Once in a while, after returning from a sports assignment, I reflect and think, "Boy that was a blast." That's how I felt Sept. 19 when I returned home after interviewing Derek Owen for my Sept. 25 story on Popple Park in his backyard and the Wiffleball tournament that was being played there this weekend. Not only was it a blast to do a story with Derek, who worked for the Dispatch sports department about 10 years ago and is one of the craziest guys I know. It was also a blast to take batting practice with Derek pitching Wiffle Balls to me.

Fifty years is a long time so it’s no wonder that when I recount the story of attending the first Minnesota Vikings regular season game, younger colleagues look at me as if I had traveled to Met Stadium by covered wagon.

It was Sept. 17, 1961. The upstart Vikings shocked the NFL by defeating George Halas’ Chicago Bears 37-13, thanks to the heroics of a then-second string, rookie quarterback, Fran Tarkenton.

BEHIND THE SCENES - the story behind the photo

I was on my way to an assignment in Jenkins to get pictures of an orchard and quite suddenly found myself stuck in Road Construction Purgatory for the sin of believing that I could go from Nisswa to Pequot Lakes without any trouble.  Silly me.

The Crossing Arts Alliance is hosting another lakes area Community Art Exhibition at the Q Gallery at Franklin Arts Center in collaboration with the community-wide homecoming celebration. Submission forms are available at The Crossing Arts Alliance office, 1001 Kingwood St, #114, Brainerd or by request, info@crossingarts.org. The submission fee is $15 (or $10 fee for Crossing Arts members) and due September 13.