High Water Rising And Lifesaving Purple Tubes

Air Date:
Heard On The Morning Show
Rita Alton stands next to her house on Lake Michigan
Rita Alton stands next to her house on the edge of a cliff overlooking Lake Michigan near Manistee, Mich., on Jan. 14, 2020. When her father built the 1,000-square-foot, brick bungalow in the early 1950s, more than acre of land lay between it and the drop-off overlooking the water. But erosion has accelerated dramatically as the lake approaches its highest levels in recorded history, hurling powerful waves into the mostly clay bluff. John Flesher/AP Photo

A scientist explains why Lake Michigan’s average water level is the highest it’s been in 30 years and what we can expect for lake levels in the future. Then we learn about how a purple tube in a refrigerator could save the life of someone living with dementia.

Featured in this Show

  • Lake Michigan Water Levels Reached Highest Average In Three Decades

    This January, Lake Michigan water levels reached a record high for the first time in 30 years. A scientist who studies water and the environment explains why this happened, and what we can expect in the Great Lakes Basin in the wake of climate change.

  • Purple Tube Project Helps Dementia Patients

    In 2015, there were about 115,000 people living with dementia in Wisconsin and by 2040 that number is expected to increase to 242,000. Now, different counties in the state are helping first responders assist dementia patients. Our guest explains the Purple Tube Project.

Episode Credits

  • Kate Archer Kent Host
  • Colleen Leahy Producer
  • Courtney Everett Producer
  • Drew Gronewold Guest
  • Tammy Queen Guest
  • Lee Rayburn Technical Director