Discover Montcalm Podcast

Howard City History: South Main Street Stories & Downtown Life Howard City History: The story of Howard City, Michigan continues as the Discover Montcalm Podcast wraps up its three-part series exploring the rich history of this small but vibrant Montcalm County community. Hosted by Duane Weed, this episode features local historian Don Bauman, whose firsthand knowledge and family history bring the south side of downtown Howard City to life—one building, one business, and one story at a time. Howard City History: A Walk Down South Main Street In this final installment, the focus shifts to the south side of Main Street, where buildings served not just as businesses—but as the heartbeat of the community. One of the earliest landmarks was the Congregational Church, which stood as more than a place of worship. Before Howard City had a gymnasium or auditorium, this church hosted high school graduations until 1934. Over time, it transitioned into a Seventh-day Adventist church, and even temporarily served multiple congregations after a fire destroyed the Methodist church in the 1940s. Downtown Businesses That Defined a Generation As Howard City grew, so did its downtown: A new post office built in the 1950s marked progress and expansion Appliance stores brought radios and televisions into homes for the first time A tailor shop and dry goods store served everyday needs The local bank building anchored financial activity A Chevrolet dealership once stood proudly on Main Street Across the street, grocery stores, hardware shops, and small retailers formed a tightly connected business district where everyone knew everyone. Howard City history: A Community Connected by Wartime Letters One of the most remarkable stories shared in this episode is about Ralph Jennings, who kept Howard City connected during World War II. From his office, he created and mailed a monthly newsletter to over 300 local servicemen and women stationed around the world. These letters didn’t just share updates—they connected soldiers to each other, sometimes leading to unexpected reunions overseas. It’s a powerful reminder of how a small town like Howard City made a global impact during a critical time in history. Saturday Nights in Howard City Downtown Howard City wasn’t just about business—it was about community life. Saturday nights were the highlight of the week: Families gathered to shop and socialize Kids watched free movies projected on buildings Crowds filled sidewalks and benches Locals gathered around storefront TVs—some of the first in town It was simple. It was local. And it was unforgettable. The Stories That Stay With Us – Howard City history From barber shops and bakeries to theaters and bowling alleys, every building had a story—and every story adds to the identity of Howard City, Michigan. These stories remind us why preserving local history matters. They connect generations and give meaning to the places we pass every day. More episodes with Don Bauman and Howard City history: Exploring Howard City’s History with Don Bauman Howard City History-Downtown Stories with Don Bauman Discover Montcalm Podcast This episode is part of an ongoing mission to document and share the stories that define Montcalm County. If you have a story, a memory, or know someone who does—reach out. These local voices are what make Discover Montcalm a true community resource. Discover Montcalm PodcastProduced by Duane Weed of DW Video & Multimedia LLCCelebrating over 40 years of storytelling and media production in Montcalm County. Contact Call 231-250-9624 Duane Weed at 231-250-9624 or [email protected]. Together, let’s showcase the heart of Montcalm County, one story at a time. Check out this video! Love stories that celebrate local people, places, and progress?Subscribe to the Discover Montcalm Podcast and explore the voices that shape Montcalm County and beyond. Have a story to share? Contact host Duane Weed at 231-250-9624 or [email protected] to be featured in a future episode — whether at your location or in-studio. Catch up on all episodes and discover the soul of small-town Michigan:discovermontcalmpodcast.com/category/podcast Follow us and be part of a growing community of storytellers. Produced by: https://www.dwvideo.com #DiscoverMontcalm #DiscoverMontcalmPodcast #MontcalmCounty #LocalVoices #MichiganPodcasts #CommunityMatters #SupportLocalStories Discover Howard City Michigan History: Local Stories from Downtown Main Street episode 178 by Discover Montcalm Podcast https://discovermontcalmpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Howard-City-History-South-side-of-downtown.mp3 Discover Montcalm Audio Podcast Check out the podcast all about Montcalm County Michigan.   The post Howard City History: Downtown Stories & Main Street first appeared on Discover Montcalm Podcast.

Howard City History | Downtown Stories from Montcalm County Howard City History: The rich history of Howard City comes alive through the voices of those who lived it. In this episode of the Discover Montcalm Podcast, host Duane Weed sits down with longtime local historian Don Bauman to explore the buildings, businesses, and stories that shaped downtown Howard City. A Walk Through Historic Downtown Howard City – northside of West Edgerton Street Howard City has long been a hub of activity in Montcalm County, with its downtown serving as the center of commerce, community, and connection. One of the most notable buildings in town dates back to around 1900—the former Golden Hotel, now known by many through its modern identity as Latitudes. Before that stood the Coburn Exchange, a three-story wooden hotel once considered one of the finest north of Grand Rapids, complete with a ballroom and dining hall. Like many historic towns, fire played a role in reshaping the landscape. Several original buildings were lost, only to be rebuilt and repurposed over time. Howard City History: Industry, Innovation, and Everyday Life Howard City wasn’t just about small shops—it was also a place of industry and innovation. The Wolverine factory brought manufacturing jobs to the area, while appliance stores introduced new technology like televisions during the 1950s boom. Local newspapers were printed right in town, including the Howard City Record, keeping residents informed and connected. Even healthcare had its place in downtown, with doctors’ offices located above storefronts—sometimes requiring patients to climb long staircases for care. A Community Shaped by Service One of the most powerful parts of Howard City’s history is its connection to military service. During World War II, nearly every home along Main Street had a family member serving in the military. From pilots witnessing historic battles like Midway to families with multiple children in service, the sacrifices made by this small community reflect a deep sense of duty and patriotism. Education and Community Roots – Howard City History Howard City has long valued education. Early graduation ceremonies were held in local churches before larger school facilities were built. Class sizes were small, often between 12 and 20 students, reflecting the close-knit nature of the community. Today, those roots continue to shape the identity of the area. Preserving Montcalm County History Stories like these are exactly why the Discover Montcalm Podcast exists—to preserve local history and share it with future generations. From buildings that have stood for over a century to businesses that have come and gone, Howard City’s story is a vital part of Montcalm County’s heritage. Discover Montcalm PodcastProduced by Duane Weed of DW Video & Multimedia LLCCelebrating over 40 years of storytelling and media production in Montcalm County. Contact Call 231-250-9624Duane Weed at 231-250-9624 or [email protected]. Together, let’s showcase the heart of Montcalm County, one story at a time. Check out this video! Love stories that celebrate local people, places, and progress?Subscribe to the Discover Montcalm Podcast and explore the voices that shape Montcalm County and beyond. Have a story to share? Contact host Duane Weed at 231-250-9624 or [email protected] to be featured in a future episode — whether at your location or in-studio. Catch up on all episodes and discover the soul of small-town Michigan:discovermontcalmpodcast.com/category/podcast Follow us and be part of a growing community of storytellers. Produced by: https://www.dwvideo.com #DiscoverMontcalm #DiscoverMontcalmPodcast #MontcalmCounty #LocalVoices #MichiganPodcasts #CommunityMatters #SupportLocalStories Howard City Michigan History | Downtown Stories from Montcalm County episode 177 by Discover Montcalm Podcast https://discovermontcalmpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Downtown-Howard-City-History-north-side-of-Edgerton-Street.mp3 Discover Montcalm Audio Podcast Check out the podcast all about Montcalm County Michigan.   The post Howard City History-Downtown Stories first appeared on Discover Montcalm Podcast.

Chambers Powder Coating Spotlight – Powder Coating Services Near Montcalm County In Montcalm County and the surrounding communities, small businesses are the backbone of local growth—and the Discover Montcalm Podcast continues to highlight the people making it happen. In this episode, host Duane Weed sits down with young entrepreneur Cody Chambers, owner of Chambers Powder Coating, to share his journey into the world of powder coating and custom finishing services. A Young Entrepreneur with a Vision Based near Greenville Michigan and operating out of the Ionia area, Cody Chambers represents the next generation of skilled trades and entrepreneurship in West Michigan. What started as a simple idea—wanting to own a business—quickly turned into a hands-on operation with real customers, real projects, and real growth. With support from family and inspiration from his late grandfather, Cody took the leap into business ownership and hasn’t looked back. What is Powder Coating? Powder coating is a durable, baked-on finish that outperforms traditional paint in many ways. Instead of liquid paint, a dry powder is: Applied electrostatically Heated (typically around 400°F) Bonded to the surface The result? ✔ Stronger durability ✔ Resistance to chipping and scratching ✔ Long-lasting color and finish ✔ Professional-grade appearance From automotive parts to custom drinkware, powder coating offers both protection and style. Custom Powder Coating Services-Chambers Powder Coating At Chambers Powder Coating, customization is the name of the game. Cody specializes in: Custom powder coated cups Automotive wheels and parts Unique color finishes (2,000+ options) Specialty designs like marbling and camouflage Small custom jobs and one-of-a-kind pieces Every project is different—and that’s exactly how he likes it. “I like the odd jobs. Bring me something different,” Cody says. Built for Creativity and Durability-Chambers Powder Coating One of the standout features of powder coating is its toughness. Unlike traditional paint: It won’t easily chip It handles wear and tear better It’s built to last Cody even encourages customers to use their products hard—just like they would with top-tier brands. Chambers Powder Coating: More Than Powder Coating In addition to powder coating, Cody is expanding into: Sandblasting Cerakote (high-temperature ceramic coating) This allows him to work on a wider range of materials and applications, including high-heat components. Local Roots, Local Impact Even though his business is based just outside Montcalm County, Cody’s work and connections span across: Belding Greenville Ionia That regional connection is exactly what the Discover Montcalm Podcast is all about—supporting and promoting local businesses that serve the Montcalm County community. Support Local. Build Local. Stories like Cody’s are what make Montcalm County and West Michigan special. Young entrepreneurs stepping up, learning through experience, and building something from the ground up. If you’re looking for powder coating services near Montcalm County, or want a custom project done, Chambers Powder Coating is a business to watch. The Discover Montcalm Podcast continues to highlight the people, businesses, and opportunities that make this region thrive. Remember: Buy local. Shop local. Support local. Discover More About Montcalm County The Discover Montcalm Podcast highlights the people, businesses, programs, and events that make Montcalm County a vibrant place to live and work. This episode not only showcases the CAD and Engineering program but also demonstrates how local educators are preparing the next generation of innovators right here at home. And remember the message that helps keep Montcalm County strong: Buy local. Shop local. Support local. Discover Montcalm PodcastProduced by Duane Weed of DW Video & Multimedia LLCCelebrating over 40 years of storytelling and media production in Montcalm County. Contact Call 231-250-9624Duane Weed at 231-250-9624 or [email protected]. Together, let’s showcase the heart of Montcalm County, one story at a time. Check out this video! Love stories that celebrate local people, places, and progress?Subscribe to the Discover Montcalm Podcast and explore the voices that shape Montcalm County and beyond. Have a story to share? Contact host Duane Weed at 231-250-9624 or [email protected] to be featured in a future episode — whether at your location or in-studio. Catch up on all episodes and discover the soul of small-town Michigan:discovermontcalmpodcast.com/category/podcast Follow us and be part of a growing community of storytellers. Produced by: https://www.dwvideo.com #DiscoverMontcalm #DiscoverMontcalmPodcast #MontcalmCounty #LocalVoices #MichiganPodcasts #CommunityMatters #SupportLocalStories Meet Cody Chambers - Chambers Powder Coating episode 176 by Discover Montcalm Podcast https://discovermontcalmpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Cody-Chambers-Chambers-Powder-Coatings-episode-176.mp

CAD and Engineering at the Montcalm Area Career Center Preparing the Next Generation of Designers, Engineers, and Problem Solvers In Montcalm County, education isn’t just about textbooks—it’s about preparing students for real careers, real challenges, and real opportunities. That mission comes to life every day at the Montcalm Area Career Center, where students from across the county gain hands-on experience in career and technical programs. On a recent episode of the Discover Montcalm Podcast, host and producer Duane Weed sat down inside the Digital Art’s podcast studio with CAD and Engineering instructor Mike Johnson to talk about a program that is shaping future designers, engineers, and innovators right here in Montcalm County. What makes the conversation even more unique? Duane Weed also teaches the Digital Arts program at the Career Center, meaning the podcast itself becomes a real-world learning environment—with students running cameras, directing the show, and producing content behind the scenes. A Program Built on Real-World Experience Mr. Johnson brings decades of industry and education experience to the classroom. After earning multiple degrees from Ferris State University, he spent nearly a decade working with architectural and engineering firms in the Grand Rapids area before transitioning into education. That industry background shapes how the CAD and Engineering program operates today. “When I was working in industry, I realized I was teaching new employees skills they should have already known,” Johnson explained. “That’s what pushed me toward education.” Today, he focuses on helping students build those skills early—long before they enter the workforce. Starting with the Fundamentals: CAD Students typically begin the program as juniors, spending their first year learning the foundations of design through CAD (Computer-Aided Design). But before jumping into computer software, Johnson starts with something simple: pencil and paper. Understanding traditional drafting helps students develop visualization skills and learn how designs are structured. From there, students move into professional software such as AutoCAD, where they begin turning ideas into digital drawings. As the year progresses, those designs can become real physical objects through modern manufacturing tools like: 3D printing (additive manufacturing) Laser cutting Plasma cutting Students don’t just design objects—they produce them. And sometimes, those designs start with requests from local businesses or community members. Second-Year Students Move Into Engineering During their second year, students take the next step into engineering design. Using professional software like SOLIDWORKS, they begin working in a 3D parametric design environment, allowing them to create complex models that mirror what engineers use in industry. Second-year students also participate heavily in competitions and team projects that simulate real engineering environments. The focus shifts from simply drawing designs to solving problems. Engineering Competitions Build Teamwork One of the most exciting parts of the program is participation in statewide engineering competitions. Students regularly compete through organizations like: Square One Education Network Michigan Industrial Technology Education Society These competitions challenge students to design and build innovative solutions—often centered around vehicles, robotics, or autonomous technology. Projects may involve: Designing electric vehicles Building autonomous systems Programming sensors and controls Creating full engineering presentations But the biggest lesson isn’t just technical. It’s teamwork. Just like in real engineering firms, students must collaborate, debate ideas, and solve problems together. CAD and Engineering at the Montcalm Area Career Center Learning Beyond the Classroom While technical skills are important, Johnson emphasizes that some of the most valuable lessons students learn are soft skills. Students develop: Communication skills Professional presentation abilities Problem solving strategies Team collaboration Confidence They also interact with judges, businesses, and community members during competitions and public events. Those experiences help prepare them for the transition from high school to the professional world. CAD and Engineering at the Montcalm Area Career Center Real Community Connections One unique feature of the CAD and Engineering program is its connection to the local community. Students regularly take their work outside the classroom, participating in events throughout Montcalm County such as: Old Fashioned Days Edmore Potato Festival At these events, students demonstrate 3D printing and manufacturing technology while interacting with the public. Even better, local organizations and businesses often bring real projects to the classroom for students to design. That means the work students complete isn’t hypothetical—it serves real needs in the communi

Central Montcalm Art Showcase – Featuring Art Teacher Laura Ruggles A Celebration of Student Art in Stanton, Michigan Central Montcalm Art Showcase: Every March, the halls of Central Montcalm Middle High School in Stanton, Michigan transform into a vibrant celebration of creativity, imagination, and community. Led by longtime art teacher Laura Ruggles, the Central Montcalm Art Showcase has become one of the most anticipated arts events in Montcalm County, Michigan. The event highlights student artwork, interactive exhibits, and creative displays that bring together families, educators, artists, and the local community. On the Discover Montcalm Podcast, Laura shares the story behind this growing tradition — a showcase that celebrates the visual arts while inspiring the next generation of artists. Central Montcalm Art Showcase – what is it? The Central Montcalm Art Showcase is an annual student art exhibition held every March at Central Montcalm Middle High School in Stanton, Michigan. The event features: • Student artwork from middle school and high school classes• Interactive art experiences and themed exhibits• Community creative partners including local organizations and libraries• Family-friendly activities like scavenger hunts and art badges• Hands-on participation for visitors of all ages Rather than a traditional art show, the event has evolved into an immersive art experience designed to engage the entire community. Meet Laura Ruggles – Central Montcalm Art Teacher Art educator Laura Ruggles has been teaching art for nearly four decades. She joined Central Montcalm in the late 1990s and has spent years building a program that encourages creativity, exploration, and artistic confidence among students. Her passion for art education started early. Inspired by her own elementary art teacher, Laura decided as a child that she wanted to become an art teacher—and she never looked back. After studying art education at Western Michigan University, she began her teaching career in 1987 and has since inspired generations of students through creative projects, themed art installations, and community-centered events like the Central Montcalm Art Showcase. A Community Art Event in Montcalm County The Central Montcalm Art Showcase is more than just a school event. Each year it welcomes hundreds of visitors from across Montcalm County, including families from nearby communities like: • Greenville, Michigan• Lakeview, Michigan• Howard City, Michigan• Edmore, Michigan Local groups often participate with displays or demonstrations, helping create a unique arts festival atmosphere inside the school. 2026 Central Montcalm Art Showcase Theme For the 2026 Central Montcalm Art Showcase, the theme embraces the outdoors with a creative twist. Visitors will explore themed environments including: • Outdoor hiking and camping art installations• A Bob Ross inspired painting station• Wetlands themed displays• A creative campground storytelling area• Student-built immersive art environments The goal is to create an art experience visitors can explore, not just a gallery to walk through. A Family-Friendly Art Experience The Central Montcalm Art Showcase is designed for the whole family. Activities often include: 🎨 Art scavenger hunts🎨 Interactive displays🎨 Creative participation stations🎨 Student-led exhibits🎨 Community art displays Visitors can even earn fun “badges” by participating in activities throughout the showcase. Event Details Event: Central Montcalm Art ShowcaseLocation: Central Montcalm Middle High School – Stanton, MichiganDate: March 13, 2026Audience: Open to the public Admission is free and families from across Montcalm County are encouraged to attend. Discover the Story on the Discover Montcalm Podcast The story behind the showcase is featured on the Discover Montcalm Podcast, where host Duane Weed highlights the people, communities, businesses, and attractions that make Montcalm County special. In this episode, Laura Ruggles discusses: • How the Central Montcalm Art Showcase began• The evolution from an education showcase to an immersive art event• The importance of art education in rural communities• How students help build the themed environments each year Listen now atDiscoverMontcalmPodcast.com Want to share your story on the Discover Montcalm Podcast? Contact Call 231-250-9624Duane Weed at 231-250-9624 or [email protected]. Together, let’s showcase the heart of Montcalm County, one story at a time. Check out this video! Love stories that celebrate local people, places, and progress?Subscribe to the Discover Montcalm Podcast and explore the voices that shape Montcalm County and beyond. Have a story to share? Contact host Duane Weed at 231-250-9624 or [email protected] to be featured in a future episode — whether at your location or in-studio. Catch up on all episodes and discover the soul of small-town Michigan:discovermontcalmpodcast.com/category/podcast Follow us and be part of a growing community o

Papa Gnome — Spreading Joy Across Montcalm County Papa Gnome: “I just take the negative and try to make it into a positive.” Papa Gnome: From Health Struggles to Healing Smiles In this episode of the Discover Montcalm Podcast, host Duane Weed sits down with a local legend who is impossible to miss but whose story is even more colorful than his outfits. Meet Gerald Wellman, known to many in West Michigan as Papa Gnome. What started as a difficult season of life—marked by a diagnosis of actinic keratosis (pre-cancerous skin cells) and the onset of PKD (Polycystic Kidney Disease)—became the catalyst for a movement of joy. Struggling with depression during the COVID-19 pandemic, Gerald found inspiration in a neighbor’s nickname for him. If people were going to call him a “garden gnome,” he decided he was going to be the best one they’d ever seen. He began crafting his own iconic gnome hats to protect his health and lift the spirits of those around him. “I just wanted to make somebody smile just so I would feel better… just a simple hat, and young people come up and say, ‘Oh, you just made my year.'” Papa Gnome is more than just an outfit: A Heart for Giving While Papa Gnome is famous for having over 200 handmade hats and an outfit for nearly every day of the year, his true impact is felt through his philanthropy. Papa Gnome doesn’t just wear the hats; he uses his platform to support the community that supports him. In this episode, we discuss his work with: I Am Third Kids Meals: Helping fight childhood hunger in our region. Cannonsville Critters: Supporting local animal rescue and welfare. Hearts of Ionia: Donating his time as Santa Claus for daycares and AFC homes. Trufant Santa: Bringing the magic of Christmas to the “Stump Fence Capital” for the last four years. Turning Negativity into Light Gerald Wellman shares a powerful message about handling “haters” and online negativity. When someone called him a “jester” as an insult, he simply decided to make a jester outfit. It is a masterclass in resilience and choosing happiness over bitterness. Local Landmarks Mentioned: Meijer in Greenville: The site of many “Gnome sightings” and community hugs. Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival: Where Papa Gnome’s tie-dye outfits stole the show. Trufant, Michigan: Home of the annual Christmas festivities. Follow Papa Gnome on Facebook #PapaGnome #MontcalmCounty #LocalLegend #SpreadJoy #GreenvilleMichigan Want to share your story on the Discover Montcalm Podcast? Contact Call 231-250-9624Duane Weed at 231-250-9624 or [email protected]. Together, let’s showcase the heart of Montcalm County, one story at a time. Check out this video! Love stories that celebrate local people, places, and progress?Subscribe to the Discover Montcalm Podcast and explore the voices that shape Montcalm County and beyond. Have a story to share? Contact host Duane Weed at 231-250-9624 or [email protected] to be featured in a future episode — whether at your location or in-studio. Catch up on all episodes and discover the soul of small-town Michigan:discovermontcalmpodcast.com/category/podcast Follow us and be part of a growing community of storytellers. Produced by: https://www.dwvideo.com #DiscoverMontcalm #DiscoverMontcalmPodcast #MontcalmCounty #LocalVoices #MichiganPodcasts #CommunityMatters #SupportLocalStories Meet Papa Gnome. He’s turning heads and spreading smiles across Montcalm County for a very special reason. episode 173 by Discover Montcalm Podcast https://discovermontcalmpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Papa-Gnome-Greenville-Montcalm-Podcast-episode-173.mp3 Discover Montcalm Audio Podcast Check out the podcast all about Montcalm County Michigan.   The post Papa Gnome — Spreading Joy Across Montcalm County first appeared on Discover Montcalm Podcast.

Montcalm Community College Tech Fest Inspires the Next Generation of Innovators Technology, creativity, and hands-on learning took center stage at the Montcalm Community College Tech Fest, a community technology festival designed to inspire high school students, college students, and community members across Montcalm County and West Michigan. On this episode of the Discover Montcalm Podcast, host Duane Weed takes listeners inside the third edition of Tech Fest, hosted at Montcalm Community College (address: 2800 College Dr, Sidney, MI 48885), and guided by organizer Steve Schofield, who helped bring together students, educators, and industry partners from across the region. Montcalm Community College Tech Fest: A Tech Festival Built for Exploration Tech Fest is designed as a self-paced, hands-on experience, allowing attendees to explore technology in real, tangible ways. Stations are student-led whenever possible, with support from local businesses and industry professionals. Participating schools included: Carson City-Crystal Area Schools Central Montcalm Public Schools Greenville Public Schools Lakeview Community Schools Montabella Community Schools Vestaburg Community Schools Flat River Academy All part of the Montcalm Area ISD The goal is simple but powerful: spark curiosity, creativity, and confidence in technology for students in grades 9–12. Student Innovation on Display One of the highlights of Tech Fest was seeing students lead the learning. 🔹 Berkley, a student from Tri County, showcased mobile apps and AI projects she developed herself—including an AI-powered learning platform and a mapping app with advanced features beyond traditional navigation tools. 🔹 Students from Central Montcalm Middle School, led by STEM instructor Shannon Oswald, demonstrated creative uses of Makey Makey kits, turning everyday materials like aluminum foil, graphite pencils, and Play-Doh into controllers for games, instruments, and interactive projects. 🔹 Greenville High School robotics students brought their competition robot, demonstrating real-world problem solving, teamwork, and engineering skills. Industry Partners Bring Real-World Experience Tech Fest also featured strong industry and community partnerships, including: Michigan Works, sharing insights into the West Michigan job market Shoepan, leading PC dismantling and recycling demonstrations Aggressive Tool, offering hands-on soldering experiences Michigan State Police, demonstrating cybersecurity and network detection Flying Acres, showcasing cutting-edge agricultural drone technology These partnerships help students connect classroom learning to real careers happening right here in Montcalm County and West Michigan. Exploring the Future: AI, Drones & Cybersecurity From AI-generated programming to agricultural drones weighing nearly 400 pounds, Tech Fest highlighted how fast technology is evolving—and how accessible it can be when students are given the opportunity to explore. One interactive AI station demonstrated how natural language prompts can generate programming code in real time, showing students that the future of coding is changing rapidly. Montcalm Community College Tech Fest: A Growing Community Event Now in its third year, Tech Fest continues to grow—not just as an annual event, but as an evolving collaboration between Montcalm Community College, local schools, and industry partners. Educators, businesses, and organizations interested in participating can contact Montcalm Community College and ask about Tech Fest coordination. This episode is part of the Discover Montcalm Podcast, highlighting the people, businesses, and stories that make Montcalm County and West Michigan such a special place to live. #DiscoverMontcalm #HowardCityMI #MontcalmCounty #WestMichigan #LivingWaterWellness #HolisticHealth #Reflexology #LocalBusiness Want to share your story on the Discover Montcalm Podcast? Contact Call 231-250-9624Duane Weed at 231-250-9624 or [email protected]. Together, let’s showcase the heart of Montcalm County, one story at a time. Check out this video! Love stories that celebrate local people, places, and progress?Subscribe to the Discover Montcalm Podcast and explore the voices that shape Montcalm County and beyond. Have a story to share? Contact host Duane Weed at 231-250-9624 or [email protected] to be featured in a future episode — whether at your location or in-studio. Catch up on all episodes and discover the soul of small-town Michigan:discovermontcalmpodcast.com/category/podcast Follow us and be part of a growing community of storytellers. Produced by: https://www.dwvideo.com #DiscoverMontcalm #DiscoverMontcalmPodcast #MontcalmCounty #LocalVoices #MichiganPodcasts #CommunityMatters #SupportLocalStories Holistic Wellness & Homesteading in Montcalm County episode 170 by Discover Montcalm Podcast https://discovermontcalmpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Holistic-Health-Reflexology-Farm-Life-in-Howard-City-Episode-170.mp3 Discove