Bruce McKirdy

Four Minnesota Teams Heading to Destination Imagination Global Competition
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(Minnesota) — April 19th, 2024 —   Four Minnesota teams of Destination Imagine students are heading to global finals.  Two teams from Rosemount, as well as one Osseo, and one from Minneapolis, have qualified for the Destination Imagination Global Finals in Kansas City, Missouri May 22-25. Destination Imagination is a project-based, kid-driven program that teaches kids to be innovative problem solvers. Using STEAM, teams of students collaborate, think outside the

Lakes Area Professional Women
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(Alexandria MN) — March 23rd, 2024  — The Lakes Area Professional Women (LAPW) hosted its 30th Anniversary Gala on March 21, 2024, at the Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. This prestigious event will commemorate three decades of recognizing and celebrating the remarkable achievements of women entrepreneurs and businesses in the Lakes Area. Also honored at the Gala, were the 2024 winners of three distinguished awards. The

Alasan Ann Team Gambia Taekwondo 2024 Olympics
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(Osseo, MN)— March 5th, 2024 — Alasan Ann, a Minnesota native, is poised to make history as he steps onto the world stage to represent Team Gambia in the sport of Taekwondo at the 2024 Olympics. His journey has been one of resilience, determination, and unwavering support. A Dream Since Childhood Alasan Ann, raised right here in the heartland, attended Fernbrook Elementary, Osseo Middle, and Maple Grove High School before

RetroFizz Celebration of Bacharach
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(Fridley MN) — February 22nd, 2023 — Prepare to be serenaded by the timeless melodies of Burt Bacharach as Elevator Pop sensation RetroFizz hosts “A Look Bacharach” at Crooners Lounge & Supper Club on May 3. Bacharach, a titan of American popular song, left an indelible mark on the music industry with scores of hits that continue to resonate today. This tribute, spearheaded by local group RetroFizz, promises an evening

ADINA Act
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(Minnesota) – February 5th, 2024- – In a positive development for individuals with allergies, legislators are considering the ADINA Act, a groundbreaking initiative led by Representative Dean Phillips. The ADINA Act is a bill that would amend the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require labeling of major food allergens or gluten-containing grains on drugs intended for human use and hold medications to the same labeling standards as food products.

Minnesota Woman Dakota Lindwurm Makes US Olympic Marathon Team
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(Orlando, Fl.) — February 3rd, 2024 — Orlando, Florida, basked in a blaze of sunshine as tens of thousands of enthusiastic fans lined its streets to witness the inaugural U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Marathon on Saturday, creating a historic moment for the state. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation, and the event did not disappoint. In a thrilling men’s race, training partners Conner Mantz and Clayton Young clinched the

Worthington Windsurfing Regatta & Music Festival
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(Worthington, MN) — February 3rd, 2024 — The shores of Lake Okabena in Worthington are set to come alive with the exhilarating combination of windsurfing prowess and eclectic music as the annual Worthington Windsurfing Regatta & Music Festival returns for another thrilling edition. This event, which has become a staple on the calendars of windsurfing enthusiasts and music lovers alike, promises an unforgettable weekend of excitement, entertainment, and community spirit.

Alexandria's Jingle Bells Telethon 2023
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Photography

(Alexandria, MN) — December 10th, 2023 —  For the past 75 years, the Jingle Bells Foundation in Alexandria has raised money to help those in need during the holiday season. This years Telethon happened on Saturday night, December 9th.   During the 5 hour broadcast from 5-10pm, they raised $108,630.00. Additional money is expected to arrive as donations are open to the end of the year.  

Alexandria's Jingle Bells Telethon 2023
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(Alexandria, MN) — December 10th, 2023 —  For the past 75 years, the Jingle Bells Foundation in Alexandria has raised money to help those in need during the holiday season. This years Telethon happened on Saturday night, December 9th.   During the 5 hour broadcast from 5-10pm, they raised $108,630.00. Additional money is expected to arrive as donations are open to the end of the year. The money used to buy toys

Eckrich $1 Million Challenge
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(Minneapolis, MN) — October 8th, 2023 — Last weekend, the spotlight was shining on Brett Sindelir, an experienced 7th-12th grade social studies teacher at Alden-Conger High School in Wells, Minnesota. Brett’s moment of fame came as he participated in the Eckrich $1 Million Challenge during the Minnesota vs. Michigan game.  The premise was simple.  Throw a football through the target 15 yards away and win $1 Million to help his

Ribbon Cutting Marks Start of Gateway Fiber Internet Construction in Blaine and Coon Rapids, MN, Announces Metro North Growth Plan
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(BLaine, MN) —  Sept. 18, 2023  — Gateway Fiber, a leading provider of high-speed 100% fiber optic internet service, officially launched the construction phase of their future-proof network in Blaine and Coon Rapids with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Metro North Chamber of Commerce. The event, attended by community leaders, partners, and interested residents, heralded a new era of connectivity for the region that will later reach other cities, including Andover, Champlin, Mounds View, and Shoreview, starting

Minnesota State Fair 2023
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Photography

(St. Paul, Mn) — Sept. 5, 2023 – The 2023 Minnesota State Fair brought people together from across the state of Minnesota to celebrate. Labor Day attendance of 119,731 brought this year’s cumulative total to 1,835,826, making it the sixth best-attended fair ever.   Here are a few pictures from the Great Minnesota Get Together.

Sickle Cell Awareness Month
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During Sickle Cell Awareness Month, NMPD/Be The Match reminds individuals to visit SickleCellConnect.com to access essential resources, learn more about Sickle Cell Disease, and join the Be The Match Registry. (Minneapolis, MN) — August 31, 2023 — Committed to accelerating progress and expanding access to curative treatment, the National Marrow Donor Program® (NMDP)/Be The Match® is encouraging sickle cell warriors and caregivers to turn to Sickle Cell Warrior Program for

What to Do at the Fair
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(St Paul, MN) — August 23rd, 2023 — With hundreds of things to do and experience, it’s easy to fill a day at the fair. Use these tools to help you find food, merchandise, entertainment, demonstrations, exhibits and more.         Minnesota State Fair App Our free app features our State Fair Finders and Daily Schedule tools to help you locate your favorites at the Great Minnesota Get-Together.

New Food at the MN State Fair
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Photography

(St Paul, MN) — July 11th, 2023 — The Minnesota State Fair has added 34 official new foods and seven new food vendors to the expansive menu already offered at the Great Minnesota Get-Together. In total, 500 foods will be available at nearly 300 different concession locations throughout the fairgrounds this year. Here are some pictures to tempt you until the Great Minnesota Get Together!     More details on

Trooper Mollie McClure Fawn
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(Avon, MN) — June, 26th, 2023 — According to the Minnesota Highway Patrol, Trooper Mollie McClure was on I-94 near Avon when she saw a female deer pacing along a fence line. Upon investigation, she could also hear a vocal young fawn.  A fawn was stuck in the fencing. McClure wiggled the fawn free and reunited it will its mother. This video taken from Trooper Millie’s body cam has since

2022 Minnesota State High School Clay Target League
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(Alexandria, MN) —  June 23th, 2023 — The WORLD’S LARGEST shooting sport event is underway in Alexandria Minnesota. More than 340 high school teams featuring nearly 7,900 student athletes are expected for the 2023 Trap Shooting Championship, June 12th-20th at the Alexandria Shooting Park in Alexandria. Nine full days of competition will feature new teams and participants – June 12-20, 2023! Each team is assigned a tournament day as determined

The Fraser Festival
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Photography

The Fraser Festival, presented by Central Roofing Company, was on Saturday, May 20, at the Saint Paul RiverCentre in downtown St. Paul. The free event and fundraiser was reimagined with new activities and experiences in eight zones that engaged the body’s senses. About 1,000 people attended, creating a day of joy, freedom, and inclusion for people and families with autism and disabilities in the community.          

Melissa Schmidt Community Service Award
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(Alexandria, MN) — May 16th, 2023 — The Minnesota Association of Women Police have awarded the Melissa Schmidt Community Service Award to two women from Alexandria.    Detective Darcie Zirbes and Community Paramedic Katie Harren received the Melissa Schmidt Community Service Award at The 2023 MAWP conference.  The award is given for performing demonstrable skill or activities in the design, implementation and/orparticipation in community or school projects, neighborhood watches, town meetings,

James J. Hill House
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First-ever Train Day events to take place May 13-14 (St Paul, MN) –May 4, 2023 – The James J. Hill House has just the ticket for families to both enjoy and educate themselves about trains. The historic St. Paul home will host its first ever Train Day events May 13 and 14th. James J. Hill was nicknamed the “empire builder” for assembling the Great Northern railroad network in the 19th Century.

Pam Cannon Twin Cities United Way
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(Minneapolis, MN) — April 6th, 2023 —  Metropolitan Economic Development Association (MEDA) is proud to announce that Pamela Cannon, JD, MA, Vice President & Chief People Officer at Meda, has been appointed to the Board of Directors for the Greater Twin Cities United Way (GTCUW). GTCUW is a leading provider of community giving, committed to creating a thriving community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Ms. Cannon brings 20

Minnesota Broadcasters Association
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(St Paul, MN) — March 29th, 2023 —  The Minnesota Broadcasters Association has announced the 2023 Minnesota Broadcast hall of Fame winners.   Five familiar names in Minnesota Broadcasting will be added during a ceremony on October 3, 2023.  The Minnesota Broadcasters Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place at the St Paul Hotel during the Annual Minnesota Broadcasters Convention. The following inductees will be celebrated in 2023: Jim Bartells

Glensheen Mansion Duluth
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(Duluth MN) — March, 2023 —  One of the true treasures and can’t miss places of Minnesota is Glensheen Mansion Duluth.  With 39 rooms and 27,000 square feet of living space, this mansion sits on 12 acres of land and is truly a destination worth going out of your way to find.  If you’d like to know more about Glensheen, including information about tours, visit their website here. All pictures

Minnesota DNR EagleCam 2023
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(Minnesota) — UPDATE 4/2/23 — There is sad news to report: this morning the nest on the DNR’s Nongame Wildlife EagleCam fell out of the tree. DNR staff are onsite and confirm that the chick did not survive the fall. (Minnesota) — March 27th, 2023 —  The DNR Eagle Cam has returned for 2023.   You can watch the ongoing growth and progress of an eagle in the nest. The latest

Woinarowicz DNR Conservation Officer of the Year
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Col. Rodmen Smith, DNR Enforcement Division director, presented CO Jeremy Woinarowicz with an award for being named 2022 Conservation Officer of the Year. Photo credit: Minnesota DNR (Little Falls, MN)  — February 9, 2023 — Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer Jeremy Woinarowicz has been named the 2022 DNR Conservation Officer of the Year, which is an annual award presented to an officer for outstanding overall career performance. Col.

Cascade Vacation Rentals
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(Lutsen, MN) —  Jan. 26, 2023  — Cascade Vacation Rentals, the largest property manager on the North Shore, recently added the 72 units of the Poplar River Condos at Lutsen, to their portfolio. The company, founded in 2004, now offers 186 properties to choose from, located from south of Duluth to the Canadian border and up the Gunflint Trail. The properties range from luxury properties on the shores of Lake Superior to off-the-grid wilderness lake cabins and

DSG celebrates125 Years
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(Plymouth, MN) —  Jan. 25, 2023  — Dakota Supply Group (DSG) is pleased to announce the launch of its year-long marketing campaign, 125 years young, celebrating its 125th year in business. In 1898, opening as a small plumbing distributor in Fargo, North Dakota – DSG has since expanded into 7 verticals, serving the industries of electrical, plumbing, heating & air, waterworks, communications, utilities, and on-site sewer, water, and well. DSG has grown

Minneapolis Tattoo Arts Festival
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(Minneapolis, MN) — January 14th, 2023 —  For the past 14 years, a group of artist entrepreneurs gather in Minneapolis to serve a community of body art enthusiasts.    Most years, the Minneapolis Tattoo Arts Festival is held in January.    This year, thousands of people attended the three day festival January 6, 7, and 8, 2023. These fans of tattoo art and artists, came out to see a host of artists,

Billy Joel and Stevie Nicks
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(Minneapolis, MN) — January 6th, 2023 — US Bank Stadium has announced that Billy Joel and Stevie Nicks will be in concert for the first time later this year.   Tickets for the November 10th show go on sale January 13th at 10am.    The show will only be in town for one night. According to the Ticketmaster Website, there will be presale tickets available as follows: Verizon Up Presale Tickets Starts

Jingle Bells Telethon 2022
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(Alexandria, MN) — December 11th, 2022 —  For the past 74 years, the Jingle Bells Foundation in Alexandria has raised money to help those in need during the holiday season.    This years Telethon happened on Saturday night, December 10th.   During the 5 hour broadcast from 5-10pm, they raised $99,111.00. Additional money is expected to arrive as donations are open to the end of the year. The money used to buy

Alexandria Lights on Broadway
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(Alexandria, MN) — November 26th,2022 — Alexandria kicked off the holiday season with something old, and something new.     Friday, the public was invited to Christmas at the fort.  This event has happened the Friday after Thanksgiving for decades.   It was started by the Runestone Museum, and the Maritime Museum next door has joined the celebration.   Hundreds of families came out to vote for their favorite Christmas Tree, visit with

Local Backus Community Café
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(International Falls, MN) — Nov. 17, 2022 — Coop Service, Inc. and Cenex®, the energy brand of CHS, have awarded a $25,000 Hometown Pride grant to the Backus Community Café. Backus Community Café was nominated by Coop Service for its dedication to providing an accessible solution to local food insecurity while bringing neighbors together and strengthening community connections. “Being rewarded this grant means so much to our small community,” says Lois

Bright Ideas Design Awards 
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(Bayport, MN) —  Oct. 3, 2022  — In collaboration with Dwell magazine, Andersen Windows, manufacturer of America’s most loved window and door brand*, announced the winners of its second annual Bright Ideas Design Awards – recognizing outstanding architectural projects with an emphasis on windows and daylighting.  “In this year’s entries, we saw remarkable examples of creative design as it relates to windows and doors. As a panel we were inspired by  

Dan Boddy Elected President of MTTIA
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People

(Manktato, MN) — Sept. 20, 2022 — South Central Collage has announced that it’s Auto Collision/Auto Body instructor, Dan Boddy, has been elected president of The Midwest Teachers of Transportation & Industrial Areas (MTTIA).   About MTTIA Mission: To provide professional development for teachers through the enhancement of technical skills and knowledge to better improve student achievement.  

Liz Prior joins INSTANDA
People

People

(Minneapolis, MN) — Sept. 07, 2022 — INSTANDA, the no-code core insurance platform has announced the appointment of Liz Prior to its executive leadership team and the role of Chief Financial Officer. Her appointment comes at a pivotal moment for INSTANDA as it moves to expand its geographical presence in Europe, US, Japan, and the UAE, as well as to enhance its platform capabilities with the latest $45 million fundraising

EnKourage Kards Penny and Kyle
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Family business offers original “cards with a cause” to lower disability-related employment barriers and support nonprofits (Hanover, MN) – Sept 10th, 2022 – If there was ever a day that was built for a greeting card, it’s this Monday September 12th .   Monday is the National Day of Encouragement. A mother and son duo from Hanover, MN have built a business helping to encourage others.    Penny and Kyle Kauffman started

The PivotPreneur Podcast
Music | Podcast

Music | Podcast

(Woodbury, MN) — The PivotPreneur Show comes to us from Woodbury.    It includes a quick listen Monday Motivation segment and a longer play conversationalist episode on Thursdays.  Here’s the quick synopsis from the website: The PivotPreneur Podcast with Todd Stocker helps you pivot into meaningful and purposeful work. Todd was a Pastor who pivoted into owning a multi-million dollar real estate business. His podcast can help you discover, develop, and

What to Do at the Fair
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Photography

The Minnesota State Fair 2022 kept 1,842,222 of us entertained this year.    In case you missed it, or want to see it again, here are a few of our favorite memories.     Some Links Worth a Look: To see replays of Live Cam’s from the fair here is the LINK. To see a countdown clock to next years Minnesota State Fair Click Here.

Minnesota State Fair 2022
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Good Things

(St Paul, MN) — September 6th, 2022 — The great Minnesota get together has come to a close and the countdown to the Minnesota State Fair 2023 has already begun!    They even have a countdown clock. Attendance for the 2022 State Fair was a solid gain over 2021, over 41% growth, but didn’t approach the record setting numbers of 2019.    The Minnesota State Fair was cancelled in 2020 due to

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

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

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

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

Vikingland Band Festival Alexandria
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(Alexandria, MN) — June 27th, 2022 —  Each year on the last weekend of June, the Vikingland Band Festival in Alexandria plays host to a variety of Marching Bands who compete in multiple classes and categories.   Over the years, the Vikingland Band Festival has played host to 94 bands from 7 States, 3 Provinces and Norway.   This years event included 16 bands plus the host, Alexandria. The Vikingland Band Festival

Helping Ellanor - Southern Minnesota Steps Up to Help
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(Sleepy Eye, MN) – May 28, 2022 —   Multiple communities in Southern Minnesota have been united to help raise funds for the daughter of Caleb & Katie Siefkes.   10-month-old Ellanor was hospitalized in June of 2020.  After 6 months of ongoing testing and multiple infections, Children’s Hospital’s hematology department determined that she had a genetic mutation causing low neutrophil counts and diagnosed her with ELANE mutation Severe Congenital Neutropenia. For

Charles Linberg Home & Museum
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  Historic sites reopening between May 27 and June 10   (Minnesota) — May 11th, 2022 — Ten Minnesota historic sites will soon be ready to greet visitors again for the summer season with new programs, events, lectures, workshops, classes, performances and guided tours. MNHS sites reopening include: May 27, Charles Lindbergh House and Museum May 27, Folsom House May 28, Comstock House May 28, Historic Forestville May 28, Historic

the BBQ Show
Music | Podcast

Music | Podcast

(Mankato MN) — With the weather warming up the BBQ Grill comes out.    If you’re into grilling culture, check out The BBQ show.   Stunt and Jake take on weekly topics in regard to grilling and smoking with plenty of tips and tricks. The BBQ Show features two guys and a grill.   Based in Mankato Minnesota, it covers a covers a variety of topics including: Cuts of meat Cooking materials (Charcoal,