MAARJA: WELCOME TO ALMANAC NORTH.

BRETT: THANK YOU FOR JOINI.

MAARJA: WE HAVE A PLETHORAF NEW SEGMENTS IN OUR MAKINGP NORTH SERIES.

BRETT: BUT FIRST, SOME HEADLINES.

LOUIS COUNTY OFFICIALS ARE WEIGHING THE OUTCOMES OF MINNESOTA'S 2025 LEGISLATIE SESSION, WHICH WRAPPED UP Y TUESDAY MORNING.

COUNTY LEADERS SAY THEY'RE GRATEFUL TO THE LOCAL DELEN FOR ADVOCATING ON BEHALF OF RESIDENTS DURING A SESSION MARKED BY TOUGH BUDGET DECISIONS.

ADMINISTRATOR KEVIN GRAY ND KEY WINS, LIKE PRESERVING Y PROGRAM AID AND AVOIDING MR COST SHIFTS IN HUMAN SERVI.

COUNTY BOARD CHAIR ANNIE HA ADDED, “WE APPRECIATE LEGISLATORS LISTENING TO OR CONCERNS REGARDING THE SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ANY CUTS WOULD HAVE AS WE WORK TO PE THE SERVICES THE STATE REQS US TO DO AND OUR CITIZENS EXPECT."

EXPECT.

"WHILE NO ST. LOUIS COUNTY PROJECTS MADET INTO THE BONDING BILL, COMMISSIONER PAUL MCDONALDD THE COUNTY WILL KEEP PUSHIR SUPPORT, INCLUDING NEW SOLD WASTE CAMPUS IN CANYON.

HE APPLAUDED CONTINUED STAE FUNDING FOR ROAD, BRIDGE, D WETLAND REPLACEMENT PROGRA, CRITICAL FOR A COUNTY WITH THOUSANDS OF MILES OF INFRASTRUCTURE.

OFFICIALS SAY THEY'LL KEEP ANALYZING BOTH STATE AND FL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE MONTHS AHEAD.

MAARJA: ST. LOUIS COUNTY PC WORKS IS DEVELOPING A NEW Y ACTION PLAN FOCUSED ON IMPG TRAFFIC SAFETY ACROSS COUNY ROADS, EXCLUDING THOSE WITN DULUTH CITY LIMITS.

DULUTH HAS ITS OWN PLAN UNY THROUGH THE DULUTH-SUPERIOR METROPOLITAN INTERSTATE CO.

THE COUNTY'S EFFORT IS FUNY THE FEDERAL SAFE STREETS AD ROADS FOR ALL PROGRAM, ANDS TO IDENTIFY AND PRIORITIZE SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS FOR ALL TYPES OF TRAVELERS -- DRIV, CYCLISTS, PEDESTRIANS, ANDE USING MOBILITY DEVICES.

PUBLIC INPUT IS A KEY PARTF THE PROCESS.

YOU CAN SHARE YOUR SAFETY CONCERNS, TAKE A SURVEY, ON A FOCUS GROUP BY VISITING E PROJECT WEBSITE: ST.LOUISCOUNTYSAFETYACTIONE NGAGE .LOUISCOUNTY.

BRETT: TENSIONS ARE RISING BETWEEN ESSENTIA HEALTH ANE MINNESOTA NURSES ASSOCIATI.

THIS WEEK, ESSENTIA FILED A FORMAL COMPLAINT WITH THE NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS B, ACCUSING THE UNION OF BARGG IN BAD FAITH.

ACCORDING TO ESSENTIA, THEY OFFERED 54 POTENTIAL BARGAG DATES AHEAD OF THE JUNE 30 CONTRACT EXPIRATION FOR ACE CARE NURSES IN THE TWIN PO.

THE UNION ACCEPTED JUST EI.

ESSENTIA ALSO SAYS THE MNAS YET TO PRESE A WAGE PROPOSL OR RESPOND TO ESSENTIA'S FL CONTRACT OFFER WHICH WAS FT SHARED IN APRIL.

THE COMPLAINT ALLEGES THE N IS STALLING NEGOTIATIONS, E ESSENTIA SAYS IT REMAINS FD ON SECURING A FAIR AGREEMER NURSES AND PATIENTS.

ONE FINAL SESSION IS SCHEDD FOR JUNE 25.

MAARJA: WE'LL SEND YOU OVEO DENNY'S DESK WITH DENNIS ANDERSON.

ANDERSON.DENNY?

DANNY: -- DENNY: THANK YOU, MAARJA.

I'M DENNIS ANDERSON AND THS DENNY'S DESK.

EACH JUNE, PRIDE MONTH INVS US TO PAUSE AND REFLECT.

NOT ONLY ON HOW FAR WE'VE , BUT ON THE KIND OF COMMUNIE WANT TO CONTINUE BUILDING.

FOR MANY, LGBTQ+ INDIVIDUA, SIMPLY BEING SEEN FULLY, HONESTLY, AND WITHOUT JUDGT IS STILL A RADICAL THING.

THAT'S WHY VISIBILITY MATT.

THAT'S WHY PRIDE MATTERS.

AND IT'S WHY I TAKE PRIDE N LIVING IN A REGION THAT STS TO SUPPORT ALL PEOPLE.

HERE IN DULUTH, SUPERIOR, D ACROSS THE NORTH, WE CELEBE PRIDE NOT JUST WITH FLAGS D FESTIVALS, BUT WITH SOMETHG DEEPER: A SHARED BELIEF THT COMMUNITY MEANS EVERYONE.

THAT DIGNITY ISN'T CONDITI.

THAT BEING DIFFERENT DOESNT MEAN BEING ALONE.

WHEN WE INCLUDE PEOPLE IN R WORKPLACES, OUR CLASSROOMSD OUR NEIGHBORHOODS, WE DO ME THAN MAKE ROOM.

WE MAKE EACH OTHER STRONGE.

DIVERSE VOICES BRING NEW I.

DIVERSE STORIES HELP US UNDERSTAND OUR OWN.

AND WHEN SOMEONE SEES THEMS REPRESENTED, IT IS AN AFFIRMATION.

THEY KNOW THEY BELONG HERE.

AND IN A WORLD THAT TOO OFN SENDS THE OPPOSITE MESSAGET SIMPLE TRUTH IS POWERFUL.

SO LET'S KEEP SHOWING UP.

WE KEEP LISTENING.

WE KEEP CELEBRATING.

BECAUSE PRIDE ISN'T ABOUT G THE SAME, IT'S ABOUT EMBRAG EACH OTHER IN ALL THE WAYSE ARE DIFFERENT.

THIS HAS BEEN DENNY'S DESK.

BACK TO YOU, MAARJA.

MAARJA: THANK YOU, DENNY.

TONIGHT, WE ARE EXCITED TOE A SEGMENT FROM OUR NEW SHOO FILTER, WHICH IS A CONVERSATIONAL IERVIEW SERS THAT EXPLORES THE RICH TAPY OF NORTHERN LIFE THROUGH INFORMAL CONVERSATIONS WITH DIVERSE, INTRIGUING PEOPLEM THE REGION.

BRETT: EACH EPISODE BRINGSA FRESH VOICE TO THE SCREEN, FOCUSING ON THE UNIQUE PERSPECTIVES, PERSONAL JOU, AND LIFE EXPERIENCES THAT E THE NORTHERN COMMUNITY.

MAARJA: WE WILL SHARE A SHT SAMPLE OF OUR CONVERSATIONE ON ALMANAC NORTH, BUT WE IE YOU TO EXPLORE FULL EPISODF "NO FILTER" ON THE PBS NORH YOUTUBE CHANNEL.

FULL EPISODES WILL BE AVAIE THERE SOON.

>> WELCOME TO THE COLDEST N IN THE NATION, INTERNATIONL FALLS.

♪ OUR GUEST TODAY IS SOMEWHAA LOCAL LEGENDS, A FOURTH GENERATION RESIDENT, HE HAN A FISHING GUIDE SINCE 13, 0 YEARS IN REAL ESTATE, HAS E OF SPIRITS NAMED AFTER HIME HAS HIS OWN THEME SONG.

WE ARE SO EXCITED TO WELCOE BARRY WOODS, "WOODY," TO NO FILTER TODAY.

WELCOME.

I AM SO HAPPY TO MEET YOU D SHARE YOUR STORY, WHICH ISN INCREDIBLE ONE.

IF YOU WEAR A LOT OF HATS,E WILL GET INTO.

>> YOU HAVE TO DO IN THIS K OF THE WOODS TO MAKE A LIV.

I DON'T MIND.

IT IS KIND OF THE SPICE OF.

[LAUGHTER] >> LET'S START FROM THE BEGINNING.

YOU ARE FOURTH-GENERATION E LAKE.

TALK A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOR FAMILY HISTORY.

>> I HAD A GREAT GRANDPA WO CAME FROM QUÉBEC CITY IN TE 1870'S AND ENDED UP IN MINNESOTA.

HE WAS A LAGER.

HE FOUND -- LOGGER.

HE FOUND HIS WAY IN THE LAE 1890'S HE FOUND HIS WAY UP.

THERE WAS GOLD-MINING GOIN.

HE BUILT AND OPERATED A RE.

HE WAS COUNTED IN THE LAST CENSUS, IN 1905, HE WAS COD AS AN OPERATOR IN THAT CEN.

THEN AFTER THE GOLD-MININGD NOT PAN OUT, HE DID SOME COMMERCIAL FISHING AND THEY GRANDPA, HIS SON, WAS A COMMERCIAL FISHERMAN.

SO MY MOM KIND OF GREW UP N FISH CAMPS IN SUMMERTIME.

OTHERWISE, MY GRANDPA HAD A COUNCILMAN IN CITY COUNCILN MAY NARD, MINNESOTA, JUST T OF INTERNATIONAL FALLS ON E SHORES OF SANDY BAY.

LET'S SEE, WHAT ELSE.

IT WAS KIND OF A NEAT TOWN.

I WAS BORN IN FORT FRANCIS.

I THINK MY MOM'S DOCTOR RED SO SHE HAD ME, IT WAS NOT R POLITICAL REASONS, JUST FOR EASE, I GUESS, SO I AM HALD HALF, I GUESS.

I DON'T KNOW.

[LAUGHTER] >> WITH THAT LONG FAMILY HISTORY, WHAT ARE SOME OF R MEMORIES GROWING UP IN THIS AREA?

I KNOW YOU ARE AN OUTDOORS.

TALK ABOUT SOME OF YOUR FAE CHILDHOOD MEMORIES.

>> BASICALLY FISHING AND SWIMMING.

[LAUGHTER] I DID NOT REALLY LIKE TO GO TOWN, TO INTERNATIONALLS WERE PEOPLE WERE PLAYING BASEBALL IN THE SUMMER.

I LIKED TO HANG AROUND THE.

MY SUMMER WAS FILLED WITH WALKING ALONG THE SHORELIND CASTING.

I SECURED A BOAT.

SWIMMING WITH A LOT OF FRIS AND JUST HANGING AROUND.

>> IDEAL CHILDHOOD.

>> IT WAS WONDERFUL.

I CANNOT IMAGINE ANYTHING DIFFERENT.

I WAS VERY FORTUNATE.

>> DID YOU HAVE A LOT OF F?

>> I AM THE YOUNGEST OF 12 CHILDREN, THERE ARE STILL E OR SIX LIVING IN THE AREA.

SOME HAVE PASSED AWAY, A F, BUT SUCH IS LIFE.

BUT A FUN CHILDHOOD.

WE DID NOT HAVE A BIG HOUS.

IN FACT, IT WAS A BURNT DON HOTEL THAT MY DAD PUT A FLT ROOF ON WHEN HE CAME BACK M WORLD WAR II.

IT WAS LIKE A SARDINE CAN,T IT WAS FUN GRO UP WITH THE BIG FAMILY.

WATCHING MY SISTERS FIGHT R CLOTHES.

[LAUGHTER] >> HOW MANY GIRLS TO BOYS?

>> SEVEN GIRLS, FIVE BOYS.

AND IT WAS CONSTANT CHANGE.

PEOPLE MOVING OUT.

BUT A LOT OF PEOPLE CAME BO VISIT.

IT WAS REALLY CROWDED AT CHRISTMAS TIME.

IT WAS WILD.

>> YOU HAD A BUILT-IN NEIGHBORHOOD OF FRIENDS WIL THOSE SIBLINGS.

WE HAD A PICNIC TABLE.

[LAUGHTER] EVERYBODY SCATTERED AROUNDD WHOEVER BROUGHT FRIENDS HO, THEY GOT TO EAT.

THAT IS THE WAY IT WAS BACK THEN.

THERE WERE A LOT OF BIG FAMILIES.

AND WE WERE RIGHT NEXT TO E RAILROAD TRACK, SO I DON'TK THEY GOT A LOT OF SLEEP.

[LAUGHTER] >> CAN YOU TALK ABOUT WHY U CHOSE TO LIVE YOUR LIFE HE?

>> I DID NOT HAVE A LOT OF OPTIONS.

[LAUGHTER] I DON'T KNOW.

I STARTED BEING A FISHING E WITH MY UNCLE WHEN I WAS 1R 14.

I KIND OF LIKES DOING IT.

I MOVED AWAY A COUPLE OF T, BUT WITHOUT A REALLY GREAT EDUCATION, HARD TO GET YOUT IN THE DOOR.

AND I NEVER WAS A TRADESMA, BECAUSE I SPENT TOO MUCH TE SCREWING AROUND DOWN ON THE LAKE.

[LAUGHTER] I WOULD COME BACK HERE ANDO GUIDING AND FINALLY I DECIO JUST KEEP DOING THIS, BECAT WORKS.

AND KEEP ME NOT NECESSARILN TALL COTTON, BUT I HAD PAND SHIRT.

[LAUGHTER] >> AND YOU ARE STILL A FISG GUIDE, CORRECT?

>> I AM MORE OR LESS RETIRD NOW.

I TAKE A LOT OF FRIENDS FIG BUT I AM MORE OR LESS RETID FROM FISHING.

I DID IT FOR ABOUT JUST AB0 YEARS OF FISHING AND I AM L ESTATE AGENT NOW.

ON RAINY LAKE.

SO I STILL GO OUT ON THE LE JUST ABOUT EVERY DAY.

I TAKE PEOPLE FISHING AND O SELL THEM MY CATTLE.

[LAUGHTER] >> IT WORKS AS A CROSSOVER, SOMEONE WHO KNOWS REAL EST.

>> WHEN IT COMES TO LAKE RL ESTATE, IT'S NOT ALWAYS A THREE BEDROOMS, TWO BATHRO, IT'S ABOUT HOW DEEP IS IT F THE DOCK.

>> WAS IT AN OBVIOUS MOVE O WORK WITH YOUR UNCLE AS A FISHING GUIDE?

♪ BRETT: OUR GUEST THIS WEEKS ST. LOUIS COUNTY AUDITOR, TRRER NANCY NELSON.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

WHAT DOES THE COUNTY COMMISSIONER, TREASURER, WT YOU DO ON A DAILY BASIS?

>> AS THE AUDITOR I DO NOTE SOMETHING I DO ON AN EVERYY BASIS, WHICH IS WHY I LIKEE JOB.

I HAVE A PLETHORA OF THINGT TAKE PLACE.

I GO TO THE ST. LOUIS COUNY BOARD MEETINGS AND WORKSHOD THERE IS A SUPPORT PERSON F THEY HAVE ANY FINANCIAL QUESTIONS, I AM THERE TO AR QUESTIONS, I AM THERE TO A. I MEET ON COMMITTEES.

EXTENSION COMMITTEE, LIQUOR LICENSING, INSURANCE COMMI.

I AM ON SEVERAL BOARDS.

THERE IS SOMETHING CALLED E MAGIC FUND BOARD AND THAT S WHERE WE INVEST A LOT OF OR MONEY AND FOR A COUPLE YESI WAS THE CHAIR OF THAT BOAR.

WE HAVE A SOFTWARE COMPANYT IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF OUR OFFICE, TAX SOFTWARE AND IM THE VICE CHAIR OF THAT BOA.

NEXT YEAR I WILL BE THE CH.

THERE ARE 13 COUNTIES THROT MINNESOTA THAT HAVE COME TOGETHER TO SUPPORT THE TAX SOFTWARE WE USE.

BRETT: YOU DO NOT SEEM STRD AT ALL.

I AM SITTING HERE LIKE, WH?

[LAUGHTER] >> IT GETS INTERESTING.

I AM ON A CAMPUS BOARD ANDT HAS BEEN VERY ENJOYABLE.

I MEET WITH COUNTY RESIDEND ANSWER A LOT OF EMAILS OR E CALL OR SEND EMAILS AND ASK QUESTIONS.

I HAVE THE PASSPORT OPERATI AM RESPONSIBLE FOR.

SO WE HAVE TO BE CERTIFIEDY YEAR, SO I GO THROUGH THE CERTIFICATION PROCESS AND K TO MAKE SURE WE HAVE ALL TE TRAINING AND PAPERWORK DOND THEN WE GET AUDITED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE, WE CON -- THEY COME IN AND WE SHOM WHAT WE DO AND HOW WE ARE G IT.

THAT IS ALWAYS INTERESTING.

I PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR MY DIRECTORS AND MANAGERS.

THE TAX DEPARTMENT, ELECTIS AND THE LICENSING CENTER, H IS UP AT THE MALL.

AND THEN INTERNAL AUDIT.

ALL OF THOSE AREAS HAVE EXCELLENT MANAGERS AND DIRS AND I WORK WITH THEM TO KEP THOSE RUNNING SMOOTHLY.

I REVIEW AND SIGN ALL CONTS OF A FINANCIAL THEY SHOULDT COME THROUGH THE COUNTY LIE GRANTS, ATV CLUB FUNDING, PURCHASES OF SERVICES, BOAT MAINTENANCE, IF YOU NEED TY A PLOW OR SOMETHING OF THAT NATURE, A TRUCK, IT COMES Y OFFICE.

I PARTICIPATE IN BONDING AS NECESSARY SO I WORK WITH TE CHAIR OF THE FINANCE AND OR ADMINISTRATION AND DIRECTOF FINANCE AND OUTSIDE ENTITIS THAT HELP US GO THROUGH THT PROCESS EN WE NEED TO BORRW MONEY.

MY BUDGET IS $5.5 MILLION I AM CREATING AND MANAGING TN A REGULAR BASIS.

TRAVEL VOUCHERS GO THROUGH.

AS PEOPLE TRAVELED THROUGHU THE COUNTY I AM WATCHING WE THEY ARE GOING AND HOW MUCY ARE SPENDING, THAT TYPE OFG .

I CREATE CONTRACTS THAT HAE FAVORABLE OUTCOMES FOR US.

70 EMPLOYEES IN MY OFFICE.

WE HAVE PERSONNEL ISSUES, A LOT, BUT BECAUSE I HE EXCELLENT EMPLOYEES, I DO E TO SAY, WE DO REALLY WELL H THAT.

WE CREATE POLICIES SUCH ASR TRAVEL POLICY, WE JUST REDD THAT TO KEEP IT UP-TO-DATEH THE LATEST THINGS GOING ON.

I SOLVE ISSUES, I SOLVE PRS THAT COME UP ON A REGULAR .

AND IT IS REALLY INTERESTI.

I ENJOY DOING IT.

MAARJA: THAT WAS A LOT THAT FALLS UNDER YOUR UMBRELLA.

LET'S LOOK AT THE FINANCIAL HEALTH OF THE COUNTY.

WHAT IS YOUR ROLE IN TRACKG THAT, UNDERSTANDING THAT?

NANCY: OUR FINANCE DEPARTMT REALLY SUPPORTS ALL THE COY DEPARTMENTS.

WE DO GRANT MANAGEMENT, VER PAYMENTS, PAYROLL, INVESTM, THESE ARE ONE-WORD THINGS T THEY ARE ALL VERY INVOLVED.

DEBT MANAGEMENT, BOND ISSU, AUDITING, FINANCIAL REPORT.

THEN WE ALSO HAVE THE TAX DEPARTMENT AND WITHIN THE X DEPARTMENT WE HAVE TAX SOFE THAT ALLOWS THE ASSESSORS T THE ASSESSMENTS IN FOR EACF THE PARCELS THAT ARE IN THE COUNTY.

AND THEN THE COUNTY BOARD S THE LEVY AND THAT GETS IMPLEMENTED INTO THE TAX SOFTWARE.

THEN YOU HAVE AUDITORS ADDICTIONS, THE TOWNSHIPS, CITIES, SCHOOL DISTRICTS.

THEY GIVE US WHAT THEIR ELD OFFICIALS HAVE SET FOR THER LEVEES AND THAT GETS PUT IO THE TAX SOFTWARE.

IT CRANKS OUT TAX STATEMENE SEND THEM OUT TO THE PUBLI.

AS THE MONEY COMES BACK INE COLLECT TO THAT AND DISTRIE IT TO ALL THE DIFFERENT ENTITIES, KEEP ST. LOUIS CY PORTION SO WE CAN PAY OUR , AND THEN BASICALLY MANAGE T FROM THERE.

MAARJA: TAX SOFTWARE NEEDSO STAY UP AND FUNCTIONAL.

[LAUGHTER] NANCY: IT IS A KEY PIECE TE DEPARTMENT.

BRETT: HOW DOES YOUR JOB SPECIFALLY CHANGE WHEN A NW ADMINISTRATION COMES INTO E FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND MAYE CHANGES THEIR BUDGET, HOW S THAT TRICKLE DOWN?

>> WE ARE CONSTANTLY WATCHG THAT.

WE HAVE TO WATCH WHAT LEATORS ARE HAPPENING WITH THE STATE.

WE ADDED A THIRD BUDGETINGY BECAUSE THE BUDGET PROCESSS TAKING SO LONG THAT WE HADO EXTEND OUR BUDGET PROCESS O KEEP TRACK OF WHAT WAS HAPG WITH THE LEGISLATURE SO WED INC.

INTO NEXT YEAR'S BUDGT BECAUSE IT DEFINELY PLAYS A ROLE IN HOW WE MANAGE FUNDD WHAT WE HAVE TO WORK WITH.

MAARJA: HOW DOES YOUR OFFIE SUPPORT LOCAL COMMUNITY PRS AND SERVICES IN THE COUNTY?

NANCY: MOST OF THOSE COME THROUGH GRANTS.

AS THE GRANT PROCESS TAKES PLACE, WE HELP PEOPLE APPLR THE GRANTS, WE MONITOR HOWY ARE PROGRESSING, REPORTING REQUIREMENTS AND THAT TYPEF THING, SO GRANTS ARE A HUGT OF THE WAY WE FUN THINGS.

WE ALSO WORK WITH THE PLANG DEPARTNT.

IF THEY NEED TO DO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WE MIGHT BE HEG THEM FIND TAX INCENTIVES OR FUNDING ORGANISMS TO HELP H THAT.

BRETT: YOU MADE YOUR SOUND SO FUN AT THE BEGINNING.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BIGGET CHALLENGES YOU FACE IN YOUR ROLE?

NANCY: RIGHT NOW THE BIGGET CHALLENGE IS THE CUTS IN SPENDING AT THE FEDERAL AND STATE LEVEL THERE ARE MANY SERVICES WE PROVIDE ARE PAR BY FEDERAL AND STATE GOVERNMENTS.

THEY ARE ALSO STATUTORILY REQUIRED, WE HAVE TO DO TH.

SO WHEN THEY CUT BACK THERE FIGHTING -- FUNDING, WE STL HAVE TO DO IT AND HAVE TO E OUT HOW.

WHAT WE DO NOT HAVE THE FUG O ALONG WITH IT SO IT'S LOOKING THROUGH OTHER AREAS WHERE WE CAN CUT AND THAT E OF THING.

MAARJA: WHAT DOES THAT PROS LOOK LIKE WHEN CUTS ARE MAD THEN THE COUNTY HAS TO COMP WITH A NEW ACTION PLAN?

ARE YOU LEADING THAT, ARE U WORKING WITH THE COUNTBOAR, WHO IS INVOLVED?

NANCY: THAT WOULD BE EVERY.

BECAUSE IT IS ALL PART OF E BUDGETING PROCESS.

FOR OUR BUDGETING PROCESS,H DEPARTMENT HAS TO TAKE A LT WHAT THEY NEED IN ORDER TOE ABLE TO FUNCTION.

THEY SUBMIT THAT TO OUR ADMINISTRATION AND THEN THE ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE DEPARTMENT, OUR DEPARTMENTE ELECTED OFFICIALS ON THE FE COMMITTEE, GET TOGETHER ANK AT EVERYTHING PEOPLE ARE SUBMITTING AN WHAT IS IT WE TRYING TO ACCOMPLISH AND HO THEY MEET THE NEEDS OF THE CITIZENS.

SO FROM THERE, IT GOES TO E COUNTY BOARD.

AND THIS YEAR WE ARE GOINGO HAVE THREE DAYS OF LOOKINGT EVERY SINGLE DEPARTMENT ANT THE EXPENDITURES ARE PEOPLT AND WHAT THE REVENUE WILL E THAT IS COMING IN, OR LACK THEREOF, IN SOME OF THESE .

ONCE THAT TAKES PLACE, WE L GET FEEDBACK FROM THE COUNY BOARD.

THEY WILL LET US KNOW THISN AREA WE DO NOT NECESSARILYK WE CAN MOVE IN AT THIS POIT BECAUSE MAYBE LACK OF FUND, WE HAVE TO ADJUST OUR PRIOS BECAUSE WE HAVE TO LIVE WIN THE BUDGET.

THAT IS WHAT IT IS ALL ABO.

SO THEN IN SEPTEMBER, WE AT TOGETHER AND SET UP PRELIMY NUMBERS AND THEN IN NOVEMBE MEET WITH THE PUBLIC TO FIT THEIR INPUT, ARE WE GOING E RIGHT DIRECTION, HOW DO YOU FEEL, AND THEN BY MID DECER FEEL, AND THEN BY MID DECEE NEXT YEAR.

THROUGH THAT WE ARE FINDINT OUR FUNDING MECHANISMS WIL, WHAT WE HAVE TO WORK WITH D HOW WE HAVE TO CHANGE OUR PRIORITIES SO THAT ONCE THE ING IS SET, ALL THAT INFORMATION GOES INTO OUR BUDGETING SOFTWARE SO THROT THE YEAR WE ARE WATCHING WE ARE SPENDING ON A CONSTANT BASIS.

OUR SOFTWARE KEEPS TRACK OT WE ARE SUPPOSED TO BE ABLEO SPEND AND DOES NOT ALLOW TO GO OVER THAT.

SO IF IT LOOKS LIKE THEY AE GETTING CLOSE, WE ARE HAVIG DISCUSSIONS ABOUT WHAT IS HAPPENING AND GOING ON.

MAARJA: A BIG SYSTEM.

BRETT: HAVING A BACKGROUNDN I.T., YOU WORK FOR 25 YEARS BEFORE YOU GOT THIS JOB IN.

HOW HAS THAT HELP TO EXCELN THIS ROLE?

NANCY: I USED TO MAKE BUSIS RUN MORE EFFICIENTLY AND EFFECTIVELY THROUGH I.T.

SOFTWARE.

SO I TOOK THAT EXPERIENCE D BROUGHT IT TO THE COUNTY.

WE LOOK AT OUR OPERATIONS D SAID, WHAT KIND OF SYSTEMSN WE INSTALL TO HELP?

ONE THING WE DID WAS PUT IA SYSTEM THAT ALLOWED PEOPLEO PAY THEIR PROPERTY TAXES O.

NOW WE -- WE USED TO HAVE S AND TRAYS OF PAYMENTS THATD COME IN AND IT WOULD TAKE A LENGTHY AMOUNT OF TIME TO T THROUGH THE PAYMENTS.

NOW, PEOPLE ARE PAYING THEM ONLINE, OUR STAFF HAS TO SD LESS TIME GOING THROUGH TH, MONEY IS GETTING TO THE BAK QUICKER SO WE GET INTERESTN THE MONEY FASTER, SO THAT E WE ALSO IMPLEMENTED PAPERLS ACCOUNTS PAYABLE PROCESS.

WE PAY VENDORS ELECTRONICAY NOW SO WE DO NOT HAVE TO PT CHECKS AND PAY POSTAGE ANDE INC. -- INK.

WE ALLOWED PEOPLE TO APPLYR PERMITS AND LICENSES ONLINO THEY DO NOT HAVE TO DO PAPS AND HAVE TO COME IN.

SO ANYWHERE WE CAN, WE ARE TRYING TO MAKE THINGS ELECTRONIC.

MAARJA: YOU MENTIONED A BIT OF YOUR ROLE IS HEARING FRM CITIZENS, COMMUNITY MEMBER, EITHER PHONE CALLS OR EMAI.

WHAT ARE THEIR GENERAL QUES , WHAT ARE THEY LOOKING TOE SOLVED?

NANCY: A LOT OF TIMES IT IW CAN YOU HELP ME WITH MY PRY TAXES.

SOMETIMES WE HAVE TO PASS G TO THE ASSESSORS BECAUSE AT OF IT HAS TO DO WITH THEM T UNDERSTANDING THE VALUING E OF THAT TYPE OF THING.

WE HELP THEM COME UP WITH S IN WHICH THEY CAN PAY HERED SOMETIMES THEY DO NOT KNOWE ARE WAYS IN WHICH THEY CANK TAXES AND COME UP WITH PAYT PLAN SO THEY ARE NOT LOSING THEIR HOMES.

THEY ARE FEARFUL THAT IS GG TO HAPPEN AND WE DO EVERYTG WE CAN TO HELP THEM GET THH THAT IF THEY ARE HAVING A DIFFICULT PROBLEM TO GET TH SOMETHING LIKE THAT.

I GET A LOT OF DATA REQUESS FROM OTHERS WHO SAY, HOW MH MONEY IS SITTING OUT THEREN THE BOOKS AND TELL ME WHO S OWED TO SO I CAN TRY TO FID THEM AND HELP GET THE MONEK FOR THEM.

I GET A LOT OF THOSE REQUE.

BRETT: HOW DO YOU BALANCE E RISING PROPERTY VALUE AND PEOPLE'S INCOMES, WHO MIGHT BE RISING AS QUICKLY, HOW U BALANCE THAT?

NANCY: THAT REALLY FALLS OE COUNTY BOARD.

I KNOW I AM HELP -- I AM HO HELP THEM WITH THAT KIND OA DECISION BUT THEY REALLY HO WORK WITH THE ASSESSORS DEPARTMENT AND THE ASSESSOS DEPARTMENT ARE TIED TO THEE REQUIREMENTS THAT SAY, YOUE TOLOW THESE GUIDELINES IN ORDER TO BE ABLE TO ASSESS PROPERTIES AT A CERTAIN VAE LEVEL AND IF YOU DON'T, WEL STEP IN AND ASSESS IT OR Y.

SO THEY ARE VERY -- ASSESST FOR YOU.

SO THEY ARE VERY GOOD AT MG SURE THE DO THEIR DUE DILI.

THROUGTHE BUDGET PROCESS WE WORK HARD TO KEEP THE BUDGT DOWN SO WE DO NOT HAVE TO Y MORE THAN WE NEED TO IN ORO PROVIDE THE SERVICES.

SO IT IS REALLY WORKING WIE COUNTY BOARD AND ASSESSORS OFFICE TO SAY, THIS IS WHAM OFFICE TO SAY, THIS IS WHAE CONCERNS, RAIN IN.

THAT IS WHAT I ALWAYS SAY,N IT IN.

[LAUGHTER] MAARJA: WHAT ARE SOME PRIOS IN THE NEXT YEAR?

NANCY: WE ARE LOOKI AT NEW BUDGETING SOFTWARE.

BUDGETING IS SUCH AN IMPORT PIECE OF THE PUZZLE HERE IE COUNTY.

IT IS IMPORTANT WE HAVE SOE THAT IS REALLY BENEFICIAL O HELP US MAKE IT AS EASY AS POSSIBLE.

AND THEN WE ARE PUTTING INW TRAVEL EXPENSE REPORT SYSTO PEOPLE CAN PUT TRAVEL EXPES IN ONLINE AND PUT ALL OF TR DOCUMENTATION IN ONLINE ♪AE CAN REVIEW EVERYTHING VERY QUICKLY AS IT COMES THROUGH INSTEAD OF PUSHING PAPERS.

IT'S ALL ABOUT MAKING THINS MORE EFFICIENT.

MAARJA: TECHNOLOGY HAS DEFINITELY CHANGED THAT.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR JOING US.

NANCY: THANK YOU FOR HAVIN.

MAARJA: NEXT, WE'RE SENDINU OFF TO VENTURE NORTH WITH S SEGMENT FOCUSING ON LIBRAR.

TAKE A LOOK.

>> LIBRARIES ARE IMPORTANT BECAUSE THEY ALLOW YOU TO O ANYTHING YOU WANT TO DO.

READING, WATCHING MOVIES, LISTENING TO MUSIC, LEARNIW SKILLS OR HOBBIES, TRAVELIO ANYWHERE IN OR OUTSIDE THED .

YOU CAN BE WHOEVER YOU WANO BE, GO WHEREVER YOU WANT T, FOR FREE.

FOR FREE.

♪ HELLO, I AM BETHANY, AND IA LIBRARY DIRECTOR.

IN ADDITION TO BOOKS, THE LIBRARY OFFERS MOVIES, MUS, AUDIOBOOKS.

WE HAVE STEM TO AND READINT AND SOME LIBRARIES OFFER A LIBRARY OF THINGS.

PANS, ELECTRIC MIXERS, POWR TOOLS, TOYS, GAMES, PUZZLE.

WE HAVE LEGACY AND KIDS ST. YOU CAN COME IN AND BE ENTERTAINED WITHOUT HAVINGO PAY FOR ANYTHING OR HAVINGO SIGN UP FOR ANYTHING.

WE OFFER A SAFE SPACE TO BO YOU ARE, WITHOUT ANY JUDGMT AND WITHOUT WORRY.

IN OUR COMMUNITY ROOM, OUR ACTIVITY ROOM, WE HAVE CRAT SUPPLIES THAT ARE OUT ALL E TIME SO YOU CAN COME AND BE CREATIVE WHENEVER YOU WANT.

IT IS AL SPACE FOR CHARGING YOUR DEVICES OR DOING RESE, MEETING UP WITH FRIENDS FOA SPACE TO GATHER.

IT IS ALSO WHERE WE HAVE OR PROGRAMS AND WE HOST MOST E SAME PROGRAMS THAT ALL OF E OTHER LIBRARIES IN THE LIBY SYSTEM DO AND THE SYSTEM DN AMAZING JOB OF A VARIETY OF DIFFERENT PROGRAMMING FROM COMEDIANS TO MAGICIANS TO ARTISTS AND AUTHORS.

WE LEARN DIFFERENT CRAFTS D HOBBIES AND WE LEARN SONGSD DANCE.

I FEEL IT IS VERPECIAL, BECAUSE WE OFFER ALL OF THR FREE, AND WE INVITE EVERYOO SHOW UP.

I THINK SOMETHING PEOPLE MT NOT REALIZE THAT OUR LIBRAS IS A STRONG CONNECTION TO R COMMUNITY.

WE TEND TO HEAR A LOT, I DT KNOW CARLTON HAD A LIBRARY.

WE ARE UNFORTUNATELY ONE OF CARLTON'S BEST-KEPT SECRET.

WE ARE IN THE BASEMENT OF Y , WHICH IS LOVELY BECAUSE E HAVE BEAUTIFUL WINDOWS FOR PLANTS AND LIGHT AND IT ISE AND COOL DURING THE SUMMERD NICE AND WARM DURING THE W. AND BECAUSE IT IS AN OLDER BUILDING, IT HAS AMAZING CHARACTER AND FEELS VERY CY AND WELCOMING.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SUPPOT YOUR LIBRARY, WE LOVE VOLUNTEERS.

WE LOVE WHEN PEOPLE HELP SD THE WORD ABOUT WHAT WE ARE DOING, WHERE WE ARE, WHAT E UP TO, FINANCIAL SUPPORT IS ALWAYS WELCOME AND NEEDED.

WE REALLY LOVE OUR COMMUNID OUR SUPPORTERS AND VOLUNTE.

IF WE DID NOT HAVE THEM, WE WOULD NOT BE HERE.

I HAVE SEEN THE LOVE POUR N THROUGH OUR COMMUNITY DURIG DIFFERENT DONATION PERIODSD IT IS ALWAYS VERY REWARDINO SEE HOW MUCH PEOPLE LOVE TR LIBRARIES.

FOR SOMEONE VISITING US FOE FIRST TIME, I RECOMMEND THY CHECK OUT SOMETHING NEW.

CHECK OUT SOMETHING NEW THU HAVE MAY BE THOUGHT OF CHEG OUT BEFORE BUT YOU HAVE NOE YET.

EXPLORE OUR NEW FORMAT OF READING OR A NEW TOPIC.

IF YOU HAVE NEVER BEEN TO A LIBRARY PROGRAM BEFORE, FIE , EVEN IF IT IS NOT AT OUR LIBRARY, ALL THE LIBRARIESN THE SYSTEM HAVE THE SAME PROGRAMS.

IF YOU MISS ONE, THERE IS USUALLY ANOTHER ONE SOON TT YOU CAN MAKE IT TO.

♪ MAARJA: I LIKE H CALL TO ACTION.

GO CHECK OUT THE LIBRARY.

BRETT: WONDERFUL PLACES THE OFTEN TAKE FOR GRANTED.

MAARJA: DID YOU HAVE A FAVE CHILDHOOD BOOK?

BRETT: I LOVED THE MITTEN N BRETT.

AND NOT BECAUSE IT HAS MY E IN IT.

WHAT IS YOURS?

MAARJA: A LITTLE OLDER, LAF THE REALLY GREAT DOODLES.

THAT'S KIND OF OBSCURE.

IT'S A REALLY GOOD FOURTH,H GRADE.

I STILL LOVE THAT BOOK.

BRETT: ALL RIGHT.

I'M EXCITED NOW.

LET'S END THE SHOW AND GO READING.

ANOTHER VENTURE NORTH SEGMT FOR YOU -- THIS ONE FEATURG THE NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION DULUTH MONARCH BUDDIES.

THEIR MISSION IS TO CREATED RESTORE MONARCH BUTTERFLY HABITATS AND EDUCATE ABOUTL THINGS MONARCH BUTTERFLIES.

HERE'S WHAT THEY HAD TO SA.

♪ >> MY NAME IS KATHY WOULD I AM THE PRESIDENT OF DULUT'S MONARCH BUDDIES AND ALSO PRESIDENT OF THE ARROWHEAD CHAPTER OF WILD ONES.

>> I AM ALEX CAROL, KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT THE DULUTH MONAH BUDDIES EVENT TODAY.

I WORK FOR A NONPROFIT BASN THE TWITIES BUT WE WORKED THROUGHOUT NORTH AMERICA AI AM THE EASTERN SCIENCE COORDINATOR.

THIS EVENT IS TO CELEBRATE MONARCH BUTTERFLIES, WE INE PEOPLE TO LEARN MORE ABOUTM AND HOW THEY CAN HELP THE POPULATION AND TO GET PEOPE EXCITED.

WE HAVE A PLANT SALE.

>> DULUTH MONARCH BUDDIES A NONPROFIT THAT EDUCATES AND PROMOTES ABOUT MONARCH BUTTERFLIES, THEIR PLIGHT,T WE CAN DO TOP THEM, CREATE MORE HABITAT FOR THEM, ANDT TO PROMOTE POLLINATOR GARD, WHICH OF COURSE HELP ALL POLLINATORS.

>> MONARCHS ARE A DECLINING SPECIES, UNFORTUNATELY.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO HAVE ALL HANDS ON DECK INVOLVED IN MONARCH CONSERVATION, AND PLANTING MORE FLOWERING PLS TO HELP THEM.

THEY ARE A BEAUTIFUL SPECI.

A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE EXCITED ABOUT MONARCH FLIES AND THY DRAW A LOT OF PEOPLE INTO LEARNING MORE ABOUT NATURET IS IMPORTANT TO LEARN MORED DO WHAT WE CAN TO HELP THE.

>> THE PROBLEM WITH MONARCS RIGHT NOW, AND IT HAS BEENR QUITE A FEW YEARS, THE USEF PESTICIDES, AND REALLY THE WEATHER CHANGES HAVE CONTRD TO THE LOSS OF MILKWEED ANE HABITAT MONARCHS NEED.

>> DRONES AND MONARCHS MIGT SEEM LIKE A STRANGE COMBINN BUT WE USE DRONES IN CONSERVATION WORK.

WE SET UP A DRONE AND IT FS OVER THE LANDSCAPE AND TAKS PHOTOGRAPHS AND THEN WE ANE THE PHOTOS TO LOOK FOR COMN MILKWEED, WHICH IS AN IMPOT PLANT FOR MONARCH LARVAE.

WE LOOK FOR FLOWERING PLAND OTHER HABITAT CHARACTERIST >> AS LARGE VEIN, MONARCHSN ONLY EAT MILKWEED.

WHEN THEY ARE ADULT UNDER S THEY DRINK NECTAR FROM A WE VARIETY OF PLANTS.

A LOT OF SPECIES HERE ARE T PLANTS FOR MONARCHS DRINKIG THEIR NECTAR.

>> IT IS THE LAYING OF THES AND THE KATA PETER LOSCHER- CATERPILLARS THAT NEED MILD AND THAT HAS BEEN DISCIPLIY -- DISAPPEARING.

WE NEED TO PLANT MORE MILK.

WE NEED TO PLANT MORE MILK] ACTUALLY RIGHT NOW, MONARCS WILL BE I THINK LISTED AS ENDANGERED NOW NATIONALLY E PUSH IS ALL OVER THE COUNTO BE CREATING MORE AREAS TO W MILKWEED.

DRONES HAVE BEEN USED FOR Y OTHER TYPES OF CONSERVATION PROJECTS.

TH PROJECT USES DRONES TO P LOOK FOR POLLINATOR HABITA.

>> WE HAVE BEEN DOING THISR THREE YEARS.

WE ARE WORKING WITH A TECHY PARTNER AND GRADUALLY EXPAG AND INVESTIGATING NEW LANDS USING THIS TECHNOLOGY.

>> WHY IS THIS PERSONAL FO?

IT IS MOSTLY BECAUSE I AM N AVID GARDENER AND AS A MEMF WILD ONES, I REALLY PUSH NE PLANTS.

MOST POLLINATORS DO BETTERH FINDING THE NECTAR FROM NAE PLANTS.

TO THINKING ABOUT IT, NATIE PLANTS USE LESS WATER, THEW NATURALLY HERE, WHICH ALL E WILDLIFE HAVE EVOLVED WITH.

SO FOR ME, MY YARD IS NATI.

I AM PROMOTING THE USE NATE BECAUSE THAT IS WHAT GROWS.

WHY STRUGGLE GROWING OTHER THINGS?

PEOPLE GROW PLANTS BECAUSEY ARE BEAUTIFUL, BECAUSE THEK A CERTAIN WAY, THAT IS FINI UNDERSTAND THAT.

BUT A T OF POLLINATORS CANT ACCESS THE NECTAR IN THOSE PLANTS, THOSE FLOWERS.

SO NATIVE IS THE WAY TO GO.

>> I REALLY LOVE FINDING PS I DO NOT EXPECT TO SEE.

I GO OUT FLYING DRONES AREG SURVEYS ON THE GROUNDS, SOMETIMES I WILL SEE BUSH R WHICH I WAS NOT EXPECTING E AND THAT MAKES ME REALLY ED .

I DO A LOTF SURVEYS ON ROADSIDES AND SOME OF THEME JUST BORING YELLOW GRASS, SOMETIMES THEY HAVE A LOT F MILKWEED AND SOMETIMES I SE MONARCH EGGS ON THE ROADSID THAT MAKES ME EXCITED.

AND THE POLLINATORS ARE OUT THERE USING THE PLANTS.

>> THEY ARE GIVEN GARTNER'W INFORMATION.

THERE ARE NEW GARDENERS HEE THAT NEED TO KNOW HOW TO CE THOSE POLLINATOR GARDENS, E TO FIND MILKWEED, WHICH WEE PROVIDING HERE FOR PEOPLE Y .

WE ALSO HAVE FREE MILKWEEDS .

AND TO JUST EDUCATE ABOUT E ALL-AROUND USE OF THEIR PRY FOR POLLINATORS.

REDUCING LAWNS AND REDUCING FERTILIZING AND PESTICIDEST AFFECT ALL POLLINATORS, INCLUDING MONARCHS.

THESE ARE DIFFERENT CONSERN GROUPS HERE THAT ARE OFFERG ASSISTANCE AND INFORMATIONO EDUCATE THE COMMUNITY.

>> I HOPE PEOPLE ARE EXCITD ABOUT MONARCHS AFTER THIS T AND LEARN SOMETHING ABOUT T THEY CAN DO TO HELP MONARC, PLANTING MILKWEED AND NATIE PLANTS IN THE GARDENS, THEE A LOT OF GOOD OPTIONS HERET THE PLANT SALE AND I HOPE Y LEARN ABOUT DRONES AND HOW TECHNOLOGY CAN BE PLIED IN HELPFUL WAYS TO HELP US LEN WHAT PLANTS ARE ON THE LANE FOR MONARCHS AND WHAT MOREE COULD POTENTIALLY PLANT INE FUTURE.

>> IT IS A NEAT COMBINATIOF SCIE TECHNOLOGY, AND CONSERVATION.

>> YOU CAN START SMALL.

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO CHANGE R WHOLE YARD AT ONCE.

IT IS HARD WORK.

ONCE THEY HAVE STARTED, EVN SMALL, THEY ARE JUST SO SURPRISED HOW ESPECIALLY NE PLANTSFTER TWO OR THREE YE, JUST POP AND THEY BURST ANY ARE WONDERFUL AND THEY SPRD AND THE BIG THING IS THAT Y KIND OF POLLINATOR GARDENS, PEOPLE JUST SIT BACK AND EY ALL THE DIFFERENT POLLINATS THAT VISIT, ALL THE DIFFERT BUTTERFLIES, EVEN BIRDS, HUMMINGBIRDS THAT COME ANDT AND THERE ARE SOME PEOPLE T JUST MAKE LISTS AND THEY JT SIT AND WATCH TO SEE ALL TE DIFFERENT THINGS THAT VISIT THEIR YARD THAT THEY DID NT HAVE BEFORE WHEN IT WAS JUL LAWN.

MAARJA: THAT WAS GREAT.

YOU HAVE MILKWEED IN YOUR GARDEN.

BRETT: WE PLAN TO JUST ONE MILKWEED LAST YEAR AND IT E BACK THIS YEAR WITH FIVE DIFFERENT FRIENDS.

IT SPREAD.

MAARJA: HAVE YOU SEEN CATERPILLARS?

BRETT: NOT YET.

WE HAD ONE LAST YEAR ON THE STOCK SO WE CAN ONLY -- STO WE CAN ONLY GO UP.

MAARJA: NOW WE'LL VISIT WIE YWCA OF DULUTH AT THEIR RET GENDER JOY ART FAIR, WHEREL ARTISTS SHARED THEIR WORK E ZEITGEIST.

♪ >> MY NAME ISGAN.

ON THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR F YWCA DULUTH.

WE ARE HOLDING OUR GENDER Y ART SHOW RECEPTION HERE.

>> I AM KELLY, I AM AN ARTT AND I HAVE A REALLY COOL PE HERE.

I WAS INTRIGUED BY THE TITD STRETCHING MYSELF A LITTLE, THINKING ABOUT HOW IT FITSD WHAT SHOULD I DO.

I AM REALLY CONNECTED TO NE AND INSPIRED BY NATURE SO I WAS THINKING ABOUT THIS S D LOOKING OUT THE WINDOW, I A BIRD FLYING AROUND, GETTINR NEST READY AND I THOUGHT, T FIT.

SO I DID A TREE WITH A BIRD BUILDING A NEST.

>> I THINK ART SHOWS LIKE S ARE SUPER IMPORTANT FOR COMMUNITY CONNECTION, TO SE CREATIVITY, TO LEARN AND GA CHANCE TO TALK TO DIFFERENT PEOPLE FROM DIFFERENT PLACD JUST TO SHOW THE WORLD THE VARIETY OF CREATIVITY AND E HAVE HERE IN DULUTH.

>> I THINK THIS IS GREAT.

IT'S A GREAT COMMUNITY EVE.

PEOPLE ARE DOWNTOWN, THEY N JUST STOP IN.

IF YOU ARE ON YOUR WAY TO R OR A PLAY, YOU CAN JUST GIT A QUICK SPIN AND SEE ALL TE BEAUTIFUL ART.

>> THIS IS A WAY TO CELEBRE ALL THE DIFFERENT SPECTRUMF GENDER.

IT'S AN OPPORTUNITY TO REST ATTACKS ON BODILY AUTONOMY.

WE ARE EXCITED AND HAPPY.

THIS IS A COMMUNITY ART SH.

ANYONE WHO IS A GENDER EXPE PERSON OR A WOMAN OR GIRL D SUBMIT.

WE HAVE BEEN FEELING A LOTF GRATITUDE FROM ARTISTS FOR PUTTING TOGETHER THIS SHOWT ALLOWS THE OPPORTUNITY OF EXPRESSION THAT SPANS DIFFT REALMS AND VISIONS AND MAT.

I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING AT OF GRATEFULNESS AND APPRECN THAT WE CAN COME TOGETHER D HAVEAFE PLACE TO GATHER.

I WANT PEOPLE TO EXPERIENCY AND ASK THEMSELVES, HOW DOI EXPERIENCE JOY, IF I WERE O EXPRESS MYSELF IN A ARTISTC FORM, WHAT WOULD THAT LOOK?

AND THAT IS WHY WE HAVE ANT PROJECT HAPPENING NOW.

I WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW THERE LOTS OF DIFFERENT WAYS OF EXPRESSING HOW YOU FEEL ONE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE.

WE ARE ALL UNIQUE AND WE AL HAVE A PLACE ON THIS EARTH.

♪ BRETT: NOW WE ARE INTRODUCG YOU TO MIEL, A UNIQUE BEEKG BUSINESS IN DULUTH.

FATHER-DAUGHTER DUO MARK AD VANESSA SHARE WHAT IT'S LIE WORKING WITH BEES TOGETHER.

♪ >> MY NAME IS VANESSA AND M THE CO-OWNER OF MIEL HERE N DULUTH.

>> MY NAME IS MARK.

I AM A BEEKEEPER HERE IN D. WE HAVE BEES IN FOUR DIFFET LOCATIONS.

SOME OF THE WEST SIDE OF T, SOME ON THE EAST.

IN THE BEEKEEPING BUSINESSE HAVE ABOUT 30 HIVES.

COMPARED TO SOMEONE WHO HAE OR TWO HIGHS -- HIVES, THEY THINK WE ARE A BIG DEAL.

COMPARED TO THE COMMERCIAL, I AM NOTHING BUT WE DO A LF FUN, WE GET TO MEET A LOT F PEOPLE.

EVERYONE SEES A BEE AND THY RUN, IT IS GOING TO STING .

>> I AM NOT REALLY AFRAID F BEES BUT I DO NOT LIKE TO T STUNG.

>> I ALWAYS WEAR A VEIL AND GLOVES, PROTECTIVE HEREWITE BUT MOST OF THE TIME, I DOT WEAR A VEIL OR GLOVES, I JS USE A SMOKER.

I AM WITH THE BEES ALL THE.

>> BEING AROUND BEES CN BE [LAUGHTER] IT'S KIND OF PEACEFUL.

YOU HAVE TO KIND OF UNDERSD THAT THEY ARE NOT OUT TO GT YOU.

I SAW A QUOTE ONE TIME THAT SAID, IF IT BE EVER LANDS N YOU, INSTEAD OF PANICKING U THINK THEY MISTOOK YOU FORA BEAUTIFUL FLOWER.

I WAS LIKE, THAT IS KIND OF COOL.

NOW I CAN'T UPSET.

IT TEACHES YOU TO SLOW DOWD DO THINGS A LITTLE MORE SL.

WHEN YOU MOVE THROUGH LIFEO QUICKLY, YOU CAN MISS THE E THINGS.

YOU LISTEN TO THE BEES FLYG AND YOU CAN TELL WHEN THEIR TEMPERAMENT CHANGES.

>> WITHOUT BEES, WE WOULD E KIND OF SCREWED BECAUSE ITS TWO THIRDS OF ALL THE FRUID VEGGIES WE GET DEPEND ON BS FOR POLLINATION.

THEY ARE HARD WORKERS.

THEY OFTEN -- YOU HAVE OFTN HEARD THE PHRASE BUSY AS A.

SOMETIMES IN THE SUMMER WHI AM WORKING HARD AND TRY TOP UP WITH THE HONEY PRODUCTID TRACTING, I AM SITTING IN Y SWING HERE IN THE YARD ANDM WATCHING THEM JUST GOING N, FLYING, FLYING, AND WHEN TY ARE FLYING HARD I KNOW THEE MAKING MORE HONEY AND MY THOUGHTS SOMETIMES IS, LOO, GIVE ME A BREAK, CANNOT YOW DOWN A LITTLE BIT?

>> MY DAD IS PRETTY COOL.

IT'S NOT A PASSING OF THE N BUT MY DAD IS PRETTY LEGIT.

I HAVE TAKEN TO VIDEOING A DIFFERENT STORY MODE SO I N KEEP IT.

MY KIDS ARE LIGHT, TELL THE STORY, COME ON.

I GET TO HANG OUT WITH MY .

WHAT IS BETTER THAN THAT?

WE CREATED THIS AND ARE TRG TO MAINTAIN IT AND KEEP ITS WHOLESOME AS IT HAS BEEN.

TRY TO GROW A LITTLE BIT.

♪ BRETT: JUST REMEMBER, YOU A BRETT: JUST REMEMBER, YOU .

MAARJA: NEXT TIME A B LANDN ME, I WILL LAND -- NEXT TIA BEE LANDS ON ME, I WILL RER THAT.

BRETT: IT WILL BUZZ OFF.

MAARJA: [LAUGHTER] OUR FINAL VIDEO SEGMENT TOT ALABOUT FISHING.

ONE GROUP SPENT THE EVENING TEACHING PEOPLE HOW TO FISD HAVE FUN ALONG THE WAY.

♪ >> MY NAME IS ALYSSA JOHNS, PROGRAM MANAGER FOR THE ST. LOUIS LINE ISLANDS.

IT ENTAILS A LOT OF DIFFERT THINGS.

A LOT OF PROTION AND EVENTS AND OUTREACH AND COORDINATO MAKE SURE WE ARE STAYING ON TRACK WITH GREAT DELIVERAB.

THE SILVER LINING -- PROTEG AND RESTORING AND ENHANCINE ST. LOUIS RIVER AND WE DO T OF WORK TO CONNECT PEOPLE E WATER AND GET THEM OUT TO EXPERIENCE THE BEAUTY IN OR BACKYARD.

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SILVR LIENS, WE WERE THE ORIGINAL CITIZENS ACTION COMMITTEE N THST.

LOUIS RIVER WAS DESIGNATED AS AN AREA OF CONCERN.

WE WERE THE CITIZENS OPPONN THE PROCESS TO HELP CLEAN P THIS AREA.

THAT IS WHERE WE STARTED.

NOW I THINK IT IS ENGAGING PEOPLE IN WHAT WORK IS BEIG DONE AND NEEDS TO BE DONE D ENCOURAGING PEOPLE TO GET OUTSIDE AND ENJOY THIS BECE THE MORE WE ENJOY IT, THE E WE TAKE CARE OF IT.

TODAY WE ARE HAVING A BEGIR FISHING EVENT AND WE ARE OT BIRCH LAKE LANDING.

WE HAVE INVITED THE COMMUNO COME OUT AND ENJOY THE FREE EVENT AND FREE BEER TO LEAE BASICS OF FISHING, HOW TO T AND BAIT A HOOK AND TO HEAR STORIES AND LEARNED ABOUT REMEDIATION AND RESTORATIOK THAT HAS HAPPENED HERE.

THE ST. LOUIS SILVER LIONSS MANY EVENTS BECAUSE DIFFERT PEOPLE HAVE DIFFERENT INTE.

THIS IS THE FIRST BEGINNER FISHING EVENT BUT IT GOES G WITH OUR RIVER CONNECTION S TO HELP CONNECT PEOPLE BACO THE WATER.

IN TONIGHT'S CLASS PEOPLE L LEARN ABOUT THE RESTORATIOD MEDIATION WORK THAT HAS BEN DONE TO CLEAN UP THE AREA E CAN ALL ENJOY IT.

THEY WILL ALSO LEARN ABOUT GENERAL FISH IDENTIFICATIOE IMPORTANCE OF WATER SAFETYD FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORIED JUST HOW TO BAIT YOUR HOOKD CAST YOUR LINE AND THE IMPORTANCE OF FISHING REGULATIONS AN KIND OF THE BASICS OF WHAT IT TAKES TOT ON THE WATER.

WE CHOSE THIS SPOT BECAUSEE HAVE A GRANT WITH MINNESOTA POLLUTION CONTROL AGENCY TE DIFFERENT EVENTS ALONG THE MINNESOTA SHORELINE OF THE.

LOUIS RIVER TO HELP PEOPLE CONNECT TO WORK AT THE VARS RESTORATION REMEDIATION SIN THE AREA OF CONCERN SO THIA FIVE-YEAR GRANT.

FOUR YEARS OF IT WE ARE HOG EVENTS ON THE RIVER AND THS THE FIRST TIME ON BIRCH LA.

WE ARE EXCITED.

THE EVENT IS FOR ALL AGES.

ALL BACKGROUNDS, WHETHER YE A FIRST OR EXPERIENCED ANG.

THE GOAL IS TO BUILD A COMY THAT GOES OUT TOGETHER.

WE HAVE SOMEONE WHO IS ONE-YEAR-OLD REGISTERED ALE WAY UP TO 77 YEARS OLD.

WHEN WE WERE PROVIDING THIT PROMOTING THIS WE PRIORITID THOSE WHO LIVE IN THE RIVER NEIGHBORHOODS ON THE MINNEO SIDE.

A LOT OF DULUTH AND UP INTO [INDISCERNIBLE] TO RECONNECT PEOPLE IN THOE NEIGHBORHOODS, WHICH HAVE N STORICALLY CUT OFF DUE TO POLLUTION SO THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO REALLY STREN THE RELATIONSHIPS THEY MAYE HAD IN THE PAST.

AND THEN HAVE PEOPLE EXPERE SOMETHING NEW, AS WELL.

♪ BRETT: ARE YOU A FISHER OR ANGLER?

MAARJA: I HAVE NOT IN A FEW YEARS BUT NOW MY BOYS ARE E AGE WHERE THEY ARE INTERESO WE PACKED THEM UP IN THE CD TAKE THEM OUT.

BRETT: FUN.

I DO NOT LIKE TO TAKE THEMT AFTER DARK.

BEFORE WE GO, LET'S TAKE AK AT WHAT YOU MIGHT BE UP TOS WEEKEND.

YOU MIGHT BE FISHING OR HEG OUT TO THE FIFTH ANNUAL BOG AIRPORT OPEN HOUSE FEATUREA FULL DAY OF AVIATION, EDUC, AND ENTERTAINMENT.

THE COMMEMORATIVE AIR FORCE SUPERIOR HANGAR OPENS AT 90 A.M. WITH HISTORY BITS AND TOURS.

FOOD OPTIONS INCLUDE TOM'SE OF CHICAGO STARTING AT 11:, ALONG WITH MINI DONUTS THROUGHOUT THE DAY.

A CLASSIC CAR GATHERING ADO THE ATMOSPHERE.

THE BLUE WATER BIG BAND IS SCHEDULED TO PERFORM AT 1:0 P.M.

FLIGHT ACTIVITIES ARE PLAND .

THEY ARE ALL WEATHER DEPEN, OF COURSE.

MAARJA: THE PARK POINT RUME SALE STRETCHES FOUR MILES G MINNESOTA AVENUE IN DULUTHS PARK POINT NEIGHBORHOOD.

HELD JUNE 13TH AND 14TH, TE EVENT FEATURES AROUND 125 PROPERTIES HOSTING SALES AE SAME TIME.

ALL SALES TAKE PLACE ON PRE PROPERTY, WITH NO PUBLIC SE DESIGNATED FOR VENDORS.

TRAFFIC CONGESTION IS EXPED IN THE AREA, AND MANY SHOPS WILL BRING BAGS, BACKPACKSR WAGONS TO CARRY THEIR FIND.

BRETT: THE ANNUAL LINCOLN K SUMMERFEST TAKES PLACE ON SUPERIOR STREET BETWEEN 19D 22ND AVENUES WEST, CELEBRAG THE LINCOLN PARK COMMUNITYH A FULL LINEUP OF FOOD, MUS, AND ACTIVITIES.

MORE THAN 35 VENDORS AND FD TRUCKS WILL BE PARTICIPATIG THIS YEAR.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY ATTRACTIONS INCLUDE A BOUNCE HOUSE, PEG ZOO, FACE PAINTING, AND HAN ACTIVITIESH LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS.

LIVE MUSIC COMES FROM BREAE TEPLER, YUYA MIX, AND SAM .

THE DAY ALSO FEATURES DANCE LESSONS, A MAYPOLE DANCE, D DEMONSTRATIONS FROM AREA GS INCLUDING THE DULUTH FOLK L AND SUMMIT MARTIAL ARTS.

THAT IS EXCITING.

A LOT GOING ON THIS WEEKEN.

THAT'S IT FOR THIS WEEK'S .

GO OUT AND ENJOY YOUR WEEK.

I AM BRETT SCOTT.

MAARJA: AND I'M MAARJA HEW.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

GOOD NIGHT.

GOOD NIGHT.♪ ♪