It’s been interesting, this week, to see the cherry tree outside my window fill up with buds and birds, keeping a stiff upper limb pretending that last month’s devastating ice storm never happened. I made a rather feeble attempt to trim back some of the surviving branches to help it regain a sense of symmetry but, I’m afraid, it looks like a bad haircut that’s just going to have to grow out on its own. After a week that has gone from shivering cold to sweltering heat in a matter of hours, the dandelions have finally decided it was safe to come out and have been pushing their little yellow heads up from the dirt. They’re either really tough buggers this year or the weed killer I bought last summer has lost considerable potency because one spray ain’t cuttin’ it.
I’ve really been clomping down nostalgia lane lately as Keloland Television approaches its 60th anniversary May 19th.
My first shot at anchor in 1975 with Jim Burt, Steve Hemmingsen and Dave Dedrick.
I’ve done a couple interviews with Angela Kennecke recalling memories of my 32 years working there. I’ve always felt a bit guilty using that term because being part of Keloland TV has never been what I think of as “work.” When I sacked oat hulls at Cotton Elevator in Volga or picked rocks on my Uncle Johnny’s farm; that was work. For the most part, employment at Keloland was more of a joy than a job.
Anyway, the Keloland News and Production departments have really been busy digging through the archives rounding up fascinating images; photos, films and video tapes..some of which you’ve been seeing recently during newscasts and on Keloland.com. It all comes together for an ambitious hour-long special on Monday May 20th at 6:30 pm.
In 8 years of doing the Lund at Large blog, I’ve shared a lot of personal memories posting, at one time or another, most every picture and plaque I have from my career in TV.
So, some of these included below have been here before but am sharing again for those who may not have seen them, don’t mind seeing them again or simply enjoy watching the physical deterioration of an anchorman through the ages.
Steve, Me and Burt aboard the Kelo plane heading to Huron and the State Fair
Once in Huron, we’d stroll around the fairgrounds handing out Keloland program schedules.
Sometime later, I had the bright idea to cut down on the walking and autograph the sun visors Kelo was giving away outside our mobile home on the fairgrounds. A gesture of vanity, I suppose, but people stood in long lines for them. We eventually got a table and chairs so we could sit down as we signed. Both Steve and I wish we could slip into those pants again.
Every once in a while, one of those Keloland visors shows up..like this one at a rummage sale for a quarter.
What an honor to be associated with this bunch of guys for so long.
And, what a treat it is to STILL be part of the Keloland team as the Voice of Keloland. Here’s a quick look at what my current duties entail.
I usually go in a couple times a week for a recording session and have the chance to greet folks in the newsroom, like producers, Anna Peters and Andy Graning (both seated) Along with Ben Dunsmoor and Perry Groten checking over the rundown.
Chief photographer, Kevin Kjergaard on his way to shoot another award winner story.
My boss, Paul Farmer sets up to record my voice. Tapes..even discs are things of the past. It’s all digital now.
“Keloland News, brought to you by Grand Falls Casino.”
At home, I have loads of reminders about my long association with Keloland Television on the walls of our basement and my man cave.
Just a few photos and items from my basement shrine.
Among my proud possessions is the glass circle from Captain 11’s original time converter and,below, a lovely sentiment from Angela given when I retired.
One day, Linda surprised me with a collection of awards and special memorabilia arranged on the wall of my man cave. What a wonderful little wifey she is.
It’s as cliche as can be but it really does seem like yesterday when it was me spending the better part of a year assembling photographs, films and interviews after being assigned to produce Keloland TV’s 25th anniversary special. It wound up running two hours during prime time in May of 1978. And now..look here..we’re still around and taking part in the 60th! The “60 Years In Keloland” hour long special can be seen Monday evening, May 20th at 5:30 pm Central time. Don’t you dare miss it.