒
1:09:24 – Outro & next week preview (Pickleball Club!)

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