Greetings from the north and Happy Labor Day weekend!  We’re back from our summer hiatus and ready to continue our conversations with our Unsung Heroes of the Au Sable.

In this episode, John and Richard sit down with Steve Johnson.  Steve is a fantastic gentlemen.  Steve and his family have a long history in the area.  Whether bringing computerization to river mapping and redd surveys or serving in a leadership role for local organizations; Steve has generously given his time and knowledge to protect and improve our river system.

Stayed tuned for more podcasts in the coming weeks.  We’re delighted to be back and wish you all a wonderful holiday weekend.  As always, you can stay abreast of coming events by visiting our website at LTHSMuseums.org

We’re back with another episode of The BackCast Podcast.  We take a time out from our Unsung Heroes of the AuSable theme.  Glen and John sit down with long time friend of the river and friend of the museum John Dallas.

Since his Michigan migration in 1971; John has completely embraced the northwoods and all of the sporting opportunities it offers.  Full of fun; we think you’ll enjoy our conversation.

We’ll be back in 2 weeks with another episode!  Thanks for all of your support & kinds words.

In this episode of The BackCast Podcast Glen and John sit down with Tom Baird.  Tom is a past president of the Anglers of the Au Sable and recent appointee to the Michigan Natural Resources Commission.

As soon as he fished the Au Sable Holy Waters and the North Branch he was hooked. Tom introduced himself to Rusty Gates, and they began a 30-year friendship and collaboration which is still bearing fruit today. Before that Tom had been active in the Lansing Chapter of Trout Unlimited, and also served as the Legal Coordinator for Michigan TU. Planning and development which was started by the group at that time led to major growth at MITU, which is now one of the premier state affiliates of Trout Unlimited. 

On a tangent note…  With our low water conditions and unusually hot start to the summer; it’s time to remind everyone of the 70 degree pledge.  When it’s this hot; please take the water temp before beginning your fishing adventure.  We want to keep those trout healthy!

We’ll be back in two weeks with another Unsung Hero of the Au Sable!

Hello again everyone.  This week’s podcast features Unsung Hero Dave Cozad.  Richard and John had a great time chatting with Dave not only about his own career, but also about his friendship with Art Neumann. 

As always, we appreciate you listening and wish you a safe & great Memorial Day weekend. In-between fun with family and friends; please take a moment to recognize all who have served and died for our country.

We’ll be back in two weeks with another Unsung Hero of the Au Sable!

After a few small technical issues; we’re back!  This week Glen and John sit down with Gerry Lake.  Gerry is one of featured Unsung Heroes of the Au Sable.  He has a history with the North Branch dating back to the early 50’s. 

In this episode; we’ll hear Gerry talk about growing up on the North Branch, his involvement with start Redd Studies and River Mapping.  He’s really been a passionate force for our river system.

We’ll be back in two weeks with another episode.  Until then stay safe and have fun.

Happy Earth Day and happy almost Trout Opener!  We’re back with a new season of The BackCast Podcast.  This week John & Richard are joined by Dorothy Schramm and Ann Miller.  These ladies have been very instrumental in bringing the sport of fly fishing and cold water conservation to hundreds of other women through their organization The Fly Girls.  We think you’ll enjoy this look back across 25+ years of angling fun and fellowship.  

For our listeners; we encourage you to check out the Fly Girls and take advantage of all of their offerings.  Visit them at flygirls.ws or contact them at [email protected]

As a reminder, the museum will open from 11a - 3p on Saturday April 24th.  COVID protocols will be enforced - all visitors will be required to wear masks and keep responsible distances.

This year’s podcasts will mirror our main display by celebrating the men and women we are honoring as Unsung Heroes of the Au Sable.

We’ll be back in two weeks with another episode.  Until then, have a great opener, stay safe and enjoy everything our rivers have to offer.

This week John & Richard are joined by Gary Neumann.  Many of us know Gary as our Township Supervisor, as a good neighbor, and/or a great guy.  What some may not know is that Gary served 4 of his Marine years in the Presidential Helicopter Detail.  In fact, during that 4 year stretch he flew presidents Nixon, Ford and Carter.  We think you’ll enjoy this conversation.

This week John & Richard are joined by Gary Lewicki and Ed Lohr of the Lovells Township Volunteer Fire Department.  Spring is here and so far it’s a dry one.  Our Fire Department have already been out on several wildfire calls.  Even though this was recorded just a week or so ago; our weather conditions are still of concern - above average temps, dry air and moderate to high winds.  Be smart and check before you burn!

We invite you to listen and pick-up some tips on basic fire safety.  During the podcast, you’ll hear the guys refer to the burn permit website - you may access that information in realtime here:   https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79136_79237_80917_81046---,00.html 

Here is some other great information for everyday fire safety: https://www.michigan.gov/lara/0,4601,7-154-89334_42271_92049_94967---,00.html

This week Richard and John chat with Pat Bak of the National Weather Service.  Pat is a seasoned meteorologist and shares information and stories about our northern Michigan weather.

For folks that are interested; the NWS is hosting a series of virtual storm spotter training.  This is an excellent opportunity to learn a little more about weather and even assist the Weather Service as a Storm Spotter.  Use this link to learn more: https://www.weather.gov/apx/Virtual_SkyWarn_Spotter_Training

This week; Richard Perry & John Porteous are joined by neighbor, friend and all around good-guy George Charney.  When George isn’t making a copper fisherman, star gazing or thinking ahead to Trout Season; you might find him in a COVID-19 vaccine clinic.  We were fortunate to catch George and sit down to chat about the COVID-19 vaccine and his experience (coming out of recent retirement as an anesthesiologist) to administer the vaccine.