Category Archives: Uncategorized

(Back row: John McLoughlin, John Benson, Larry Paasch. Middle row: Rick Washburn. Front Row: Mike, Wayne Rikala, Pat Pufall.) By Mark Munger (c) 2025 Where to begin? I guess, at the beginning. Back in the mid-60s, a new family showed … Continue reading →

By Mark Munger (c) 2025 I was raised by my parents, church school teachers, and my Scout leaders to always look for the good in folks. Sometimes, that’s a difficult task. I’m one of those people who wears an electronic … Continue reading →

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 →