River Radio

With the holidays approaching, hosts Jim Maher and Gayle Knutson focus on books. Jim speaks with John Vaillant, author of the 2024 Pulitzer Prize finalist for general nonfiction, Fire Weather, an account of a tragic massive Canadian wildfire and the potential consequences resulting from climate change (4:15). Gayle sits down again with Valley Bookseller’s Pamela Klinger-Horn to talk about her top book choices for this holiday season across many genres (27:00). Plus an update of local news (50:30) and information about the Trump cabinet appointee who formerly lived in Marine on St. Croix. Matt Quast is technical director.This Week’s GuestsJohn Vaillant, Author, Fire WeatherPamela Klinger-Horn, Valley BooksellerPamela’s Book RecommendationsGovernment Links:City of Marine on St. CroixCity of ScandiaMay TownshipWashington CountyNews LinksJohn Vaillant’s New York Times Op-EdWisconsin Public Radio Article on Enbridge PipelineEvent LinksMarine Documentary Night – The Best of UsFree Entrance Day to Minnesota State Parks – Nov. 29Free Entrance Day to Washington County Parks – Nov. 29Business/Organization Links:Marine Community Library

The replay of a live two-hour River Radio election night special. Hosts Jim Maher and Gayle Knutson provided results on local races. Lori Sturdevant of the Minnesota Star Tribune and River Radio national political editor Brian Gruis provided analysis of state and national races. Also included were interviews with Marine on St. Croix Mayor Kevin Nyenhuis, and newly-elected Marine City Council member John Goodfellow. The show's intermission features the song, "Waiting," by The Suburbs. Matt Quast is technical director.NOTE - final local results were not available by the program's completion. You can find final results here:Marine on St. CroixScandiaMay Township

Host Gayle Knutson talks with filmmaker Mary Mazzio about her documentary, BAD RIVER, dealing with challenges to an existing Enbridge oil pipeline on tribal lands near Lake Superior (4:00). BAD RIVER screens at Marine Documentary Night on November 7. Also, host Jim Maher speaks with Peg Furshong and Sarah Mooradian of CURE, a rural-based Minnesota grass-roots environmental organization opposing the development of new Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage pipelines around the Midwest (22:00). Plus an update on local news (44:30). Matt Quast is technical director.This Week’s GuestsMary Mazzio, Director, Bad RiverMarine Documentary Night – “Bad River”Peg Furshong, Dir. of Client Relations and Special Projects, CURESarah Mooradian, Gov’t Relations and Policy Director, CURECURE information on carbon pipelinesScientific American article about carbon pipelinesCarbon Capture FactsGovernment Links:City of Marine on St. CroixCity of ScandiaMay TownshipWashington CountyElection LinksMarine Candidates Forum ReplayScandia Candidates Forum ReplayWashington County Voting InformationMinnesota Secretary of State Voting InformationWisconsin Secretary of State Voting InformationEvent LinksMarine Library Family Fun NightLibrary Quilt AuctionMarine Mills Folk School Wreath Course – Nov. 9 and Nov. 16Marine Mills Folk School Women’s Clothing SwapBusiness/Organization Links:Marine Community LibraryHoliday Giving – Elim Lutheran and Christ Lutheran ChurchSee page 5 of the CLC Newsletter for Most Needed Items. Cash donations also welcome!

Host Jim Maher conducts a conversation with the political roundtable, including Minnesota Star Tribune contributor Lori Sturdevant, River Radio national political editor Brian Gruis and Doug Kelley, former chief of staff to Sen. Dave Durenberger and one-time Republican candidate for Governor. (3:00). Host Gayle Knutson talks with Mindy Godding, a certified professional organizer, about managing your possessions (29:00). Also included is an update of local news (53:30). Matt Quast is technical director.This Week’s GuestsPolitical RoundtableLori Sturdevant, Minnesota Star TribuneBrian Gruis, River Radio National Political EditorDoug Kelley, former GOP gubernatorial candidateMindy Godding, Certified Professional OrganizerSearch for a professional organizer hereGovernment Links:City of Marine on St. CroixCity of ScandiaMay TownshipWashington CountyElection LinksMarine Candidates Forum – October 22 – 7:00 p.m.Scandia Candidates Forum – October 23 – 6:30 p.m.Washington County Voting InformationMinnesota Secretary of State Voting InformationWisconsin Secretary of State Voting InformationEvent LinksMarine Documentary Night – “Bad River”Business/Organization Links:Marine Community LibraryLibrary Quilt Auction

Host Jim Maher speaks with Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon about the pressure facing election officials as November approaches and how the state is preparing for it (5:00). Host Gayle Knutson talks with former Marine resident Dennis Reynolds, a therapy dog handler, on how his dogs helped U.S. Olympic gymnasts this past summer (25:30). Also included is the latest local news (42:00). Matt Quast is technical director.This Week’s GuestsSteve Simon, Minnesota Secretary of StateDennis Reynolds, therapy dog handler, Reynolds Urban DesignGovernment Links:City of Marine on St. CroixCity of ScandiaMay TownshipWashington CountyNews/Information Links:St. Croix Riverway’s Full Climate Action PlanElection LinksMarine Candidates Forum – October 22 – 7:00 p.m.Scandia Candidates Forum – October 23 – 6:30 p.m.Washington County Voting InformationMinnesota Secretary of State Voting InformationWisconsin Secretary of State Voting InformationBusiness/Organization Links:Marine Community LibraryAlliance for Therapy DogsCommunity Thread Leaf RakingEvents:Dennis Reynolds Presentation on Public Art and Placemaking

Hosts Jim Maher and Gayle Knutson kick off Season 6 of River Radio, speaking with Dan Kaufman, contributing writer, The New York Times and The New Yorker, on how NAFTA helped our neighboring state of Wisconsin transitioned from its progressive heritage to become a key swing state won by Donald Trump in the 2016 election (4:00); and Greg Seitz, writer and founder, St. Croix 360, about developments on the river, including the discovery of dead turtles (25:30). Also included is the latest on the Brookside Bar and Grill’s challenge to the Marine City Council and other local news (48:00). Matt Quast is technical director.This Week’s GuestsDan Kaufman, Contributing Writer, The New York Times Magazine and the New Yorker Greg Seitz, founder, St. Croix 360Government Links: City of Marine on St. Croix City of Scandia May Township Washington CountyNews/Information Links: Dan’s NY Times Magazine Article – The NAFTA Effect Marine City Council July 1 Workshop on Brookside Bar and Grill Marine City Council July 11 Meeting (Brookside discussion and vote) Brookside filing with Minnesota Court of Appeals (in Search, enter Case # A24-1257)Scandia Plastics Recycle  Washington County Elections InformationBusiness/Organization Links: Marine Community LibraryEvents: Ellen Anderson Penno talk at Marine Library

Hosts Jim Maher and Gayle Knutson welcome U.S. District Judge John Tunheim for an extended discussion about the just-completed term of the U.S. Supreme Court and its potential ramifications for governance and the country as a whole. They discuss Trump vs. the U.S., expanding Presidential immunity, and cases restricting powers of government agencies, among other topics. Matt Quast is technical director.This Week’s GuestHon. John R. Tunheim, U.S. District Judge, District of Minnesota News LinksNew York Times Summary of Key Supreme Court CasesScotusblog.com review of the Supreme Court TermBusiness/Organization Links:Marine Community Library

Gayle Knutson talks to Pamela Klinger-Horn of Valley Bookseller with her recommendations for great summer reads (5:00); and Jim Maher talks summer travel with Kyle Potter of Thrifty Traveler (27:00). Also included is an update of local news (48:00), and a salute to all River Radio Season 5 guests (51:00). Matt Quast is technical director.This Week’s GuestsPamela Klinger-Horn, Valley BooksellerKyle Potter, Thrifty TravelerGovernment Links:City of Marine on St. CroixCity of ScandiaMay TownshipWashington CountyBook ListPamela Klinger-Horn’s recommended summer readsNews LinksFred de Sam Lazaro Stories on PBS Newshour (Apr. 30 and May 1 episodes)Event LinksLonnie Lovness Library Presentation on Apr. 18Scandia Community-Wide Garage SaleRed Cross Blood Drive in ScandiaSt. Croix River RendezvousBusiness/Organization Links:Marine Community LibraryMarine Mills Folk School

Jim Maher talks to St. Croix Valley native and prominent national pro-choice advocate Amy Hagstrom Miller about politics and health care aspects of the abortion issue (4:30). Gayle Knutson talks about the world of choir music with Daryl Timmer, artistic director of the Valley Chamber Chorale (26:00). Plus an update of local news (48:00). Matt Quast is technical director.This Week’s GuestsAmy Hagstrom Miller, Whole Woman’s HealthDaryl Timmer, Valley Chamber Chorale Government Links:City of Marine on St. CroixCity of ScandiaMay TownshipWashington CountyMinnesota Dept. of Health PFAS TestingPodcast LinksOctober 14 River Radio with Judge John TunheimShift-Key with Robinson Meyer on EVsEvent LinksLonnie Lovness Library Presentation on Apr. 18Marine on St. Croix Heavy Metal/Shred Day – May 4Gammelgarden Community ConversationsStillwater Bike Donation on Apr. 23Brookside Poetry Event on Apr. 25Business/Organization Links:Marine Community LibraryMarine Mills Folk School

Gayle Knutson conducts her yearly interview with Greg Seitz, writer and founder of St. Croix 360, about all things St. Croix River (4:30); and Jim Maher speaks with Deb Ryun who will soon be retiring after 15 years as Executive Director of the Wild Rivers Conservancy of the St. Croix and Namakagon (26:30). Plus, and update of local news (46:00). Matt Quast is technical director.This Week’s GuestsGreg Seitz, St. Croix 360Deb Ryun, Wild Rivers ConservancyGovernment Links:City of Marine on St. CroixCity of ScandiaMay TownshipWashington CountyBusiness/Organization Links:Marine Community Library

This week on River Radio, Jim Maher speaks with Robinson Meyer, New York Times contributor and executive editor of HeatMap about the state of our green energy transition (4:00); and Gayle Knutson talks with Darcy Becker, who recently left a religious cult after more than 30 years (26:00). Plus, an update on local news (49:00). Matt Quast is technical director.This Week’s GuestsRobinson Meyer, New York Times Contributor/Founding Exec. Editor, HEATMAPDarcy Becker, Former Cult MemberFact sheet about “Church Without A Name”More info about the ChurchBBC story about the FBI investigationFBI website to provide informationGovernment Links:City of Marine on St. CroixCity of ScandiaMay TownshipWashington CountyWilliam O’Brien State ParkEvent LinksAnn Bancroft presentation at Scandia Parks and TrailsBusiness/Organization Links:Marine Community LibraryWashington County Historical Courthouse

Gayle Knutson talks to Washington County Sheriff Dan Starry about the challenges facing law enforcement and his thoughts on the recent tragic events that took the lives of three Burnsville, Minnesota first responders (5:00); and Jim Maher has a conversation with veteran television journalist Fred de Sam Lazaro, PBS Newshour contributor and director of the Under Told Stories Project (26:30). Also included is an update on local news (51:00). Matt Quast is technical director.This Week’s GuestsDan Starry, Washington County Sheriff  Fred de Sam Lazaro, Under Told Stories Project and PBS NewshourGovernment Links:City of Marine on St. CroixCity of ScandiaMay TownshipWashington CountyArticle LinksLake Elmo City Council approves new school location from Pioneer PressStillwater PFAS issues from the Star TribuneEvent LinksAnn Bancroft presentation at Scandia Parks and TrailsBusiness/Organization Links:Marine Community LibraryValley Chamber ChoraleMarine General StoreScandia Heritage Alliance survey

This week on River Radio, Jim Maher talks to Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon about new state laws taking effect with the upcoming March 5th presidential primary election and preparations for the November election (6:00); and Gayle Knutson discusses how to get an early start on gardening with Brian Wood, University of Minnesota Master Gardener in Washington County (28:30). Also included is an update on local news (46:00). Matt Quast is technical director.This Week’s GuestsSteve Simon, Minnesota Secretary of State  Brian Wood, University of Minnesota Extension Master GardenerGovernment Links:City of Marine on St. CroixCity of ScandiaMay TownshipWashington CountyElection InformationState of MinnesotaWashington CountyState of WisconsinGardening InformationWashington County Master Gardener Program (Ask a Gardener)A YouTube primer about seedsArticle LinksLake Elmo School issueBusiness/Organization Links:Marine Community LibraryChrist Lutheran Church - MarineMarine Mills Folk School

Hosts Gayle Knutson and Jim Maher talk to, Dr. Timothy Fong, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and co-director of the UCLA Gambling Studies Program (5:00); and Brianne Doura-Schawohl, consultant and lobbyist on responsible gambling strategies (26:00). Also included is an update on local news (47:50). Matt Quast is technical director.Dr. Timothy Fong, UCLA Gambling Studies Program Brianne Doura-Schawohl, Doura-Schawohl ConsultingGovernment Links:City of Marine on St. CroixCity of ScandiaMay TownshipWashington CountyGambling Help Links1-800-Gambler (for those with addiction issues)Minnesota Alliance on Problem GamblingWisconsin Council on Problem GamblingUCLA Gambling Studies ProgramGambling broadcast pieces“60 Minutes” Gambling segment from Feb. 4, 2024ESPN Outside the LinesBusiness/Organization Links:Marine Community LibraryMarine Mills Folk SchoolElim Lutheran Church – ScandiaChrist Lutheran Church - Marine

This week on River Radio, hosts Jim Maher and Gayle Knutson talk to, Oliver Milman, Environment Correspondent for The Guardian and author of the book, “The Insect Crisis: The Fall of the Tiny Empires That Run the World" (5:00); and Tami Vogel, executive director, Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota (25:30). Also included is an update on local news (48:00). Matt Quast is technical director.This Week’s Guests Oliver Milman, author, The Insect CrisisTami Vogel, Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of MinnesotaGovernment Links:City of Marine on St. CroixCity of ScandiaMay TownshipWashington CountyBusiness/Organization Links:Marine Community LibraryMarine Mills Folk Schoolemail: info@marinemillsfolkschool.orgor call: 612-440-6295

Jim Maher conducts a financial roundtable with Chris Farrell of Public Radio’s Marketplace and Ross Levin, financial advisor and Star Tribune columnist (4:30); and Gayle Knutson talks to Kate Seitz, executive director, Marine Mills Folk School (29:30) Also included is an update on local news (46:30). Matt Quast is technical director.Chris Farrell, American Public Media, Minnesota Public RadioRoss Levin, Accredited Investors Wealth Management®Kate Seitz, Marine Mills Folk SchoolGovernment Links:City of Marine on St. CroixCity of ScandiaMay TownshipWashington CountyInformational LinksWashington County – Recycling ExistsMarine-Scandia-May Area Bird Count SummaryState Parks – Emerald Ash BorerBusiness/Organization Links:Marine Community LibrarySnowplow Name Voting for Washington CountyEvent LinksMarine Documentary Night – HOLY FRIT trailerGuthrie Theater – Dial M for MurderChrist Lutheran Church Swedish DinnerScandia VinterfestScandia Community BreakfastWorld Snow Sculpting Championship

This week on River Radio, hosts Gayle Knutson and Jim Maher talk to, Pamela Klinger-Horn, Valley Bookseller in Stillwater, MN, about top choices for books to consider this holiday season (6:00); and Adam Rogers, senior correspondent, Business Insider, on his recent article advocating for more progressive infrastructure construction titled “Make America Build Again” (27:30). Also included is an update on local news (47:00). Matt Quast is technical director.This Week’s GuestsPamela Klinger-Horn, Valley BooksellerAdam Rogers, special correspondent, Business InsiderGovernment Links:City of Marine on St. CroixCity of ScandiaMay TownshipWashington CountyWilliam O’Brien State Park ProjectArticle LinksAdam Rogers – Make America Build AgainPlastic Recycling FailNew Plastics Recycling Plant in MinnesotaNPR’s flawed Social Security StoryBook ListsPamela Klinger-Horn’s 2023 Book ListBill Simpson’s Top Books of 2023Business/Organization Links:Marine Community LibraryLibrary Donation PageScandia Marine LionsEvent LinksGammelgarden Puzzle Tournament

Hosts Jim Maher and Gayle Knutson talk about why drugs cost so much in America and how pharmaceutical companies are trying to defend their profits with Prof. Nicholas Bagley, law professor, University of Michigan (6:00); and hear from Marius Anderson producer/director of the kickoff documentary for Marine Documentary Night, 40 Below: The Toughest Race In The World (26:00). Also featured is an update of local news (46:30). Matt Quast is technical director.Prof. Nicholas Bagley, University of MichiganPolitico Article – The Real Reason Drugs Cost So Much, And Do Too LittleMarius Anderson, Director, 40 Below: The Toughest Race in the WorldGovernment Links:City of Marine on St. CroixCity of ScandiaMay TownshipWashington CountyNewsLake Elmo School Issues – Pioneer PressLake Elmo School Issues – Star TribuneBusiness/Organization Links:Marine Community LibraryLibrary Donation PageEvent LinksPeter Mayer at Christ Lutheran ChurchBreakfast with Santa in ScandiaName the Snowplow EntriesWashington County Name the Snowplow Entries

Hosts Gayle Knutson and Jim Maher talk about the wonders of the Galapagos Islands and challenges created by climate change with longtime Galapagos naturalist Silvia Panchana (5:30); and hear about how to improve biodiversity in your own backyard with Brandon Hough, Executive Director, Homegrown National Park® (26:30). Also featured is an update of local news (46:00). Matt Quast is technical director.This Week’s Guests Silvia Panchana, Galapagos Island NaturalistBrandon Hough, Executive Director, Homegrown National Park®Government Links:City of Marine on St. CroixCity of ScandiaMay TownshipWashington CountyNewsLake Elmo School IssuesBusiness/Organization Links:Marine Community LibraryLibrary Donation PagePollinator Friendly AllianceEvent LinksNewsies, Jr. at Marine Village SchoolMarine Candlelight SeriesMusic Saint CroixBilly McLaughlin Christmas ShowsPeter Mayer at Christ Lutheran ChurchScandia Vinterlights

Hosts Jim Maher and Gayle Knutson talk politics with Lori Sturdevant, longtime political reporter for the Star Tribune and River Radio’s national political editor Brian Gruis (13:30); and learn about a Guinness World Record-setting Mississippi River canoe expedition from trip leader Scott Miller (36:00). Also featured is a conversation with Stillwater Schools Superintendent Dr. Michael Funk regarding the upcoming bonding measure that’s on the ballot and issues with properly notifying Marine residents of a polling venue change (3:30); and an update of local news (54:00). Matt Quast is technical director.This Week’s GuestsDr. Michael Funk, Superintendent, Stillwater School District 834Lori Sturdevant, Star TribuneBrian Gruis, River Radio national political editorScott Miller, leader of Guinness World Record-setting canoe team Two Paddles Canoe and Kayak Races Government Links:City of Marine on St. CroixCity of ScandiaMay TownshipWashington CountyBusiness/Organization Links:Marine Community LibraryEarly Voting in Washington County Stillwater District 834 Elections – Where to VoteSecretary of State Poll Finder ToolDetails about the District 834 Bonding Measure Event LinksNewsies, Jr. at Marine Village SchoolVeterans Day Concert at Elim Lutheran