Hockey Day Minnesota-January 17, 2009

It’s almost here…the third annual Hockey Day Minnesota will take place on Saturday, January 17, 2009. A full day of hockey programming will include seven telecasts of games taking place at five separate locations. Two of the games will take place outdoors on Lake Phalen in St. Paul.


This year FOX Sports North has extended coverage to 20 consecutive hours of hockey programming and added elements that have not been incorporated in years past, including a girls' high school hockey game, a Houston Aeros' (the Wild’s primary developmental affiliate) game and a floor hockey game from Iraq. FOX Sports North, in conjunction with the Wild, has also produced several special features and vignettes including unique and fun-filled hockey stories. Among these vignettes are:

Corey Wheelock—Thirteen year old Corey from Duluth was born with a rare birth defect and had his leg amputated below the knee as an infant. Despite his condition and prosthetic leg, he is still a contributing member to his hockey team.

Jason Bleistein—Jason is a hockey fan, the goalie for a team in a local men’s hockey league and a hero. He recently donated one of his kidneys to his co-worker's wife.

Mike Ramsey and his daughter – Minnesota hockey legend and current assistant coach for the Minnesota Wild, Mike Ramsey sits down with his daughter for a special father-daughter interview. His daughter, Rachel, is a prep player at Minnetonka High School.

Hockey Ministries—Bill Butters and Jack Carlson were well known Minnesota hockey players in the 70’s. They were both known as “fighters”and now they lead a hockey ministries program.

Sled Hockey—The St. Paul Johnson kids volunteer time to give handicapped people the opportunity to play hockey.


2009 Hockey Day Minnesota Schedule:
9:00 AM: Hockey Day Minnesota
10:00 AM: Rochester John Marshall vs. St Paul Johnson at Phalen Park, St. Paul
1:00 PM: White Bear Lake vs. Duluth East at Xcel Energy Center$
5:00 PM: University of Minnesota vs. St. Cloud State at National Hockey Center, St. Cloud
8:00 PM: Minnesota Wild vs. Anaheim Ducks at Xcel Energy Center
11:00 PM: Minnetonka vs. Stillwater (girls) at Phalen Park, St. Paul*
1:30 AM: Toronto Marlies vs. Houston Aeros at Houston, Texas*

$Game will include live look-ins of the Minnetonka vs. Stillwater girls game (start time: 1:30 PM)
*Tape Delay
*Houston Aeros game played Friday, Jan. 16, 2009

Media Coverage:
Duluth Superior Magazine: http://www.duluthsuperiormagazine.com/Sections/Feature/HockeyDay.shtml
Vype Magazine: http://magazine.vype.com/showmag.php?mid=wtqhgd#/page42/

FOX Sports North Talent Share Their Hockey Day Stories

Anthony LaPanta
“I live what a lot of Minnesota families live. I have a son in youth hockey.”

A sports journalist and a hockey dad, Anthony LaPanta is connected to the game of hockey at every level. LaPanta covers high school, college and NHL hockey for FOX Sports North and supports his son Vinny who plays youth hockey in Shoreview.

Darby Hendrickson
“Hockey is our culture…it’s just what we know.”
“My three year old is already in skates and asks to be called “Hockey Boy”…he reminds me of myself growing up.”

The former Minnesota Wild center grew up in Richfield, Minnesota, surrounded by the game of hockey. His dad was the head coach at Richfield High School and Apple Valley High School before moving on to work as the strength and conditioning coach for the Minnesota North Stars. Hendrickson was a standout player throughout high school, Rookie of the Year at the University of Minnesota and a member of 1994 USA Men’s Olympic hockey team. He spent ten years in the NHL and played overseas in Austria for two years. He now works as a host and analyst for FOX Sports North.

Ann Carroll
“I grew up with six older brothers…they all played hockey!”
“My mom jokes I was practically born at the rink...."

From her youth in Edina, Minnesota, to covering FOX Sports North’s Hockey Day Minnesota, Carroll’s hockey journey has come full circle. Carroll grew up with six older brothers who played high school (Edina High School) and college hockey (Wisconsin, Michigan Tech, Mankato State and Michigan). Two of her older brothers currently coach the Gustavus women’s hockey team and another brother coaches college men’s hockey out east. Carroll was a competitive figure skater growing up because girls' hockey didn’t exist.

Marney Gellner

Even though hockey wasn’t a big part of her life growing up, she admits the sport became a huge part of her life when she met her husband, Matt. Matt was the ice arena manager at the University of North Dakota. They met when Gellner worked as a reporter at WDAZ-Channel 8, covering the Fighting Sioux. Gellner now covers high school, college and pro hockey at FOX Sports North. Her husband, Matt, has been the ice arena manager at the Dakota Sports and Fitness Center in Prior Lake for the past eight years.

Ad Sales Spotlight: Burger King

FOX Sports North, in conjunction with the NHL’s Minnesota Wild, recently announced that Minnesota Burger King (BK) restaurants have been named the presenting sponsor for the Third Annual Hockey Day Minnesota.

The over 120 Minnesota BK locations have teamed up to present Hockey Day Minnesota 2009. “We are thrilled to be presented with the opportunity to sponsor and support Hockey Day Minnesota, in the state where hockey is king,” said Jim Reddin, local BK franchisee and owner of Red King Foods.

BK Operators have shown their support in the community through many local youth athletic and scholastic sponsorships throughout the years. "We saw this as a natural extension of our commitment to the community,” says Reddin. “We look forward to teaming up with the Wild and FOX Sports North, both of whom have shown their dedication and commitment to youth athletics and the community. The Wild, FOX Sports North and BK look forward to bringing Minnesota hockey fans the best Hockey Day in Minnesota ever!”

A Behind-the-Scenes Tour of Target Field

FOX Sports North recently toured the new Twins ball park and with approximately 457 days until the ballpark opens, things are looking good. The new ball park, Target Field, will bring outdoor baseball back to Minnesota. With many plans in the works, FOX Sports North got to see first hand many of the production aspects of the new vicinity.

“The Minnesota Twins have gone to great lengths to design a TV friendly stadium,” said Bob Rohde, Director of Operations. "Twins baseball will help insure state-of-the-art coverage with their announce booth locations and sizes, pre and post game locations, camera positions, and the associated cable and fiber optic infrastructure."

The new stadium also provides close proximity between the production trucks and the production-able interconnect room for efficient hookup. Extra wide hallways will help ensure crews can move equipment efficiently from the production truck to their final location. Additional elevators will also allow quicker access to all levels of the new stadium.

The new Twins ball park will open in 2010, and FOX Sports North is feeling the anticipation. “The Minnesota Twins have been so great and accommodating by including us (FOX Sports North) in every step of the process. We can’t wait to start broadcasting outdoor baseball,” said Matt Gangl, Director.

New On-Air Timberwolves Image Campaign

Check out the new Timberwolves image campaign on FOX Sports North. The promos utilize the Wolves “See What They Can Do” campaign and grant an inside look at Kevin Love and Mike Miller by showcasing the players’ backgrounds and off-the-court personalities. Look for more to come soon…

Gardy...a Minnesota Wild Fan?!

Ron Gardenhire, Minnesota Twins' manager and Minnesota Wild fan, was a special guest during FOX Sports North’s broadcast of the Wild vs. Flames game on Wednesday, December 17.

Gardenhire joined Kevin Gorg and Darby Hendrickson during the Qwest Wild Live pregame show and first intermission “Faceoff” to debate baseball and hockey-related topics. Gardenhire also joined the FOX Sports North crew on the ice during the Qwest Wild Live postgame show to participate in a hockey instructional where Gardenhire put on his first pair of hockey skates to learn the basics of hockey.

FOX Sports North Gives Back

As we start the new year and look back at 2008, our hearts are still full and our hands, still giving. Together with Kinship of Greater Minneapolis, as a first time initiative, FOX Sports North participated in sponsoring families in need this holiday season.

Kinship of Greater Minneapolis is a year round organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and families through increasing opportunities for a healthier social, physical, spiritual, and intellectual well-being. One way the program does so is by matching volunteers with children in need.
An event put on every year by Kinship, FOX Sports North dedicated both time and resources to helping out this year. “I am really pleased with the amount we raised and the help that was offered,” said Elizabeth Kmety of FOX Sports North. “When we delivered the presents, you could really feel the difference we were making.”

Along with sponsoring families, FOX Sports North also donated tickets to an upcoming Wild game for one lucky family. Game night will also include an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Xcel Energy Center. “These tickets are like gold,” said Penny Kallas, Community Partnerships Director for Kinship of Greater Minneapolis.

For additional information on how you can become a volunteer through Kinship of Greater Minneapolis please contact Penny Kallas at 612-990-5417 or through email at pennyk@kinship.org. “More than 150 children, ages 5-15, are waiting for mentors. The need is great and we encourage individuals, couples, and families to connect to their community through a child in need of additional adult support,” said Kallas.

Employee Spotlight: Mark Piper

As a financial analyst at FOX Sports North, Mark Piper enjoys working in the sports world and the variety of tasks he does, but most of all he enjoys the people he works with on a daily basis that make the job so enjoyable and fulfilling.

Where did you attend school?
I attended high school at Faith Community Christian School in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. I attended college at a small business school in Colorado which had a ten month intensive program.

What do you like to do in your free time?
I like doing anything with my family and friends.

Who is/are the most influential people in your life?
My faith in God and Jesus are what drives me.

If I wasn’t doing this job, I would love to…
My dream would be to help desolate regions of people to flourish, doing things such as building orphanages, water wells, schools, etc…

Tell us something unique or interesting about yourself.
My daughter, AngelRose was diagnosed with cancer in May of this year. She continues to shine as a light of hope for others.

If you could have one super power, what would it be?
To be honest, I wouldn’t want that burden.

North Wins 7 Emmy Awards

Fox Sports North further solidified its position as the regional leader in local sports programming by taking home seven Emmy Awards at the Ninth Annual Regional Emmy Awards presented by the Upper Midwest Chapter of the National Television Academy. FS North’s seven Emmy Awards in 2008 came from an amazing 17 Emmy nominations. In the past five years, FS North has been recognized with 24 Emmys for its excellent programming.

2008 FS North Emmy Award Winners:
On-Camera Talent – Host - Ann Carroll
Sporting Event/Game Series - Twins
Public/Current Affairs – Our Heroes: A Black History Month Special
Documentary – Spotlight: Twins Platoon
Editor Sports – Nicole Kunkel
Promotion Single Spot – Wild Playoffs – Tod Lavanty
Promotion Single Spot – Twins/Brewers – Tod Lavanty

Photos:

Top Photo:
Back Row (l-r): Trevor Fleck, Skip Krueger, Mike Dimond, Tom Hanneman, Jeff Byle, Anthony LaPanta. Front Row: Bob Rhode, Patricia Whitney, Ann Carroll, Joseph Maar.

Bottom Photo:
Ann Carroll wins her first Emmy Award

Hockey Day Minnesota 2009 Coming Soon...

Hockey Day Minnesota 2009 is fast approaching. Make sure to check out Qwest Wild Live before the Minnesota Wild game on November 12 to find out exact locations, teams, schedules, and additional information.

Twins End Season with Record Ratings

The Minnesota Twins and Fox Sports North announced that the team had a record-setting year in television viewing during the 2008 season. The Twins drew the third highest viewership of all Major League Baseball teams with an average rating of 7.47, an increase of 9.2 percent over the 6.8 average rating in 2007.

According to Nielsen Media Research, the team’s all-time season high ratings average on FS North in 2008 surpassed its previous 6.7 rating average in 2006 and 6.6 average in 2005. Seventeen Twins games posted a rating of 10.0 or higher on FS North in 2008, which was the most in one season ever on the network.

The Twins-White Sox telecast on July 29, earned a 13.73 rating, making it FS North’s highest-rated telecast of the season and highest rated telecast in Fox Sports North history.

Pre- and post-game shows on FS North also drew record high numbers during the 2008 season. Qwest Twins Live pre-game shows earned a 1.17 average rating, an increase of 16% over 2007, while post-game shows earned a 2.72 average rating, an increase of 37% over last season.

“This has been an incredible television year for the Twins,” said Dave St. Peter, Twins president. “Thanks to our fans throughout Twins Territory who helped make 2008 a successful year for the Minnesota Twins and Fox Sports North.”

In the Media:

Star Tribune: Twins Had Impressive Ratings on FSN North
http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/31146744.html?elr=KArksUUUU

Star Tribune: Twins Telecasts Beat Grey’s Anatomy
http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/29809049.html?elr=KArksUUUU

Affiliate Spotlight: Mediacom

Fox Sports North recognizes our valued partner Mediacom for continued support and maintaining quality cable services. Mediacom is the nation’s eighth largest cable television company committed to serving the local community. Mediacom has participated in bringing the Wild Road Tour and Twins Winter Caravan to communities in Minnesota and South Dakota.

Additionally, Mediacom was an integral part of Twins Live viewing parties at Maynard’s this summer by assisting with bringing the high definition feed to the site and providing prizes for fans at the party.

Timberwolves Begin 20th Season

The Minnesota Timberwolves have kicked off their 20th season in full swing. The team played to a full house at the Target Center on Wednesday October 29 winning an exciting game against Sacramento. Check out the Timberwolves on FS North throughout the month of November and tune in every week for Wolves Weekly.

Wolves Weekly is a a new program that provides fans an up close and personal look at the Timberwolves organization and an opportunity to get to know the players. Join host Telly Hughes as he gets the inside scoop on the latest news, behind the scenes access, and special features celebrating the Timberwolves 20th season as a team. Check your local listings for times and dates.


20th Season Timberwolves Special Events:

College Nights - Every Wednesday home game college students with a valid ID will receive a $20 ticket for $10, sit in the Wolf Pack section with other college students and enjoy dollar hot dogs. The first 100 college students who show up on game day between 5:30-7:30pm will be upgraded to lower level seats.

Guys Night Out - For $35 guys will receive a discounted ticket to the game, passes to attend a pre-game VIP Reception on the suite level (featuring complimentary beer), an appearance by the Wolves Dancers, and other entertainment for the perfect guys’ night out! Join us Wednesday November 26 when the Timberwolves take on the Phoenix Suns and Friday February 20 against the Indiana Pacers.

The Start of a 'Wild' Hockey Season

Hockey season is underway and the Minnesota Wild are off to a great start. This year the Wild started their season undefeated in regulation through the first seven games. Fox Sports North will continue to cheer on the Wild throughout the month of November with a full schedule of programming.

November Schedule:
November 4: San Jose, 9:30 PM
November 8: Vancouver, 9:00 PM
November 13: Phoenix, 7:00 PM
November 15: Columbus, 7:00 PM
November 28: Tampa Bay, 1:00 PM
November 29: Nashville, 7:00 PM

Employee Spotlight: Erich Manwarren

As the Operations Manager of Fox Sports North and Fox Sports Wisconsin, Erich Manwarren prides himself on scheduling, helping, and maintaining a productive and professional level of operations between both regions. As our employee spotlight of the month, Erich enjoys maintaining the balance between work and family.

Give us a brief overview of your job at FS North:
I am responsible for the scheduling of crews for the studio, high school and Puma truck events. I also do payroll for all freelance employees. I am also responsible for scheduling ENG shoots and maintaining equipment that is used on our shows.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part is seeing our show and programs on the air with no technical or crew issues.

Where did you attend college?
University of Wisconsin, Platteville

What do you like to do in your free time?
I love to play with my two kids, Max (5) and Riley (3), and go to movies with my wife (date night!) I also like radio control cars.

Who is/are the most influential people in your life?
My parents

If you weren’t doing this job, you would be a ….
I would be a Freelance Technical Manager, or a Camera or Tape Operator.

Who is your favorite team to watch?
Minnesota Twins

What is the best part of working at Fox Sports North?
The best part is the people and there is always something happening or going on.

Tell us something unique and interesting about yourself:
For a high school science challenge I built a bridge made out of balsa wood that held 57lbs. The bridge weighed 10oz. I have also launched a golf ball and ping pong ball 30 feet, having them land in an ice cream bucket!

If you could have one super power, what would it be?
I would want to be able to teleport myself from location to location.

Twins Ratings

The Twins are focused on capturing the AL Central and the fans are focused on the team more than ever. According to Nielsen Media Research, the Twins averaged a 9.1 rating (151,560 households) during the last 25 games and recorded some of their highest ratings.

Ten of the past 25 games on FS NORTH have earned over a 10.0 rating and placed in the top 25 highest rated broadcasts in FS NORTH history.

Wild Schedule Announced

As the destination for comprehensive local coverage of the Minnesota Wild, FS NORTH will provide extensive coverage of the 2008-09 season with 45 games along with Wild Live pre and post game shows. Analyst Mike Greenlay enters his sixth season and play-by-play announcer Dan Terhaar his fourth year for Wild telecasts.

The Minnesota Wild on FS North debuts with coverage of the home opener vs. the Boston Bruins at 7:00 PM on October 11.

Don't Miss It:
-Wild Season Preview 2008: Premiers October 3

Timberwolves Schedules Announced

FS NORTH, the destination for the most extensive local coverage of Minnesota Timberwolves basketball, has announced the 2008-09 television schedule. Play-by-play announcer Tom Hanneman will call the Timberwolves’ action on television for the twentieth consecutive season and analyst Jim Petersen enters his eleventh season.

The 40-game schedule begins Sunday, November 2 with Minnesota’s first road trip of the year at Oklahoma City (6:00 p.m.).

Don't Miss It:

-Pre-season games on FS North: October 22 & 23

-Wolves Season Preview 2008: Premiers October 22

Ad Sales Spotlight: Maynards & Sony/Best Buy

Maynards Restaurant—a popular hang-out spot for great food, fantastic company and an amazing view of Lake Minnetonka—and the location for a recent FS NORTH HD viewing party presented by Sony/Best Buy.

Hundreds of Twins fans crowded the outdoor patio of Maynards for the chance to watch the game on two large screen Sony HD TVs, enjoy food and beverage from Maynards and hang out with FS NORTH as the sun set over the lake.

Sony/Best Buy HD Viewing Party #2:
-Thursday, September 18
-6:00 PM
-Maynards

FS North at the MN State Fair

FS NORTH took the show on the road to the Minnesota State Fair, Aug 21-Sept 1, for twelve days of fun, sun and food on a stick. If fair goers weren’t visiting the animals, hanging out at the Grandstand or standing in line for cheese curds, they were hanging out at the FS NORTH booth excited for the opportunity to record a free sports update, win prizes, and be a part of the Qwest Twins Live broadcasts.

The staff from FS NORTH greeted thousands of fans from across the region and got to spend time with a number of special guests including: the Minnesota Wild’s Kurtis Foster, Viktor the Viking and the Viking cheerleaders and Olympic gold medalist and Minnesota Lynx player, Seimone Augustus.

Photos:

-FS NORTH employees Kate Kauffman and Nikki White with Viktor the Vikings and Vikings cheerleaders.

-Seimone Augustus poses for a picture with a few young fans.

FS North Unveils New Studio

FS NORTH recently unveiled a brand new studio and desk design, part of FS NORTH's overall plan to showcase Minnesota teams in new ways. Keeping current with today's design trends, the new studio better integrates teams into the excitement and passion sports represent.
The desk was designed and built by one of today's leading designers while the overall studio look was designed by FS NORTH's broadcasting partner KMSP-Fox9 in Minneapolis. The new studio and set are part of the latest in virtual technology and allow FS NORTH to quickly switch between different teams or cover breaking sports news.

Employee Spotlight: Ann Carroll

When Edina, Minnesota native Ann Carroll moved back to Minnesota to work for FS North in July 2006, it represented a symbolic crowning of her dedication to the field of sports journalism. A lifelong Vikings fan, Ann grew up cheering for the purple and gold; now, she takes fans behind-the-scenes as the host of Vikings Weekly.

NN: What college did you attend?
AC: Started at Iowa State and graduated from St. Cloud State University.

NN: Where did you work prior to FS North?
AC: I was a sports journalist at KBJR-TV in Duluth, KSTP-TV in St Paul, WDAF-TV in Kansas City, KMOV in St Louis and host/reporter at FSN Midwest.

NN: Favorite sports team?
AC: Minnesota Vikings!

NN: You’ve covered a lot of sporting events and interviewed a lot of players. What has been the most memorable?
AC: Catching up with some of the greatest names in Vikings history. A big thrill for me was meeting and interviewing the legendary hall of fame coach, Bud Grant.

NN: Something interesting about you…
AC: I am the youngest and only girl of seven siblings.

NN: If you could go to any concert…
AC: Jimmy Buffet.

NN: What do you consider the most rewarding part of your job?
AC: Hearing from fans, I hear from people all over the country who appreciate what we do!

Vikings Weekly is an exclusive look at the Vikings on and off the field with stories of current and former Vikings players. Tune in to Vikings Weekly Sundays at 10:30am.

Qwest Twins Live from the Minnesota State Fair

FS North will be live from the 2008 Minnesota State Fair August 21 through Labor Day with special one hour Qwest Twins Live pre- game shows. Stop by the FS North "Be a Sports Anchor" booth located at the corner of Cooper and Judson for a chance to record a free sports update, win prizes, and be a part of the live broadcasts.

Spotlight: Target Presents National Night Out

In a partnership designed to heighten awareness and strengthen participation in anticrime efforts throughout the community, FS North in conjunction with Target presented Twins Live: National Night Out on Tuesday, August 5.

FS North televised a special 90 minute edition of Twins Live from the Minneapolis North Loop block party. It was a first of its kind television event specifically designed to focus on National Night Out-‘America’s Night Out Against Crime’. FS North, Target and hundreds of local community members attended the party complete with free food, live music, interactive games and an opportunity to be on live TV.

The National Night Out celebration continued throughout the Minnesota Twins vs. Seattle Mariners game as FS brought viewers back to the site of the North Loop block party and checked in with block parties at other satellite locations.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.nationalnightout.org/

Shjon Podein Children’s Foundation

On August 9 FS North televised The Shjon Podein Celebrity Golf Tournament, a half hour special designed to raise awareness about a unique foundation established by former NHL star and Minnesota native Shjon Podein.

Hosted by FS North Wild analyst Mike Greenlay, the show highlighted a two-day charity event that took place in Rochester, Minnesota on June 28-29. Viewers got a behind-the-scenes look at the 11th annual event and were introduced to numerous professional athletes and celebrities including country star Brad Paisley.

The mission of Podein's charity, Team25 is to improve the quality of life and create an environment of caring and community support for children facing extraordinary difficulties in their lives.
PICTURE: FS North employees Nicole Kunkel, Becky Ross and Mike Greenlay with country star Brad Paisley

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

http://www.team25.org/

The Twins Score Big Ratings

The Twins may be battling for a playoff berth, but as far as ratings go it's no contest. Twins games on FS North have dominated local cable and broadcast primetime viewing for the region, averaging a remarkable 8.31 rating during 18 telecasts throughout the month of July.

BREAKING RECORDS:
The Twins-White Sox game on July 29 earned a 13.7 rating, making it the highest rated telecast in FS North history.

IN THE MEDIA:
www.startribune.com/sports/twins/26111769.html

In the Community: FSN Live from Wisconsin Dells

FS North joined forces with the Minnesota Twins and the Wisconsin Dells Visitor and Convention Bureau to host a weekend-long Twins telecast event in an effort to draw attention to Wisconsin Dells. The special event included three telecasts from various locations throughout Wisconsin Dells Friday, July 25 through Sunday, July 28. This special event was crafted to highlight the Dells and remind viewers that they are an affordable and easily accessible getaway for people of all ages.

“This weekend-long telecast was a community outreach project. It allowed us to demonstrate our loyalty to the local community,” said Mike Dimond, Senior Vice President and General Manager at FS North. “We needed to let people know that despite weather-related challenges in early June, the Dells are open for business.

PHOTO: Marney Gellner interviews Tim Gantz, the owner of Noah's Ark- 'America's Largest Waterpark'

FS North & the Minnesota Twins Celebrate First Responders Week

FS North and the Minnesota Twins teamed up to pay special tribute to first responders with a series of local programming initiatives, including a tribute to those involved with the 35W Bridge collapse and a neighborhood devastated by a recent tornado, during First Responders Week, July 28 through August 2, 2008. Throughout the week FSN highlighted police officers, medical/EMT teams, firefighters, and water patrol units.

With Friday August 1 marking the one year anniversary of the 35W Bridge collapse, FS paid tribute with a special hour-long edition of Qwest Twins Live as host Anthony LaPanta and Twins President Dave St. Peter revisited the events that took place one year ago.

The First Responders Week finale took place Saturday August 2 in Hugo, Minnesota, an area devastated by a tornado in late May. Once again LaPanta was on the scene, visiting with citizens and local officials who responded to the disaster and also celebrating with neighbors who have rallied together to rebuild a community.

PHOTO:
FS's Anthony LaPanta interviews community members and first responders in Hugo, Minnesota

Inside Corner: New Interactive Feature on FS North

FS North continues to explore the popular world of text messaging by recently introducing Inside Corner to fans on Wednesdays during the Qwest Twins Live pre-game show. The new interactive programming structure provides fans with the opportunity to participate in the Twins broadcast.
Inside Corner is a segment where FS North talent debate hot topics during the pre-game show by discussing two baseball related questions and one general interest topic. Eacg talent receives 90 seconds to discuss each topic in a friendly battle to win viewer votes. As the debate progresses, fans text “A” or “B” to short code: 74499. Votes are tallied live and tracked on the screen so both talent and viewers know who’s winning the debate.