Hosted by Chuck Lura, a biology professor at Dakota College in Bottineau. Chuck has a broad knowledge of “Natural North Dakota” and loves sharing that knowledge with others. Since 2005, he has written a weekly column, “Naturalist at Large,” for the Lake Metigoshe Mirror. His columns also appear under “The Naturalist” in several other weekly newspapers across North Dakota. Natural North Dakota is supported by NDSU Central Grasslands Research Extension Center and Dakota College at Bottineau, a ...
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We break down the in-depth reporting and key issues from the North Dakota News Cooperative with reporter Michael Standaert and CEO Sabrina Halvorson.
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Weekly podcasts about farming.
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Talk ND is a podcast interview series featuring compelling conversations, profiles, and news updates with North Dakota's political and business leaders. The podcast, also shared on Youtube, is hosted by Emmy Award-winning veteran broadcast journalist Tom Tucker.
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North Dakota After Dark discusses hockey (both inside and outside of North Dakota) with a focus on a parent's perspective of things. All our hosts have kids playing hockey at various levels and will do their best to emulate the late-night hockey conversations that are ubiquitous at hockey tournaments.
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Unexpected Surprises - A Podcast of the Western North Dakota Synod
Bishop Craig Schweitzer - WND Synod - ELCA
Unexpected Surprises is a podcast of the Western North Dakota Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Through this podcast, we explore all that God is doing through people of faith on the prairies of North Dakota.
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Over the next few weeks, you might want to consider grabbing the binoculars and heading out to some nearby wetlands. There is much to see there this time of year, plus you have a good chance to see some Wilson’s phalaropes, which are widely distributed in North Dakota, particularly in shallow water. These small shorebirds are quite interesting and …
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VA Cuts: Extended Version Featuring Keli Berglund
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19:22In this episode, we expand on an earlier Backstory discussion with reporter Michael Standaert with an additional guest. Keli Berglund, the former Department Commander for Disabled American Veterans in North Dakota and current mayor of Lincoln, joins us to discuss the critical challenges faced by veterans in accessing healthcare, especially in rural…
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If the morel mushrooms are not popping up in your area, they should be soon. As many of you know, morel mushrooms are eminently edible and the mushroom of choice for mushroom hunters.Kirjoittanut Chuck Lura
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North Dakota Faces Measles Outbreak Amid Vaccination Decline
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12:29In this episode, we discuss the recent measles outbreak in North Dakota, marking the state's first cases in over a decade. Journalist Michael Standaert shares insights on the timely reporting done by the North Dakota News Cooperative, detailing the rapid spread of the disease and the significant role declining vaccination rates have played. We expl…
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Are you anxious to see the return of ruby-throated hummingbirds? If so, now might be a good time to start cleaning up the feeders and setting them out, because they usually start showing up around early May.Kirjoittanut Chuck Lura
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Federal funding cuts are putting pressure on key institutions in North Dakota. In this episode, host Sabrina Halvorson talks with NDNC reporter Michael Standaert about how these cuts could impact the state library and major research universities. Programs like interlibrary loans, online databases, and services for people with reading impairments ar…
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We seldom give plant sex much consideration, but some species of flowering plants produce flowers with both male and female reproductive structures in the same flower (perfect flowers). Most of the plants you are familiar with are in that category. Other species produce separate male and female flowers on the same plant.…
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Spring is often punctuated by a series of new sights and sounds as winter gives way to summer. It seems like each new sighting of a bird, for example, is duly noted and announced to others. Sighting the first robin of the season is probably the best example, but don’t forget to pay attention to the many other varied sounds of spring.…
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In this episode, hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Michael Standaert delve into the anxieties local veterans are facing regarding proposed staffing cuts at the VA, which could potentially affect as many as 72,000 positions nationwide. The discussion includes insights from various veterans, who express fears about longer wait times and diminished care qua…
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If you grew up in or before the 1950s or 1960s, butterflies were likely a common sight during the summer months, including monarchs, painted ladies, red admirals, swallowtails, blues, whites, sulphurs, and mourning cloaks. Many kids even had butterfly collections. That is not the case these days. Things have changed, and not in a good way.…
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In this episode, hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Michael Standaert unpack what it means to be a “humanitarian parolee” in the U.S.—specifically focusing on Ukrainian immigrants in North Dakota under the “United for Ukraine” program. They break down how humanitarian parole differs from refugee status, why these distinctions matter, and what’s at stake a…
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It is officially spring. The spring equinox, you may recall, occurred back on March 20. And if your senses seem to have been dulled a little over the winter months, getting out in nature can help give them a boost. Consider going for a walk through the woods, grassland, or other places to soak up what nature has to offer in the spring. And while yo…
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Sabrina Halvorson and Michael Standaert discuss USDA funding freezes and program cuts impacting farmers and rural communities. They discuss the sudden end of key initiatives like Local Food Purchase Assistance, and Food for Schools, along with broader effects on Climate Smart Commodities and Rural Energy Assistance. Standaert discusses what he hear…
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Most everyone has heard the news of the tragic passing of two-time Academy Award winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife (Betsy Arakawa). His wife, you may recall, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). Hantavirus exists in North Dakota, and a reminder of the virus and disease might be helpful and timely.…
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I happened to notice that Dances with Wolves was running on one of the cable stations recently. That 1990 film starring Kevin Costner had some great scenes of bison herds and a bison hunt. I could not help but imagine what those immense herds of bison looked like before European settlement.Kirjoittanut Chuck Lura
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In this episode of The Backstory podcast by the North Dakota News Cooperative, CEO Sabrina Halvorson and lead reporter Michael Standaert delve into the effects of President Donald Trump's trade wars on North Dakota's $41 billion agricultural economy. The discussion highlights concerns and uncertainties faced by local farmers and agricultural leader…
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In this episode of The Backstory from the North Dakota News Cooperative, CEO Sabrina Halvorson and lead reporter Michael Standaert discuss the ramifications of Trump's policies on North Dakota's summer tourism. Key issues such as national park staff cuts, informal Canadian travel boycotts, and postponed marketing campaigns due to US-Canada friction…
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If you have not seen any Canada geese yet this year, you should soon. The migration is on, and some stay in the state year-round — for example, along the Missouri River.Kirjoittanut Chuck Lura
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Kelly’s Slough National Wildlife Refuge, near Grand Forks, is well-known to area bird enthusiasts as being a great place to do some bird watching, particularly during the spring and fall migrations. Depending upon weather, bird watching should be quite good from around the late March through May.Kirjoittanut Chuck Lura
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Desiree Morton: The New Republican State Representative for District Fargo District 46
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26:55In this conversation, Desiree Morton, a first-time republican state representative for North Dakota's District 46, discusses her journey into politics, the challenges she faces in the current legislative session, and her strong convictions regarding various bills. She emphasizes her reliance on her faith in guiding her decisions and addresses the c…
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Are you up for checking out the night sky? Whether you are familiar with the winter constellations, interested in learning a few, or just want to gaze up at the cosmos, the next few nights might be a great time to do so if the sky is clear. That is because there is a new moon coming up on February 28. And of course, it could also be good for severa…
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Occasionally we need to be reminded that before pharmacies, cultures had to rely on native plants and animals as sources of medicine. I was reminded recently when I was going through some papers and came across a copy of a manuscript titled “Lakota Medicinal and Culturally Important Plants,” authored by Wilbur Flying By, Sr. and Linda Different Clo…
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Most North Dakotans are familiar with some adaptations birds and mammals have to get through the winter. But what about the invertebrates — insects, for example — and the plants? They have adaptations as well.Kirjoittanut Chuck Lura
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February is here! With January in the rearview mirror, the cycle of the seasons continues its inexorable change. Although the excitement of spring seems a long way away, there is probably more going on than most people realize.Kirjoittanut Chuck Lura
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Have you been feeding the birds this winter? Setting out a few bird feeders with a variety of food items can provide for some good bird watching during those cold winter days. And it helps the birds, of course.Kirjoittanut Chuck Lura
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What is the most abundant mammal in North America? I saw that question used in trivia recently. The answer was deer mouse. I am not so sure about that, in part because deer mouse is used to refer to a genus of mice as well one of the species of the genus. Either way, deer mice are certainly one of the contenders.…
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Santa Claus is not the only thing that comes down a chimney. Some of you may have seen the recent story about the barred owl that came down the chimney of a home in Virginia and proceeded to perch atop the Christmas tree.Kirjoittanut Chuck Lura
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I recently heard a sermon in which the preacher reflected on his observing a pileated woodpecker and the beauty of the natural world. For him, it was a spiritual experience. It led me to muse about the importance of experiencing nature in our spirituality and overall wellbeing.Kirjoittanut Chuck Lura
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If you were to ask most older adults what was the most common butterfly when they were kids they would, almost to the person, say monarchs. But those days are gone. You may have missed it, but the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing federal protection for the monarch.Kirjoittanut Chuck Lura
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The WND Synod at the ELCA National Youth Gathering
1:03:58
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1:03:58In this episode, Bishop Craig is joined by several adult leaders from across the synod who led groups of youth, young adults, and adult leaders to the recent National Youth Gathering of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. They share the joys and challenges of leading a group to a gathering like this that brings together thousands of people …
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Holy Land Pilgrimage Reflection with Bishop Craig
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17:28Bishop was invited to be part of a group to travel to the Holy Land in June 2024. He offers this reflection as he continues to process all he experienced during the pilgrimage visit to our companion church, the Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. Bishop Craig also wrote a blog about this reflection. You can find that here - https://bishopc…
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Summer FOMO with Jamie Sperle
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1:26:19Local golf coach and all-around cool guy, Jamie Sperle, joins the show to talk about coaching philosophy and the fear of missing out with regards to summer hockey training.Kirjoittanut Pulltab Sports
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Our First Michigander: Margot Miller.
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57:40Corey, Kelly, and Kyle welcome former UND women's hockey team member and current high school coach Margot Miller to discuss youth hockey in Michigan, playing at Shattuck Saint.Mary’s, college hockey, and the state of girl's hockey in North Dakota.Kirjoittanut Pulltab Sports
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Kyle, Kelly, and Corey met with Marc Hoe to discuss youth hockey in Dickenson, ND, and Marc's current experiences as a youth coach in Winnipeg, Manitoba.Kirjoittanut Pulltab Sports
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Corey, Kyle, and Kelly host local restauranteur, entrepreneur, cool guy, and dance dad, Jonathan Holth, to talk about his experience as a dance dad and his early days playing hockey in Minot.Kirjoittanut Pulltab Sports
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Kyle, Corey, and Kelly talk to Andrea Reynolds about having a son graduate from youth hockey and head to juniors. Plus, the episode has all the moms you could want!Kirjoittanut Pulltab Sports
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Corey, Kelly, and Kyle discuss a lot of nonsense (awful beers, swag, etc.) and then go through decisions parents will make for fear of missing out. They close the show with more nonsense.Kirjoittanut Pulltab Sports
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Corey, Kelly, and Kyle welcome Erik Fabian to the show and discuss the evolution of North Dakota hockey as well as his thoughts on coaching.Kirjoittanut Pulltab Sports
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Kyle, Kelly, and Cory try their luck at some hockey trivia, talk about Mom Island, and discuss the weekend evolution of hockey mom outfits.Kirjoittanut Pulltab Sports
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Kyle, Kelly, and Corey talk to Coach Matt Moreland about the state of high school hockey in North Dakota, the perception of those players, and the pros and cons of leaving home early for hockey.Kirjoittanut Pulltab Sports
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Kyle, Kelly, and Corey discuss the NHL draft; the perception of North Dakota hockey players, coaches, and parents; road trip hotel date and chirps.Kirjoittanut Pulltab Sports
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In this episode of North Dakota After Dark, hosts Kyle, Kelly, and Corey talk to Francois Lemay from Northern Elite Goaltending about goalies, goalie parents and North Korea.Kirjoittanut Pulltab Sports
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In this episode of North Dakota After Dark, hosts Kyle Kosior, Kelly Moreland, and Corey Irion talk NHL playoffs, ugly hockey players, and the proper evening etiquette for a youth hockey weekend.Kirjoittanut Pulltab Sports
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The Rev. Russell Lambert - Trinity Lutheran Church, Turtle Lake, ND
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40:12Pr. Russ' story begins in Tennessee and wanders around Kentucky, Oklahoma, and Texas before bringing him to the prairies of North Dakota. In this episode, Pr. Russ shares a bit of his story and his gratitude for his unexpected encounters with the people and places of the Western North Dakota Synod. Trinity Lutheran Church, Turtle Lake, ND…
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Bishop Craig is joined by Deacon Beth Anderson on this episode. They explore Deacon Beth's vocational journey before her time serving on the Western North Dakota Synod staff and the next places God is calling her in service to the church beyond the synod staff. Enjoy! Centered Growth Coaching & Spiritual Direction…
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2022 ELCA Churchwide Assembly Voting Members
1:44:40
1:44:40
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1:44:40The 2022 ELCA Churchwide Assembly was held on August 8-12, 2022 in Columbus, OH. There were 13 voting members from our synod participating. We have a chance to hear from several of them in this episode of Unexpected Surprises. The WND Synod Voting members were Vickie Benzmiller from Augustana Lutheran in Underwood; Rosa Berg from Christ Lutheran in…
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Anne & Willie Langdji, Global Mission Regional Representatives in West Africa for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
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38:23Anne & Willie Langdji join Bishop Craig in this episode. Anne and Willie have served a variety of countries in West Africa for many years. They continue to be one of the central points of contact for the ministry we share with our global companion synod in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Central African Republic. The Langdjis share with us t…
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The Rev. Randy Emgarten, St. Olaf in Turtle Lake, ND and Our Savior's in Mercer, ND.
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21:47Bishop Craig is joined by the Rev. Randy Emgarten on this episode of Unexpected Surprises. Pr. Randy serves as pastor of St. Olaf and Our Savior's Lutheran Churches in the central region of our synod. He shares his deep love for the people and holy place of the North Dakota prairie that God has called him to serve for more than two decades. Find ou…
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Deacon Terri Endres, Regional Representative from Portico Benefit Services
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11:47
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11:47In this episode of Unexpected Surprises, Bishop Craig and Deacon Terri Endres discuss Portico and the many ways it serves the leaders of our church, her journey toward ordained ministry in the church from a vocation in medicine, her love of all things Green Bay Packers, and a few of the things she has heard recently that give hope for the future of…
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The Rev. Dave Myers - Bethany Lutheran Church, Minot, ND
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17:58Pr. Dave Myers joins Bishop Craig for this episode of Unexpected Surprises. Pr. Dave is a retired Air Force serviceman and recently ordained into the ministry of word and sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. He serves as Associate Pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church in Minot, ND. Unexpected Surprises is made possible through a mis…
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