The Good Life – May-June 2023

WRITTEN BY: PAUL HANKEL

As a parent, especially a dad, one of your most important duties is to properly ground your children when they misbehave. I am definitely from the, “spare the rod, spoil the child,” era. However, with the many advances within the realm of parenting during the last few decades, I think it’s important to constantly seek input and have an open mind. Especially when confronted with the topic of discipline.

Grounding can be a tricky business, and if you're not careful, you could end up causing more harm than good. So, to help you out, here are some humorous (I hope) tips on how to properly ground your children, from the world’s okayest dad.

Explain Why.

First and foremost, make sure your child knows exactly why they're being grounded. Don't just say "because I said so." Early on, I was guilty of this. I call it, the “I wear the pants,” syndrome. Instead, you owe them an explanation of what they did wrong and why it's not okay. If they still

don't get it. Will it drive you nuts when they keep asking, “but why”? Absolutely. But you owe it to the mini version of yourself to explain what they did wrong so that they have the opportunity to grow and correct their behavior.

Grounding is Temporary. Parenting is Forever. When it comes to choosing the duration of the grounding, think carefully. You don't want to make it too short, because then it won't have much of an impact. But you also don't want to make it too long, because then your child might start to think they're actually in prison. A good rule of thumb is to base the length of the grounding on the severity of the offense. For example: backtalk me once - I appreciate your spirit! You’ll make a great lawyer one day! But, continuing to backtalk me is a sign of disrespect and necessitates an appropriate consequence.

Explain the Rules.

Make sure your child understands the rules of their grounding. Can they still use electronics? Can they go outside? Can they have friends over? If you're not clear

I Love You, but You’re Grounded I Love You, but You’re Grounded

about the boundaries, your child might try to push the limits. And if they do, it's important to stick to your guns. If you say they can't watch TV, don't let them watch TV. And, yes, no tv includes watching YouTube on your tablet, phone, or computer too! If you say they can't leave the house, don't let them leave the house. It's all about consistency.

I know I’m not the only one who has laid down the lay and grounded my kid from screentime, only to realize we have a three-hour road trip ahead of us and that the road trip is now going to be….interesting. It sucks, but you must remain consistent.

Teachable Moments.

Remember that grounding doesn't have to be all bad. For example: If they are grounded from technology or screentime, use the time to teach your child some valuable life skills, like how to do laundry, cook a meal, or *GASP* clean their own room! This way, they'll come out of the grounding with some new skills and a renewed sense of responsibility. Hopefully...

Have a Heart.

Don't forget to show some empathy. Your child is probably feeling pretty lousy about being grounded, so try to be understanding. Offer them some comfort and let them know that you still love them even though they messed up. And if all else fails, remember that one day they'll be grown up and out of the house, and you'll miss these days, even the ones when you had to ground them.

Consistency is Key.

Follow through: along with consistency, it's important to follow through with your punishment. If your children break the rules or try to argue/wiggle/finagle their way out of punishment, you need to extend the time. If you let them get away with it, they'll know you're a pushover and will start acting up more. We’ve all seen the stereotypical sitcom dad that the kids run to when they’re in trouble, while the sitcom mom glares in the background. Do NOT be that guy.

It’s not Forever but may Feel Like It. Finally, remember that parenting is a marathon, not a sprint. There will be ups and downs, successes and failures, and plenty of grounding along the way. But in the end, if you've done your job right, you'll have raised a responsible, well-adjusted, and hopefully, slightly less rebellious adult. And if all else fails, you can always tell yourself that one day, they'll be grounding their own kids, and then they'll understand just how hard it is to be a parent. And then you get to visit and be a grandparent and exact sweet revenge on them!

So there you have it, some humorous tips on how to properly ground your children. Remember, grounding is a serious business, but that doesn't mean you can't have a little fun with it. Good luck! •

CONTENTS

02 06 10

DAD LIFE - I LOVE YOU, BUT YOU'RE GROUNDED

18

MAY-JUNE 2023

VOLUME 10 | ISSUE 6

ON THE COVERJUDGE JOHNATHAN JUDD

14

We live in a world of parenting blogs and murky advice. Especially on the topic of discipline. Former police officer launches nonprofit to connect with incarcerated kids and adults.

An exceptional leader and man: His name is Johnathan Judd, but his friends call him JJ

HIP-HOP AND HOPE

24

STALKING EDIBLE FUNGI

Foraging, identifying and harvesting safe wild fungi is both fun and delicious!

DREKKER'S SUPER MEGA EXPANSION!

Drekker's newest expansion, Brewhalla, is a guaranteed good time.

HOMEWARD ANIMAL SHELTER

Find your new best friend!

26

HAVING A BEER WITH - MAX MUELLER

Once terrified of thunderstorms, KVRR’s Chief Meteorologist discovered a love of photography that forced a reckoning with his weather nemesis.

30

LOCAL HERO - CURT CANNON

Whether it’s housing, medical or financial, the Clay County Veterans Service Office knows it takes a village.

The GOODLIFE

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Former police officer launches nonprofit to connect with incarcerated kids and adults

WRITTEN BY: AMY WIESER WILLSON PHOTOS BY: URBAN TOAD MEDIA

“I feel like I’m home when I’m with these people who are locked up,” Michael Bloom told his wife in 2021.

It marked a turning point for the Fargo Police Department officer who had found his calling over the course of his career.

“During my time as a police officer, I was really passionate about reaching kids in need in our community, whether they were fatherless, in poverty, or struggling in school,” Bloom said. “We just wanted to be a voice and a resource for them.”

A BRIGHT SPARK

At that time, it was Bloom and his Fargo PD partner, Matt Niemeyer, who obtained a grant that allowed them to begin going into juvenile hall and local treatment centers.

“It just started to spark with us,” Bloom said.

They began hosting live events for the kids that included faith-based hip-hop artists and community leaders. At

Christmastime, they partnered with local churches for an outreach event at the juvenile detention center that included gift bags and a spread of pulled pork, brisket, beans and more.

It wasn’t just a feel-good endeavor. The positive changes in the youths’ lives became obvious.

“It really worked and helped them connect with their purpose and who they really are,” Bloom said.

The officers were accomplishing great things, but they also saw the opportunity to do more. They expanded into adult outreach and began hosting events focused on faith, hope and leadership.

FUELING THE FIRE

Not wanting to stop there, Bloom decided to turn that outreach into more than part of his job. He wanted to give it his full focus. So, in June 2022, he left the Fargo Police Department, and in July he launched a nonprofit, Hip-Hop and Hope Tours.

He hosted his first event that month, connecting with 55 kids over two days in an event that featured a Tampa, Floridabased hip-hop artist named Longboi. He witnessed the strong connections made and continued to grow his reach.

Hip-Hop and Hope Tours has since hosted events as close as Clay County, Minnesota, and as far as Valley State Prison, a Level 2 prison in California. In December, they hosted two Christmas events, and this spring, they hosted events at the Moorhead Area Learning Center, West Regional Juvenile Center and Cass County Jail. Altogether, the outreaches touched the lives of 90 kids and 82 adults. At the end of April, the team headed

“WE JUST REALLY TRY TO MEET THEM IN THE MIDDLE OF THEIR MESS, WHICH IS REALLY WHERE THEY’RE AT WHEN THEY’RE INCARCERATED.”

– MICHAEL BLOOM

west to the Youth Correctional Center and Teen Challenge in Mandan and the Boys and Girls Ranch in Minot. Partnerships throughout the community contribute to the program’s success. Support comes from local churches and connections come from the F5 Project, Youth for Christ and Jail Chaplains. Isai Rojas, better known as “E,” at Skill Cutz comes in monthly to provide free haircuts for kids in the detention center.

“We just really try to meet them in the middle of their mess, which is really where they’re at when they’re incarcerated,” Bloom said.

Although they hosted an event in California, which is where Bloom grew up, the nonprofit’s goal is to “stay local and pollinate across the whole state.” Bloom wants

HIP-HOP &

to hit key locations two to three times each year across North Dakota in addition to the regular work he’s doing in Cass County and Clay County. He feels they can “sow the greatest harvest locally.”

While the programming started with kids, its expansion to reach adults has been met with a positive reception.

“This is not me at all. I believe it’s totally God,” Bloom said. “Men and women feel refreshed when we visit them. They remember they’re human again. They start talking about their kids and their goals.”

BLAZE OF GLORY

Many want to maintain the connections that they make during the programs, which are offered in a variety of

formats. Beyond the regular workshops and visitations at local jails and detention centers, Hip-Hop and Hope Tours offers regular monthly, quarterly and annual events.

“Night of Hope” events take place each month for men and women who are incarcerated as well as those in juvenile detention.

Bloom hosts a Family Unite event every quarter that helps incarcerated people spend quality time with family and loved ones.

Hip-Hop and Hope Tours also provides two-day workshops throughout the year. These include hip-hop performances, Gospel presentations and breakout sessions tailored to the group, whether adults or youths.

Hip-Hop and Hope Tours relies on donations to make all of this happen. They don’t charge the detention centers or other partners but instead solicit contributions on their website, hiphopandhopetours.com. Those donations help bring some hope — a taste of the good life, you could say — to those who need it most.

“To me, the good life means just following God and loving people and helping people get where they’re trying to go,” Bloom said. “For us, it’s helping people in prison stay out of prison, connect with their kids, get a job, and let them know they’re not done.” •

I slammed on the brakes, startling my daughter Maia in the passenger seat. Before she was able to question me on the sudden stop. I pointed, through the rain splattered windshield, to a tree along the boulevard. Smack dab in the middle of the trunk of a green ash, seven feet above the ground, a chicken of the woods mushroom glowed like a lantern. Maia just shook her head as I jumped out of the car, intent on getting permission from a bewildered homeowner to harvest the delicious fungi.

Safe Mushrooming

Before ever leaving the house to stalk wild fungi, a word on safety is imperative. Unlike toxic wild fruits, which usually require ingesting a substantial amount of fruit to become sick, toxic fungi can cause death in even small amounts. Unless the forager is 100 percent sure of the identification of a mushroom, do not eat them. Toxic fungi don’t allow for second chances.

Edible Species

There are a variety of edible species in Minnesota and North Dakota, but I’ve found there are three species that are easy to identify and delicious on the table.

Morel

I grew up hunting morel mushrooms in the spring around my home farm in southcentral Minnesota. Similar to deer hunting, nearly everyone participated in the hunt and honey holes were closely guarded secrets.

Morels have a distinctive honeycomb appearance, with a deeply pitted and ridged cap. The interior of both the cap and stem are hollow. Morels have no gills and range in color from pale brown or black to nearly blonde.

Foraging, identifying and harvesting safe wild fungi is both fun and delicious!

A look-alike, the false morel, has a stem filled with a cotton-like substance, and a reddish-brown cap that is folded. False morels are toxic.

Morels are found in a variety of locations and are most often found in disturbed forests or recently burned areas. They will often appear in the same location year after year, once a single mushroom is found, you can count on more.

Searching for morels consists of walking slowly, focusing on the ground in disturbed areas. Quite like the “magic eye” posters of the 1990s, the mushrooms are nearly invisible until one is found. With “morel eyes,” they seem to be everywhere! When harvesting, cut the morel off an inch or so above the ground. Never pull them out of the ground, as it may damage the underlying mycelium.

The best way to enjoy morels is when they are fresh from the forest. Wash them to remove dirt, debris, and insects then pat dry. Heat butter in a pan, slice the fungi into strips, and flash fry. The earthy taste pairs pleasantly with game meat and fried fish.

Chicken of the Woods

Chicken of the woods, also known as Sulphur shelf, are bright orange to yellow shelf clusters that are found on trees. Some of the species feed on dead or dying trees while others feed on live trees which causes localized rotting of the wood. They can be found from late spring through early fall in forested areas.

I’ve had the most success finding them directly on oak and green ash trees. Despite finding a large one over seven feet above the ground, most often they are found near the base of the tree. The bright color fades as the mushroom

matures and loses edibility, turning pale and crumbly. Chicken of the woods grow from a few pounds to double or triple that size!

Remove the mushroom with a knife, leaving a few inches attached to the tree. The inner portion of the fungi is dense and stiff, while the outer edges are softer. I cut each shelf into layers, starting from the outside working inward, until the mushroom starts to become dense. The softer portion is the best eating.

Rinse the slices to remove debris and fry in a pan of butter. Chicken of the woods smells and tastes much like chicken, with a lemony undercurrent. When we are fortunate enough to find a chicken of the woods, we eat it as our main course. If you are trying it for the first time, don’t indulge too much. Some people have gastrointestinal distress the next day when consuming too much of it. Chicken of the woods are rich, so enjoy in moderation.

Shaggy Mane

Unlike morels and chicken of the woods, which usually require searching in wooded areas, shaggy manes often pop up in mowed lawns. In late summer into early fall, after a rainy event, shaggy manes can be found in lawns and areas of compacted land along driveways or walking paths.

shaggy

mane

chicken of the woods

hollow. They are only edible when young, because as they mature, they excrete a black, inky substance. Soon after, they collapse into a puddle of goo. There is a short window of time to harvest the fungi.

After harvest, shaggy manes degrade quickly. In a matter of hours, a harvested mushroom will degrade into a black puddle, so eating them soon after harvest is essential.

Unlike the morel and chicken of the woods, shaggy manes have a much more subtle flavor. Frying them simply in butter, they are best used in pasta or chicken dishes. Heavier, more intensely flavored dishes will overwhelm the flavor.

Stalking Edible Fungi

Hunting wild fungi is a great way to spend time outdoors and bring home a delicious meal. The wild fungi found in our area are not grown on a commercial level, making them a rare feast for a mushroom stalker wise enough to find them!

DREKKER'S SUPER MEGA EXPANSION!

The wheels on the machine that is Drekker Brewing Company have been turning since the fall of 2014, with the opening of their first brewery in downtown Fargo. Then, in the fall of 2018, they moved to their current location, just west of downtown Fargo, in an old railroad repair shop from the early 1880s that transformed into the beautiful space it is today. The most recent cog in this machine began turning in March of 2023, which is flawlessly named, Brewhalla.

Bringing new and exciting events to the community is what Drekker is all about. People from all over the country have poured into their taprooms to not only experience their wide variety of beer and alcoholic treats but also to be a part of the magic.

"We're just excited to be a part of a community that wants to add to that experience and have a life that is fun, strange, cool, and fulfilling," exclaimed Mark Bjornstad, co-owner of Drekker Brewing Company.

Drekker is known for throwing some off-the-wall events where you will find – onsite flash tattoo artists, tarot

readings, an entire carnival taking over their parking lot, live music, and so much more. That energy has transferred soundly into Brewhalla.

With an impressive four stories, this space holds shops of all varieties, including but not limited to - a craft store, a plant shop, various types of food and drink, including two additional bars exclusively serving Drekker's fun and inventive tap beers and tasty frozen treats, and two event spaces. Not to mention ample space to lounge on the second floor, and two additional levels of hotel rooms, which will be available to book soon.

While Brewhalla has only been open for a month, they wasted no time bringing it to life with, Fooler's Ball.

"On our third weekend being open, we threw a giant beer festival; it was unlike a festival anyone had ever been to before, full of cool experiences and cool activations," said Bjornstad. "By being recognized nationally and making those connections, other breweries are coming to Fargo."

WRITTEN BY: KRISSY NESS

PHOTOS BY: URBAN TOAD MEDIA

"We're just excited to be a part of a community that wants to add to that experience and having a life that is fun, strange, cool, and fulfilling." – Mark Bjornstad

This event welcomed breweries and guests from all over the country to sample beer, partake in the festivities, and enjoy Fargo.

With all the growth Drekker has seen, and the connections they have made, it was very clear from the beginning they were going to keep pushing in the brewery by creating new and unique beer while simultaneously creating their next big project. By attending festivals worldwide, distributing beer nationwide and into other countries, and hosting their events, they have made a name for themselves that speaks volumes.

Bjornstad often acknowledged the "team" as he spoke about the ongoing projects at Drekker and Brewhalla, saying that this machine wouldn't be what it is today without each team member.

"What Drekker has become in the community and what Drekker has been nationally, we were able to keep true

to our beliefs and our way of doing things on both of those seemingly different paths," said Bjornstad. "We are both an inward-looking company and an outward-looking company … I am super happy that we are doing what we said we were going do, living out the dream for the community but also for the team."

I spoke with Bjornstad about what he wants Brewhalla to mean to the community and what he hopes to see come of it, and the answer was simple.

"A life happens in moments lived; we believe in creating a space where that can happen," exclaimed Bjornstad. "If we keep pushing the boundary of what Fargo can be and what it means to be living a really good life in Fargo, Fargo is going to change."

With the expansion of Drekker throughout the years, how can they top this? What could be next?

"We have been very clear that we are not done; we are not satisfied with opening Brewahalla. What we're building here, this is a machine, this is a good time factory; it is going to run and spin, and we're always going to be churning out something new," said Bjornstad.

The realization that this is just the beginning for Drekker is incredible, and I cannot wait to see what crazy idea they come up with next! It has been amazing to watch this company grow into the animal it is and bring the community together with people from all over the country to step into their world and enjoy it, if even for a moment.

Many subjects came up when discussing the good life, but one quote stood out more to me than any other.

"We believe in catalyzing moments where people come together and share something weird and extraordinary, and that experience becomes an experience of their lives," said Bjornstad. “There is always a new experience to be had at Brewhalla.” •

Who is JudgeJohnathan Judd?

WRITTEN BY: HILLARY SORENSON PHOTOS BY: URBAN TOAD MEDIA

Judge Johnathan Judd is more than a District Court Judge in Minnesota’s Seventh Judicial District located in Fergus Falls. Johnathan is a father, spouse, and a walking, talking, breathing example of what society needs as a model and leader of the community.

Who Is Johnathan Judd?

From humble beginnings in Raleigh, North Carolina, Johnathan has called Minnesota “home” for nearly three decades. “What was meant to be only a one-year stay ended up being a thirty-year stay. The people up here were just so welcoming and people embraced me, and they didn’t have to,” he said. “I was the only African American student in about 900 people at Fargo North, and it continued to remain such an impression on me. I met so many good people up here and thirty years later, I’m still here.”

After graduating from the University of North Dakota law school, Johnathan was working as a law clerk in Morris, Minnesota when his passion for community, inclusion, and multicultural affairs flourished. “I started looking at a possible career path,” he said. “Primarily because I see that this region offers a lot to everybody regardless of what your background is, and I believe in this region, and I believe in the people.”

Johnathan said that his love for people and his home has always had a major influence on the things that he does. Whether he is working with his team at the courthouse or with a community member, he strives to keep a sense of togetherness at the forefront.

A Full Docket

Judge Judd has worn many hats during his extensive career, including but not limited to director of equity and inclusion at Minnesota State Community and

An exceptional leader and man: His name is Johnathan Judd, but his friends call him JJ

Technical College (MSCTC), adjunct instructor of criminal justice at Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM), director of multicultural affairs at Concordia, volunteer football coach for FM athletics, and board member of Moorhead youth hockey association. As a judge he can no longer serve on these boards, and they are a mere snapshot of everything Judge Judd has done to serve and give back to the community.

Judge Judd was also the mayor of Moorhead from 2018 to 2021 before being appointed as judge by Governor Tim Walz. In a 2021 press release, Governor Walz stated, “Mr. Judd has championed fairness, justice and equality while working tirelessly to create an open dialogue among community members throughout his impressive career in public service.”

Judge Judd said he was honored and humbled by the statement because he felt it accurately epitomized the type of work he has tried to do and what has been ingrained in him since childhood.

“Mr. Judd has championed fairness, justice and equality while working tirelessly to create an open dialogue among community members throughout his impressive career in public service.” – Tim Walz

Judge Judd said that his friends would probably say he has worn too many hats in his career, but he has no regrets. “The sum of the whole has allowed me to see the community and individuals through a variety of lenses,” he said. “I have no regrets about the hats I have worn, and life experience and knowledge I have gained from it.”

Remaining Positive In Divisive Times

As brothers and sisters of this community, each of us has a different story to tell on how the year of 2020 impacted our personal and professional lives. For

“I’ve really tried to put what I have learned into practice. Not just talking the talk but being able to put those words into action. Anyone can talk about what they are going to do.”

– Johnathan Judd

Johnathan, whether he was discussing race relations or the pandemic, as a leader, it was challenging and impossible to be everything for everyone. During the tough conversations, Johnathan led with authenticity and an overarching theme of hope, and no matter what, our community would get through it together.

“My message of building inclusivity and togetherness was very organic. It was from the heart. I didn’t script any of these things that I spoke about. I spoke from my heart, knowledge, belief, and support of the community,” he said. “I thought we should just see people in their humanity. There’s humanity here, and we are not the same community as other communities are. We can have conversations with each other and build understanding.”

Johnathan said it didn’t matter what type of platform he was speaking on, he held true to himself and what he believed the community represented. “I honestly believe we were in a better situation to have these conversations,” he said. “That was the best that I could do.”

As a father of three, the conversations at home were just as tough, but he said he tried not to show signs of stress with his kids. “I think it's safe to say, they knew, but I tried to tell them we were going to be okay. As much as we told them to stay off of social media, you know, they saw it. I always just tried to keep a positive mindset,” he said. “With my spouse, she was definitely my rock (put up with a lot of emails and phone calls). Honestly, I put the needs of the community ahead during that time because there was so much going on, so when we had that quality time and conversations, we were able to process a lot of what was going on in the moment.”

Going forward, Johnathan said that we need to become better listeners and open ourselves up to being candid and vulnerable. He said it's important to remember that we are all human beings who make mistakes, so allowing for grace is important. “Communication is talking and listening. We are not going to develop understanding if we don’t allow people to ask questions and say their piece,” he said. “People are going to make mistakes especially when they are learning and talking about race. If we don't allow someone to speak their truth or their vulnerable side, then we aren’t going to get anywhere.”

At Home With JJ, Harlie, And The Family

Johnathan Judd’s friends call him “JJ.”

JJ and his wife Tammi Fortney, a school psychologist for Moorhead Public School District, met through mutual friends during college, and they have three children. When asked how his family would describe him, he said one of his children said “strong-willed”, and the other two said “loyal” and “humble.” His wife who was close by during the conversation nodded in approval. “I'm sure she would have more choice

“I want to be remembered for (besides being a good father) building a positive community. A man who really tried to bring people together and build an inclusive, supportive community for everyone.” – Johnathan Judd

words to describe me,” he said, laughing. JJ also has one fur-baby whose name is Harlie, and they adopted her from 4 Luv of Dog Rescue.

On the weekends, JJ is the typical dad shuttling and following his kids around from one activity to the next. “My weekends are spoken for. I have two sons who play football and hockey, my middle child is in speech and debate, and they are also a part of the Moorhead theater program, so on any given weekend, I am supporting one or two or three of them in their endeavors.” He also mentioned he coaches his kid’s football team and, during the spring, all three of his children play lacrosse. He and his wife also find time for each other and make date nights a priority.

JJ says he juggles his personal and professional time through compartmentalization, and he’s very selective about the things he takes on. “In my career, I worked so hard to get to where I’m at and also worked to build the community, that now, I’ve really tried to put the primary focus on my family, physical health, mental health and overall well-being.” JJ, who previously lost 115 pounds, is an avid crossfitter, cyclist, and

loves participating in the Fargo Marathon. He said, although judges work very long days, he strives to take an hour a day to stay active.

An Even Better Future

To the outsider looking in, Judge Judd is at the top of his game with a full personal and professional life that he has worked hard to achieve, but for him, he said there is always room to be “better.”

“I am an individual who really tries to work on my blind spots. I embrace them, and I work on them,” he said. Judge Judd went on to say that the only way someone gets better is to continually be working on oneself, and he doesn’t think he will ever stop striving to be better. He also stated that he doesn’t have a lot of material goals because the legacy he wants to leave behind isn’t one that can be bought. “I want to be supportive of people, that's the legacy I want to leave.”

When asked how he would like to spend retirement (many years from now), he said he wants to referee high school football and take an extended vacation overseas. He joked that he would always have a footprint in the upper Midwest, but would probably forgo the harsh winters for somewhere warmer in the South.

As a man who has worn many hats, accomplished things both small and large, and left a longlasting impression on community members, the Good Life for Judge Judd is one that means being surrounded by family and friends. “The good life to me is being around family, close friends who support you in your life journey, and they too really appreciate your presence around them. At the end of the day, that's what it comes down to.” •

FIND YOUR NEW BEST FRIEND !

These are just a few of the many faces in our care that are patiently waiting for their forever families to find them. We know there’s a match out there for all of them. And for all the rest of their friends at the shelter and in foster homes that aren’t pictured here on these pages. Maybe one has been waiting all this time to rescue YOU... Adopt a shelter pet today!

At Homeward Animal Shelter, our mission is: “Rescue. Shelter. Protect. Rehome.” We provide a

second chance at happiness to lost, abandoned, and owner-surrendered animals; and educate the community on the proper, loving, and kind treatment of animals.

Homeward Animal Shelter is committed to preventing animal overpopulation and spays/ neuters all animals 6 months or older before adoption. Since its inception in 1966, Homeward Animal Shelter has placed nearly 41,000 animals in lifelong homes. •

MARSHALL LEO

Male | 13 years old

Buff & White DSH

Diabetic

“I’m not just a cat, I’m a master cuddler. Seeking a human who’s ready to unwind and snuggle up with me after a long day.”

ELANA

Female

8 ½ years old

Torbie & White DSH

Diabetic

Male 1 year old Husky Mix

“I’m a playful pup with a lot to say. Seeking a human who’s ready to engage in endless conversations and adventures with me.”

“I’m not just a cat, I’m a queen. Looking for a human who’s ready to bow down and serve me (or at least give me a good belly rub).”

CONCRETE

Male | 2 years old

Grey & White DSH

FIV+

“I’m not just a cat, I’m a connoisseur of the finer things in life: sunlight, soft blankets, and a good chin scratch.”

PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY: HOMEWARD ANIMAL SHELTER

Female | 4 years old

Rhodesian Ridgeback & Lab Mix

“I may not have the best manners, but I can learn. And in the meantime, I promise to make up for it with lots of love, loyalty, and snuggles.”

Male | 3 years old

“I’m not just a cat, I’m a professional lap warmer. Seeking a human with a cozy spot on the couch (and an endless supply of chin scratches).”

Male | 3 ½ years old

Great Dane

“Looking for a human who can appreciate my unique blend of energy and laziness. Bonus points if  you have a big backyard for me to run around in.”

Female | 2  years old

Cinnamon Tabby & White

“I may look like a lap-cat, but I’m actually a worldclass athlete when it comes to chasing laser pointers.”

“I’m not just a dog, I’m a walking sunshine machine. Seeking a human who’s ready to bask in the glow of my endless love and tail wags.”

Female 4 years old Pit Bull Terrier

For information on adopting, volunteering or to make a donation, visit: homewardonline.org

WILL CHANGE YOURS!

MIRA

RALPH AKA RALPHIE MOON

Tabby & White DSH

ROSA AKA RUE

DSH

ARYA

Did you hear about the meteorologist marathon? The losers got precipitation trophies.

Crickets. Zero response from Max Mueller, KVRR’s Chief Meteorologist. Not even a single eyebrow raise. And that’s fine. It wasn’t even my joke. But the lack of chuckles led me to think ol’ Maxy Mu (coworkers: you’re welcome) had yet to master the Midwestern art form of self-deprecation.

How wrong I was. As you’ll see in a minute, Mueller delivered the best, most self-aware one-liner I’ve ever heard during an interview. Yeah, I did not see it coming. See if you can spot it.

Back to the beginning... Walking into Drekker’s newlyopened Brewhalla — Fargo’s best answer to “Hey, what should we do tonight?” — Mueller looked to be the Goldilocks of local meteorology. Shorter than Too Tall.

Higher than Wheeler. Not too Green. Working Sundays through Thursday, it was his Saturday and to throw people off, he wore a Nikon backpack and pretended to be a cameraman.

As it turns out, meteorologists have other interests, and Mueller’s is photography. It’s actually the reason he got into the weather business in the first place. After showing off his outrageously nice camera to the Urban Toad crew, it was time to answer some questions.

Where did your weather passion come from?

It’s kind of funny. When I was a kid, I was terrified of storms. I was always freaking out when the sirens were going off. But I always had a love of cameras when I was growing up, so I got into capturing lightning and storms and started teaching myself about thunderstorms... basically turned into a storm chaser.

WRITTEN BY: BEN HANSON

PHOTOS BY: URBAN TOAD MEDIA

How long have you been at KVRR?

I started interning there in 2018… went on air in April 2018. Left in 2020 for Idaho and came back in October of 2022.

What in the world made you think living in Idaho was a good idea?

The real answer was they were the only place to offer me a job! If I knew we were in for this kind of winter coming back, I might have put it off a little bit. The scenery out there, the mountains, there was no shortage of things to look at out there. In the end, I kind of missed Fargo and wanted to come back.

Teach me something surprising about the weather. So there is a type of cloud mammatus. If you see cloud cover with little bumps underneath, pillow-looking things, those are mammatus. They were named after breasts. The guy who named them looked up there and saw boobs. And so… mammatus.

How hard is it not to wear green on St. Patrick’s Day? It is unfortunate, because I do have a plethora of green stuff from UND. I will usually take a kelly green UND hoodie on air with me and say this is why I can’t wear green on air.

Why no props? No pizzazz?

I’m not Carrot Top! I am a big movie nerd, so what I’ve done before is if it’s kind of a boring forecast, especially in

summer, I try to incorporate movie titles to describe the weather. You know… Some Like It Hot. Eternal Sunshine. Hot Fuzz. Any time I can get a Twister reference there I go for it.

Do you have a meteorological hero? Is it Phil Connors? It is not Phil Connors. I remember watching that as a kid, and I didn’t realize that he was even a weatherman! As a kid, I was obsessed with learning about how everything worked at a news station, so I would know all the names of the anchors and meteorologists.

What’s the ultimate achievement for a meteorologist? I got interested in weather through thunderstorms and tornadoes, and those are one of the more dangerous things that people can deal with. If there’s a dangerous tornado heading for a populated area when I’m on air, I want to do so in a way that people will listen and follow the directions and hopefully save lives. That’s definitely one of the most important things.

What is the hardest part of your job?

Predicting the weather.

[Mic drop! Dead.]

Do you think it’s somewhat disqualifying for a meteorologist to choose to live in a place like Fargo? You still get four seasons every year. You still get spring, summer, fall and… yeah, winter. So I love the seasonality

here. I always tell people if you can get through winters, the summers are so great. You still deal with mosquitos, but I think the summers around here are perfect.

What’s the most interesting part of your job people would be surprised by?

When you’re doing the weather on air, there is no script. You’re just given an amount of time. When you’re organizing the graphics you’re going to use, you’re formulating in your head what you’re going to say about this and how it’ll transition into the next one. But no actual script.

What’s the worst on-air gaffe you’ve ever made?

A couple of years ago, right before I came back from a commercial, some saliva went down the wrong pipe. So we came back on air and I just started coughing. During commercial breaks, anchors will be talking back and forth nonstop, so one time an anchor turned to me and said, “Don’t laugh!” right before we went back on air… I made it a few words before I broke.

What does the Good Life mean to you?

For me, the good life is pretty simple. When I'm at some ridiculously beautiful location for a sunrise or sunset, or watching a thunderstorm start to develop in the middle of nowhere, or under the stars at night and hopefully getting some good pictures along the way. •

Turning Down the Heat

A PASSION FOR HELPING OTHERS MAKES THE JOB EXTRA REWARDING

WRITTEN BY: EMMA VATNSDAL PHOTOS BY: URBAN TOAD MEDIA

Curt Cannon’s life can be summed up in one word: compassion.

And when you’re working to help change the lives of your brothers and sisters, compassion can be your biggest strength.

There are many challenges veterans face after they leave the military. Unemployment, homelessness, physical handicaps and poor mental health barely scratch the surface. Then the added stress of figuring out how their country is going to serve them after they risk their lives to serve their country.

“My whole life has been helping people,” he said. “You don’t go into nursing if you’re not compassionate and want to help people. I have a business and a nursing degree, so I put the two together and went the healthcare route.”

He served as the CEO of an assisted living facility in Minnesota before he retired from the Army in 2014.

Cannon took the Clay County Veteran Service Officer position in September 2015 and he hasn’t looked back.

For Cannon, navigating the maze of the ever-changing military benefits, and all the complex issues veterans face after their service, is all in a day’s work.

Every veteran that walks through the doors of the Clay County Veterans Service Office in North Moorhead has a story. And with each story comes a unique set of obstacles they must get through in order to survive and thrive in civilian life.

“It’s been one of the most rewarding jobs in my career,” he said. “You’ve got a veteran sitting across from you crying because they don’t know what to do, they don’t have health care, they’re going to lose their job or their house, and you have resources to help. And you get them into the VA and now they have a lifetime of health care, or you provide a resource that helps them pay their rent, mortgage or utilities. There’s nothing better than that.”

Transitioning back into civilian life is a drastic shift for many, and that little bit of magic can make it a little easier.

“(While you’re stationed) you take orders, you deliver orders, you do a mission and hope everyone is safe. You were fed, your laundry is done for you, and you have no bills. There is daily stress of missing your family and hoping your soldiers stay alive, but you execute the mission to best of your abilities, serve your time and come home to your family,” said Cannon.

“Back here, you have the home fight. — I mean, how do you cope with that? That’s the biggest question. Can you cope when you return to civilian life? That’s where we come into play. We’re dealing with way more than just taking orders. You have housing, kids, spousal, social, financial, employment… Those compound and it can make or break you. Some can handle the heat of the daily stressors, and some can’t, but our job is to try to turn the heat down.”

From housing allowances and retirement benefits, to medical care and disability with everything in between, Cannon and his colleagues wear multiple “hats” to make the process as smooth and easy as possible.

“IT’S BEEN ONE OF THE MOST REWARDING JOBS IN MY CAREER.”

“We’re advocates for our county veterans that deal with state or federal benefits, and we offer the resources to try to direct (the veterans) in the right path,” he said. “In my opinion, you just have to find the person or the people that have the answers. And in Clay County, that’s us. We’re a one-stop shop, and we know and have access to the resources available to them. We have the answers, and if we don’t know (the answer), we know people that we can call and get it.”

Cannon and his team Jennifer and Bonnie create a support network for veterans who need it.

But they don’t do it alone. In this area, finding help is sometimes a short drive or phone call across the river.

“We work closely with Chris Deery, the VSO in Cass County, and his team,” he said. “We flip-flop answers and we take care of each other, and we take care of each other’s vets. We couldn’t be a better team.”

LIFE IN THE FORCES

Cannon’s life with the military started before he was even born. His father served in the Air Force.

It was while he was attending Valley City State University in 1989 that he got his chance to join the military.

“I wanted to join the Air Force, but that was in Fargo and I didn't have a good car to make it,” he said with a laugh. “So I had to walk up the hill to the Army National Guard Armory.”

Cannon enlisted as a combat medic for the field artillery company as a Private First Class. He went through basic and advanced individual training and eventually became a specialist. In 1992 he attended the Minnesota Military Academy (OCS Class 37) to become an officer. He graduated in 1993 as a second lieutenant, and stayed in the medical field as a platoon leader where he was in charge of 40 to 50 soldiers. He worked his way up the ranks to executive officer and company commander of the medical unit, Charlie Med. He also served as the rear Battalion Commander at the end of his 26-year military career.

He was deployed to Iraq in 2005, where he commanded 133 soldiers spread throughout the country.

“In Iraq, we were the third medical unit on the ground so our mission was changed to providing in-hospital level two-plus trauma care and convoy escort teams. My doctors, my nurses, my dentist and a few specialized medics remained in the hospital on base to provide care,” Cannon said. “The remainder of the medics with our supply section had to retrain and refit to, quite frankly, do the toughest job: run gun trucks from southern Iraq to Baghdad every three to five days. We were also assigned a patrol section of our perimeter ‘outside the wire.’”

The escorts and patrols were very difficult missions for trained personnel. We had two to three weeks to retrain, refit and execute missions.”

Cannon’s unit spent 16 months in Iraq.

“WE DID AN OUTSTANDING JOB WITH OUR MISSIONS. WE BROUGHT EVERYBODY HOME. A FEW GOT HURT, BUT EVERYBODY CAME HOME ALIVE.”

“We did an outstanding job with our missions,” he said. “We brought everybody home. A few got hurt, but everybody came home alive.”

HOME LIFE

Cannon does a lot for his community, but he would argue his family does even more.

“You can’t do a career like this without family,” he said. His wife and children have been with him for the whole ride.

“I think the biggest thing for children of a service member is coping with them being gone so long and so often,” Cannon said. “For the National Guard, you have one weekend a month and then two weeks (of training) so that’s up to many active duty days a year. Then add in the multiple state active duty days and deployments, it accumulates to years of time gone from your family and having no dad around to contribute to day-to-day life.

And while dad is deployed, it’s mom who holds down the most important fort.

“It definitely made Yvonne more independent,” he said. “She bought a house, took care of the bills, took care of the kids when they were sick, coordinated daycare and after school events while working a full time job. She deserves the recognition and medals. She’s a saint to put up with me and I can’t tell her enough how much she means to our family. The kids have been great and have supported me throughout my military career.”

“It definitely takes a village,” he said. And to Cannon, that, he says, is the good life.

“It’s taking care of fellow veterans and taking care of family,” he said. “Spending time with family and friends because life is too short. The good life also extends to the work and what our local and state team members do to help veterans and their families. After my 26 year career in the army, I’m taking care of veterans, my brothers and sisters to make sure they have direction and the proper resources to succeed — not just in Clay County, but all over the world.” •