Each Friday, we pull up a chair to one of our member’s kitchen tables and get to know them a little bit better in our "What's for Breakfast" segment.
On Friday, Jan. 24, Rick Turk joined the KAXE Morning Show from his cabin located 20 miles east of Hoyt Lakes. "Out in the middle of nowhere," according to Rick. He said the cabin has no electricity and no running water, but is still very cozy.
Despite the limitations and the threat of a boring breakfast, Rick and his wife Shari are making it work. For breakfast, they had venison bacon with eggs and toast, as well as coffee, made using a kettle to boil the water.
We went on to talk about Rick's work, his plans to go out skiing with his wife, and lastly, their pets Hazel and Mildred, who were brought along for the trip.
Hazel is the Turks' cat. Rick said Hazel was "a stray that came into our life via our daughter."
Mildred (or Millie, as Rick calls her) has a similar story. Millie is a chocolate lab/springer mix, and she is a rescue dog. She had hung around the Turks' home before, but after finding out she was being kept outside, Rick offered to take her in, and her previous owner agreed.
Thanks to our sponsor Homestead Mills for their support of this program. Let us know if you want to be our guest on What's For Breakfast. All it takes is your membership and an email!
Hear our full conversation above.
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During the Phenology Report for the week of Jan. 13, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on mid-winter trees, otter slides, and a rabbit killed by an owl.
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Every Friday morning, we get to know one of our members on "What's for Breakfast." Last week, we talked with Jim Aune from Eveleth.
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Events this week include the Winter Rendezvous at Deep Portage Learning Center near Hackensack and a series of bird talks at Sax-Zim Bog near Meadowlands.
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During the week of Jan. 13, 2026, we enjoy reports of oak leaves, hungry woodpeckers, and a mushroom growing on another mushroom. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.
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A church with a long history in Hackensack hosts many community groups under its roof. That roof is in need of replacement, and a fundraiser is 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16, 2026.
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"Minnesota Star Tribune" columnist Aaron Brown talks media consumption and the state of library funding in Minnesota.
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Events this week include a games and puzzle swap in Pine River and the Second Annual Cardboard Classic sledding event in Deer River.
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Events this week include storytelling at Long Lake Conservation Center and kick sledding at Lake Bemidji State Park.