August 2022

Truterra Sustainable Farming
Business

Business, Featured

Cooperative leveraging sustainability and agronomic expertise with program that provides a warranty to farmers transitioning to regenerative agriculture practices (Arden Hills, MN) — Aug. 30, 2022  — Land O’Lakes, Inc., one of America’s largest farmer-owned cooperatives, is encouraging more farmers to adopt regenerative farming practices by working to remove one of the biggest barriers – fear of lost profitability and productivity of their acres. This effort is made possible because

Minnesota State Fair 2022
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(St Paul, MN) — August 29th, 2022 —  While most of us want to go get our fill of Mini Donuts and Live Music, getting to the Minnesota State Fair isn’t always possible.     That said, here are a list of Live Cams you may want to watch.   If you cant be there, it’s the next best thing. Fox 9 News –  Minnesota State Fair live camera (fox9.com) Minneapolis Star

Unclaimed Property Auction
Business

Business, Featured

Department of Commerce to auction more than 700 unclaimed property items, including jewelry, gems, and collectible coins with a two week online auction beginning September 1st.   (Minnesota) — August 30th, 2022 — The Minnesota Department of Commerce will auction more than 700 items left unclaimed from bank safe-deposit boxes, including jewelry, gems, precious metals and 19th and early 20th century coins, in a two-week online auction beginning Sept. 1.

Gun Locks Minnesota State Fair
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Doing Good, Featured

(St Paul, MN) — August 30th, 2022 —State of Minnesota Launches Free Gun Lock Giveaway  ‘Make Minnesota Safe & Secure’ Aims to Put 10,000 Locks on Guns Across the State. It may be one of the most important and sought-after giveaways at the Great Minnesota Get-Together this year. It’s a free gun lock, and started at 7 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 25, state agencies will be handed them out at their

The Al Franken Podcast
Music | Podcast

Music | Podcast

If you’ve been wanting to catch up with former Senator Al Franken, here is your opportunity.   The Al Franken Podcast is available with a new episode weekly. Description from Website:  A five-time Emmy winning SNL comedy writer/producer,  a four-time #1 NYT bestselling author, a three-time highest-rated national progressive radio host, a two-time Grammy winning artist, and a former US Senator.     Al Franken is in the booth to talk public policy

Life Time Tom Bergmann to Retire
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Featured, People

(Chanhassen, MN) —  Aug. 29, 2022 — Life Time® Group Holdings, Inc. announced that President and Chief Financial Officer, Thomas (Tom) Bergmann, has decided to retire from the Company on December 31, 2022. In conjunction with Bergmann’s retirement, the Company also announced that Robert (Bob) Houghton has been named Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer effective August 28, 2022. Bergmann relinquished his Chief Financial Officer role concurrent with Houghton’s election and will remain President to support the transition

Princess Kay
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(St Paul, MN) –Aug. 24, 2022 — Rachel Rynda (RIN-da), a 19-year-old college student from Montgomery, Minnesota, representing Le Sueur County, was crowned the 69th Princess Kay of the Milky Way in an evening ceremony August 24 at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Rynda will serve as the official goodwill ambassador for nearly 2,100 Minnesota dairy farm families. She is the daughter of Francis and Theresa Rynda and attends the University of Wisconsin

Historic DNR Building at the State Fair
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(St Paul, MN) — August 28th, 2022 — The Minnesosta DNR has opened the Historic DNR Building at the State Fair. Each year, the pond is stocked with about 40 different species of fish that call Minnesota home. During the State Fair, the webcam provides a live stream, showcasing the fish underwater.During the off season, the footage is provided as recording of fish in the state fair fish pond. Check

Finish The Run
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(Minneapolis, MN) — August 28th, 2022 —  Twin Cities community comes together for the 7th annual year of “Finish the Run” to celebrate the life of David Forster through running and community building. Finish The Run was created to honor the life of David Forster – an elite marathon runner who collapsed and passed away suddenly while on a training run at just 27-years-old. We are taking the baton from

Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber Foundation
Doing Good

Doing Good, Featured

(Moorhead, Mn) — August, 2022 – The Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber Foundation has been awarded a $9.62 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) Good Jobs Challenge Grant. The Chamber Foundation, in collaboration with backbone organizations such as Grand Farm Research and Education Initiative, North Dakota State College of Science, Emerging Prairie, University of Mary, and Workbay will bolster the region’s economy by developing the skilled workforce needed to support the

Jean Bowman Fergus Falls Communications Manager
People

People

(Fergus Falls, MN) — – August 25, 2022 – The City of Fergus Falls announced it hired Jean Bowman in the newly-created position of communications manager. “Bowman has the experience, knowledge of Fergus Falls and the enthusiasm to expertly serve the City and our communications needs,” said Andrew Bremseth, Fergus Falls City Administrator. Bremseth noted the complexities of keeping residents informed about city government. “Communication about city projects and services

New Online Program Helps Users Follow Through on Their Own Good Intentions
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A new web-based program equips participants with the knowledge and tools they need to consistently turn their good intentions into life-improving action. We’re passionate about the important but underappreciated role the ability to follow through plays in personal effectiveness and satisfaction.”  — Dr. Steve Levinson   (Newfolden, Mn)  — August 25, 2022 — A new web-based program equips users with the knowledge and tools they need to consistently turn their

Drought Relief
Business

Business, Featured

(Minnesota) — August 27th, 2022 — Checks to Minnesota livestock farmers and specialty crop producers who applied for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) 2021 Agricultural Drought Relief Program (ADRoP) will begin to be mailed. A total of 2,922 out of 3,000 received applications were approved, totaling $18.9 million in eligible requests. The total request was more than double the $8.1 million appropriated by the Legislature for ADRoP this spring.

School lunch
Doing Good

Doing Good, Featured

(Washington, D.C.) –August 23, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) today announced it has signed a $3,458,752.00 cooperative agreement with Minnesota to increase their purchase of nutritious, local foods for school meal programs. Through the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program (LFS), the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) will purchase and distribute local and regional foods and beverages for schools to serve children through

Minnesota State Fair
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(St Paul, MN) — August 25, 2022 — The 2022 Great Minnesota Get-Together is underway. This year’s 12 days of fun (Aug. 25 – Labor Day, Sept. 5) features many options to help plan your visit and offers a variety of deals and discounts. Plan Your Visit Hours These last two years have provided the opportunity to evaluate the fair’s entire operation and determine how best to improve the fair

Liam Gustafson Nevis Skate Park
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(Nevis, MN) — August 23rd, 2022 —  Eleven Year Old Liam Gustafson told his parents that he wanted a skate park in his hometown of Nevis. To be supportive, they explained the steps it would take to accomplish the task.    These included:  Ask the City of Nevis, find a piece of land, research, raise the capital and find the builders. How It Started With his new “to do” list Liam

Evocharge Concealed Pedestal
Doing Good

Doing Good, Featured

New pedestal offerings create clean, convenient, and safe EV charging areas.   The EvoCharge Concealed Pedestal presents a sleek, modern look at an affordable price point, making it perfect for parking spaces.”   — John Aune, product manager for EvoCharge   (Minneapolis, MN) —  August 23, 2022  — EvoCharge® is proud to announce the launch of its new EvoCharge Concealed Pedestal for mounting EV chargers in public spaces, parking areas and

Bassmaster Austin Feilix
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(Mobridge SD) — Aug. 21, 2022  — Austin Felix views himself as a well-rounded angler but he loves to fish for smallmouth. So, it’s fitting Felix’s first Bassmaster Elite Series title would involve catching those big, beautiful brown fish. With a five-bass limit that weighed 16 pounds, 3 ounces on Championship Sunday, the Eden Prairie, Minn., native secured the victory at the Guarantee Rate Bassmaster Elite at Lake Oahe with a total of 71-9, earning $100,000 Felix overcame a

Gayle O'Connor Spirit Award
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Featured, People

The GO Award will be presented on eDiscovery Day This award was not to be a recognition for climbing the corporate ladder or knowing the most about the industry, but more about the love and caring of others. Dear Gayle, you are wonderful and caring.”   — Candi Smith, Senior Technology and eDiscovery Specialist at Jabil (Minneapolis, MN) — August 22, 2022 — Setting the global standards for e-discovery, the

Vomela Companies Adds Visual Impact
Business

Business

(St Paul, MN) — Aug. 16, 2022 — Celebrating 75 years, The Vomela Companies today announced that it has acquired Visual Impact LLC, located in Blaine, MN. “As a full-service provider in Out of Home Advertising, Retail, Hospitality and Events” said Vomela President and CEO Mark Auth. “Visual Impact capabilities align well with Vomela’s current offerings and strengthen our ability to deliver branded experiences to a growing portfolio of clients.” The

Judicial Branch Great Minnesota Get-Together
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(St Paul, MN) — July 17th, 2022 — The Minnesota Judicial Branch will once again host an information booth at the Minnesota State Fair. More than 100 judicial officers and staff will volunteer their time during the 12-day event this year to educate Minnesotans about their nation-leading court system. “We are excited to return to the Minnesota State Fair,” said Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Lorie S. Gildea. “Our judges

Minnesota Natural Heritage Data
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(Minnesota) — August 20th, 2022 — A new online tool created by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources allows users to explore Natural Heritage Information System data for both conservation planning and identifying rare resources. The Natural Heritage Review process consists of identification of rare biological resources to determine and avoid potential impacts to those importance resources. The Minnesota Conservation Explorer also lets registered users submit information about proposed projects and request

Digi-Key Product Distribution Center
Business

Business, Featured

The 2.2 million square foot facility makes Digi-Key one of the 10 largest warehouses in North America (Thief River Falls, MN) —  Aug. 17, 2022 — Digi-Key Electronics, which offers the world’s largest selection of electronic components and automation products in stock for immediate shipment, celebrated the ribbon cutting of its Product Distribution Center expansion (PDCe) today, expanding the company’s headquarters’ footprint by 2.2 million square feet for a combined total

Chuck Mooty, Minnesota Business Hall of Fame Inductee, Joins Ōmcare Board of Directors
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Featured, People

  As Ōmcare prepares for its commercial rollout of the Ōmcare Home Health Hub®, Chuck’s experience and laser-focused mindset will be instrumental for our national growth strategy.”   — Lisa Lavin   (Minneapolis, MN) — August 17, 2022 — Ōmcare announced that Chuck Mooty has joined their Board of Directors. Recently, Mooty was announced as a 2022 Minnesota Business Hall of Fame inductee for his many successes and thoughtful leadership throughout

Global Music Initiative
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(Minneapolis, MN) —  August 16, 2022 – For the third consecutive year, MacPhail Center for Music’s Global Music Initiative (GMI) will offer multiple year-long residencies to foster cultural change in our communities through passion creativity and music. The GMI believes that supporting and investing in diverse voices elevates the current standards of music education pedagogy. This program is a commitment to cultivating inclusivity within both music education and MacPhail Center

Fired Up 2 Raises Funds For Non Profit Supporting Cancer Survivors and Caregivers and Raising Awareness About Cancer
Doing Good

Doing Good

  Fired Up! 2 multi-author book collaboration features inspiring stories of cancer warriors and other trailblazers who also share their step-by-step roadmaps (Apple Valley, MN)  — August 16, 2022  — After the success of #1 Amazon international bestseller Fired Up! Fount of Grace Creatives announces the paperback release of Fired Up! 2, another #1 Amazon international bestseller. Fired Up! 2 is a transformational anthology written by global women changemakers who

Sherlock Holmes: The Exhibition
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Examine history through the lens of the world-famous detective and renowned author   (St Paul, MN) —  Sherlock Holmes: The Exhibition opens Oct. 20, at the Minnesota History Center offering an interactive experience combining science with history and culture to bring to life the historic underpinnings of author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s rich and vibrant stories. WHERE/WHEN:Minnesota History Center, 345 Kellogg Blvd. W. in St. Paul. Hours are 10 a.m. to

DNA to Detect Invasive Carp
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Doing Good, Featured

(Minnesota) — August 15th, 2022 — The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have been using environmental DNA (or eDNA) technology to detect invasive carp in the St. Croix, Mississippi and Minnesota rivers. May sampling in the St. Croix River showed silver carp eDNA about four miles north of where invasive carp have been confirmed in the St. Croix. eDNA is DNA released from

Find Your Stage
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Featured, Music | Podcast

  (Minneapolis, MN) —  August 11, 2022  — A new Singer Songwriter Conference is happening at the Varsity Theater September 17-18th. The event called “Find Your Stage” gives attendees a chance to interact with local musicians, record producers, and media contacts who will teach them, not only the tricks of the trade, but solid business strategies for creating and sustaining income, impact, and influence in the Twin Cities Music Scene.

Opportunity Partners Opens New Center
Business

Business, Featured

  Ribbon-cutting to celebrate opening of new day location for adults with disabilities (Plymouth, MN) — August 12, 2022  — Opportunity Partners, a Minneapolis-area nonprofit organization serving adults with disabilities, has opened a new location for its Karlins Center, offering day and enrichment services to adults with autism and other disabilities. A ribbon-cutting, tours and photo opportunities are planned to celebrate the new building and thank the Karlins family for

St Croix Hospice
Business

Business

(Albert Lea, MN) — Aug. 11, 2022  — St. Croix Hospice has expanded service in Minnesota with the addition of a new location in Albert Lea. This enables the agency to serve more communities throughout the southeastern part of the state. “The St. Croix Hospice Albert Lea office is a natural extension of our Minnesota team and allows us to expand our services to more communities in the area” says Heath Bartness,

3M Open $1.5M
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Doing Good, Featured

  (Twin Cities, MN) — Aug 8th, 2022 —  The 3M Open will donate at least $1.5 million to charities this year, with a cumulative total of more than $6 million donated since the event’s inception in 2019. The fourth annual 3M Open – Minnesota’s one and only PGA TOUR event, that recently took place at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, Minnesota – is about more than golf for 3M.

Vista Outdoor Expands its Board of Directors with Two New Members
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Featured, People

(Anoka, MN) —  Aug. 10, 2022  — Vista Outdoor Inc. (NYSE: VSTO), the parent company of 40 renowned brands that design, manufacture and market sporting and outdoor products to consumers around the globe, is pleased to announce the addition of two independent members, Gerard Gibbons and Bruce Grooms, to its Board of Directors. Mr. Gibbons and Mr. Grooms were both elected to the Board of Directors by Vista Outdoor’s shareholders at the Company’s

Autism Care for Girls
Doing Good

Doing Good, Featured

(Minneapolis, MN) — August 9th, 2022 —  High school senior McKenzie Saman showed many early signs of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) but wasn’t diagnosed until she was 8. When she went in for a formal evaluation with her mom, Denise, they were told that signs of autism in young girls often go undetected by adults. Autism symptoms can look different based on sex, according to M Health Fairview Psychologist Casey Burrows,

The Fraser Sensory Building Calms Some Minnesota State Fair Goers
Doing Good

Doing Good, Featured

The fair is a great place for Minnesotans to gather. However, it can feel overwhelming. Those who feel overwhelmed now have a place to get some support and make the fair a positive experience.” — Fraser Sensory Supports and Training Program Manager Gina Brady   (St. Paul, MN) —  August 8, 2022 — Fraser is returning to the Minnesota State Fair with a more inclusive setup this year. The building

The Slowdown Show
Music | Podcast

Music | Podcast

(Minneapolis, MN) — Sometimes picking out a new podcast can feel like a commitment.   You want to enjoy, but you feel like you are about to be asked for hours of time.   Perhaps it’s time to consider “The Slowdown Show.”    The Slowdown Show offers a quick thought and a short poem each weekday.    Each show is around 5 minutes or less. Description from the Slowdownshow.org website: Host Ada Limón delivers

‘Smart Energy’ Resource
Business

Business

OATI has multiple, demand-side energy technology solutions to empower utilities to rely on renewables to both create a greener grid and be more reliable.” — Sasan Mokhtari, Ph.D   (Minneapolis, MN)  — August 10, 2022 — Greater reliance on renewable energy resources continues to increase the need for ancillary grid services to ensure a balanced, reliable electrical grid. According to an ISO New England Inc. study released last month, a

SMTA International
Business

Business

The SMTA announced that the technical program of their annual conference, SMTA International, is finalized and registration is now open. MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, USA, August 9, 2022 — The SMTA announced that the technical program of their annual conference, SMTA International, is finalized and registration is now open. The event will be held October 31 – November 3, 2022 at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, MN, USA. The four-day conference

CHS Foundation Grants
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Megan Seifert, an ag ed teacher and FFA Director at Melrose High School, and students in Melrose, Minn. Initiative now accepting applications as CHS Foundation celebrates 75 years of developing ag talent nationwide (Inver Grove Heights, MN) —  Aug. 10, 2022 — For 75 years, the CHS Foundation has helped develop the next generation of ag leaders for lifelong success. In honor of this milestone, the foundation is awarding $75,000 in grants

Mall of America
Doing Good

Doing Good, Featured

Nation’s Largest Mall Marks 30th Birthday Celebration with National STEAM Event (Bloomington, MN) —  Aug. 4, 2022 — Mall of America, the largest retail and entertainment complex in the United States, is celebrating 30 years on Aug. 11. Since 1992, Mall of America has pioneered an incredible retail, dining, and entertainment experience, becoming one of the nation’s most visited attractions with more than 1.3 billion guests from every state across the United States and every continent in

Storm Damage Alexandria
Doing Good

Doing Good, Featured

SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Businesses and Residents of Minnesota Affected by Severe Thunderstorms and Tornadoes in Late May (Washington DC/Central Mn) —  Minnesota businesses and residents affected by severe thunderstorms and tornadoes from May 29 to May 30 may apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman announced today.Administrator Guzman made the loans available in response to a letter from Minnesota Governor Tim

Oak Park Heights Asked to Approve First Step for Walk-a-Bout Condos
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  I grew up in Oak Park Heights. My wife and I started our family two blocks from the property. For nearly 25 years, we have lived on our farm in Wisconsin. It’s time to Go Back Home.”  — Jaime Junker   (Oak Park Heights, MN) — August 8, 2022 — Walk-a-Bout @ Oak Park Heights, Minnesota, USA — a 36-unit condominium residence — is taking the first steps to

Evsie Expands Collection
Business

Business

(Duluth, MN) —  Aug. 4, 2022  — Leading apparel retailer Maurices is expanding its tween girls’ brand, Evsie™ to an additional 100 Maurices stores. Starting early August, the Evsie collection will be available in 150 Maurices stores and online at www.maurices.com. Evsie is a style shop, available only at Maurices, for the tween girl (sizes 8-12) to help discover unique style in a fun, playful and supportive way with a comfortable approach to inspire

BCBS Board of Trustees
People

People

Allianz Life President and CEO Jasmine Jirele and Agiliti CFO Jim Pekarek join governance of state’s leading health insurer (Eagan, MN) —  Aug. 8, 2022 — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (Blue Cross) today announced the appointments of Jasmine Jirele and Jim Pekarek to its Board of Trustees. Jirele is the president and CEO of Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life), a leading provider of fixed index annuities, registered index-linked annuities and fixed index universal life insurance and

Ellie Mental Health Releases Guide on Five Coping Strategies for Dealing With Financial Stress in College
Good Things

Good Things

  (Mendota Heights, MN) —  August 4, 2022 — Ellie Mental Health has released a guide on five coping strategies for dealing with financial stress in college. Attending college is expensive and can make some people feel stressed about their financial situation. This stress level can lead to physical or mental health problems that can affect someone’s daily life.People facing financial stress may be overworking themselves to meet their financial

National Farmers’ Market Week
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(Minnesota) — August 7th, 2022 — Celebrations marking National Farmers’ Market Week (Aug. 7-13, 2022) in Minnesota will culminate with a public event on Saturday, August 13 at Minneapolis Farmers’ Market. There will be shopping and activities for guests throughout the morning, with presentations from dignitaries including Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen, beginning at 10 a.m. “Farmers’ markets create a relationship between the people who grow local, nutritious food and

NAI Legacy Closes on $6.75M Acquisition of Woodbury Pad Site
Business

Business, Featured

  (Bloomington MN) — August 5, 2022  — NAI Legacy, a member of the world’s premier managed network of commercial real estate firms, announced today that it represented the acquisition of ± 33.7-acre site adjacent to the Amazon distribution center in Woodbury, MN. Craig Patterson, Senior Vice President – Development said: “We are excited to be a part of the fast-growing and highly sought-out industrial area in the NE quadrant

Simply Vanished
Featured

Featured, Music | Podcast

Simply Vanished is an investigative podcast about missing persons.   Produced in Minnesota.   Current season is about the Minnesota Missing Persons Case of Joshua Guimond. Alternating between serial and episodic format, the show digs deep to tell the stories of people who vanished. Who were they? What may have happened to them? Why hasn’t their case been solved? ​Join host Josh Newville in the search for answers. Newville is a civil rights

New Mayo Clinic Diet Launches Special Diabetes Program Rated by U.S. News & World Report Among “Best Diet for Diabetes”
Doing Good

Doing Good, Featured

There’s nothing more important you can do to prevent diabetes than lose weight and our new program provides members with a life-changing plan to improve both weight and blood sugar levels.”— Donald D. Hensrud, MD, MS   (Rochester, MN) — August 3, 2022 — The New Mayo Clinic Diet, the official diet of Mayo Clinic, today launched a Diabetes Program developed specifically to prevent and combat complications associated with Type

Kiko TruRasta and NoldyMusic will release the first single “Fake,” from EP, WARRIORS, on September 2, 2022
Music | Podcast

Music | Podcast

  On Friday, September 2, 2022, internationally recognized artist Kiko TruRasta will release his first single, “Fake,” from his up-and-coming EP, Warriors. (Detroit Lakes, MN) —  August 4, 2022  — Kiko TruRasta has partnered with artist and producer Fitzreynold ‘Noldy’ Cadet aka NoldyMusic, to share the Haitian-American experience. The single will be jointly released by Simplicity 26 Records, World Music, NoldyMusic, and TruRasta Ent. “Fake,” impeccably produced by Fitzreynold ‘Noldy’