Curt Marker, Manager, and Beth Marker, part-time Bookkeeper. Beth began as bookkeeper in 1980, and works for a bank in Harvey. Formerly a general contractor, Curt began his career in radio as station manager in 1987. Curt has been on our board of directors since 1978, Beth since 1980. They have three married children and four grandchildren. They enjoy vacationing at their camp in Minnesota each summer.
Kathy Kantola, Executive Assistant. Kathy started working for the ministry in 1976. In addition to her office duties, Kathy takes her turn on the air weekday afternoons as she produces and hosts "Kathy's Kids Corner." Kathy and her husband John enjoy traveling in their motor home (purchased so they could take their two Cocker Spaniels, Bart and Bella with them) and walking the dogs daily. They also have a cat named Cleo. Kathy team teaches the Junior Sunday School class at her church, and plays the organ.
Andy
Larsen, Chief Staff Announcer. Andy began working for the ministry as a
part-time announcer in 1991, and was hired full-time in 1992. Since 1994, he
has been the weekday morning voice of Gospel Opportunities. Andy has been married
to his wife Peggy since July, 2005.
Norma Aho came on board with the ministry in 1985. She has been a favorite in the past on Saturday evening's "Request Time" and currently does fill-in when needed. Norma works full-time for Midwest Security Systems, Inc. of Marquette, a company which installs fire and burglar alarm systems throughout the Upper Peninsula. Norma lives in Ishpeming with her feline companion Maximillian. She teaches the Primary Sunday School class at her church, and is currently President of the Women's Missionary Fellowship.
Donna Carpenter has been working for Gospel Opportunities since 1985. She has worked just about every shift, but currently does Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, and one Sunday evening per month. Donna and her husband, Herb, have three sons, and a daughter who she home-schools. Donna enjoys the outdoors, camping, hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, swimming, and walking her German Shepherd, Zoey. Donna plays the piano and flute, and teaches both in Sunday School and AWANA. She says it's a privilege to be a part of the ministry that WHWL offers as the Word of God is taught through preaching, teaching, and music.
Emily Carpenter has been a long-time listener to WHWL, and has been working on-air since August, 2005. Emily works every other Sunday, and does fill-in when needed. She says she enjoys her work here because of the ministry it is both to others and herself. Emily is home schooled, and her favorite subjects are math, science and history. After graduation, Emily plans to attend Northern Michigan University. Emily is involved in AWANA at her church, and sings in the choir. Some of her favorite pastimes are playing football, biking, reading, and walking her dog.
Sue Goodwin began her radio career in 1993. She works Sunday afternoons, and can be heard occasionally on weekday afternoons, giving Kathy some well-deserved time off. Sue and her husband have 2 married children and five grandchildren. In her free time she enjoys quilling (a paper craft,) reading and gardening. Sue enjoys working for WHWL because she likes the music she gets to play, and the opportunity to minister to listeners.
Ray Hedberg has been with the ministry since 1999, and can generally be heard on the air Saturday afternoons. He is a student at Northern Michigan University, and will graduate in May, 2005 with a degree in Accounting and Computer Information Systems. At NMU, Ray has been involved with the Student Leader Fellowship Program, First Impressions, the Honors Program, and the Golden Key International Honor Society. He enjoys his work at the station because he is able to reach out to people through his announcing, and the music and programming. In his free time, Ray enjoys hunting, fishing, football, tennis, and collecting mineral specimens.
Rachel Eliason made her debut with WHWL in December 2003. Rachel also works for an Ishpeming bank. Some of her hobbies include rubber stamping and other crafts, decorating, hiking, camping, spending time with her friends and taking her dog for walks. She and her husband live in Humboldt.
Sue Larson has been ministering to our listening audience for many years. Sue can often be heard on Sunday afternoons.
Chris Petersen started with the ministry in 2002. Chris does some occasional fill-in when needed.
Ashley Sponheim is a student at Westwood High School, and is involved in a number of sports and activities. She plays the flute and sings soprano at church and at school. She also participates in the AWANA program at her church. Ashley enjoys reading and hanging out with her friends. Her future goals include becoming a musician or an investigator for a police department. Ashley says she is seeking what the Lord has planned for her.
Kristie Tonge is currently a student at Northern Michigan University, and has been working for Gospel Opportunities since March of 2005. She is studying to become a registered nurse, but is open to whatever the Lord leads her to do. In her spare time, Kristie enjoys knitting, reading, and spending time with family and friends. After her marriage in July, 2006, Kristie will be taking a leave of absence for two semesters of Bible school. We look forward to her return in 2007.