Abby Faulkner

LITTLE -FALLS – Minnesota soldiers have played pivotal roles in wars throughout the ages,  and Memorial Day weekend notwithstanding, the museum at Camp Ripley has made it their daily mission to highlight that fact.

The Minnesota Military Museum is the state’s most extensive and complete collection of service-related artifacts and memorabilia. This professionally-curated collection contains over 50,000 artifacts from all wars – everything from civil war bullets to tanks from WWII.

The goal of the curators, says executive director Jeff Thielen, is to create exhibits that focus specifically on telling the stories of Minnesota soldiers.

Thielen says one of the most powerful stories in the museum is housed in the Civil War exhibit, which opened last July. The collection of uniforms, bullets, weapons, photos and more highlights many facets of the civil war, but particularly the battle of Gettysburg, and the legendary sacrifice made by the First Minnesota Charge.  During this battle, only 47 of the 262 Minnesota soldiers survived the first 15 minutes of combat.

At 83%, Thielen says, it represents the highest percentage of causalities of any Union regiment.

This exhibit also includes history and artifacts from what has been called Minnesota’s “Other Civil War” – the battle between native Americans and white settlers. It was a war, Thielen says, that shaped the future of our state by keeping Minnesota soldiers in service even after the end of the war between the union and confederacy.

This war, he says, remains that with the most casualties of any conflict between native Americans and settlers throughout history.

The exhibit has been opened to the public since last July, and has been met with high turnout and strong praise. Thielen says they’re excited to be offering guided tours of the museum this summer from passionate, knowledgeable volunteer docents from all around the state.

The Minnesota Military Museum’s summer hours are 10 a.m to 5 p.m. 7 days a week, through September 30th.

Check out this video of our recent tour.

ABC News via YouTube

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann has been granted citizenship in Switzerland.

Bachmann’s spokeswoman Becky Rogness says the congresswoman has been eligible for dual citizenship since she married her husband of Swiss descent in 1978. Rogness says some of the couple’s children wanted to exercise their eligibility for dual citizenship, so they went through the process as a family.

Bachmann represents Minnesota’s 6th Congressional District and plans to seek re-election following her unsuccessful run for the Republican presidential nomination.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved)
_

Abby Faulkner

On this week’s episode of “Outdoors Tip of the Week,” Jerry breaks down his strategy for finding the best pan fish spots on area lakes using maps.

Outdoors Tip of the Week is brought to you by Del-Tone Luth Gun Club.

Abby Faulkner

FREEPORT – Have you ever heard a dog sing? Well, you can now at the Hemker Zoo in Freeport.

The zoo and wildlife park recently acquired Gus and Lucy, a pair of rare New Guinea Singing Dogs.

Heidi Hemker runs the Hemker Park and Zoo. She says while the very friendly and curious 9 month-old pups look a lot like typical domesticated dogs, they’re definitely also hunters, climbers and very wild.

“That’s why we have the double fence,” Hemker says.

While the pups’ natural habitat is in the South Pacific, most of the 6,000 left in the world now live in captivity. The dogs are on the “threatened species” list right now, but could soon become endangered, Hemker says.

As for the singing? While the dogs are known for their unusual song-like howl, Hemker they’ve mostly been “singing” when they want attention from staff and zoo-goers.

Hemker Zoo is located a couple of miles outside Freeport on County Road 39.

And, check out this video of WJON’s Abby Faulkner getting up close and personal with Gus and Lucy.

Jerry Carlson

On this special mid-week edition of “Outdoors Tip of the Week,” Jerry and fishing pal Charlie showcase how to get suckers ready for the smoking process.

Outdoors Tip of the Week is brought to you by Del-Tone Luth Gun Club.

Doug Kiesling

As we’re all very aware by now, last night’s storm was long, intense and expansive.

Check out some video footage shot about four miles south of Sauk Centre, MN.

Video shared with permission by freelance videographer/photographer Doug Kiesling.

Abby Faulkner

On this episode of “Outdoors Tip of the Week,” Jerry continues with tips on how to cover all your bases, including safety equipment, before hitting the water.

Outdoors Tip of the Week is brought to you by Del-Tone Luth Gun Club.

Abby Faulkner

ST. CLOUD – What does the Shakespearean classic “Romeo and Juliet” have to do with mid-1950s New York City? Lots, because that combination is the premise of the classic Stephen Sondheim musical, “West Side Story.”

And, beginning tomorrow, you can see the tale of forbidden love between Tony and Maria onstage at the Paramount in downtown St. Cloud, as performed by the GREAT Theatre company.

The large ensemble cast includes Actress Carissa Parker. She plays Puerto Rican immigrant Anita.

Parker says of her character, “She’s so fiery and feisty and funny,” adding, “Obviously the music and dancing are wonderful.”

Actor Kyle Siemens adds, his character, gang member Riff, is a rare role for a guy in musical theatre.

“This is one of the few roles where guys get to be guys,” he says. “If you’re male and into musical theatre, you have to do this show.”

The show kicks off tomorrow night  at 7:30 p.m, and runs each weekend until Sunday, May 13th. Shows will be at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, with Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m.

For tickets, visit the the GREAT Theatre website.

Check out this video of highlights from one of the cast’s final dress rehearsals.

ST. CLOUD – Nationally known and highly controversial speaker Rev. Bradlee Dean brought his message to a mixed group of supporters and critics Tuesday night.

Dean’s talk, as well as his performance with his band, “Junkyard Prophet,” came on the heels of multiple state GOP officials’ warning to SCSU’s College Republicans club not to allow the talk to go on as planned.

Dean, who has been accused of delivering a strong anti-gay message in the past, stressed his goal isn’t to slander anyone, but to share his own story and message.

While Dean supporter turnout was fairly low, the event was met with a strong showing of opposition by local NOH8 movement members.

The gay rights activist group, which included nearly 100 students and other community members, hosted a rally outside the Ritsche Auditorium prior to Dean’s talk.

NOH8 member and protest organizer, Justin Michael, said the demonstration’s high turnout shows those who support Dean and his message are the minority on SCSU’s campus.

NOH8 demonstrators later filed into the auditorium during the event, silently carrying signs before breaking into a brief chant.

Dean is an Annandale pastor and founder of the ministry, “You Can Run But You Cannot Hide International.”

He came into prominence after being denounced by state officials, including MN House Speaker Kurt Zellers, following a controversial prayer in the State Capitol last year.

Check out our video of highlights from the charged evening.

Abby Faulkner

Fishing opener is right around the corner, and Jerry breaks down the important things to consider when getting ready for a safe and successful season.

Outdoors Tip of the Week is brought to you by Del-Tone Luth Gun Club.

Little Falls – The air was crisp, the sky blue, and it couldn’t have been a better day for touring 53,00 acres of the Army National Guard’s Camp Ripley, just outside of Little Falls.

The daywas held in advance of Camp Ripley’s receipt of a national environmental programs award on May 1st in Atlanta, Georgia.

The day was definitely full; it opened with a press conference, and was followed by a tour of many different environmental projects and events, including:

• tree planting and campground cleanup
• a program that repurposes downed trees into free firewood for the families of military personnel, and
• the release of an injured owl, rehabilitated during the last couple of weeks and ready to fly

The day was appropriately – and beautifully – capped by a 35 minute Blackhawk Helicopter ride over thousands of pristine – and largely untouched – wilderness acres.

WJON’s Abby Faulkner spent her day there – check out her video and photo highlights.

Abby Faulkner

ST. CLOUD – If you, by chance, assumed people no longer collect vinyl records…think again. Record enthusiasts will be gathering en masse for the 5th Annual “Record Store Day” this Saturday at the Electric Fetus in downtown St. Cloud.

The event is an opportunity for record-heads to pick up rare and limited-release albums not typically available on the other 364 days of the year.

Record Store Day coordinator and buyer Jeff Pederson says the merchandise comes in right beforehand, and is sent from record labels and manufacturers all over the country.

He adds, the day is about both the merchandise and the idea of supporting locally-run music stores.

Pederson advises patrons to arrive early, because they’re expecting a crowd.

Pederson says they now limit each customer to three of the exclusive records, just so that everyone gets a fair chance to find something they want.

The doors of the Electric Fetus will open at 9 am.

The day will also feature an assortment of  live, local musical performances beginning at noon.

And if that wasn’t enough, you’re invited to check out the record expo being held next door at the Pioneer Place Theatre, which kicks off at 10 a.m. They’ll also be selling records and posters throughout the day.

WJON reporter Abby Faulkner got to chat with Pederson in advance of the day – check it out below.

Jerry Carlson

It’s that time of year again, and Jerry shares his tips for a successful outing fishing for suckers.

Outdoors Tip of the Week is brought to you by Del-Tone Luth Gun Club.

Abby Faulkner

ST. CLOUD – Job creation, supporting the middle class and family values were big topics today as businessman and St. Cloud native, Democrat Jim Graves launched his bid to defeat 6th district incumbent, GOP Representative Michele Bachmann.

Graves officially kicked off his campaign for office on Tuesday at a press conference at the Le St. Germain Hotel in downtown St. Cloud, which is owned by Graves Hospitality Corporation.

Graves says he believes his opponent has lost touch with the community she represents, and has done little in the way of developing area livable-wage jobs.

While Graves does not currently live in the 6th district, he reportedly has plans to move soon.

Graves faces opposition from Stillwater area businessman Brian McGoldrick and St. Cloud attorney Anne Nolan. He hasn’t said whether or not he’ll abide or stay in the race after Saturday if he does not get the official endorsement from the Democratic party.

Graves graduated from Cathedral High School in 1971. He attended St. Cloud State University and was an elementary school teacher prior to founding Graves Hospitality Corporation in 1979.

Check out this quick video of highlights from Grave’s press conference.

Jim Graves Launches Campaign – YouTube.

Mark Wilson/Ralph Orlowski/Ralph Orlowski/Handout, Getty Images

As far as holidays go, Easter might not be as popular as Christmas or Halloween, but it still has traditions and treats that can raise anyone’s spirit, mood or blood sugar level.

The most interesting part of this annual celebration of Spring and rebirth is the supposed difference in the ways they are celebrated.

Most Christian-based religions observe Easter to honor the resurrection of their Lord while secular celebrations focus on a giant rabbit that hides brightly colored eggs in backyards. Believe it or not, these two seemingly opposite traditions are steeped in more religious roots than you might think. These are just some of the Easter staples that you thought you knew all about.

1. The name Easter comes from an Old English fertility god

William Vanderson, Getty

The religious celebration of Easter might have deep roots to ancient Christian traditions, but the name itself comes from pagans. According to the book ‘Rabbits: The Animal Answer Guide,’ the Olde English worshipped a fertility god named Ostara and the Celtics worshipped a similar god called Eostre. Both “Ostara” and “Eostre” gave us modern English words such as estrogen, estrus and Easter. Speaking of which…

2. The celebration of Eostre gave us the Easter Bunny

Ralph Orlowski, Getty

These early pagan customs also established the iconic myth of the Easter Bunny. These early people worshipped rabbits as god-like creatures because of their ability to mate and reproduce in astounding abundance. The Celtic Eostre, however, came with a legend that their god would turn into a giant rabbit at the rise of each full moon. (Spooky!) Both of these views made this deity the fertility symbol of their respective faiths.

3. The Egyptians gave us the Easter Egg

Ralph Orlowski, Getty

The myth of the Easter Bunny giving out colored eggs actually goes back much farther on the timeline. According to the book ‘Stories Behind the Traditions and Songs of Easter,’ the Egyptians were the first to pick up this colorful Easter tradition. Much like the rabbit in Olde English and Celtic customs, the Egyptians saw the egg as a symbol of birth and life. They believed the Earth was hatched from an egg and even buried their noblemen with eggs in their tombs.

This solemn egg-worship spread across the globe to other cultures who would hold new Spring festivals and holidays consisting of egg hunts and coloring the eggs. Certain parts of Europe would color eggs with dye because only the white kind existed in the wild. Some orthodox Christian groups would even color eggs red to help teach children the story of the resurrection. By the Middle Ages, dyed eggs would have more elaborate designs and paintings on them to celebrate the season.

4. ‘Paas’ gets its name from the Dutch word for Easter

This drug store staple which usually pops up just after Christmas and all the way through Easter has a much longer history than just your childhood. According to newspaper archives, the Easter Egg dye kit company dates back to the 1880s when drug store chemist William M. Townley of Newark found that he could sell food-coloring powders around Easter time to neighborhood mothers looking to make Easter eggs for their little ones.

Townley first named his powders “Townley’s Easter Egg Dye” but changed it to Paas after the Dutch word “Paasen,” the name for their Easter holiday, to appeal more to his Pennsylvania Dutch customer base. The company became a multi-million dollar business for Townley’s family before being sold to a corporation in the 1950s. Paas continues to sell to this day, making it the oldest American product brand.

5. Congress once outlawed Easter egg rolling

Chip Somodevilla, Getty

One of the most well-known Easter traditions in America is the annual Easter Egg Roll that dates all the way back to President Andrew Johnson. However, there was a point in our nation’s history when holding an Easter egg roll on the Capitol grounds was a violation of federal law.

By 1876, the annual egg roll had ripped up the Capitol’s landscaping and they didn’t have enough money in the budget to fix it. So the following year, instead of appropriating more funding for the ground’s gardeners, U.S. Rep. William Steele Holman of Indiana introduced the Turf Protection Act “to prevent any portion of the Capitol grounds and terraces from being used as play-grounds.” Congress passed the Act, putting the kibosh on Easter Egg Rolls for a time. Thankfully, Pres. Rutherford B. Hayes renewed the tradition in 1878 by holding an Easter egg celebration at the White House where it’s been held ever since.

6. The UK celebrates Easter with fruitcake

BBC.co.uk

Fruitcake isn’t just for Christmas for the Brits– it’s also enjoyed at Easter time. The Easter Simnel is a fruitcake style dessert filled with apricot jam and topped with marzipan balls. Many presume that the marzipan is meant to symbolize Jesus and his 12 apostles, but food historians have dismissed that as a myth. In fact, there are at least three myths associated with this traditional British dessert, alleging that the name came from the Latin word for flour and even a 15th century man who impersonated the Earl of Warwick and became the King of Dublin, only to be pardoned and made to work in the royal kitchen.

7. Canada has the world’s largest Easter egg

America may have a lot of big stuff (the biggest ball of twine, the biggest thermometer, the biggest squirting clam), but Canada has us beat on the biggest Easter egg. Located in Vegreville, Canada, the Pysanka was constructed in 1978 as a monument to the area’s early Ukrainian settlements. The bronze, silver and gold colors are meant to symbolize prosperity.

8. It used to take 30 hours just to make one Marshmallow Peep

William Thomas Cain, Getty

These days, we take Peeps for granted. We nuke them in microwaves, set them on fire and even shove lit firecrackers into them just for our own twisted amusement. During its heyday, however, they were much rarer and harder to make.

The little yellow beauties were mass produced after a series of candy company buyouts by Sam Born, the founder of the “Just Born” chocolate company of New York. The candies actually date back to the 1920s, but they didn’t become popular until Born’s company started selling them to the masses. They were also very difficult to make by hand, requiring approximately 30 hours to complete just one. Thankfully, automation sped the process down to around 6 minutes. These days, over 70 million of the tasty chicks are sold at Easter every year.

9. Chocolate Easter bunnies are hollow for your safety

Joe Raedle, Getty

Kids might be disappointed to learn that the giant chocolate Easter bunny waiting for them in their Easter basket isn’t filled with delicious peanut butter, caramel or (even better) more chocolate, but it’s better than finding out they have to go to the dentist to replace a missing tooth. The hollow center of the traditional chocolate bunny helps make it easier to eat, instead of having to bite through a 2-inch thick block of chocolate. It’s also more economically viable for the candy confectioner.

10. The Cadbury Creme Eggs have shrunk over the years

Candy fans from all across the country have suspected that the delicious Cadbury Creme Eggs that usually only stock up store shelves from January through April were getting smaller, and the company’s cryptic response to the question just raised more doubts. Meanwhile, news reports confirmed that the company shrank the egg sold in the US by 5 grams. ‘The Office’ star B.J. Novak, a noted lover of the Easter candy favorite, did some research of his own and confirmed that the company has been reducing its size from year to year.

Source: TheFW.com

Abby Faulkner

COLLEGEVILLE – Rock cello, hip-hop flute and pop-infused upright bass – these are just a few of the things to come from a world-renown musical group, here in residency at St. John’s University.

PROJECT Trio, based out of Brooklyn, blends instrumental jazz, classical, rock, pop and hip hop. They’ve traveled around the world performing, and have led workshops for over 100,000 students. Currently, their YouTube page has over 60 million views.

PROJECT Trio been performing and leading workshops in the St. Cloud area this week, sponsored by the College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University. They’re rounding out their time here with a full-length performance at at St. John’s University tonight at 8:00 p.m. in the Humphrey Theater at St. John’s.

Tickets are $30 for adults, $27 for seniors and $10 for students.

Curious? Check out some video highlights of this ensemble in action during a teach-in with Sartell High School band students yesterday!

Project Trio Teach-In at Sartell High School – YouTube.

Abby Faulkner

ST. JOSEPH – Spring has sprung and chirping songbirds are making their reappearance.

With this in mind, the St. Joe Rod and Gun Club held their annual bird house building event last Monday at the American Legion in St. Joseph.

Area kids and their parents got the chance to build and take home bluebird, wren and wood duck houses.

The workshop has been going on for 19 years, and a good time was had by all. To see how the houses turned out, check out the video below!

Building birdhouses at the St. Joseph American Legion – YouTube.

Al Bello/Brian Bahr/Doug Pensinger, Getty Images

The annual NCAA Tournament kicks off Tuesday with two games featuring lower seeds vying for a spot in the field of 64.

The winners of those matchups will try to make history by then knocking off a top seed. No #16 seed has ever ousted a #1, but four #15s have taken care of #2s in the first round. Here’s a look back at some of the most memorable first round upsets that have at once propelled some lesser known schools to fame and busted up many pool participants’ brackets:

#15 HAMPTON – 2001

In their first March Madness appearance, the Hampton Pirates took down #2 Iowa State in a nail-biter, as Tarvis Williams scored with 6.9 seconds left to give them a 58-57 win. They’re the most recent team to pull off such a big upset. The team celebrated in style. “In a moment that has been part of March Madness montages ever since, Hampton coach Steve Merfeld was lifted in the air by his players, pumping his fists in jubilation,” reported SIKids.com. Hampton’s success was short-lived, though. They were cut down by #10 Georgetown in the second round.

#15 COPPIN STATE – 1997

Al Bello, Getty Images

“We believed. We always believes,” said one Coppin State player after his team knocked off #2 South Carolina in a first round shocker. They battled back against the Gamecocks in the second half before pulling away for a 78-65 victory. Coppin State fought hard in the next round against #10 Texas, but ultimately lost 82-81.

#15 SANTA CLARA – 1993

Otto Greule Jr., Getty Images

The Steve Nash-led Santa Clara Broncos showed they were a force to be reckoned with when they ousted #2 Arizona from the tournament. After Nash missed two key throws that could have sealed the game, the team still held on for a 64-61 win. “They didn’t panic,” said Santa Clara Coach Dick Davey, “but I did.” The Broncos lost by 11 to #7 Temple in the next round.

#15 RICHMOND – 1991

University of Richmond

They made history, becoming the first #15 seed to take down a #2 seed, with Syracuse being their victims. “In every huddle, we said it was our game, we were going to win it,” said coach Dick Tarrant. They also made television history with their 73-69 win. More importantly, it was the first year that CBS had the rights to the opening round of the tournament. Richmond shocked the world, in primetime, on network television, and CBS has paid the NCAA billions to keep every game on its airwaves since,” reported TIME. Richmond dropped their next game to Temple.

#14 OHIO – 2010

Ohio pulled off the biggest upset in recent years when it beat #3 Georgetown. “We may not be a better team, just got to be a better team on a given night,” said one Bobcats player. They pulled out to an early lead and never looked back, cruising 97-83. Senior Armon Bassett led the way with 32 points on 10-of-19 shooting for the Bobcats. They couldn’t keep the magic alive, dropping their next game by 15 to #6 Tennessee.

#14 NORTHWESTERN STATE – 2006

Jermaine Wallace sunk a last-second miracle three to give Northwestern State an unlikely victory against #3 Iowa. The final was 64-63. “I chased it down and looked at the clock,” Wallace said. “I knew I had chance for one or two dribbles, so I shot it and fell.” But they were brought back to reality in the second round, falling to sixth-seeded West Virginia.

#14 BUCKNELL – 2005

Bucknell took home a surprise win 64-63 as they defeated #3 Kansas in a tight game. “Certainly it’s the biggest win we’ve ever had,” said coach Pat Flannery. “Our kids battled their big kids all night long. Our kids made them work for everything they got.” It sent a message that smaller schools were a force worth worrying about. Bucknell lost to #6 Wisconsin two days later.

#14 – WEBER STATE – 1999

Harold “The Show” Arcineaux made a name for himself, scoring 36 points in a first round upset of #3 North Carolina, sending Weber State to a 76-74 win. “I didn’t imagine we’d lose in the first round,” North Carolina player Ademola Okulaja said. “We’re definitely the better team,” North Carolina’s Ed Cota said. “But in this tournament, the best team doesn’t always win.” Weber Stat lost to #6 Florida in the next round.

#14 – RICHMOND – 1998

Doug Pensinger, Getty Images

Richmond struck again seven years later, eking out a 62-61 win over #3 South Carolina.  As great as the Richmond win was, the focus was largely on South Carolina’s second straight disappointing season. “Upsets are going to happen, it’s happened to us two years in a row,” said South Carolina coach Eddie Fogler. “We’re going to have to live with this, but it’s not the end of the world.” The Spiders dropped their next game to #11 Washington by 15 points.

#14 CHATTANOOGA – 1997

Doug Pensinger, Getty Images

Chattanooga made a real run of it after beating #3 Georgia. They then tackled #6 Illinois. Ultimately, they were cut down by #10 Providence in the Sweet Sixteen. After the Illinois win, one Mocs player said, “They didn’t acknowledge who we were… They acted like they were going out for a scrimmage or something.”

Abby Faulkner

ST. CLOUD – The classic Gilbert and Sullivan musical “Pirates of Penzance” is the latest offering by St. Cloud’s GREAT Theatre company.

Theproduction is almost entirely performed in song, accompanied by a live orchestra.

John Gladen plays the “Pirate King.” He says they’ve been rehearsing for about 6 weeks, and the cast and crew has been “wonderful to work with.”

“Pirates of Penzance” will open at the Paramount Theatre on Friday, March 2 at 7:30 p.m.

It will run through next weekend, with shows at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. matinees on Sundays.

Tickets are $22 for adults and $18 for students.

Check out this quick video of highlights, shot during the very last rehearsal for this fun show!

GREATTheatrePresents:PiratesofPenzance-YouTube.

YouTube

Starring: Paul Rudd, Jennifer Aniston, Justin Theroux

Summary: George (Rudd) and Linda (Aniston) are two New Yorkers who are having a hard time keeping up with the expense of being New Yorkers. When George loses his job, he and Linda have no choice but to head down to Atlanta to live with George’s obnoxious brother Rick. By some act of fate the couple comes across a hippie commune called Elysium, led by a charismatic hippie named Seth (Theroux).  George and Linda soon realize that living with free-loving hippies is a much better idea than putting up with Rick, so they give commune life a chance. Hilarity ensues.

I have to admit that there is something very appealing about leaving the corporate world behind to become a hippie, at least for a little while. To be able to just forget about bills and work and go swimming or meditate or tend a garden without a schedule or agenda. It all sounds really good in theory but, as George and Linda realize in the movie, hippie life isn’t for everyone. The funniest parts in the movie are when George and Linda are trying to adapt to the hippie culture, whether it’s embracing the concept of free love or taking hallucinogenic drugs. And fair warning to all, this movie contains a lot of nudity and not by the people you actually want to see naked.

Trivia: Despite being naked throughout the film, Joe Lo Truglio (who plays nudist Wayne Davidson) wore a prosthetic penis. Most of the cast ran up to him and touched it as a joke after showing up on set.

Rated: R – For sexual content, graphic nudity, language and drug use.

Grade: B