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Kevyn Burger

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Recent content from Kevyn Burger
Pat Miles on preparations for death: “The time for this is now, while things are good in your life. If you wait, it’s too late.”

Widowed former TV anchor Pat Miles: 'Once someone gets sick, it's too late'

The retired TV and radio personality cautions others to "not be in denial and stupid like I was" about getting their affairs in order.

More Minnesota homes are getting a glow-up with customizable exterior lights

More Minnesota homes are getting a glow-up with customizable exterior lights

More Minnesota homes are getting a glow-up with customizable exterior lights

From game day to gender reveals, professionally installed LED exterior accent lights are the latest bright idea in smart home systems.
Asheville, N.C., in the fall: creative charms and Blue Ridge Mountains vistas.

Fun, funky Asheville, N.C., beckons with beauty, beer and a bookish boardinghouse

Asheville surprises, from vinyl records to Fitzgerald connections.
Marilyn McClaskey sits for a portrait with her 4-year-old Irish wolfhound, Coal, under the large oak in Better Place Forest where she and her dog's as

Minnesota's first memorial forest allows 'pet parents' to spend eternity with their animals

Better Place Forests in the St. Croix Valley offers an alternative to a traditional cemetery.
Volunteer campground hosts Mary and Rich Dunn held down the fort at Father Hennepin State Park near Lake Mille Lacs.

Minnesota's campground hosts are living the good life in retirement

Corps of older volunteers provide vital services to Minnesota state parks while savoring the good life outdoors.
Rachel Freed with her children, Debbie Stillman and Sid Levin.

What's your legacy? How to write your ethical will or legacy letter

Rachael Freed encourages you to write "legacy letters" to keep your values alive after you're gone — and bring you peace now.

Backyard 'office sheds' gain in popularity with Minnesotans working from home

Backyard 'office sheds' gain in popularity with Minnesotans working from home

Backyard 'office sheds' gain in popularity with Minnesotans working from home

Accessory structures may feature a TV, kitchenette, water cooler and fold-out couch.
After having been denied confirmation as a teen, 82-year-old Ted Roedel was recently confirmed.

Late-in-life confirmation offers spiritual healing for Minneapolis man

Illustration by Matt Chinworth

What you need to know about hearing loss

People delay seeking help for hearing loss despite the danger of Alzheimer's and cognitive decline.
Wayzata Country Club executive chef Paul Neu, who relies on hearing aids, has become ever more satisfied with updates to his in-ear devices.

Minnesota is a hub for exciting innovations to treat hearing loss

From Mayo to the U, researchers push for ways to detect, treat and aid hearing loss.
At Ovative Group, Ogee the office dog is available to spend weekends with employees, upon request.

Keeping in touch in the hybrid workplace

Workplaces manage new challenges communicating with in-office and remote employees.
Marcus Fischer, CEO of Carmichael Lynch.

Who pays for what? Companies manage the new cost of doing (hybrid) business

From chairs to care, how one Top Workplace keeps employee well-being top-of-mind.
Kat Dodge waived a home inspection on her townhouse in Inver Grove Heights. She reviewed homeowner association documents, and said she has found “no

More Minnesota home buyers are skipping an inspection, but should they?

Experts weigh in on the pluses and minuses.

How Instagram star and author Meg Cowden stretches Minnesota's growing season

Meg Cowden is an evangelist for aggressive succession planting.
How an Instagram star and Master Gardener stretches Minnesota's growing season

How an Instagram star and Master Gardener stretches Minnesota's growing season

Meg Cowden is an evangelist for aggressive succession planting.
Julie Ngo, Angelina Xiong,  Brianna Thao, Cenying Yang, Iyana Xiong, Kaylee Khamkouna and Luna Vue.

These Minnesota college students are making up for lost proms

The big night is back as some students who missed their prom because of the pandemic seek a do-over.
A Goldy Gopher doll makes an appearance at the Great Pyramids of Giza, in a photo shared by U of M Alumni Association traveler Sarah Huerta.

Go, Gophers! University of Minnesota alumni travel revs back up

The Minnesota Alumni Travel program offers bucket-list world trips, plus camaraderie.
Sue Scott of "Island of Discarded Women."

Podcasters over 50: Five Minnesotan hosts worth hearing

These locally rooted podcasters speak out about everything from feminism to nomadism, mental health to rock 'n' roll.
Dr. Dennis Cross is a hospice physician at Our Lady of Peace in St. Paul.

St. Paul hospice physician explains why there are racial disparities in end-of-life care

Too many people of color have missed out on the comfort of hospice, says Dr. Dennis Cross. He wants to change that.
A microphone.

Older podcast listeners and creators find their niche

Podcast listening is now growing fastest among older Americans, after they were slower to embrace it than others.
Brian Denny and his daughter Maddie own Props on Wheels, one of the largest providers of cars for movies, TV and advertising in the country in Farming

Need a DeLorean for your next movie? This Minnesota dad-daughter team can deliver

Props on Wheels supplies everything from customized cop cars to classic hot rods for movies, TV shows and commercials made in Minnesota.
Small weddings, the norm during the pandemic, appear here to stay

Small weddings, the norm during the pandemic, appear here to stay

DeYanna Ostroushko with a photo of her mother, Debbie Nash Sedaghat, who died at age 24, just two weeks after DeYanna’s first birthday.

A Minnesota woman lost her mom as a baby. A hometown helped her heal

A Prior Lake woman posted on a Facebook page looking for information about her mom, and townspeople answered the call.
The American Star barn quilt at 21736 State Hwy. 210 in Staples, Minn.

Quilted north: On the trail of barn quilts in central Minnesota

A four-county Barn Quilt Trail brings folk art to backroads and byways.
Samantha Maroney and Tyson Fulton work on preparing dinner Thursday, April 14, 2022 in Spring Lake Park, Minn. They connected right before the pandemi

The pandemic fueled lasting love for this Minnesota couple

COVID-19 lockdowns accelerated some budding relationships.
Roisin Marshall (formerly McCrickard) formed a lasting friendship with Dionne Drugan when she spent summers at Drugan’s Wisconsin home and away from

'We became sisters': Minnesotans took in kids from Northern Ireland in the '70s — and changed lives

Minnesotans opened their homes to kids from Northern Ireland during conflicts there.
Cathy Wurzer, host on MPR, TPT, and creator of the "End in Mind" podcast and foundation which takes an uplifting approach to preparing for your own de

MPR's Cathy Wurzer wants you to live more fully by keeping the 'End in Mind'

The veteran broadcaster's nonprofit seeks to help Minnesotans achieve comfort with difficult conversations around dying.
An obituary in the Kansas City Star newspaper details the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on traditional funeral services, Sunday, April 5, 2020, in O

Online obits serve a transient society and communities in news deserts

Quilted north: On the trail of barn quilts in central Minnesota

"Barrett," the courthouse dog, plays ball with his handler Nicole Carnale in the halls at the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis, Minn.,

Minnesota's 'courthouse dogs' help soothe vulnerable victims

Three Minnesota county attorney's offices employ dogs trained to read cues to ease stress.
October 15, 1954 Betty White, star of DuMont's "Life with Elizabeth" show, has just about enough time to feed her huge St. Bernard, "Stormy," before d

Local animal shelters are hoping for donations in honor of animal lover Betty White

In honor of White's recent death — and what would have been her 100th birthday — the #BettyWhiteChallenge has emerged.
In White Bear Lake, an 1889 church turned theater becomes family's dream home

In White Bear Lake, an 1889 church turned theater becomes family's dream home

Once slated for demolition, "Old Stewart" was gutted and given new life as a "magnificent" home with event space.

Local musicians gather for the annual tuba-only Christmas concert

Local musicians gather for the annual tuba-only Christmas concert

Local musicians gather for the annual tuba-only Christmas concert

Tuba Christmas is celebrated across the country. The annual gathering in St. Paul is one of the largest.
Some shoppers are turning to independent merchants at craft fairs like the Christmas Market at Union Depot in November for their holiday gifts.

Minnesotans shifting how they shop as pandemic changes retail industry

The changes could mark permanent shifts in consumer patterns.

In White Bear Lake, an 1889 church turned theater becomes family's dream home

Minnesota volunteers are trying to help save bees, one jar of honey at a time

Minnesota volunteers are trying to help save bees, one jar of honey at a time

Volunteer "ambassadors" make and sell honey with help from the University of Minnesota's Bee Squad.

Minnesota volunteers are trying to help save bees, one jar of honey at a time

Marge Ostroushko with daughter Anna and Max the cat at home in Minneapolis. Getting rid of the table had been easy. Getting it back seemed to be impos

Downsizing amid grief, Minneapolis woman sold heirloom — then wanted it back

In the face of her deepest grief, Marge Ostroushko learned that not all of her losses are irretrievable.
Cheryl Harms Hauser with her husband, David McNally, at their home in Hopkins.

A terminally ill Hopkins woman shares her plans to die with dignity

Voluntarily stopping eating and drinking (VSED) will allow a woman with Alzheimer's to die on her own terms.

A terminally ill Hopkins woman shares her plans to die with dignity

Mark Stillman plays an Excelsior accordion from the 1930's, Monday, Nov. 1, 2021, in his Minneapolis, Minn. home. This colorful musician dresses in co

A Minneapolis musician has made a living in a most unusual way — playing the accordion

Mark Stillman works as a strolling performer in pubs, cabarets, theaters and senior centers.
Gill Brothers funeral director Daniel McGraw, with an urn of unclaimed ashes.

So you want to be cremated. That's not your last decision.

Most Minnesotans are choosing cremation, but many are not doing enough to make the final plans for their remains.
Now a racial equity officer at a St. Paul nonprofit, De’Vonna Pittman is also a motivational speaker, the author of three books — a memoir, a vol

These Minnesota 'Youthfuls' know you're as young - or as old - as you think

How you feel about aging has a direct impact on how well you age, science shows.

A group of African American women are rediscovering the double Dutch jump ropes of their youth

These women are rediscovering the double Dutch of their youth

These women are rediscovering the double Dutch of their youth

Long a staple for young girls, double Dutch is now finding adult adherents across the country — including in Minnesota.
Angie Haag photographed at her home, Wednesday, October 6, 2021 in St. Paul, MN. ] ELIZABETH FLORES • liz.flores@startribune.com

Finding growth in the aftermath of post traumatic stress disorder

Healthy dreams

Dream of Wild Health teaches Native youth to grow, cook and eat healthy food from its Hugo-area farm.
Robert Kelling, 68, placed on a sticker after receiving a COVID-19 Vaccine shot at a Thrifty White in Waseca.

Small but vocal group shuns businesses with unvaccinated employees

The coronavirus is changing where some of us shop, dine and seek entertainment.
The secret ingredient for better cookies? This pungent powder from the Middle Ages

The secret ingredient for better cookies? This pungent powder from the Middle Ages

Using the chemical version of an ancient ingredient creates wondrous heritage baked goods.
The touching stories behind those memorial benches at the Minnesota State Fair

The touching stories behind those memorial benches at the Minnesota State Fair

Personalized benches at the State Fair offer much-needed seating and often a touchstone for grieving family and friends.

The touching stories behind those memorial benches at the Minnesota State Fair

Personalized benches at the State Fair offer much-needed seating and often a touchstone for grieving family and friends.
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Minneapolis animal rescue helped evacuate desperate dogs of Kabul

A Minneapolis group helped evacuate the desperate dogs of Kabul.
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Get a hobby! Former WCCO anchor Don Shelby shows us why older people need one – or five

The importance of finding meaningful pursuits as we get older — starring Renaissance man Don Shelby.
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This club gives RVs cheap access to off-the-beaten-path camping spots in Minnesota

RVers club finds unique spots to spend a night.
Local clothing designer Maxine Britt who's putting a new spin on gender neutral clothing, bringing in vivid colors and fun shapes sat for a portrait i

Minneapolis designer busts stereotypes with gender-neutral line of colorful clothing

Up-and-coming Minnesota designer breaks barriers with vibrant gender-neutral clothing line.
Decision fatigue has become a symptom of the coronavirus pandemic.

Tired? Lack motivation? Pandemic brain fog might be to blame

The phenomenon is affecting those who have had COVID-19 as well as those who haven't.
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New Twin Cities restaurant Joey Meatballs will serve pasta with a side of redemption

Food Network prize winner and former felon Joshua Hedquist wants to create "a flagship for second chances."
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Minneapolis-St. Paul airport offers aid to travelers with hidden disabilities

A simple badge is making flying more manageable for travelers with disabilities such as autism-spectrum disorders, dementia and vision and hearing disorders.
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Instead of getting a lot done during the pandemic, most Minnesotans just tried to get through it

What happened to the projects we started when COVID-19 hit? Not much. And that's OK.
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Has the pandemic altered your personality? Some Minnesota extroverts say it has

Social distancing and isolation have taxed extroverts and introverts, but for different reasons.
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The value of 'weak ties': Minnesotans are missing their acquaintances during the pandemic

The people we see infrequently – at a parade or around a Seder table — play a key role in our lives.
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KSTP chief meteorologist Ken Barlow gets candid about mental health issues

A post from a viewer led him to publicly address his eating disorder.
How some older Minnesotans are learning to live well with chronic pain

How some older Minnesotans are learning to live well with chronic pain

Almost everyone experiences it. But health care providers are increasingly looking past opioids to alternative methods of coping with chronic pain.
Co-author Robert Schanke, husband Jack Barnhart and their granddaughter Katy are portrayed on the cover of “Katy Has Two Grampas.”

'Katy Has Two Grampas' tells a family's story of gay grandfathers

A new picture book from Minnesota highlights a growing reality in many families.
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Welcome to Blursday: Why the pandemic has thrown off our sense of time

With every day Blursday, it's hard to keep track of time — or make memories.
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Robotic pets provide companionship to Minnesota seniors: 'Kitty is there'

A new breed of electronic cats and dogs exhibit lifelike behaviors.
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Political divide threatening relationships among family, friends and co-workers

Political divisions continue to strain relationships among families, friends, even co-workers.
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How to bridge the political divide

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How Twin Cities parents can guide kids through food shortages

Food insecurity caused by the pandemic may trigger a wide wave of eating disorders.
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Adult children still living at home? How families can address 'failure to launch'

Twin Cities psychologist specializes in families with young adults who aren't moving on.
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Homebound Minnesotans stay grounded with houseplants

Homebound Minnesotans embrace live greenery as a design element.