Fergus Spotlight

In this episode, we sit down with Pat Lundberg for a festive dive into Outstate Brewing's expansion into the world of coffee. Pat shares his background, what brought him and his family to Fergus Falls, and what venturing into coffee will mean for our local brewery. We also preview Outstate’s upcoming Oktoberfest celebration and explore the rich history of Oktoberfest as a tradition. Whether yo...

In this episode, we sit down with Joe Norman, owner of Precision Lawn Service, to explore his personal and professional journey. Joe opens up about his struggles with addiction, the loss of his business, and his path to recovery that led to the relaunch of his lawncare company. Along with Joe’s story, we dive into the history of lawns and discuss some future disruptors in the industry. Whether you...

In this episode, we sit down with Brenda Thomson and Travis Lang to explore the world of Boy Scouts. Brenda and Travis share what got them involved in scouting and what motivates them to continue their work with scouts in our area. We highlight the rich history of the Boy Scouts, address some common misconceptions, and dive into the scandal that led the organization to file for Chapter 11 bankrupt...

In this election podcast miniseries, I kick things off by interviewing former Councilman Wayne Hurley. We dive into Wayne’s time on the council, the challenges they faced, and how things have evolved since the original riverfront plan. We lay out the city’s options for candidates for County Commissioner, Mayor, School Board, and all four wards of the City Council. We also take time to break down m...

In this episode, we sit down with Jake Thomason from Cadem Law to dive into the world of criminal defense. Jake shares his journey from law school to becoming a prosecutor and eventually transitioning into criminal defense. We discuss the impactful work Jake is doing to support veterans and touch on how technology is influencing crime and the legal landscape. Whether you're interested in law,...

In this episode, we sit down with Ben Underwood to uncover his story and discuss his book A.J. Underwood, Pioneer of Print. Ben shares insights into his great-great-grandfather's life, highlighting key historical moments in Fergus Falls, the town of Underwood, and the roots of the Fergus Falls Daily Journal. Whether you're a history buff or interested in local heritage, this episode offers...

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Cannon to talk about the Otter Tail County Humane Society. We explore Chris's background, what brought him to Fergus Falls, and how he found his way into his role at the local humane society. We discuss the operations of the Humane Society in Otter Tail County and touch on some of the hard realities of managing the animal population. Whether you're p...

In this episode, we sit down with Steven Ness, the CEO of Liberty Business Systems. Steve shares his background and the journey that led him to his position within the company. We also dive into the history of printers and business services, exploring how the industry has evolved over the years. Whether you're interested in business technology, leadership, or industry history, this episode off...

In this episode, we sit down with Jeney Christensen to uncover the story behind Peney Cakes. We dive into the world of culinary art, exploring the intricacies of cupcake design and baking. Jeney shares her diverse upbringing, detailing how her experiences shaped her passion for culinary arts. We also discuss her journey of falling in love with Fergus Falls, the community's support, and how it...

In this episode, we take on the chaos of We Fest weekend. We hear from Lonely Pines, Zakk Daniels, and Ian from Dye MN as they share their experiences and insights about We Fest and Us Fest. Whether you're a festival-goer, a music lover, or simply curious about these events, this episode provides an inside look into Lonely Pines, Dye MN, and two exciting local music festivals. Contact the show...

In this episode, we take a break from Fergus business talk and dive into the life of Jeff Bosek, author of the book Desert Scopes . Jeff was one of the first Marine Scout Snipers deployed in Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield. We touch on everything from his military experience to the Trump assassination attempt. Whether you're interested in military history, personal stories from vetera...

In this episode, we sit down with Ursula Nanson, one of the owners of Bossy Babes BBQ. We dive into Ursula's story, uncovering her history in the BBQ industry and her love for serving our community. We also discuss the challenges and rewards of operating a food truck in Otter Tail County. Whether you're a foodie, a BBQ enthusiast, or curious about the food truck business, this episode offe...

In this episode, we sit down with local radio legend Craig Olson to hear about his life as a radio announcer. We dive into the history and future of sports, with a special focus on the development of high school sports. We touch on everything from Title IX to how technology will change high school sports in the near future. Whether you're a sports enthusiast or interested in the evolution of l...

In this episode, we sit down with Bob Leighton, CEO of Leighton Media, to dive into his personal history and the origins of Leighton Media. We discuss the evolution and growth of the radio industry and how Leighton Media has been a part of that journey. Additionally, we explore the future of media and how the company has expanded beyond radio to meet the demands of the digital age. Whether you&#39...

In this episode, we sit down with Andy and Heidi Chamberlain to explore their journey into real estate. They share the unique story of getting married at a U2 concert and the origins of Team Chamberlain Real Estate. Whether you're interested in real estate, love unique wedding stories, or enjoy hearing about entrepreneurial journeys, this episode offers a captivating look into the lives and ca...

In this episode, we sit down with Minnesota State Senator and Fergus Falls native Jordan Rasmusson to discuss the path he took to become a Representative and now a Senator representing our area in St. Paul. We explore the structure of local and state government and dive into the recent legislative session in Minnesota, touching on some topics relevant to our local community. Whether you're int...

In this episode, we sit down with three members of The Hilldales, a promising new local band. Dan, Justin, and Megan share insights into their journey transitioning from Blue Red Roses to The Hilldales, discussing how their musical style is evolving with the addition of new band members. We also dive into this year's Independent Musicians Festival, happening on July 6th, and get an exclusive p...

In this special short episode, we share the details of the Bearded Dad Father's Day contest! Tune in to find out more about the contest and how you can claim the title of "Best Dad Beard." Contest Link (Through Father's Day 2024) - https://kzcr-fm.secondstreetapp.com/The-Bearded-Dad-Fathers-Day-Contest/rounds/1/gallery/

In this episode, we sit down with Wayne Schuett and Sarah House from Century 21 to explore the real estate industry. We dive into their personal journeys, the history and evolution of real estate, and how Century 21 has grown and adapted over the years. Wayne and Sarah share their insights on the current market and the complexities of real estate transactions. Whether you're interested in real...

In this episode, we sit down with Steve Koep, also known as the Bearded Dad, to discuss his journey and the evolution of his brand, Bearded Dad. Steve shares his story and career path, detailing how he started Bearded Dad Metalworks and eventually rebranded to Bearded Dad, expanding into a full lineup of customizable gifts and promotional items. Join us as we explore the creative process behind hi...

In this episode, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Pat Shol, the owner of the Viking Cafe. Pat shares his personal journey and the rich history behind one of our community's staple restaurants. We discuss the current state and future of the restaurant industry, and uncover what makes the Viking Cafe such a special and nostalgic place to eat. Join us for a heartfelt conversation that hi...

In this episode, we stumble out to the Fergus Falls Craft Beer Tour to sample some amazing beers from around the region. Stand-in co-host Zane Stratton joins the fun as we get to know the breweries that make this event a success. We also hear from festival patrons, local on-air radio talent, and a few representatives of Leighton Media who play key roles in bringing this event to our community. Joi...

In this episode, we sit down with local historian, Chris Schuelke, for a deep dive into the history of the Fergus Falls State Mental Hospital. From the site selection to the initial construction, we explore the institution's evolution over its 100+ years of operation, shedding light on the lives of its patients and the eventual decline of the hospital. Additionally, we're thrilled to share...

In this episode, we sit down with Lee Smalt to delve into the world of internet and motion design. Lee shares his personal journey and expertise in this dynamic field, offering insights into his specific work and the evolving landscape of digital design. Additionally, we explore the fascinating development of the internet, reflecting on its past milestones and speculating about its future trajecto...

In this episode, we sit down with Alta White Lark to explore her hobby business, Unique Dreamcatchers. Alta candidly shares her journey from childhood to adulthood and how she rediscovered her heritage along the way. We delve into the historical roots of dreamcatchers, the intricate significance of their construction, and touch on the cultural appropriation prevalent in the industry. Join us for a...