Presidential Turkey Comes From Northwest Minnesota

BADGER (AP) - A fourth-generation Minnesota turkey farmer will provide the bird that's expected to be granted clemency by President Barack Obama next week at the White House.

John Burkel and his family have been raising a select flock of turkeys at their farm in far northwestern Minnesota for the special pardon ceremony in Washington next Wednesday.  The Burkels have cut the flock of presidential potentials from 80 down to three. Only two toms will fly out of Grand Forks Saturday with the Burkels for the trip to the White House. The family will be joined by the high school senior class from their hometown of Badger - all 16 of them.

John Burkel is chairman of the National Turkey Federation board which has given him the opportunity to provide the lucky turkey.