News

Phenology is the rhythmic biological nature of events as they relate to climate. Phenology Talkbacks are an opportunity for us to hear what you are noticing outside.   Each week, our resident phenologist John Latimer gathers the talkback comments and closely assesses the subtle changes happening outside.  On Tuesdays during the Phenology Show, we hear all about it! 

Phenology is the rhythmic biological nature of events as they relate to climate. Phenology Talkbacks are an opportunity for us to hear what you are noticing outside.  This week, phenologist John Latimer heard from two classrooms who sent in stellar reports! 

Kids at Pike Lake Elementary report deer tracks, ice skating and an experiment to determine what nuts squirrels like best!  

 North Shore Community School kids report a pine marten, a flock of ducks and and they inspire John to discuss the uniqueness of the willow bud. 

In Malcolm Mitchell's newest book for kids My Very Favorite Book In The Whole Wide World we meet Henley - a good kid who hates to read.  Henley is based on Malcolm's struggle with reading in his life and reminds us that every story has a potential to become a favorite.

What's your very favorite book in the Whole Wide World?

Friday mornings during Border News Roundup we get a chance to check in with Marshall Helmberger, the editor and publisher of The Timberjay newspaper serving NE Minnesota.  This week Marshall tells us about the appointment of the interim mayor of Ely, Chuck Novak, who was defeated in the November elections by an opponent who had dropped out of the race due to health concerns.

Every Thursday morning John and Heidi are joined by Fred Freidman and Kyle Erickson for Sports Page.  This week they talk about the receiver for the Alabama football team, rules at the free throw line, details on Timberwolves drafting, the Wilds opening game and Gophers men’s and women’s teams.  Heidi gives an announcement from the senior correspondent about Jesse Diggins, the Minnesota cross-country skier to be the first American to win the grueling Tour de Ski race in Italy.  Heidi reads trivia this week with the theme being “Two Sport Athletes and Other Things”.  Fred mutes himself and g

Attorney General Keith Ellison joined us this morning for a candid conversation on safety in Minnesota During political upheaval and a pandemic. He addresses what happened last week when rioters supporting President Donald Trump stormed the United States Capitol and he talks about the safety precautions that are in place in the state of Minnesota in the aftermath.  He addresses the need for a vigilant balance to be in place to both maintain law and order and public safety but at the same time making sure there is an avenue for protest and freedom.

Early Bird Fishing Guide Jeff Sundin joins John Bauer and Heidi Holtan on the Thursday Morning Show.  Jeff gives us an update on Lake Winnie with roads open on the lake out of High Banks and the Pines Resorts giving access to big rigs and wheelhouses.  He describes the evening view of the lake with the big ice houses all lit up and looking like a little city on the ice.

The Star Tribune recently reported on new uses for dead ash, fir and tamarack trees.  Larch beetles, caterpillars and other invasive insects have killed more than 200,000 acres of balsam fir in Minnesota and half of the state’s tamarack trees.

The dead trees left behind don’t currently have a use – and could be a fire hazard.