Thousands of law enforcement officers, first responders, military members, friends and family flooded the small central Minnesota city of Glenwood on Saturday to pay respects to fallen Pope County Sheriff’s Deputy Josh Owen. He served his country while in the military, and then his community. He died on his birthday. A Memorial Fund and Event will help towards healing and continued support for his friends, family and those who honor his memory and sacrifice.
Mental Health is so important!! It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. Here's what support looks like! Special guest: Becky Schmitz, Executive Director of the Vikingland Community Support Program in Alexandria joins us.
The expansion of the Runestone Community Center means big things for our community...but the project needs your help! Special guests Mat Hennen, Operations Lead for the RCC and Kimberly Albert, PR Consultant for the RCC Capital Campaign join us.
So much to see in 2023 at the Douglas County Fair. Get a sneak peak at the new food vendors and new things at the fair in 2023, including a sample of Husband Calling. Mike Ryan chats with Douglas County Fair Board Members Molly Maudal and Sharon Seibel. *PLEASE NOTE THAT THE ANDRIA THEATER WILL BE PERFORMING ON FRIDAY, AND NOT THURSDAY, AS MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST.
Special guest, Ms. Abby Furth, 4th Grade Teacher at Garfield Elementary School joins us with a message from her students (and their school). They need a new playground! Support the Garfield Community Playground Project and their plans for a fun, accessible and safe place that the whole community can enjoy for decades to come! Check out their Facebook Page "Garfield Playground Project" for more info, including notes from the students themselves. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090126634077
Mike Ryan chats with Nicole Mulder, Executive Director at Theatre L' Homme Dieu, along with Eric Morris, the director of Beautiful - The Carole King Musical, now through August 18th. Order tickets at TLHD.org.
Learn about Life Connections, who they are and the essential help they offer, and you can volunteer or help them to continue being a Parenting Resource & Pregnancy Support Center.
Don Shelby and Nancy Nelson play the roles of Andrew Makepeace Ladd III and Melissa Gardner. Both born to wealth and position, Andrew and Melissa are childhood friends whose lifelong correspondence begins with birthday party thank-you notes and summer camp postcards and continues for some 50 years. Mike Ryan talks with Don and Nancy about their amazing broadcast careers in Minnesota and about playing these roles in this very unique production at Theatre L'Homme Dieu. Nicole Mulder, Executive Director at Theatre L'Homme Dieu also is part of the conversation.
Mike Ryan chats with Alexandria Rotary members Dave Hartman and Tyler Goldberg about Summer Sounds by Brophy. Outdoor concerts the whole family will enjoy starting on Tuesday, July 18th.
Mike Ryan chats with Nicole Mulder, Executive Director at Theatre L' Homme Dieu about Dancing Lessons, the next production of the 63rd season. Also joined by actors Avi Aharoni and Elizabeth Efteland who talk about this charming, touching, funny and life-affirming romantic comedy.
We're talking ice fishing in July...because the Beaver Classic Ice Fishing Tournament, honoring Michael Ulwelling, loves to give back to the community. They were one of the proud sponsors that helped make Star Storm Fireworks happen at Arrowwood Resort...across their beloved Lake Darling!
Vicki's Camp N Country is more than a music fest! They're giving back to the farmers, truckers and veterans during this three day event! Get all the details here: https://vickiscampncountryjam.com/
Mike Ryan interviews Nicole Mulder, Executive Director at Theatre L'Homme Dieu about "The Church Basement Ladies Plowin' Thru" and is joined by cast members Janet Paone and Dorian Chalmers.
Details on this annual event that benefits Special Olympics in Sauk Centre and Melrose.
Aquarius Home Services in Alexandria is excited to invite you to their Customer Appreciation Open House this weekend! Free food, activities for the kids, prizes, and huge savings on Kinetico water treatment systems and HVAC systems and accessories!
We love our first responders, law enforcement, dispatch and all those who go above and beyond to serve our community. Now there is an even deeper appreciation for them after they came to Chelsea Lee's rescue a few weeks ago after a devastating accident. Here are special guests Scott Anderson (Kensington Fire Dept) and Brock Green (Kensington First Responder) who were both on scene. We are so grateful for you, your crew and ALL first responders who pay it forward every single day.
Special Guest Paul Knutson, Senior Development Officer of CentraCare joins us for another update on the upcoming golf scramble on June 28th. Sign up here! https://www.centracare.com/foundation/events/golf-scramble/ https://www.facebook.com/events/900284387945996
We've partnered with an incredible local business to give back to listeners and the community. JR from Elden's Fresh Foods talks about this grocery store's evolution, what it takes to be in business for 40 years, and welcoming the new manager starting in 2023 that will continue their legacy.
Mental Health, Suicide, Suicide Survival are tough, complex and sensitive topics that impact everyone...but are rarely talked about. Or worse, stigmatized in a negative and condemning light. Hope flying on the wings of dragonflies is here to comfort and shine a light for others who are struggling. Special guest: Jackie Lamb, Survivor and Member of Dragonfly Mental Wellness Foundation.If you, a friend or loved one need support, head to dragonflymentalwellness.com
Get into the holiday spirit with this incredible show by The George Mauer Group, the first show in the Alexandria Community Education Performing Arts Music Series!
Kris Valentine is joined by Kaci Johnson from Legacy of the Lakes Museum, Amanda Seim of the Runestone Museum, and LeVina Larson, who will flip the switch to light up Broadway this year.
A dad, a friend and one amazing fisherman's legacy lives on! The second Annual Beaver Classic Ice Fishing Derby is just around the corner. In honor of Michael "Beaver" Ulwelling. Ice fishing for a great cause, impacting hundreds of people's lives! More information about the non-profit: www.beaverclassic.org
The Christmas Season can be tough, emotionally and financially. Grant, owner of Stony Creek Dairy out of Melrose understands that and is doing something about it! Big Hearts MN will provide meals and a gift card to families in need this year. They have partnered with Elden's Fresh Foods and Calvary Lutheran Church to make this happen!
Learn how Best Christmas Ever was organized and what goes into sharing Christmas joy with families in our area that need it most. Mike Ryan talks with committee members Kacie Wildman and Ryan Cleland.
Since 2007, they've provided life-changing scholarships to the spouses and children of America's fallen or disabled military. And now, their mission expands to the families of America's first responders. On their watch, those who protect our freedoms and our families will know they are not forgotten.
Special guest: John Russet, Folds of Honor President, MN Chapter
In our town, we kick off Christmas in a BIG way. Black Friday is actually one of the brightest days of the year! Christmas in the Fort is a community celebration shared with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and even the Grinch. Two local museums (who are neighbors) are the center of the holiday wonderland with festivities for all. Then a switch is flipped, lighting up downtown Broadway along with a parade of lights!
Special Guests: Amanda Seim, Executive Director of the Runestone Museum, Kaci Johnson, Communications and Programs Director and Joe Korkowski, Executive Director of Explore Alexandria
Kris and Chelsea interview Tim and John of the Sage Creek Thrivent Financial Team. They are hosting an exciting event that will support two non profits: Veterans Honor Flight of ND/MN and Safe Families for Children–West Central MN. They are both cribbage masters and will hold a tournament as well as music, dinner and a silent auction. Find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/sagecreekfinancialconsultants.thrivent
Kris & Chelsea interview Diane Guinn, a Volunteer Wish Granter from Make A Wish MN. One local child loves country music and is a big fan of Kris & Chelsea in the Morning, who she got to meet in her scavenger hunt before her BIG wish was granted: a trip to a Dude Ranch! Diane shares how important wishes are for children with terminal diseases or life threatening illness.
Losing a child is a parent's nightmare. Kortni was just 6 years old when tragedy struck. Her legacy lives on in the form of love for her fellow students and others. Her mother, Nicole Botzet shares this legacy and the $120,000 worth of scholarships awarded to her bleated Kindergarten classmates their graduating year!
In this two part podcast, Kris & Chelsea talk with local organizations that are helping those affected by the devastating tornadoes that swept through the Alexandria Area in May. Pennies add up at a local grocery store to help victims and a brand new Disaster Relief Center has opened its doors to help! Thank you to special guests: JR, Elden's Fresh Foods A.J. Koewler, Alexandria Area Community Foundation Julie Anderson, Douglas County Emergency Management Laurie Dana, Office of Disaster Assistance
The Greater Alexandria Area Association Of Realtors is working with the REALTOR Relief Fund at the National Association of REALTORS & Minnesota Realtors to assist members of the community affected by the tornadoes in May. GAAAR was granted up to $100,000 to assist families of our community. Heather Aherns - CEO, Greater Alexandria Area Association of Realtors stopped by to get the word out about the available funds and how to apply.
Katie DeGier gives an emotional account of losing her father in an accident caused by distracted driving.