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Wander & Wonder

‘Someone’s got to help’: Minnesota volunteers give injured, orphaned animals a chance

‘Someone’s got to help’: Minnesota volunteers give injured, orphaned animals a chance

Trained wildlife rehabbers work to save injured and orphaned wildlife. Most get no pay. They scrape by on grants and help from local volunteers, doing the work for the joy of giving animals a chance to return to the wild. 
by Dan Gunderson

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‘Loon lady’ turns passion into action to protect Minnesota’s iconic bird

‘Loon lady’ turns passion into action to protect Minnesota’s iconic bird

Sheila Johnston started photographing loons as a hobby. Watching the loons struggle to survive made her a passionate advocate for Minnesota’s state bird, but one experience drove her to action.
by Dan Gunderson

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Meet the wedding painter: Minnesota artist captures real-time wedding scenes on canvas

Meet the wedding painter: Minnesota artist captures real-time wedding scenes on canvas

Artist Shanna Cramer uses paint brushes, oils and canvas to capture precious scenes on wedding days. In an era of instant video and photography, she finds young people embracing her old-soul approach. 
by Dan Gunderson

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Minnesota artist weaves human hair into wearable art, reviving an ancient craft

Minnesota artist weaves human hair into wearable art, reviving an ancient craft

Artist Karen Keenan discovered she had family ties to the centuries-old practice of turning human hair into art through an intricate process of braiding and shaping. Now she wants to revive the once-popular Swedish art form by teaching it to others.
by Dan Gunderson

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For these Duluth teens, a diploma, solar panels and life lessons learned

For these Duluth teens, a diploma, solar panels and life lessons learned

Seven years after a group of Duluth middle schoolers first began advocating for solar panels on their school, they’re graduating from high school. They got it done, but they also learned some lessons on politics, policy and perseverance.
by Dan Kraker

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NW Minnesota farmer stays grounded with plans to help a new generation of growers

NW Minnesota farmer stays grounded with plans to help a new generation of growers

He’s been a successful farmer for 44 years, but rather than cash out to a corporate interest, Tim Dufault decided to give six young farmers access to his land in Polk County. He hopes to cultivate a new generation of farmers who’ll stay rooted in his community.
by Dan Gunderson

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Photos: Minnesota theater marquees shine with lights, neon, action

Photos: Minnesota theater marquees shine with lights, neon, action

In towns large and small across Minnesota, the bright, ornate marquees of historic theaters still beckon passersby to purchase tickets for a movie, concert or play. Here’s a look at some of the remaining beauties.
by Andrew Krueger

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Near the Twin Cities, a hermitage invites all to embrace the silence

Near the Twin Cities, a hermitage invites all to embrace the silence

In the Isanti County woods, austere cabins at the Pacem in Terris center offer visitors silence, solitude and simplicity. Some people have profound spiritual experiences, some struggle with the silence while others simply crash and sleep for hours.
by Dan Gunderson

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Faith in the water: Minnesota dowser in demand despite no scientific proof 

Faith in the water: Minnesota dowser in demand despite no scientific proof 

Jim Kuebelbeck can’t explain it, but he claims to sense the presence of underground water. There is no scientific basis for dowsing, but hundreds of people pay Kuebelbeck to help locate water. 
by Dan Gunderson

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Young girls often struggle with self-esteem. This Minnesota native is ready to help

Young girls often struggle with self-esteem. This Minnesota native is ready to help

Worried about the negative effects of cultural messages on her daughters, Missy Heilman started a nonprofit to teach girls to value themselves. BIO Girls is now active in 120 communities across Minnesota and the Upper Midwest.
by Dan Gunderson

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