Good Things

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota

Ability to have Medicare questions answered by fellow Minnesotans drives increased confidence (Eagan, MN) —  Sept. 21, 2023  — According to a new survey from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (Blue Cross), for Minnesotans aged 65 and older, the importance of dependable and helpful customer service is nearly universal when evaluating the value of a Medicare plan. The surveyi, conducted with more than 500 Minnesota seniors enrolled in Medicare

The Root Collection: Celebrating Studio Ceramics

    August 19, 2023 – November 26, 2023Cargill Gallery  – Free Exhibition (Minneapolis, MN) — September 24th, 2023 — Tamara and Michael Root have created one of the largest, most diverse collections in the Twin Cities of studio ceramics from the 20th and 21st centuries. For nearly 35 years, they have followed the Minnesota ceramic arts scene and collected nationally and internationally, assisted by knowledgeable dealers. Now retired professors,

A Kidney Transplant for Parker Lintelman

(Minnetonka, MN) — September 19th, 2023 — After a Minnetonka child’s routine check-up ended with a devastating diagnosis, she’s now getting a life-saving gift after receiving a call about a new kidney on the week of her birthday! Parker Lintelman was diagnosed with Stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease in 2021. Over the last couple of years, Parker’s health declined dramatically until her medical team decided she needed to be put

Minnesota Community Action Partnership

(Moorhead, MN) — September 14th, 2023 — Life was bleak in 2016 for Jourdan Fischer and her two daughters. Money was short. She had a substance abuse problem, and major health issues. “You choose your destiny,” Fischer of Moorhead said. “Each choice you make has a consequence.” The choices she had previously made weren’t in the best interest of her and her family, and their circumstances reflected that. Every day

MN Zoo Beastly Bash

Make a difference while rediscovering nature at the Minnesota Zoo (Apple Valley, MN)– September 11, 2023 – Ever wonder how much seafood a sea otter eats? Or what a moose nibbles on in the winter? On Saturday, September 23, the Minnesota Zoo’s animal nutritionist, Kelly, will be showcasing what it takes to nutritiously feed the nearly 5,000 animals that call the Minnesota Zoo home. This is part of the new

Fall Color 2022

(Minnesota) –September 7, 2023 — To celebrate Minnesota’s most colorful season, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is sharing a fall color forecast, typical timing of peak colors, ways for Minnesotans to find where colors are at their peak each week, and suggestions for where to visit to see fall colors. Fall colors in Minnesota typically peak in mid-to-late-September through mid-October, starting in the northernmost part of the state and

Alexandria Technical College archery team

(Alexandria, MN) — September 6th, 2023 —  Alexandria Technical and Community College continues to be a pioneer in higher education in Minnesota by establishing an archery team, becoming the first 2-year college in Minnesota to offer competitive archery through USA Archery’s Collegiate Archery Program. Alexandria College is Minnesota’s top-rated community college for cost, academic programs, and job placement. The college is a destination college with over 50% of the student

Conserved Seventeenth-Century Painting Minneapolis Institute of Art

Supported by the Bank of America Conservation Program, the painting underwent thorough conservation. (Minneapolis, MN) — September 7, 2023— The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) announced that a recently conserved painting, Domenico Passignano’s The Expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise, will go on view in its galleries this month. Restoration work was supported by the Bank of America Art Conservation Project. The Italian painting is one of nineteen art

Building Confidence in Children

  (Mendota Heights, MN) —  September 6, 2023 — Ellie Mental Health just released a new comprehensive guide that details 10 self-esteem activities for children to help build confidence. In the complex world of navigating emotions and changing technologies, building a strong foundation of self-esteem is essential for a child’s overall growth. Parents, educators, and caregivers can all help contribute to a child’s overall belief in their abilities and help

State Fair Attendance and Winners

(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. Day of the Week Aug. 24 to Sept. 4, 2023 Aug. 25 to Sept. 5, 2022 Aug. 26 to Sept. 6, 2021 Record Daily Attendance (Year) Thursday

Sickle Cell Awareness Month

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

Momentum Refresh MN State Fair

(St Paul, MN) — August 30th, 2023 —  In a significant leap towards accessibility and inclusivity, Momentum Refresh has introduced the first-ever universal design mobile restroom resource in the U.S. This groundbreaking initiative is set to redefine how individuals with mobility limitations experience public events and locations, making reasonable accommodation a reality for all. And what better place to start than the Minnesota State Fair. Momentum Refresh’s primary mission is

Be The Match Foundation Los Angeles Soirée

(Minneapolis, MN) — Aug. 28, 2023  — On Friday, August 11, the Be The Match Foundation® celebrated its annual Los Angeles Soiree at the Skirball Cultural Center, an event dedicated to raising critical funds to support patients with life-threatening blood cancers and blood disorders. A record-breaking $327,000 was raised in one inspiring night. These funds go directly to providing patient assistance grants, pioneering research in the transplant field, and expanding

ADAR Technologies GIVE16 Hospitalized Children

  We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead with ADAR Technologies. They are a group of committed problem-solvers, seeking to meet challenges and fill a void in an emerging industry.” — Jason Zucker (Minneapolis, MN) —  August 21, 2023 — ADAR Technologies, a Midwest-based provider of sustainable solutions for today’s waste management challenges, recently announced a partnership with GIVE16, a Minneapolis-based charitable organization founded by Jason and Carly

Emma Kuball Princess Kay of the Milky Way

(St Paul, MN) —  Aug. 23, 2023  — Emma Kuball, a 19-year-old college student from Waterville, Minnesota, representing Rice County, was crowned the 70th Princess Kay of the Milky Way in an evening ceremony Aug. 23 at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Kuball will serve as the official goodwill ambassador for 1,850 Minnesota dairy farm families. She is the daughter of Nate and Shannon Kuball and attends the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Ten county dairy princesses from throughout Minnesota competed for the Princess

St. Cloud State University SCSU cannabis

  Our endeavor is to meet workforce demand to provide educated professionals in this quickly evolving industry.” — St. Cloud State University President Robbyn Wacke   (St Cloud, MN) —  August 23, 2023  — St. Cloud State University will offer new online certificate programs this fall in cannabis education, the first of its kind in Minnesota. SCSU’s Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) division is partnering with California-based cannabis education company

What to Do at the Fair

(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.

Hormel Foods New Bacon-Infused Recipes

Bacon lovers celebrate their passion for this iconic ingredient in honor of National Bacon Lover’s Day (Austin, MN) —  Aug. 18, 2023 — Get ready to sizzle with excitement as National Bacon Lover’s Day approaches this Sunday, Aug. 20. The annual celebration of the crispy, savory, smoky goodness of bacon promises to delight taste buds and ignite the culinary creativity of bacon enthusiasts everywhere. For experts at Hormel Foods, who

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular Minnesota Zoo

The naturally delightful tradition runs from September 30 – November 4 (Apple Valley, MN) – August 17, 2023 – They’re back! Thousands of glowing, carved pumpkins, illuminating the night. Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular has returned for an enchanted fifth year – and tickets go on sale at 8 am on Friday, September 8. Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular is part pumpkin patch and part art installation. From the trees to the ground, guests can marvel

Splash Pad Riverfront Park

(Fergus Falls, MN) — August 17th, 2023 —  The hot summer months have many people looking forward to summer 2024 when the splash pad downtown will be open! The splash pad is the key element of the “Downtown Riverfront Phase II” project, which is located on the block behind the Federal Courthouse. The project includes the splash pad, a waterfall feature, reflecting pools, seating areas, pergola, restrooms, and public art.

University of Minnesota Thermal Conductivity

  Record-setting discovery could lower energy consumption and improve heat management in electronic devices   (Minneapolis, MN) — August 1, 2023 — A team led by University of Minnesota scientists and engineers has discovered a new method for tuning the thermal conductivity of materials to control heat flow “on the fly.” Their tuning range is the highest ever recorded among one-step processes in the field and will open a door to developing

Foundation Launches Campaign to Fund Transformative Growingdome for Remote Sherpa Community

  Proceeds will fund the design, construction, and initial operation of the first solar-powered, geodesic growingdome high in the Himalaya of Nepal.”  — Gary Mark Lesley     (Mankato, MN) —  August 15, 2023 — The intrepid campaign is reaching out to individuals and forward-thinking corporate entities supportive of issues involving environmental preservation, innovative small-scale farming, food security, biodiversity, sustainable-regenerative practices, and waste management science. An official GoFundMe site has

SPAM Maui Wildfire Response

A special relationship has long existed between the people of Hawaii and the brand (Austin, MN) — Aug. 17, 2023 — In response to the devastating wildfires on Maui, Hormel Foods Corporation and the makers of the SPAM® brand — whose special relationship with the Hawaiian community spans decades — is sending resources to aid the disaster-relief efforts. Hormel Foods and its SPAM® brand have made a product donation to support the efforts on Maui. Three

University of Minnesota UROC Gallery Features Counterspaces 2.0

(Rochester, MN) — August 2nd, 2023 — Counterspaces began at the University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR) as a collective healing project for community members who have been impacted by the existing and increasing acts of racialized violence against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Curated by Rochester Art Center Curator Zoe Cinel and UMR Assistant Professor Yuko Taniguchi, the exhibit is dedicated for listening

Gary Lesley Sherpa Clouds of Everest

  Mr. Principal, I promised you I would return with the assignment you gave me… and yes, it’s possible. And so much more, as a living laboratory for health, nutrition and traditional practices.”  — Gary Mark Lesley     (Mankato, MN) —  August 9, 2023 — The dome will allow for culturally sensitive, community-directed priorities, involving sustainable-regenerative agriculture, biodiversity, enhanced nutrition, waste-management practices, and entrepreneurial development. The project is tracing

First 100% solar powered production boat launched in Minnesota

    (Afton, MN) —  August 9, 2023 — The first 100% solar powered production boat was launched in Minnesota on Wednesday, August 2nd, 2023. The boat, the Solar Sal 24, is a 24’ feet long cruiser that is powered by a bank of four solar panels backed up with a 14.4kW battery bank, allowing for autonomous cruising in daylight on solar panels alone and with an extended range at

Community Action Partnership Project Student Success

(Shakopee, MN) — August 9th, 2023 — It didn’t take long for the faces of children, and even teenagers, to widen with smiles of joy as they received backpacks filled with school supplies Monday afternoon. Hundreds of families stopped in at Community Action Partnership of Scott, Carver & Dakota Counties’ Shakopee office to receive the free backpacks. “Project Student Success,” as the agency has dubbed the program, will give away

Historic Fun for All Ages at Historic Fort Snelling’s Family Day

The whole family can create memories together on August 12 (St Paul,  MN) — August 3, 2023  – Historic Fort Snelling invites visitors of all ages to come together for a hands-on activity day on Saturday, August 12. Guests are invited to explore the site’s 22 acres along the bluffs of the scenic Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers, where they will find activities throughout the historic fort and newly refurbished Plank

Deer Feeding and Attractant Bans

    Hunters need to be aware of significant regulation changes this year   (Minnesota) — August 1, 2023 — Deer hunters will have more ways to hunt in Minnesota this fall, and deer hunting licenses can be purchased starting Aug. 1. “We’re excited for deer season. Hunters have a lot to look forward to this year,” said Barb Keller, big game program leader. “We encourage all hunters to review

Minnesota State Fair Brews and Beverages

(St Paul, MN) — August 2nd, 2023 — The Minnesota State Fair has announced 65 brand-new brews and beverages premiering or found exclusively at the 2023 fair. In addition, there will be 39 returning beverages found only at the Great Minnesota Get-Together. In all, the fair features 300+ brews and beverages. The 65 Brand-New Beverages: Ahhnold Palmer Style Hard SeltzerA twist on a fan favorite beverage made into a seltzer

Treetop Trail Minnesota Zoo

  (Apple Valley, MN) — July 28, 2023  — The Minnesota Zoo Treetop Trail, the world’s longest elevated pedestrian loop, is now officially open to the public. The 1.25-mile Treetop Trail takes guests to new heights – up to 32 feet above the ground – as they travel into the trees and gain new perspectives of many Zoo animals, including tigers, moose, bison, and camels. The Treetop Trail will be open

Motorcycle Adventure and Sex: Secrets, Tips, and Tricks Arrives at VBR5 (The VERY BORING RALLY)

  “Any motorcycle can be used for an adventure. As a US Supreme Court Justice said of pornography, I believe I know a motorcycle adventure and an adventure motorcyclist when I see or meet one.””  — Dr. Gregory W. Frazie   (Duluth, MN) — , USA, July 25, 2023 — Motorcycle road warrior, adventurer, author and journalist, Dr. Gregory W. Frazier (around the world six times by motorcycles), is to

Minnesota State Fair New Attractions

(St Paul, MN) —  July 25, 2023  – The Minnesota State Fair announces several new attractions, exhibits, vendors and programs for the 2023 Great Minnesota Get-Together. The following is a list of State Fair experiences being celebrated or debuting this year. Sweet & Selfie ExperienceThis fun, sugar-filled exhibit for all ages takes the fair guest on a journey through a fantastical world, where larger-than-life sweets (giant donuts, cookies, a candy

Mankato Celebrates Thomas Park

Photo Credits: Jeff Lang (Mankato, MN) — July 24th, 2023– Celebrate the grand re-opening of Thomas Park from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday, July 25, at the park, 100 Thomas Park Court. Participate in self-guided tours to view the park’s new features and amenities, which include: • Championship field with turf, lighting, dugouts and dedicated warm-up area.• Four-field pinwheel, with restroom located nearby for easy access.• Batting cages.• Concessions

Emma Stertz Cracker Jill® Packaging

To shine a light on female athletes, Cracker Jack® is funding sports dreams for nine “I Am Cracker Jill® Award” winners and featuring the grand prize winner on brand packaging in 2024  (Plano, TX) — July 20, 2023  — As part of its mission to increase the visibility of girls and women in sports to inspire the next generation, Cracker Jack® is recognizing nine young women today with the I Am Cracker Jill® Award. These recipients

CPKC’s Final Spike Steam Tour to Mark One-year Anniversary of Railway’s Creation - Will Make Stop in St. Paul

(Calgary, CA) — July 18, 2023 — Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railway announced the 2816 Empress steam locomotive will travel from Canada, through the U.S. and into Mexico departing Calgary, Alta. on April 14, 2024, the one-year anniversary of CPKC’s creation. “Our unique, unrivaled railway network connects a continent and links Canada, the U.S. and Mexico,” said Keith Creel, CPKC President and Chief Executive Officer. “On April 14, 2023, we

Powerball Jackpot Reaches $1 Billion

(Minnesota) — July 18, 2023 —  For the third time ever, the Powerball® jackpot has reached the one billion dollar mark! The jackpot is currently estimated at $1 billion for the next drawing on Wednesday, July 19. The jackpot has an estimated cash value of $516.8 million. The jackpot ranks as the seventh largest U.S. lottery jackpot and third largest Powerball jackpot, only behind the world record $2.04 billion Powerball

CraftsyTV Sling Freestream

  TN Marketing announces its latest partnership with Sling Freestream to launch the creative DIY channel and continue the expansion of CraftsyTV in the FAST market. (Plymouth, MN) —  July 13, 2023 — TN Marketing is excited to announce its latest collaboration with Sling Freestream, a leading free ad-supported television (FAST) streaming service. The partnership brings the DIY channel, CraftsyTV to Sling Freestream users with no payment or credit card

New Food at the MN State Fair

(St. Paul, Mn) — July 11th, 2023 -– The Minnesota State Fair has added 34 official new foods and seven new food vendors to theexpansive menu already offered at the Great Minnesota Get-Together. In total, 500 foods will be available at nearly300 different concession locations throughout the fairgrounds this year.  The official new foods announcement issponsored by Mattress Firm. The New Foods List! Baba’s Al Taco Baba Traditional hummus, harissa

Department of Revenue One-time Tax Rebates

Online portal now available for eligible recipients of the rebate who need to update their address or bank information   (St Paul, MN) — July 10, 2023 – The Minnesota Department of Revenue announced today the process to send 2.4 million one-time tax rebate payments to Minnesotans. This rebate was part of the historic 2023 One Minnesota Budget, signed into law by Governor Tim Walz on May 24, 2023. “This

Natural Organic Reduction

(Saint Paul, MN) —  July 10, 2023   — Natural Organic Reduction, often called human composting, is not currently legal in Minnesota but with the help of local funeral service provider Interra Green Burial by Mueller Memorial and their partner in Washington state, Steve Wheeler is getting his dying wish. After 20 years as a social studies teacher Steve Wheeler’s existing medical condition made it impossible for him to continue

Susan Hensel Gallery K. Daphnae Koop

The Susan Hensel Gallery is proud to present this incredible exhibit as an online exclusive show” — Susan Hensel – Gallery Owner (Minneapolis, MN)  — July 6, 2023 — Susan Hensel Gallery on Artsy.net is exhibiting a new online exclusive show from mixed media painter K. Daphnae Koop titled But Trailing Clouds of Glory Do We Come. Opening June 15th and running to August 15th, the show is made up

Richard Petty Billy Lane

The NASCAR legend and celebrity bike builder will mentor Minnesota high schools as they build go-karts with Northern Tool + Equipment’s new NorthStar engine (Burnsville, MN)  — June 28, 2023   — Motivated by a passion for the trades, NASCAR legend Richard Petty and celebrity motorcycle builder Billy Lane are spending the next year mentoring students at two Minnesota high schools while they build rat rod go-karts as part of a program designed

All Energy Solar Steger Center

(St Paul, MN) —  June 28, 2023 — Explorer, educator, and environmental ambassador Will Steger has had the vision for the Steger Center for decades: A space in the Northwoods where leaders are inspired by nature to spark innovation and change, and a vision of what life could look like in the next few decades. While the original project started in 1988, it is finally in its final stages thanks to

Trooper Mollie McClure Fawn

(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

Deer Feeding and Attractant Bans

(Minnesota) —  June 26, 2023 — The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has removed deer feeding or feeding and attractant bans in 24 counties to focus restrictions on areas where risk of chronic wasting disease spread is of greatest concern. “The DNR uses feeding and attractant bans as a tool to reduce unnatural crowding of deer and reduce the risk of exposure to CWD,” said Todd Froberg, big game program

Minnesota State Fair Amateur Talent Contest

(St. Paul, Mn) — June 21, 2023 – Calling all amateur singers, dancers, musicians, jugglers, acrobats and talented people of all ages: Registration is now open to audition for the 50th Annual Minnesota State Fair Amateur Talent Contest. Auditions run Monday, July 24, through Sunday, July 30, at the Leinie Lodge Bandshell on the fairgrounds. Registration is available online at https://www.mnstatefair.org/competitions/amateur-talent-contests/. The deadline to register for auditions is 4 p.m.

Kathio State Park

(Minnesota) — June 26, 2023 — Minnesota state parks and recreation areas are great places to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday. Not only is there an abundance of recreational opportunities, state parks and recreation areas offer a quiet location to celebrate Independence Day away from loud fireworks displays. Minnesota rules prohibit the use of fireworks in state parks. “Not everyone enjoys the light and sound associated with fireworks,” said

The future of our grid 3M

(St Paul, MN) —  April, 2023 — Imagine a heart surgeon who doesn’t have the technology to monitor your heart. A similar situation is happening right now with U.S. electrical grids: Many grid operators have limited visibility to critical information about what’s happening in their networks. Fortunately, 3M developed a technology to help solve this problem more than a decade ago. It first caught on in Europe but is now gaining traction

Historic Fort Snelling Independence Day

Travel back in time to experience parades, speeches, and performances on July 1 (St. Paul, MN)  — June 21, 2023 – On July 1st, visitors to Historic Fort Snelling will be able to step back in time to experience an Independence Day celebration from 125 years ago Visitors will experience all of the sights and sounds of an Independence Day celebration during the time period, including a military parade, historical