MPTA Legacy Report 2025

PBS North

Events and Engagement

Fine Arts in the Northland | Episode 3333 | September 13, 2024 Join Maarja Hewitt on this week’s episode of Almanac North as she explores the fine arts community across the region and how local artists contribute to cultural vitality. Natural Resource Management | Episode 3334 | September 20, 2024 On this episode of Almanac North , guests discuss how Minnesota manages and sustains its natural resources, from forests to fisheries, balancing conservation and public access. Workforce Development | Episode 3335 | September 27, 2024 On this week’s episode, we explore workforce shortages and skills development across northern Minnesota and Wisconsin, highlighting training programs and business partnerships. Local Journalism | Episode 3336 | October 4, 2024 This episode looks at the challenges and importance of local journalism in an age of shrinking newsrooms and social media influence. Infrastructure | Episode 3337 | October 11, 2024 On this episode, guests discuss infrastructure projects shaping the region’s future, from roads and bridges to broadband expansion. Elections | Episode 3338 | October 18, 2024 Maarja hosts a conversation about civic engagement and the importance of local elections ahead of a pivotal political season. Public Health | Episode 3339 | October 25, 2024 Experts from regional health departments join Maarja to discuss current public health priorities, wellness trends, and emerging concerns in the Northland. Winter Preparedness | Episode 3340 | November 1, 2024 This episode offers a practical look at winter preparedness across Minnesota and Wisconsin, from road safety to energy conservation.

Native American Heritage | Episode 3341 | November 8, 2024 On this episode, Maarja is joined by community leaders celebrating Native American Heritage Month through storytelling, culture, and education. Veterans Day | Episode 3342 | November 15, 2024 Almanac North honors veterans and their families through interviews highlighting sacrifice, service, and the meaning of Veterans Day in the Northland. Thanksgiving Traditions | Episode 3343 | November 22, 2024 This holiday episode explores Thanksgiving traditions, local food drives, and how communities come together to support those in need. Housing & Affordability | Episode 3344 | December 6, 2024 On this episode, guests address the housing challenges facing the region, including affordability, access, and development. Holiday Giving | Episode 3345 | December 13, 2024 This episode celebrates community generosity, spotlighting regional nonprofits and holiday initiatives that make a difference. Year in Review | Episode 3346 | December 20, 2024 Maarja and guests look back on the year’s major regional stories and moments that defined the Northland in 2024. New Year, New Opportunities | Episode 3401 | January 10, 2025 The first episode of 2025 focuses on renewal and community initiatives designed to inspire progress and connection in the year ahead. Health & Wellness | Episode 3402 | January 17, 2025 This episode explores regional wellness programs and how mental and physical health resources are evolving across the Northland. Winter Sports & Recreation | Episode 3403 | January 24, 2025 On this episode, Maarja celebrates the culture of winter recreation—from skiing and hockey to ice fishing and snowmobiling.

PBS North partnered with Zeitgeist Zinema to host a combined live presentation of Almanac North and the premiere screening of the documentary United in Service . The event featured a panel discussion with local military servicemembers and the filmmaker, focusing on the meaning of service in the Northland and the experiences of those who contribute to their communities through military and volunteer efforts. The live Almanac North segment drew a local audience of community members who participated in the discussion, followed by approximately 25 attendees who stayed for the premiere screening of United in Service . This collaboration between PBS North and Zeitgeist provided an opportunity for meaningful dialogue and community connection around themes of service and civic engagement.

Episodes

Welfare in Minnesota | Episode 3324 | July 12, 2024 On this episode of Almanac North , guest experts in their fields of social welfare join Maarja to discuss the array of situations people may find themselves in that may lead to needing aid, as well as the different aspects of communal giving and support that enable individuals and families to survive short- and long-term need. Post-Service Care in the Military | Episode 3325 | July 19, 2024 In this episode of Almanac North , Maarja is joined by leaders, volunteers, and organizations that focus on aiding military service members during their service and after they return to civilian life. Featuring the Veteran’s Resilience Project, the Veteran Service Office, and the Wounded Warrior Project. Invasive Species | Episode 3326 | July 26, 2024 On this week’s episode of Almanac North , Maarja is joined by experts and conservationists who focus on maintaining habitat and preventing the spread of invasive species. The episode examines the spread of invasive aquatic, terrestrial, and insect species in our region and the efforts being made to prevent further spread. Volunteering | Episode 3327 | August 2, 2024 On this episode of Almanac North , guest experts share their experiences in the realm of volunteering in our region. How has volunteering changed? What motivates people to become volunteers? Which organizations are we most engaged with? Find out on tonight’s episode.

Railroad Regional History | Episode 3328 | August 9, 2024 On this episode of Almanac North , we dive into the deep end of railroads and trains in the Twin Ports. How was the region shaped by steam and steel? Guest experts and historians join Maarja to share the stories of the rails.

Education | Episode 3329 | August 16, 2024 On this episode of Almanac North , education

professionals from across the region discuss classroom challenges, innovation, and how schools are adapting to changing needs in their communities. Indigenous Language & Culture Preservation | Episode 3330 | August 23, 2024 On this episode of Almanac North , Maarja is joined by cultural leaders to discuss preserving Indigenous languages and traditions, and how younger generations are carrying the work forward. Local Food Systems and Co-ops | Episode 3331 | August 30, 2024 On this episode of Almanac North , Brett Scott and guests explore the importance of local food systems, farmers markets, and cooperative business models in building community resilience. Filmmaking in the Region | Episode 3332 | September 6, 2024 This week on Almanac North , Maarja is joined by filmmakers and creatives to discuss the growing media production scene in the Northland and its impact on the local economy.

58

59

Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator