I always look forward to the time of year that Tractor Supply, a regional chain of hardware and farm supply stores, comes out with their "chicks" days. They often include some other babies too like bunnys.Lucky me! I stopped in out of boredom today and it just happen to be the 1st day of "chick days". Here is the fun for you to enjoy as well.1st were the BantamsNext were the  Golden Comet & Astralorpand last of all the Leghorn Chicks I wish I could have purchased a few but Minot doesn't allow back yard livestock yet. 04/09/2020

DON'T Hold the Presses!It was just announced that the two largest newspapers in North Dakota are going to cut back on the number of days they issue a printed publication. Gone are Monday and Friday's additions due to lack of revenue caused by advertisers withdrawing during the Corona virus pandemic.I love the newspaper, it has been part of my life since I was about 10 years old and delivered "The Midweek" (an advertising rag in Fargo/Moorhead) and Grit Newspaper. The Minot Daily news is not joining in on this cutback... yet. However we did recently lose our Sunday edition (not related to the virus).If you are a local I hope you will support The Minot Daily News and encourage them to keep the presses rolling. 04/08/2020

I miss church more than anything in this crazy time we are going through. Not because I'm a Saint, just the opposite, I need it to keep me sane and not think about doing bad or naughty things. With the current regulations our churches men's Bible study group can still meet as we are less then 10 at any one meeting (and that even includes the two who join via skype).Our Pastor is still at the church every day and meeting individual needs.One of the services he offers is Holy Communion for families or individuals that ask.Yesterday we asked. It was really nice to go to church again, together as a family, and celebrate Holy Communion. Pastor has a short service and even offers to lead us Capella in a hymn if we/you ask.If you would like to share in on our little service here it is:   04/03/2020

Why Not Minot is a saying that's original intent was to guide people as to how to pronounce the name of our fair City. The number of ways people come up with to mispronounce those five letters that spell our name is amazing. No, we don't live in Minoooow.Let me be up front, most residents didn't set out to move here from distant lands because it was their hearts desire to do so.Over the years thousands have moved here because the United States Air Force gave them orders to do so. Over the past decade thousands moved here because of the booming economy brought on by oil exploration and extraction. And of course many moved here because the person they love lives here.Much of Minot's population came here kicking and screaming because they were assigned to live here, not by their own choice... 03/31/2020

Just this afternoon Shaun Sipma, the Mayor of Minot ND, joined me in a conversation of what's new on the Covid 19 situation in Minot. I am so thankful that the Mayor made time for me just minutes after I called him and asked if he wanted to go on air about this situation. The Mayor had a lot to say and a lot was shocking. #1 to me is that the Norsk Hostfest is cancelled this year. The Norsk Hostfest is an international celebration that brings millions of dollars into our community. My biggest personal concern is "will Minot have a graduation ceremony this year?". This interview makes the cut as Breaking News and the radio stations that normally play it on Friday decided to play it immeadiately as a news piece as well as on Friday.Minot Today is broadcast over the air on two Minot radio ... 03/18/2020

Jason and Cassidy Skjervem (pronounced Sure-vom) are the Area Directors of CRU and CRU is the force that is bringing Russ Taft to Minot for a concert Monday May 11th.CRU is an interdenominational Christian parachurch organization for college and university students. It was founded in 1951 at the University of California, Los Angeles by Bill Bright and Vonette Zachary Bright. Since then, Cru has expanded its focus to include adult professionals, athletes, and high school students. Founded: 1951 Headquarters: Orlando, FL Formerly called: Campus Crusade for Christ International President: Steve Douglass Founders: Bill Bright, Vonette Bright Type of business: Nonprofit organization.Minot Today is broadcast over the air on two Minot radio stations every Friday. You can find it on 106.9 FM at... 03/13/2020

Even though it was no surprise I did not expect the following letter in yesterdays mail. Forgive me for yet another proud Dad moment but I can not let this achievement pass by without the recognition Timmothy deserves from his hard work.I remember attending this wonderful event two years ago when our daughter, Tina, also received this honor. What was most impressive to me was that out of 10 High School Senior Classes the number of students honored fit into one moderately sized conference room.Timmothy is an amazing young man and I am so lucky to be his father. There is a "Rest Of The Story" here and I will share it shortly but I want the focus of this post to be Timmothy's outstanding achievement. 03/10/2020

We have all heard the expression that "those that know how, do it, and those who don't teach it". My life experience has been far from that. The great majority of teachers I've been under the tutelage of were excellent achievers in the field they taught about.Today, March 5th, and for the next month the Art instructors at Minot State University proudly present Faculty X, an exhibit of their own skills to the public.Bill Harbort, Chair of the MSU Art Department tells us his history, his passion, and about his work on display at Faculty X. Bill Harbort is a professor in the art department at Minot State University. Bill teaches foundation art, graphic design and illustration courses. He is a co-founder and co-organizer of NOTSTOCK, MSU’s signature live arts event that spotlights the arts ... 03/05/2020

MARCO is short for Minot Area Recovery Community and they are here to help you and your loved ones start the healing from drug addiction.  Meet Andrew Schultz, Executive Director of MARCO and listen in to find out how you can help yourself or a loved one get on the path of recovery. Andrew Schultz is a Criminal Defense Attorney and Owner of the firm of Worthington & Schultz, P.C.. You can learn more about his law practice here. Minot Today is broadcast over the air on two Minot radio stations every Friday. You can find it on 106.9 FM at 12:15 (Noonish) and again at 4:45 on 1320 AM. Of course I always post the broadcast as a Podcast here as well as my Podcast site at Pod-O-Matic. 02/28/2020

What a combination of interests, Big Game Hunting and Real Estate. The man who combines these interests (in the Minot ND area) is Wayne Tuttle. The two actually go together well as every Realtor knows the thrill of House Hunting and helping the client pull the trigger.Minot Today is broadcast over the air on two Minot radio stations every Friday. You can find it on 106.9 FM at 12:15 (Noonish) and again at 4:45 on 1320 AM. Of course I always post the broadcast as a Podcast here as well as my Podcast site at Pod-O-Matic. 02/14/2020

The search for a Director for the Taube Museum Of Art came to an end a few months ago when Rachel Alfaro took the reins. I'm so glad that Rachel found time to visit with me this morning, just in time to get the Minot Today radio broadcast on the air over KHRT 1320 AM and 106.9 FM out of Minot North Dakota. Rachel fills us in on upcoming events at the Taube. It's a jam packed schedule but I want to point out their biggest fundraiser of the year... SOUP IT UP! Check it out on their website or on their FaceBook page. Next year I'm bringing my famous (only in my own mind) chile.Minot Today is broadcast over the air on two Minot radio stations every Friday. You can find it on 106.9 FM at 12:15 (Noonish) and again at 4:45 on 1320 AM. Of course I always post the broadcast as a Podcast here as ... 02/07/2020

I've written several posts about my son Timmothy and his comic strip books that he has written and illustrated but I've never really shown you his true artistic abilities (except the videos I've posted of his skill as a pianist). Let's start with my favorite. I call it Mexican Timmothy, he calls it self portrait.I absolutely LOVE this self portrait. It always makes me smile and often laugh out loud.This next picture is a wall of art I keep by my desk at home. Quite a variety but it doesn't cover all the styles he's learned in High School.Last of all I thought I'd throw in this watercolor. I'm not sure what it's called but it reminds me of my dance moves 40 years ago.The reason I'm reviewing Timmothy's art is because he and I just applied for a station at Minot's 62 Doors Art Gallery. It... 02/02/2020

Scott Burlingame is true leader in Minot's nonprofit community. Scott has served on numerous boards, coalitions, and is currently Vice President of The Minot Nonprofit Alliance. All this while executing flawlessly his real job as Executive Director of Independence Inc (a nonprofit that helps those with health issues). Scott is truly a man with a heart to help others and now he would like to help the entire City of Minot using his skills and compassion as a member of Minot's City Council. Knowing the amazing things Scott has done with tight budgets he gets my vote. Listen in as Scott talks about the nonprofit community as well as his desire to serve as a Minot Councilman. Minot Today is broadcast over the air on two Minot radio stations every Friday. You can find it on 106.9 FM at 12:15 ... 01/31/2020

On Saturday February 1st Grace Lutheran will add a new ministry to the church, Mornings With Mommy. Mornings With Mommy is NOT a preschool and it is NOT childcare.Mornings With Mommy IS a fun and easy way for you to enjoy activities with your kids and meet other parents.For more information please see the Grace Lutheran Church website. 01/26/2020

In today's interview, 01/25/2020, Mayor Shaun Sipma and I visit about the upcoming State of the City address (Thursday February 7th) in the Arvel Graving Theater on the Magic City Campus (Minot High).   We also spend a bit of time discussing the new FEMA flood maps coming out in June and what those maps mean to those who live in the flood plain. If you live in Minot you do not want to miss the State of the City address and if you live in the flood plain you really do not want to miss this conversation with Mayor Shaun Sipma. Minot Today is broadcast over the air on two Minot radio stations every Friday. You can find it on 106.9 FM at 12:15 (Noonish) and again at 4:45 on 1320 AM. Of course I always post the broadcast as a Podcast here as well as my Podcast site at Pod-O-Matic.  01/25/2020

The cold has it's own kind of beauty. Something as simple as a fresh blanket of snow that sparkles like diamonds when sun or moon light shine upon it. Maybe an elaborate piece of art by Jack Frost as I pictured before. If it were not for the cold we would not have the Northern Lights (as pictured in the banner above).Today offered two sights you only see under extreme cold conditions. The first picture below is what I saw when I exited the house this morning. For this phenomenon to happen you need sub-zero temps, absolute calm, and micro ice particles in the air. When this happens every light, great or small, sends a beam straight up into the heavens. It's amazingly beautiful.This next picture also requires the same dynamics except it does NOT require complete calm. This is what is comm... 01/17/2020

Emmanuel Toquee is another friend I've meet through ToastMasters. (ToastMasters 636 Minot ND). Emmanuel is originally from Monrovia Libera. He is now a citizen of the USA and has lived in Minot ND for over 9 years. Emmanuel is a motivational Speaker and an author. His book, I Change My Mind" is available in print form or electronic download through Amazon. Emmanuel also has over 50 uploads to YouTube that you can enjoy. Minot Today is broadcast over the air on two Minot radio stations every Friday. You can find it on 106.9 FM at 12:15 (Noonish) and again at 4:45 on 1320 AM. Of course I always post the broadcast as a Podcast here as well as my Podcast site at Pod-O-Matic. 01/17/2020

I met Nate a couple of months ago after grilling him about his faith. I liked his answers so I visited his place of work and found that I fit in perfectly (although I'm the oldest man there). I'm talking about Reverend Nathan Walters, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Wisconsin Synod.  Listen in. I hope your biggest take-away from this is that the term "conservative" Christian does not have a political connotation nor does it mean we are holly-roller Bible thumpers looking for people to hit over the head with a Bible. Minot Today is broadcast over the air on two Minot radio stations every Friday. You can find it on 106.9 FM at 12:15 (Noonish) and again at 4:45 on 1320 AM. Of course I always post the broadcast as a Podcast here as well as my Podcast site at Pod-O-Matic. 01/10/2020

I may have preached on this before but a conversation I had minutes ago got my blood a pumping again on this subject.Regretfully, 12/30/19 was the last day of business for our one and only Christian bookstore, Gideon's Trumpet.Gideon's Trumpet is truly a casualty of on line shopping.I get that. I do my share of shopping on line. I love eBay.I saw the lights on this morning so I went over to ask Kay, the owner, how the final sale went. Kay said it went very well BUT she was surprised at the incredible amount of shoplifting that went on during the sale. WOW! Who goes into a Christian bookstore to steal? I hate to suggest it would be Christians but who else goes into a Christian bookstore!When I've railed on this topic in the past it was over the visable evidence of theft at church rummage... 01/07/2020

I am thankful that Dr. Steven Shirley has been a regular guest on Minot Today. His visits are always fun and informative. I am the parent of a child who is graduating from Minot High School this year so I was eager to ask a few more questions about Minot State Universities offerings. I hope you enjoy our visit as much as I did. Minot Today is broadcast over the air on two Minot radio stations every Friday. You can find it on 106.9 FM at 12:15 (Noonish) and again at 4:45 on 1320 AM. Of course I always post the broadcast as a Podcast here as well as my Podcast site at Pod-O-Matic. 12/19/2019