My friend Joe Weigand made the 10 PM news on Monday night. It was President’s Day and the Roosevelt Park Zoo had arranged for Joe to appear at RVP as Teddy Roosevelt.
Joe has made several appearances at Roosevelt Park Zoo, most recent in my memory was the 100th Anniversary of RVP in July of 2021. Even though Joe plays Teddy Roosevelt in Medora, and has for many years, he feels a kinship for Minot and the Minot Air Force Base and if his schedule allows will with hesitation accept offers to appear as our 26th President in Minot or at Minot Air Force base. Of course, the 91st Missile Wing certainly holds a kinship for Teddy Roosevelt and his Roughriders proudly carrying his name and monicker and probably most famous the raucous battle cry of the Roughriders…”Bully!”
This year will be special in Medora as July 4th, 2026, the 250th Birthday of the United States, the Teddy Roosevelt Presidential Library will open in the hills above the once small cow town of Medora. This special event will garner dignitaries from all over the United States. The Roosevelt Presidential Library will certainly turn Medora into a “must see” stop 365 days a year instead of the summer vacation destination that Medora is now.
Well now back to Joe Wiegand. If you have not seen Mr. Weigand performing as Teddy Roosevelt, the opportunity awaits you as he does “The Teddy Show” at the Medora Theater, and his new venture is brunch with the President. Both of these shows are listed on the Theodore Roosevelt Foundation website with tickets also available in advance.
Joe makes hundreds of appearances as Teddy Roosevelt every year. He is a permanent resident of Medora and leads nature hikes into the hills above Medora as weather, and his time, allow. It is always amazing to me how remembers and relates events about Teddy Roosevelt. A good example is that I was given the opportunity to accompany Joe on a recent tour of Minot Air Force Base. Joe and I were waiting to be given a tour of one of the missile silos, and had started to talk baseball, and the baseball team that I supported. He was not in his Teddy Roosevelt character, but a young man appeared and quickly offered Joe his hand for a “Welcome to North Dakota” handshake. Joe, without hesitation, transitioned into Teddy Roosevelt and soon he was talking with the young Airmen about his hometown of Baltimore. Joe often begins his teaching moments with “did you know?” And from there he quickly becomes the 26th President of the United States, and sure enough he knew several people from Baltimore.
So, thanks to Roosevelt Park Zoo for facilitating Joe’s visit to Minot. “Bully!!”
The Last Year…
I have often referred to the Farmer’s Almanac in my articles as the official book of information about weather and weather trends. However, it appeared that the Farmer’s Almanac was going out of publication after 2026.
However, THE OLD FARMER’S ALMANAC will continue to publish. Even I did not know that there were two Farmer’s Almanacs. And so, what does the Old Farmer’s Almanac predict for weather in our area this winter?
Milder winter overall, though snow and cold come in waves
Late winter may bring surprises—don’t put away the shovel too soon.
Just thought you should know…
It’s Not Too Late…
Most of North Dakota’s state parks have year round facilities that you can rent for a great weekend “staycation”. There are cabins, and Yurts and well even camping spots with year round bathroom facilities. Looking for a “get me through February and March” event. Visit the North Dakota State Parks website for more information. Our favorite is The Pretty Point Yurt at the Cross Ranch just south of Washburn.
Today’s Chuckle
Most kids think all salads should be tossed.
