The Roadhouse

Researchers at the MN Invasive Terrestrial Plants & Pests Center recently compiled an extensive paper that ranks the 124 top invaders--and now they're looking for input from you. Dick spoke with Rob Venette, director of the center, and Heather Koop, associate director, about the report, why it's important, and how you can help. They're accepting public input on their website through July 29.

Ever hear of forest bathing? It's an idea that comes from Japan, of literally immersing yourself in nature to improve your mental and physical health. Dr. Jean Larson of the Center for Spirituality & Healing and the U of MN Arboretum joined Dave recently to explain why getting out into the forest, away from the bustle of modern urban life, is good for body and soul. 

The Wrong Omar (Joey Shaheen, Becky Shaheen, and Laura Lou, with Brian Reidinger on percussion) brought their fun brand of music to the big tent during membership drive last week. Be sure to listen for Joey's dream and the resulting song...you can learn more about the band and their schedule at thewrongomar.com.

Local residents Tom McCann and Hillary Freeman are organizers of a read & study group that focuses on the works of Shakespeare. They chatted with Dick recently about the whys and hows of this unique book group. Interview includes their email addresses if you'd like to join them. 

Just in time for the holiday weekend, we checked in with Kurt Steele, district ranger for the Tofte district of the U.S. Forest Service. He talked with Dick about safety, ethics, permits, and much more.

A recent report from the U of MN's Energy Transition Lab indicates that biomass and solar energy expansion could add over 2,000 jobs to the NE Minnesota economy. Ellen Anderson, executive director of the lab, joined Dave to talk about the study and the projects involved. You can learn more about the Energy Transition Lab's work here. 

Rich Mattson and the Northstars stopped by The Roadhouse to talk and share their unique brand of original music. In studio were Rich, Germaine Gemberling, Kyle Westrick, and Curtis Mattson, and hosts Dave TerSteeg & Berta Bauer. You can learn more about Rich's music and his recording studios, Sparta Sound, here. 

Summer is now in full swing...and with it, the Grill Us Hotline. LongHorn Steakhouse's grill masters will be available by phone Sunday, July 3, to answer your questions about all things grilling. Dave chatted with one of those experts, Sara Plank, about preferred cooking methods, how to test steak doneness, grilling veggies, and lots more. If you need the hotline on the 3rd, the number is 1 855 544 7455.

Dennis Larson is the lucky guy who chooses new foods each year for the MN State Fair. He chatted with Berta Bauer recently about what he looks for and what's new for this summer. This year's fair is Aug. 25 to Sept. 6; you can see the complete new foods list and lots more here.

Award-winning Nashville songwriter Jerry Vandiver and his fiddle partner, Amberly Rosen, stopped by The Roadhouse for what's become an annual visit. They played several songs from Jerry's latest CD, "Mixed Dry Bag," and chatted with Dave and Ann. You can learn more about Jerry's music, workshops, and performance schedule here.