A statewide conversation with Minnesota’s Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan.  It is a time for all of us to learn about the State of Minnesota's response to this COVID-19 pandemic.   

This week the Lt Governor answered questions about the upcoming school year, large gatherings, unemployment and more. 

In part of the conversation, Lieutenatnt Governor talked about the importance of not JUST cloth masks to keep the pandemic at bay, but that social or physical distancing is equally as important.

Friday mornings Timberjay editor and publisher Marshall Helmberger tells us about some of the stories they covered this week.  Today we hear about the St. Louis County School Board’s decision to resume in-person classes full time, the closing of the Thistledew Camp Correctional Facility near Togo, an update on the Effie Rodeo and the Ely Vet Clinic’s new outdoor exam room.

The Bemidji Sings! competition happens Thursday, August 6th at 7pm.  We spoke with Headwaters Music and Arts executive director Tricia Andrews about how the contest is happening virtually this year.  Everyone is welcome to hop on the Headwaters YouTube channel to watch the big event unfold!  Tricia also discussed upcoming events at Headwaters including a jam band camp and a special event Saturday, August 22nd that allows kids and families to learn more about what the school offers and get signed up for classes and activities. 

Kyle Erickson and Fred Freidman join John and Heidi on the Thursday Morning Show for Sports Page.  This week they talk about the college football season, share highlights from the Twins games, update on the Lynx’s playing schedule and have fun with sports jargon trivia.

We don't just treat COVID patients… a lot of times they come in with other things… they come in with congestive heart failure… acute renal failure… they need dialysis. They just so happened to have COVID. So…the level of care is different. - Ashley Hudson

Ashley Hudson worked as a COVID responder in New York City this spring and is Miami now.  Approach and care in terms of dealing with the virus are changing.  Hudson spoke on the morning show about her work and what she and other medical professionals have learned along the way. 

Early Bird Fishing Guide Jeff Sundin joins Heidi on the Thursday Morning Show from a dock on Lake Kabetogama.  Jeff talks about how beautiful the weather has been and how people are moving about early every day to get out and catch the early morning bite.  Jeff gives us tips on fishing the weed patches and advice on fishing a new lake you haven’t been on before.

We welcomed back the Secretary of State today, Steve Simon.  In addition to Minnesota well on its way to becoming the state with the highest voter turnout again, the request for mail-in ballots as of Friday July 31, 2020 was at 545,000 requests by voters. In Minnesota, voting really matters.

Here's a couple of things to keep in mind when it comes to voting in 2020. 

1.  If you request a ballot by mail you don't HAVE to mail it back.  You can drop off your ballot at the address listed on the envelope - either your county offices or city offices. 

Phenology is the rhythmic biological nature of events as they relate to climate. 

We are just past the hottest days of summer and so much is happening outside!  Click on the arrow to  hear John's Phenology Report for the week.  Find out what's blooming.  Get the berry reports.  Learn the differences between the Canada and bull thistle and the tessellated and downy rattlesnake plantain.  This week's butterfly report includes clouded sulphurs, fritillaries, pearly eyeds, white admirals, and morning cloaks and the hummingbird report is lively - the feeders are under attack!

Talkback is your opportunity to communicate with us!

Tuesday’s’ Talkback Segment is always dedicated to the rhythmic biological nature of events as they relate to climate – Phenology.  Listeners send in reports of what they’ve noticed outside in the past week. 

Shannon Fitch is a teacher for the Grand Rapids School District, she joins Heidi and John on the Friday Morning Show to talk about the Governors recently announced guidelines for schools to reopen in the fall.  Shannon talks about the plans the district is working on to keep the students safe, how she is looking forward the upcoming school year, and she shares her hopes that more people will take this on as an opportunity to learn to adapt to change and throw out the negativity.