Category Archives: Uncategorized

Most readers of this newspaper know that, as a non-Finn and a writer, I’m an affectionate Fennophile-a lover of all things Finnish. Long ago, as a kid growing up in NE MN surrounded by friends of Finnish background, I realized … Continue reading →

Paul Vesterstein leaving Europe at age 19. Note his suitcase includes his destination: “Duluth, USA.” Proud Estonian American, businessman, skier, and longtime mentor Paul “the Count” Vesterstein recently passed at the age of 96. I was asked by the family … Continue reading →

(Photo Below: Fritz Mondale, Bruce, George Millard, Harry Munger)                                                       BRUCE WILIAM JOHN MEYER The characters I encountered through my old man, Harry, are rapidly leaving us. Bruce Meyer, a guy I met when I was eight years old, is … Continue reading →

Distance. I needed some between my recent electoral defeat to encapsulate my run for the Minnesota House. I think, to some degree, I’ve arrived at a point where I can work things out, if not orally then at least in … Continue reading →

Hello fellow residents of Northeastern Minnesota! As you know, I’m running for the office of Minnesota State Representative in District 3B on a platform of integrity, passion, and purpose. I was raised in the Duluth neighborhood of Piedmont Heights. I’m … Continue reading →

The Women of Copper Country by Mary Doria Russell (2019. Atria. ISBN 978-1-9821-0958-5) I love the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I’ve spent many days and nights there, attending Finnish festivals, signing books at North Wind Bookstore (formerly attached to Finlandia University), … Continue reading →

 An Interview with Hanna Pylväinen …                                 MM: Let’s start with the most exciting news, at least insofar as I’m aware. You were recently installed as … Continue reading →

An interview with Jess and Julie Koski … MM: When and where did you start your journey across America? Jess: We took our first steps west from Schoodic Bay, Acadia National Park on July 7th, 2023. Neither of us had … Continue reading →

                                                INTERVIEW WITH MISKA KAJANUS MM: Kiitos for agreeing to do this, Miska. Let’s start at the beginning. Where were born, where did you grow up? MK: Thank you for interviewing me. This is an honor! I was born in … Continue reading →

Imagine being a young Finnish boy growing up in Minnesota’s Finnish Triangle. Consider dealing with congenital hip defects and leaving the family farm outside Sebeka at age six to travel to Gillette Children’s Hospital in St. Paul for multiple surgeries. … Continue reading →