🔥 Episode Summary:
Guest host Tim Flakoll takes the reins with a jam-packed episode featuring a lineup of fascinating guests, powerful local stories, and a touch of humor. From investigating a decades-old mystery with the Cass County Coroner’s office to unveiling updates on the future Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, this episode captures the heartbeat of North Dakota.
🎧 Tune in for deep dives on rural revitalization, higher education reform, and a dash of animal fashion flair. Oh, and there’s a presidential lazy river idea. You had to be there.
🎤 Featured Guests:
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Brent Sanford – ND University System Chancellor
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Christy Ross – Cass County Coroner
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Natalie Batisa – Death Investigator, Cass County
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Robbie Lauf – Executive Director, Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library
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Laura Larson – Owner, Best Friend’s Closet
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Natalie Perhus – Homeward Animal Shelter Event Coordinator
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Austin Erickson – WDAY News Reporter (with breaking news on Sen. Nicole Mitchell trial)
⏱️ Standout Timestamps:
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[0:03:00] – Jay’s Away, Tim’s In: Guest host Tim Flakoll kicks things off with farm talk, REO Speedwagons, and childhood stories.
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[0:25:10] – Higher Ed Shakeup: Chancellor Brent Sanford on workforce needs, dual credit expansion, and why 83% of ND grads stay in-state.
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[0:59:15] – Mystery in the Cemetery: The incredible cold case of an unidentified 1970s body—solved through a denture plate and military serial numbers.
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[1:23:40] – Presidential Library Countdown: Robbie Lauf shares exciting updates on the TR Library, the 351-day countdown, and the green-roof design overlooking Medora.
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[1:43:00] – Street Fair Style: Laura Larson chats about her pop-up shop, consignment secrets, and donut-safe shopping.
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[1:54:10] – Pawject Runway: Natalie Perhus previews Homeward Animal Shelter’s fabulous upcoming “Project Runway” fundraiser and highlights the ongoing animal adoption surge.
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[2:03:45] – BREAKING VERDICT: Austin Erickson reports the guilty verdict in State Senator Nicole Mitchell’s burglary trial.
🧠 Topics Explored:
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How dentures solved a 50-year-old cold case 💀
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North Dakota’s changing educational priorities 📚
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Construction countdown to the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library 🏛️
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The truth about consignment shopping 💃
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Animal fashion shows & community creativity 🐶
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Breaking political news 🚨
✨ Highlight Moment:
“We’re not building a structure — we’re building a place of learning, of healing. The Badlands shaped Roosevelt. This library will shape the next generation.” – Robbie Lauf
📍 Location Shoutouts:
Fargo, West Fargo, Medora, Bismarck, Watford City, Detroit Lakes, Valley City