Diving In With Lee Keaser

About Diving In With Lee Keaser

Welcome to "Diving In with Lee Keaser," your ultimate podcast to everything happening in Ohio’s own slice of paradise—the Grand Lake Region! Running all season long from the spring thaw in April through the crisp autumn breeze in October, this podcast is your front-row ticket to the vibrant communities of Mercer and Auglaize counties. Hosted by local enthusiast Lee Keaser, we are plunging headfirst into the very best our region has to offer. Whether you are a lifelong resident, a weekend boater, or planning your first family getaway to the lake, "Diving In" connects you with the heartbeat of the community. Each episode features engaging, in-depth conversations with the passionate small business owners, dedicated fair and festival leaders, and local champions who make the Grand Lake Region an incredible place to live, work, and play. Get ready to explore our rich local culture as we highlight the events that define our summers and falls. From the roaring engines of the Amphicars at the Celina Lake Festival to the irresistible deep-fried treats at the Mercer County Fair, and the legendary steins raised at the Minster Oktoberfest, Lee is bringing the celebration straight to your headphones. We will navigate the waters of local history, uncover hidden gems along the Grand Lake Brews-N-Vines Trail, and keep you completely up to date on where you need to be this weekend. So, grab your sunscreen, roll down the windows, and get ready to celebrate the people and places that make our lakeside community so special. Hit that subscribe button and join us all season long. The water is absolutely perfect—it is time to start Diving In with Lee Keaser!

Publisher

WCSM Radio

Category

leisure · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

6 Apr 2026

Latest episode

25 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

19 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   25 Sept 2026

   Diving In Episode 20: From Christmas Side Hustle to Tin Acre Gourmet Popcorn with Abby Balster

   What started as a little extra Christmas money turned into a whole lot of popcorn. On Episode 20 of Diving In, Lee Keaser sits down with Abby Balster, owner of Tin Acre Gourmet Popcorn, to hear how a holiday side hustle that began in her home in 2018 grew into a full-time business, a storefront in Botkins, fundraising programs, retail partnerships and dozens of popcorn flavors. Abby takes us behind the scenes of the business — from filling the family’s “good living room” with popcorn supplies and making caramel by hand, to navigating the leap into full-time entrepreneurship after COVID changed her career plans. She explains how Tin Acre develops new flavors, why its Buckeye popcorn outsells everything else by a huge margin, and why running a popcorn company involves a lot more science, spreadsheets and production planning than you might expect. We also meet “Rosie” the hot-air popcorn machine, hear about the experimental hops-flavored popcorn that absolutely did NOT make the menu, discover Abby’s most underrated flavor, and find out just how far a bag of Tin Acre popcorn has traveled. It’s a conversation about popcorn, small business, taking chances, family support and what can happen when a simple idea grows far beyond the original plan.

2. 

   17 Sept 2026

   Diving In Episode 19: Mercer County Sheriff Doug Timmerman

   Mercer County Sheriff Doug Timmerman joins Lee Keaser for Episode 19 of Diving In. The conversation begins with the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office Citizen’s Academy — what participants can expect, the hands-on opportunities available, and why the program gives residents a better understanding of everything that happens behind the scenes at the Sheriff’s Office. Timmerman explains that the office goes far beyond road patrol, with responsibilities including 9-1-1 dispatching, corrections, court security, civil process, investigations, prisoner transports and more. Lee and Sheriff Timmerman also discuss some of the lesser-known parts of the job, including extraditions and transporting inmates across Ohio and even from other states, along with how technology has changed law enforcement over the years. Timmerman reflects on the many positions he held before becoming Sheriff, the challenges of leading the department, recruiting and retaining employees, and why — after more than 30 years in law enforcement — the people of Mercer County continue to make the job worthwhile.

3. 

   10 Sept 2026

   Diving In with Aaron Keaser | Teaford’s Pizza

   Lee Keaser sits down with Aaron Keaser, the man behind Teaford’s Pizza in Greenville. Aaron talks about taking over the business, shifting the focus toward food, building a customer base that reaches across western Ohio and eastern Indiana, and what it really takes to keep a local business moving forward. The conversation also gets into customer loyalty, social media, community support, the reality of running a small business, what makes a Teaford’s pizza different, and why Aaron says good food and good customer service still matter most. And yes... Dave Portnoy somehow enters the conversation before it’s over.

4. 

   18 Aug 2026

   How Win on the Wabash Became a Regional Fundraising Powerhouse

   What started with 3,000 raffle tickets and an ambitious idea in Fort Recovery has grown into one of the region’s biggest fundraising events. On this episode of Diving In, Lee Keaser talks with Ryan Steinbrunner of the Win on the Wabash committee about the remarkable growth of the WOW Super Raffle, the work happening behind the scenes, and the hundreds of volunteers who make the event possible. They dive into the massive Super Raffle, the explosive growth of the pre-event 50/50, the infamous system crash caused by last year’s ticket rush, and how an event rooted in Fort Recovery now attracts visitors from well beyond western Ohio. More importantly, Steinbrunner explains where the impact goes after the weekend is over — from helping pay off Fort Recovery’s baseball facility to scholarships, community organizations and a $100,000 contribution toward the Sawyer Overman Ninja Park. The conversation also looks at why volunteerism remains such a major part of life throughout Mercer County and the surrounding region. The 8th annual Win on the Wabash takes place August 28–29 at Ambassador Park in Fort Recovery, with entertainment including Lätter, Back in Black, Saw Crush and Joe Nichols.

5. 

   31 Jul 2026

   Where Tradition Lives — Coldwater Community Picnic

   One of the Grand Lake area’s biggest summer traditions returns for its 66th year! On this episode of Diving In, Lee Keaser is joined by Coldwater Community Picnic President Jason Schlarman and Vice President Wes Mohler to preview a packed weekend of food, family activities, contests, live music, fireworks and the annual Sunday parade. Jason and Wes take listeners behind the scenes of the year-round planning required to organize the picnic, explain several new activities and location changes, and discuss this year’s theme: “Hometown USA: Where Tradition Lives.” They also highlight the volunteers and community organizations that keep the picnic running, explain how picnic proceeds support the Coldwater Public Library and Coldwater Memorial Park, and share a few rapid-fire picnic hot takes—including their favorite foods, the best place to watch the fireworks and which committee member checks the weather forecast every 10 minutes. The 66th Coldwater Community Picnic takes place Thursday, July 30 through Sunday, August 2, 2026. EPISODE SUMMARY: President Jason Schlarman and Vice President Wes Mohler join Diving In to discuss the history, preparation and community spirit behind the 66th Coldwater Community Picnic. The conversation covers the Thursday night reverse raffle, Friday night fireworks, Saturday’s family activities and live entertainment, and Sunday’s parade, chicken dinners and veterans program. Jason and Wes also discuss new carnival games, activities for teenagers, the return of the bourbon tasting and the decision to move the Big Wheel races and kiddie tractor pull closer to the midway. Listeners will also hear how hundreds of volunteers, stand operators, trustees and committee members work together throughout picnic weekend. Any profits raised by the picnic are donated to the Coldwater Public Library and Coldwater Memorial Park, allowing the event to continue supporting the community long after the weekend ends. The episode concludes with quick picnic hot takes and a meaningful discussion about the friendship, teamwork and “hectic brotherhood” created by serving on the picnic committee.

6. 

   9 Jul 2026

   From World Series Rings to Grand Lake Diamonds with Coach Mike Roberts

   Baseball tradition runs deep in the Grand Lake region, and this week, host Lee Keaser sits down with a true titan of the sport. The Grand Lake Mariners made a massive statement for their 2026 season by bringing in head coach Mike Roberts—a man with over 50 years of elite baseball experience at every single level of the game. In this episode, Coach Roberts shares his incredible journey through baseball history and his first impressions of the West Central Ohio community. Inside This Episode: A Legendary Resume: Coach Roberts looks back on his 25-year tenure as the head coach for UNC Chapel Hill, his 21 summers coaching elite prospects in the Cape Cod League, and his time as a minor league base-running instructor for the Chicago Cubs (yes, he brought his 2016 World Series ring to town!), Baltimore Orioles, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Toronto Blue Jays. The Mariners' Mission: Why summer collegiate baseball is about far more than just wins and losses. Coach Roberts discusses the vital role of host families, player discipline, and building lifelong connections. A Call to the Community: From library visits to running the bases with the Challenge League, the Mariners are embedding themselves in Celina. Coach Roberts issues a passionate invitation for local fans and volunteers to pack the stands at Montgomery Field and interact with the team. Future Visions: Hear Coach Roberts’ unique ideas for the organization, including a fan-friendly bullpen redesign to bring the community closer to the players. Rapid-Fire Fun: Stick around until the end to find out Coach Roberts' favorite MLB team, his ultimate baseball movie, the historical player he wishes he could have coached, and where he stands on the great ballpark food debate! "Go play like you're in the backyard." — Coach Mike Roberts on his coaching philosophy and keeping the love of the game alive. Catch the Mariners all summer long! Check out their full schedule on the Grand Lake Mariners website or follow the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League for updates.

7. 

   2 Jul 2026

   The Ultimate 4th of July Bash: America’s 250th & Coldwater’s Red, White, and Blue Celebration

   Welcome back to Diving In with Lee Keaser! This year marks a massive milestone as America celebrates its 250th birthday, and the community of Coldwater in Mercer County is pulling out all the stops. In this episode, Lee sits down with local leaders Bob Hibner and Brad Niekamp to discuss the convergence of two massive milestones: the 6th annual Red, White, and Blue event and the town's official U.S. 250th Anniversary celebration. What started six years ago as a simple party in the park has evolved into a massive county-wide festival. Bob and Brad share the history behind the event—originally inspired by a desire to honor our local "safety personnel heroes" (Red for Fire, White for EMS, and Blue for Law Enforcement)—and how they are leveling it up this year. They also dive into the highly anticipated opening of a 50-year-old community time capsule buried during the nation's bicentennial in 1976! This entirely FREE community event takes place right on Saturday, July 4th, from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM at the Coldwater Memorial Park Amphitheater. What to expect at the festival: Three Incredible Live Bands: Local favorites Exploit Deluxe, Canada's The 70s Rock Show, and the ultimate Garth Brooks tribute band, Fresh Horses. A "Touch-a-Truck" Experience: An up-close look at fire trucks, ambulances, and police cruisers for the kids. Local Food Trucks & Drinks: A massive lineup featuring Holy Smokes Barbecue, Keyhole Pizza, Kiwanis K-Burgers, Creme de la Creme desserts, and a beer stand hosted by the Buzzard’s Glory Community Club. Giving Back: Learn how the event raises thousands of dollars for local first responders (including a recent $14,000 donation for a new Sheriff's Department K9 unit) and how you can scan QR codes to donate even if you can't make it out. Tune in to hear about the incredible volunteer spirit of the Grand Lake region, why people always find their way back home to Mercer County, and a fun "rapid-fire" segment on favorite 4th of July foods and core firework memories!

8. 

   25 Jun 2026

   Grand Lake Voices: Tractor Square Dancing & Turtle Soup: Inside the Maria Stein Country Fest

   Episode Summary In this episode, we kick off one of the grandest summer traditions in Mercer County: the Maria Stein Country Fest (running June 26th–28th). Joining the show is 30-year festival veteran and committee member Randy Homan, who takes us behind the scenes of this massive volunteer-driven event. Randy shares how the festival evolved from three separate local picnics into one unified celebration on the historic Maria Stein Shrine grounds. From the logistics of coordinating hundreds of "green shirt" volunteers to keeping the event entirely free to enter and park, this episode is a testament to the powerful small-town roots and competitive spirit of the Grand Lake region. Key Takeaways from the Episode: The Headliner Event: Tractor Square Dancing! Randy breaks down the weekend schedule for this crowd favorite (Friday at 10:30 PM; Saturday at 2:30 PM & 10:00 PM; Sunday at 3:30 PM & 9:00 PM). Local Delicacies: A look into the legendary, spicy Maria Stein turtle soup—a chili-like staple that draws people from miles around. Fresh Attractions: How a new wave of young committee members is keeping traditions alive while introducing modern twists like the Roomba challenge and reviving the classic backseat driver contest. Faith & History: The deep-rooted connection between the festival, the Sisters of the Precious Blood, and the German-Catholic heritage that built the community. "If you want something good in your community, you have to put something forth through it." > — Randy Homan on the spirit of volunteerism.

9. 

   18 Jun 2026

   Honoring Tradition and Celebrating Community at the 2026 Fort Recovery Jubilee

   In Episode 11 of "Diving In with Lee Keaser," Lee is joined by committee members Jenna Wilson and Keisha Willman to discuss the 2026 Fort Recovery Jubilee. Running from June 18th through the 21st, this year's theme is "Celebrating Community, Honoring Tradition, Marking America's 250th Birthday and Independence". The guests share their personal journeys of getting involved five years ago to immerse their families in the town. They emphasize the importance of volunteering to maintain longstanding traditions, noting that the Jubilee serves as a vital fundraiser for local parks and youth sports organizations. Jenna and Keisha detail an action-packed schedule, noting that local sponsors make many free activities possible. Festival highlights include: Opening Night: The event kicks off on Thursday with the Taste of Fort Recovery and a softball tournament. Family Events: Saturday focuses heavily on kids, featuring the Jungle Island Petting Zoo, a volleyball tournament, and the new Tug-A-Truck contest. Nostalgic Traditions: Attendees can enjoy live music, a massive parade with over 80 entries, and the return of the classic cake stand. The episode also dives into the lighter side of festival planning, revealing the hilarious behind-the-scenes stress of organizing the weekend turtle races amidst a national turtle shortage. Ultimately, the conversation showcases how the community rallies together to create unforgettable memories.

10. 

    11 Jun 2026

    Music, Community, and 20+ Years of the Celina Concert Series with Monte Diegel

    In Episode 10 of Diving In on WCSM Radio 96.7 The Wave, host Lee Keaser sits down with lifelong Grand Lake resident and dedicated volunteer Monte Diegel to break down the 2026 Celina Summer Concert Series. Running for over 20 years, this six-week Sunday tradition brings free, donor-funded musical entertainment to Lakeshore Drive every Sunday evening at 6:30 PM. Monte explains the unique, relaxed atmosphere where attendees watch the performances from lawn chairs, parked cars, golf carts, or even pontoon boats out on the lake. The 2026 season introduces an exciting "hybrid" schedule, alternating venues weekly between the familiar Red Tent and the city's amphitheater. The pair previews an eclectic lineup that spans genres, highlighting traditional country artist Eli Burgett, the highly requested pop-rock group Attaboy, and classic rock outfit Direct Energy. Beyond the music, the series provides a boost to local businesses and supports community youth. The Mercer County Marksman 4-H club manages the food concessions, serving up popular staples by free-will donation, with 100% of proceeds funding local youth projects. Organized by a small two-person committee working alongside the Mercer County Civic Foundation, the entirely volunteer-run event reflects the immense generosity of local sponsors. Finally, Monte notes that they operate at the mercy of Mother Nature; since there is no indoor backup venue, any weather-related cancellations will be announced on their Facebook page by 2:00 PM.

11. 

    4 Jun 2026

    Finding the Anchor: Toby Leach on Music, Memory, and the Grand Lake Region

    In Episode 9 of "Diving In" on 96.7 The Wave, host Lee Keaser sits down with local musician Toby Leach to discuss his emotional and professional journey in the Grand Lake region. Leach, originally from Preble County and now residing in Celina, began his musical career in 2022 following the passing of his mother. By picking up her old guitar, he found a deeply personal emotional anchor that continues to drive his passion for singing and songwriting today. During the interview, Leach explains his creative process, noting that he typically writes lyrics first and structures his original songs with three verses and a chorus, which averages out to about three and a half minutes per track. He emphasizes that his live performances are designed to take the audience on a "rollercoaster of emotions," blending upbeat covers with moving original pieces. While currently performing as a solo artist, Leach announces that he is actively looking to hire musicians to form a full band for the upcoming year. The episode highlights Leach’s impressive milestones, including the rare feat of playing on all four stages at Country Concert. Listeners are encouraged to support his work by purchasing his latest singles, "Turn the Jukebox Off" and "Psycho," directly from iTunes, or by streaming them on platforms like Apple Music and Spotify. Keaser concludes the episode by promoting Leach's live Saturday performance on the new patio at the Celina Eagles.

12. 

    27 May 2026

    Striking a Chord with Conner Albers

    In Episode 8 of "Diving In," host Lee Keaser sits down with St. Henry native and talented acoustic musician, Conner Albers. The episode explores Conner's musical journey, which began with drum lessons at just eight years old and led to him joining his first band by age nine or ten. Listeners get an inside look at how the COVID-19 pandemic shifted his focus toward solo acoustic performances, marking a major transition that officially started with his first gig on January 1, 2021. Conner opens up about the physical demands of the job, noting the exhaustion that comes from singing for four hours straight. He also shares a unique practice method: shredding on the electric guitar at home to make his acoustic playing feel much simpler on stage. The duo discusses the thriving, vibrant live music scene in the Grand Lake region, highlighting how local venues have evolved over the years to support artists. While Conner hasn't written original music yet, he hints that a solo release could be in the cards within the next five years. Beyond the gigs, Conner emphasizes the profound, healing power of music and its ability to connect people universally. To wrap up, Lee runs through Conner's packed summer schedule, featuring upcoming shows at Lakeside Hideout, the beach-vibed Coconut Hut Tiki Bar, and a guaranteed party at Rossburg Acres. You can catch this and all previous episodes on Apple Podcasts, Amazon, and Spotify.

13. 

    22 May 2026

    Putting Mercer County on the Map: Agritourism at MVP Dairy

    In Episode 7 of Diving In, we sit down with Allison Ryan, Director of Marketing and Communications for MVP Dairy. Because many people today are three to four generations removed from agriculture , MVP Dairy is actively working to pull back the curtain and show consumers exactly how their food is produced. What We Cover in This Episode: The Reality of Modern Farming: Discover how MVP Dairy manages 4,500 cows and utilizes incredible technology to milk 550 cows in a single hour. Allison explains how this large-scale efficiency actually provides highly individualized care, ensuring cows have customized nutritionist diets and relaxing brushes. Booming Agritourism: Hear how the MVP Dairy Learning Center, established in 2018 , has blossomed into a massive tourism draw for the Grand Lake area. The center has hosted more than 50,000 visitors, representing all 50 states and over 70 different countries. Local Economic Growth: We dive into MVP's direct partnership with Danone and Van Tilburg Farms. We also discuss how their local STEM programs and internships are creating diverse career pathways to keep young talent in the region. A Famous Visitor: Get the behind-the-scenes scoop on the farm hosting Blippi, the massively popular YouTube kids' character, for an upcoming episode! If you are looking for summer plans, don't miss the details on their upcoming June and July barn shuttle rides. Tune in to explore how local agriculture is making a global impact!

14. 

    12 May 2026

    Hook, Line, and Sourdough: Crappie Fishing & Grains of Love with Matt Tuttle

    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!

15. 

    4 May 2026

    What’s Next for the Boardwalk Grill, Shipyard, and Beyond

    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.

16. 

    27 Apr 2026

    Waffles, Sweet Corn, and the 59th Annual KofC Picnic

    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.

17. 

    20 Apr 2026

    Parks, Playgrounds, and Progress – Inside the LIA with Brian Miller

    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!

18. 

    13 Apr 2026

    Diving In Pontoons, Memories, and Grand Lake Life with A.J. Mast

    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!!

19. 

    6 Apr 2026

    Catching the Grand Lake Momentum with Stacy Beougher

    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.

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