MINNETONKA POLICE OFFICER MIKE ATKINSON
If one wants to see the epitome of a good cop, you don't have to look any further than former Minnetonka Police Officer Mike Atkinson.
I first met 'Minnetonka Mike' when I was a dispatcher for the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office in Minneapolis and he was a patrol officer for the Minnetonka Police Department. In addition to representing his department, and his profession, in an outstanding manner, Mike was always there to answer the public's calls for service and provide 'backup' for his fellow officers. Mike's uncanny ability to make multiple arrests single-handedly is something that we both reminisce about even to this day!! If, during the 1970's, you were driving around Minnetonka and saw a bunch of people sitting on the ground near a squad car with their hands behind their back (with NO handcuffs), chances are from good to excellent that Officer Atkinson wasn't far away.
Mike's law enforcement career began in 1970 with the Minnetonka Police Department where he rose to the rank of Detective (a DARN GOOD ONE!) in 1976. In 1986, Mike became a criminal investigator for the Hennepin County Attorney's Office where he currently is employed.
Mike is 'one of a kind' and a credit to his law enforcement profession.
METEOROLOGIST KEN BARLOW
Ken Barlow began working at KARE 11 in 1990, and was promoted to Chief Meteorologist in 1994. He regularly appeared on the 5, 6 and 10:00PM weekday newscasts. Ken first worked at KARE 11 as the co-host of the morning programs "Sunrise" and "KARE 11 Today." Prior to that he worked at WLBZ-TV in Bangor, Maine.
Ken won an Emmy for his coverage of the Granite Falls tornado in 2001 and another Emmy in 2005 for KARE 11 News at 5PM. He has also received Emmy nominations for the PBS documentary "The Air We Breathe" and "Simply Science." In 1992, Ken won a gold medal at the New York International Film and Television Festival for "Chandler Tornado."
Ken received his college degree in meteorology from Plymouth State University in New Hampshire and he has held the AMS Television Seal of Approval since 1988. Ken is originally from Newport, Rhode Island. Ken resided in the Twin Cities with his wife, Theresa, and their children, Patrick, Meredith and Caroline and served on the Board of Trustees of the Boys and Girls Club of the Twin Cities. Ken worked at KARE 11 Television for 15 years. His last day at the station was December 20, 2005.
THANKS, KEN !! for a JOB WELL DONE !!
CAPTAIN LYNUS 'BOB' BLOEDOW
Without question Captain Bob Bloedow was the 'coolest' and 'neatest' boss that I've ever had. I first met Captain Bloedow when he was a Lieutenant in the Hennepin County Warrant Division and I was a lowly deputy assigned to the Sheriff Department's Communications Division. At that time, Don Omodt was the Hennepin County Sheriff.
After being promoted to Sergeant in the Communications Division and working there in that capacity for a few years, I was transferred to the Warrant Division. Upon being transferred, I got to know Captain Bloedow much better. He was someone, a leader, that commanded respect wherever he went or whatever he did. He never 'got excited'; nor did he ever hesitate. He did what had to be done and did it admirably and with respect to those involved. He had a unique sense of humor and a keen wit that made working for, (and with) him, a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
As I was 'winding down' my law enforcement career with the Sheriff's Office, Captain Bloedow sought to be elected Dakota County Sheriff. Unfortunately, he was defeated in his bid. Later, I received a 'leftover' Dakota County Sheriff's campaign 'flyer' from him while living in Carver County. Attached to the campaign flyer was the following note: "Dick: If you know of anyone in Carver County named Bloedow, I have a lot of leftover campaign flyers they can have".
Captain Bloedow's picture to the left was scanned from his campaign flyer; I apologize for its poor quality. The picture on his flyer was much more sharp. Like he was.
There was NEVER a finer person that I've EVER worked for than Captain Bloedow.
PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY STEVE ECKMAN
Everybody knows the bad reputation, in general, that lawyers have. Those of you that are regular visitors to my Webpages have been witness to the unprofessional and unethical conduct by lawyers that I've dealt with, both in the private sector as well as those that are continually sucking on the 'government teat'. It is, indeed, a sad situation that such a group of supposed 'professionals', with all of their knowledge, power and authority, so blatantly abuse the public trust that they demand they receive.
All of this makes one want to ask, "Is there such a thing as a credible, honest lawyer that you can trust?" The answer is a resounding "YES!!"
Steve Eckman, the 'driving force' behind the Wayzata law firm of Eckman, Strandness and Egan, is one of just a few lawyers that I have ever met or heard of that I've ever trusted. PERIOD !! I'm not exactly sure when I met Steve but I believe it was during one of my famous 'DELTA DICK' Listener Appreciation Get Togethers that I used to have for all of the listeners to my Old Tyme Music radio show which is now heard around the world, across the nation and up your alley, on the Internet.
Steve is an admired, well respected personal injury trial attorney, author, and national lecturer and is respected by lawyers, judges, and legislators throughout the country. His legal career, for more than 30 years now, has been spent as a trial specialist in personal injury and wrongful death law. Steve has a long record of legal successes, and he's helped draft laws and rules relating to the Dram Shop law and farm machinery accidents.
Steve's energy sets the tone for the entire firm, and his well-established expertise is applied to every case his firm handles. If you ever need an attorney that you can trust, Steve Eckman is truly a lawyer that you can trust !! I personally GUARANTEE it!
The only other lawyers I know that I believe to be as honest and above reproach as Steve, is a lawyer and friend named Katy. Also one named 'Eric'. Oh yeah; another credible lawyer I'm aware of is called "Mayor". (See below.)
ST. LOUIS PARK MAYOR JEFF JACOBS
If there was such a thing in the world as a dictionary that contained pictures instead of words, if you looked up the picture of 'dynamic', you'd find a picture of St. Louis Park (Minnesota) Mayor Jeff Jacobs.
I've never met Mayor Jacobs but I have watched the St. Louis Park City Council meetings on their local cable access channel 17 for two and one half years. Mayor Jacobs conducts the council meetings with dignity, sincerity and respect for those citizens and business people appearing before the city council for a variety of reasons while, at the same time, interjecting his unique sense of humor whenever and wherever he gets the opportunity.
Watching ANY city council meeting on local access cable TV has always, at least to me, been about as boring and uninteresting as watching paint dry or watching a grocery truck unload at the corner grocery store. But Mayor Jacobs has changed all that; now, in addition to receiving valuable information about their city, St. Louis Park residents also get that information coupled with just the right 'dose' of classic 'Mayor Jacobs humor' to make a normally and usually monotonous event more than just informative. It's entertaining as well. And, in addition to being a potent and knowledgeable political figure, he also has an impressive 'laundry list' of accomplishments. I predict a very promising future for Mayor Jacobs. Washington D.C. needs his type of creativity and unique leadership. As well as his sense of humor. (My 'sources' tell me that he is a 'great fan' of the Marx Brothers!)
Mayor Jacobs has been named to the National & Global Youth Service Day Honor Roll by Youth Service America and received that award during a Sunday afternoon St. Louis Park Vision Town Summit.
Mayor Jacobs was also honored along with 27 other public officials who have performed outstanding service in promoting young people as assets, resources and leaders in their communities. More than 150 people were nominated for the award, and only 26 mayors and one tribal chairman were honored nationally. St. Louis Park residents can, indeed, be extremely proud of their Mayor.
According to the award criteria, the honor roll membership "honors public officials who have demonstrated a commitment to make a seat for young people at the decision-making table."
The honoree's for this award came from 21 states. Mayor Jacobs and three other winners were from communities designated as one of the top 100 Communities for Young People by the America’s Promise organization.
Nominated by Karen Atkinson of Children First, Mayor Jacobs is known as "the young person's mayor" due to his own volunteer activities and support of youth service. Since becoming mayor in 1998, Mayor Jacobs has been very accessible to youth in his community through one-on-one interactions and support of group efforts, often working side-by-side with them on projects.
Mayor Jacobs has a long history of supporting St. Louis Park's youth and volunteering for a variety of events involving, and benefiting, the youth of St. Louis Park.
St. Louis Park City Council meetings are broadcast on the Internet. In addition to the initial 'live' meetings being 'Webcast' , they are also repeated throughout the week on local cable access channel 17. Check the St. Louis Park Website at www.stlouispark.org for meeting times and dates.
Watching Mayor Jacobs 'in action' during the St. Louis Park City Council meetings is a refreshing 'twist' to a previously platitudinous event. Check out local cable access channel 17 or log on to www.stlouispark.org and watch the St. Louis Park City Council meetings; it's the best example of taxpayer dollars being wisely spent for the benefit of the entire community, that you'll ever witness.
Tune into local cable access channel 17 in St. Louis Park or, if you can't receive channel 17, check out the Webcast of the St. Louis Park City Council meetings. It'll be time well spent and an excellent example of how government should 'work' for the betterment of it's communities, it's citizens and, particularly, it's youth.
MAYOR JEFF JACOBS:
Devised the concept of a Mayor's Youth Summit five years ago, where young people talk about their vision for the community and changes needed to make it youth friendly.
Championed the creation of a new skating park, designed by young people.
Appoints young people to the city's Park & Recreation Commission, Human Rights Commission and Police Advisory Commission.
Served cake in the high school cafeteria on Election Day to celebrate the right of passage of our 18-year-old voters.
Participated on a committee run by youth that determined how to spread the message of asset building to the business community.
MAYOR JEFF JACOBS VOLUNTEER EFFORTS FOR KIDS:
Member of Children First Vision Team and early supporter of this concept which through a partnership brings together the city, schools, faith, health and business communities to support young people by building the 40 developmental assets. St. Louis Park was the first community in the nation to take Search Institute's pioneering research and transform it into community action.
Spearheaded creation of Bookmark in the Park, community-wide intergenerational project encouraging everyone to read the same book.
Tutors at Homework Help once a week at the community center in one of our low-income neighborhoods.
Participated as a Senior Chore Day volunteer. As a Rotarian, teamed up with high school athletes to rake yards of senior citizens.
Helps on an intergenerational planning committee and scoops ice cream cones at the Children First Ice Cream Social, an event drawing thousands of people to celebrate our youth and their families.
Gives city tours to grade school classes and speaks to high school civics classes.
Served on the committee that created the St. Louis Park Schools Community Education Youth Plan.
St. Louis Park Mayor Jeff Jacobs is a 'class act' !!
DR. DONALD LYNCH, MD
I first met Dr. Lynch back in 2003 and was immediately impressed with his professionalism and dedication to his profession. A synopsis of his Medical Education and Certification includes:
Undergraduate School: University of Minnesota - Medical School: University of
Minnesota - Medical Degree 1967
St. Mary's Hospital - 1967-68
U. S. Public Health Service - Family Practice 1968-70
American Board Family Practice, 1976
Recertified, 1983, 1989, 1995
Dr. Lynch's Professional Associations include being an Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School and a member of the Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians.
Dr. Lynch has practiced Family Medicine in the Shakopee area since 1972. While he continues to do some obstetrics, most of his recent practice has been in family medicine and occupational medicine. In June 2006, he transferred to Urgent Care. Dr. Lynch and his wife enjoy golf, tennis, biking, gourmet cooking and travel. Dr. Lynch also enjoys many outdoor sports, landscaping in their yard, and flower gardening.
I can always tell when some is told by their bosses that they have to be nice to their 'customers'. Dr. Lynch doesn't have to be told. He's just naturally a 'nice guy' and a sincere, caring professional who already has those, and many other, fine qualities. I'm really gonna miss him telling me to say "Ahh"!
It's the only time, since being a kid, that I've stuck my tongue out at someone and thoroughly enjoyed doing it.
NEWS ANCHOR PAUL MAGERS
Paul Magers joined KARE 11 in September of 1983. He was the co-anchor of the 5:00PM, 6:00PM and 10:00PM weekday newscasts.
Paul, a native of Washington state, has worked as a reporter at KGTV-TV in San Diego and at KATU-TV in Portland, Oregon. He began his broadcasting career at KSTP in Saint Paul as a sound technician, dispatcher and field producer.
Paul received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Washington, and a Juris Doctorate degree from the Hamline University School of Law.
Paul resided in Minneapolis while working at KARE 11. He began his new position in January 2004 at KCBS in San Francisco.
In addition to anchoring the 5, 6 and 10PM newscasts at KARE, he hosted numerous specials and moderated political debates (including the November 2002 debate between former vice president Walter Mondale and Norm Coleman, who were vying for a seat in the U.S. Senate following the death of Paul Wellstone) and participated in a wide variety of community events, including a 1997 telethon to raise money for flood relief in Minnesota.
His national television appearance was when he served as a substitute anchor on the weekend editions of NBC's "Today" show.
Paul was born in Santa Maria, California and spent the majority of his childhood in Toppenish and Ellensburg, Washington. He earned his bachelor's degree in speech and economics at the University of Washington and, after moving to the Twin Cities in 1977, he earned his Juris Doctorate degree from the Hamline University School of Law in St. Paul.
The recipient of numerous industry awards, including several Emmy's and a Golden Mike, Paul began his broadcasting career at KSTP-TV in St. Paul, then moved in 1979 to KATU-TV in Portland, Ore., where he began working as an on-air reporter. In 1981, he moved down the West Coast to KGTV-TV in San Diego, where he spent two years as a reporter and anchor before he returned to the Twin Cities and began his 20-year career with KARE 11.
One of the most highly regarded news anchors in the country, Paul joined the CBS 2 News team on January 5, 2004. (Ironically, that's the same date that I got fired by the radio station in New Prague where I had worked since April 2002!! ) A native of Santa Maria, California, Magers and Laura Diaz anchor the stations weekday 5 and 11PM newscasts.
HENNEPIN COUNTY SHERIFF PAT MCGOWAN
Hennepin County Sheriff Pat McGowan is Hennepin County's 26th sheriff and was elected to office in 1994. Sheriff McGowan is also a former Minneapolis Police Officer and a former Minnesota state senator. Sheriff McGowan graduated from Mankato State University in 1979. He's also attended the prestigious FBI National Executive Institute, is a member of the Minnesota Sheriffs' Association, National Sheriffs' Association and Major County Sheriffs' Association.
The National Sheriff's Association named Sheriff McGowan the 2005 winner of it's Ferris E. Lucas Award for Sheriff of the Year. The national award, given each year to one of the nation’s more than 3,000 sheriffs, was presented to Sheriff McGowan on June 26, 2005 at the NSA Annual Conference, held in Louisville, Kentucky.
Sheriff McGowan was nominated for the award by Carver County Sheriff Bud Olson stating, "Sheriff McGowan is a recognized law enforcement leader at the local, state, national and international levels. In Minnesota, law enforcement agencies from throughout the state look to his office for advice and assistance," Sheriff Olson continued. "Through his leadership at the national and international levels, Sheriff McGowan has helped make Minnesota law enforcement a recognized partner in our law enforcement profession," Sheriff Olson added. "I cannot think of a more deserving person for this prestigious award than Sheriff McGowan."
As many of you already know, I worked for the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office from October 20, 1969 until September 15, 1984 and attained the rank of Sergeant in both it's Communications and Warrant/Fugitive Divisions. That was long before Sheriff McGowan was elected to office. During all of my employment with the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, the sheriff was Don Omodt who, incidentally, is the longest serving sheriff in the history of Hennepin County. Every time I've stopped into his office to meet him personally, Sheriff McGowan wasn't there.
But even though he's no longer the Hennepin County Sheriff, I'm still looking forward to meeting him in person some day.
MINNEAPOLIS POLICE CHIEF WILLIAM MCMANUS
The residents of Minneapolis lost a truly gifted Police Chief when former Police Chief William McManus packed his bags and headed south to San Antonio, Texas to become their Police Chief.
There has to be at least one 'hidden message' in the departure of Chief McManus: He was a 'valuable commodity' that the City of Minneapolis could have retained by immediately addressing the renewal of his contract earlier. But, instead, the city chose to 'drag their feet' thinking that McManus wasn't smart enough to be sought out by another city. How wrong they were!
The Minneapolis City Council and Mayor Rybak hopefully will learn a lesson by McManus' leaving but they probably won't. They simply have to treat all employees fairly and 'upfront'; regardless if they're a Police Chief or a somebody that is just entering public service for the first time.
As a retired law enforcement officer, I've continually watched the chief's come and go through the revolving doors of Minneapolis City Hall, with interest. Not surprisingly, I can't remember offhand who was the Minneapolis Police Chief before colorful Tony Bouza. I truly enjoyed the manner in which Chief Bouza executed his responsibilities and some of the 'off the wall' (but, nonetheless, true) statements that he made. As for his lackluster predecessor Chief Robert Olson, he, too, was an 'OK' chief but Chief Bouza was a tough act to follow. Then along came Chief William McManus.
Taking over and leading the Minneapolis Police Department can't be an easy task for anyone and I believe Bouza, Olson and former Chief McManus would 'back me up' on that. Not only do you have the myriad of personalities of hundreds of dedicated men and women to deal with, any chief, whether within or outside of the Police Department, also has the politics of city hall compounding their job.
Hopefully, future Minneapolis Police Chiefs will not have to put up with the elected politicians of Minneapolis 'second guessing' their every move. City department heads are hired to do a job; let them do it.
Chief McManus: As a seasoned (but retired) law enforcement officer, I think you did a great job as Minneapolis Police Chief and I would have been proud to have had you as my chief during my active law enforcement career. The City of Minneapolis should have sent a clear 'signal' to you months ago indicating their now 'feigned' support to retain you as it's Police Chief. The mere fact that officials from the city of San Antonio sought you out instead of the reverse, attests to the much desired quality of leadership and talent that the city of Minneapolis so desperately needs but now has lost.
Best of luck to you in your new position as San Antonio's Police Chief. It's been said that a person is most appreciated after they're 'gone'. Your legacy with the city of Minneapolis has yet to be written completely but as far as I'm concerned, YOU DID GOOD!! The mixed culture of citizens of the city of San Antonio are indeed fortunate to have a person of your caliber lead their Police Department. GOOD LUCK !!
Here's a copy of an e-mail I sent to Chief McManus:
Chief McManus:
I am a retired law enforcement officer who, as part of my law enforcement career, worked for the Hennepin County Sheriff's Department from October 20, 1969 until September 15, 1984. During my career, I attained the rank of Sergeant in both the department's Communications and Warrant/Fugitive divisions.
By my very nature of being on God's earth and having been in law enforcement, I still like to 'follow' the happenings taking place regionally. I have followed your (too short) career with the city of Minneapolis. I also met you and Mayor Rybak a couple of months ago in the atrium of the Government Center where I introduced myself to both of you.
There aren't too many people that I come across that really impress me. But, from your first day on the job as Minneapolis Police Chief, I knew that you were a 'NO B.S.' chief; something that Minneapolis desperately needs; both in leading the department and addressing crime issues.
I am saddened to see you leave and embarrassed with how the city chose to keep you on 'pins and needles'' rather than be upfront about renewing your contract. Minneapolis' loss is certainly San Antonio's gain.
I have placed you on a Website that I created that honors people that I truly admire. Please go to my homepage at www.deltadickshow.com and scroll down to 'MY FAVORITE PEOPLE'. Then, click on that link to be taken to the "MY FAVORITE PEOPLE' Webpage.
Best of luck in your new position; the citizens of San Antonio are truly fortunate to have you as their next Police Chief.
Sincerely,
Dick Odoms, Cologne, Minnesota
TEACHER NANCY JO MOSES
I never was a great student and wasn't particularly fond of going to school. But I DO remember certain teachers during my 'school days' when I attended Richfield Public Schools in the 1st grade through the first half of the fourth grade and the second half of the fourth grade to my senior year in high school when my family moved to Plymouth. Of all of the fond memories I have of my favorite teachers while going to schools both in Richfield and Wayzata, none of those teachers can compare to a teacher that I met during the 2000-2001 school year while I was working with two developmentally disabled kids that attended Chaska Middle School East.
Because of his physically aggressive behaviors, a twelve year old boy needed someone by his side all during the school day in the event that he began 'targeting' other students or school staff. I was the person that provided mentoring and companionship for this student. I literally went to school (6th grade) every weekday from 7:30AM until 2:30PM and attended each of this child's classes with him. One of his classes was Art Class, and the teacher of that class was one of the most charming, personable and exceptional educators that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.
Nancy Jo Moses, or 'Mrs. Moses' as I ALWAYS called her, was absolutely outstanding !! At the time I was 'attending' her Art Class with the student, she had already been a teacher for something like thirty-one years!! And, she showed no signs whatsoever of 'slowing down'. I haven't a clue of how she did it, but she made learning about Picasso, Rembrandt, Monet and all of the rest of them, really, really interesting. And SHE, not the students, controlled her classroom. It wasn't long after being in her classroom that I realized that Mrs. Moses was truly 'one of a kind'. What a truly exemplary educator and how fortunate her students were to have had her as one of their teachers!!
The world needs more 'Mrs. Moses'; our kids would be much better citizens and then they could offer a more promising outlook for future generations to come.
What a truly wonderful, wonderful and gifted lady she was (and probably still is) !!
CARVER COUNTY SHERIFF 'BUD' OLSON
Sheriff Olson was re-elected in the fall of 2006 to his third term as Sheriff of Carver County. Without a doubt, he has brought professionalism to the Office of Sheriff of Carver County and made Carver County a safer place in which to live, learn and work.
Sheriff Olson has been a regular guest on my 'DELTA DICK' Olde Tyme Music Show heard around the work four times a week via the Internet on www.247polkaheaven.com. Most recently, Sheriff Olson has been my guest on 'DELTA ON DEMAND'; an Internet program that I host featuring interesting interviews with interesting people about topics of interest and is available for your listening pleasure 24/7/365 via the Internet. Currently, two interviews with Sheriff Olson are available on 'DELTA ON DEMAND'.
Sheriff Olson is past president of the Minnesota Sheriff's Association and prior to being elected to the position of Carver County Sheriff, Sheriff Olson worked for the Minnetonka Police Department where he attained the rank of Sergeant.
FORMER HENNEPIN COUNTY SHERIFF DONALD J. OMDOT
FOX NEWS ANCHOR BILL O'REILLY
Bill O'Reilly is the type of person that your mother and dad wanted you to be when you grew up. Bill hosts "The O'Reilly Factor" (now celebrating it's eleventh year) on the Fox News Channel and his show remains the dominant number one cable news program in the USA. In fact, it has been the highest rated broadcast for more than 200 straight weeks! Blending news analysis with investigative reporting, "The Factor" has gained international prominence as well -- it is now seen in more than 30 countries. Bill also hosts "The Radio Factor", a two hour call in program, is heard on more than 400 stations in the United States has become one of the most profitable radio franchises in the nation.
Bill has written three adult non-fiction books (The O'Reilly Factor, The No Spin Zone, and Who's Looking Out for You) that have each reached the number one spot on The New York Times best seller list. Also, Bill's book for children, The O'Reilly Factor for Kids, was the best selling children's non-fiction book of 2005.
Bill O'Reilly has won a bevy of journalism awards including two Emmy's. He began his broadcasting career in Scranton, Pennsylvania and proceeded onto Dallas, Denver, Boston and Portland, Oregon as a local news reporter/anchor.
In 1980, he returned home to New York City for a stint at WCBS-TV before moving to the national news scene reporting for CBS and ABC News. Bill continued his climb as the anchor of the syndicated program "Inside Edition," before settling in at Fox News in 1996.
Born in Manhattan and raised on Long Island, Bill O'Reilly holds a degree in History from Marist College, a Master's in Broadcast Journalism from Boston University and another Master's Degree in Public Administration from Harvard's Kennedy School of Government.
In his spare time, Bill O'Reilly takes naps.
PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN
Ronald Reagan was the 40th President of the United States (1981–1989) and the 33rd Governor of California (1967–1975). As President of the United States, he endured countless insults over his two terms and thereafter, but he was proven right by history. He exposed the fallacy of communism for what it really was, a totalitarian and inhumane institution, and destroyed it as an arguably legitimate form of government.
He believed and demonstrated that low tax rates that did not punish high income earners did indeed benefit all, and his policies caused one of the greatest economic expansions in our country's history; however, for those who believe in "income redistribution" based upon some perverted notion of "fairness" this was anathema, because those who "pulled the wagon" benefited instead of those who "rode in the wagon."
Finally, in spite of those who sought to portray him as an amiable dunce, his letters demonstrated a deep intellect and an abiding sense of principled and disciplined outlook. He demonstrated what real leadership is - staying the course in the face of numerous obstacles and distractions and ultimately accomplishing his objectives.
HENNEPIN COUNTY SHERIFF RICH STANEK
Sheriff Stanek was elected Hennepin County Sheriff in the fall of 2006 and assumed his duties on January 1, 2007. Sheriff Stanek began his Law Enforcement career with the Cottage Grove, Minnesota Police Department and has an impressive twenty-three year career during which he was Captain of the Minneapolis Police Department's Homicide Division as well as being the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. A former Minnesota legislator, Sheriff Stanek lives in Maple Grove with his wife and their two children.
Sheriff Stanek has been a previous guest on my 'DELTA DICK' Olde Tyme Music Internet Show heard four times a week on www.247polkaheaven.com as well as a guest on my 'DELTA ON DEMAND' Internet Show that is heard around the world via the Internet and is available 24/7/365.
Currently, two interviews (including one where we discuss the catastrophic collapse of the 35W freeway bridge over the Mississippi River in Minneapolis on August 1, 2007) with Sheriff Stanek are available on 'DELTA ON DEMAND'.
NEWS ANCHOR FRANK VASCILLARO
Frank Vascellaro joined KARE 11 in October of 1996. Frank was the co-anchor of the 5, 6, & 10 PM newscasts. Leaving KARE 11 in December 2005, Frank joined WCCO TV.
Prior to his employment at KARE 11, Frank worked at WAND-TV in Decatur, Illinois as a weekend anchor/reporter. Frank's broadcasting experience also includes anchoring the 5, 6, and 10PM news at WHOI-TV in Peoria, Illinois.
A Denver native, Frank worked as a stockbroker in Chicago for several years before entering broadcasting.
Frank graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder. He also attended Columbia College in Chicago, Illinois, and the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
He has received individual awards in addition to a number of honors for the various shows he is involved with.
Frank was an Honorary Chair of the Greater Minneapolis Crisis nursery. He is also involved with a number of charities and organizations in the Twin Cities. He regularly is the master of ceremonies for the annual events of the Big Brothers and Big Sisters, The Children's Cancer Research Fund, the Crisis Nursery, the Minnesota Children's Museum, the Cancer Kids Fund, Children's Heartlink, and many other organizations.
Frank married television WCCO TV News Anchor Amelia Santaniello in 2000 in Florence, Italy. They have 3 children, a son Sam and twins Joseph and Francesca.
In addition to trying to manage three kids age four and under, Frank continues his quest to turn Amelia into a college football fan.
Frank and Amelia live in Minneapolis. If anyone has photos of Frank, please e-mail them to me at deltadickshow@yahoo.com so I can post them for everyone to enjoy.
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