Well, good morning, my fabulous otters. We made it. The sun’s still coming up, even if you’ve been moving in slow motion… like me.
Now, I’ll be honest with you… The spring blues didn’t pack up when the snow melted.
They snuck into summer, curled up somewhere behind the ribs and just stayed quiet.
Not sadness, exactly.
More like exhaustion—a kind of low-battery life where the body moves, the clock ticks, but nothing sparks.
You ever feel that? Like joy got left behind at the last rest stop… and all you’ve got is a good attitude and a tank of fumes?
But let me tell you something. Even that kind of tired can be jump started. I know—because this past week, I found my spark again.
Spent a week in the big city with some old friends—songwriters, misfits, beautiful lunatics with guitars and notebooks. We holed up in a studio, drank bad coffee, argued about bridges and choruses, and cranked out twenty songs. Yeah. Twenty. And no, you won’t hear me singing any of 'em.
Except, maybe, way in the back… behind the background singers.
See, I’ve never been the lead vocal kind. My voice isn’t made for center stage.
But if you listen close, I’m in there— Holding a note, nudging a harmony, reminding the background singers they’re actually the lead singers today.
Because that’s what art does, folks. It doesn’t just entertain. It lifts—the soul, the body, the fog. It stirs the muscles. It whispers, hey—you’re not just surviving out here. You’re meant to move, to feel, to create.
Whether it’s a dance in your kitchen, a doodle on a napkin, a verse scrawled in your glovebox, or twenty songs in five days— Art gives your spirit a reason to stretch.
And that stretch, my friends, is life returning to the limbs. It’s not about perfection It’s not about fame. It’s about aliveness—
The kind that rises up through your boots and reminds you: You're still here. You're still you.
So if you’ve been dragging a little— If the season changed, but your energy didn’t…
Maybe it’s time to dig a little. Find your pen, your paintbrush, your kitchen whisk, your camera, your hammer, your voice. Doesn’t matter what the tool is—just use it.
Because art doesn’t ask us to be good. It asks us to be honest. And honesty, in motion, is one of the most powerful forces this side of the Milky Way.
This is Spiess in the Morning, coming back from the edge of burnout with a notebook full of lyrics and a heart a little louder than before.
New music’s coming soon, written and produced by yours truly.
So here’s to whatever moves you today. Even if it’s just tapping your foot under the table— That’s still movement. That’s still music.
Today’s broadcast podcast isn’t brought to you by headlines, horoscopes, or hot takes— It’s brought to you by a Bible and a lost soul. One that was found decades after it was lost.
Tattered. Weathered. But still somehow… waiting.
Now, this wasn’t about a sermon or a Sunday service. It wasn’t about religion in the institutional sense. It was about reminder— The kind that doesn’t shout, doesn’t guilt, doesn’t beg.
It just is.
And when the right eyes finally see it again, something clicks. A road that was crooked straightens, if only by a few honest steps.
You see, people think it’s the folks in our lives that hold the key to our memories. But sometimes, it’s things. Simple, worn, overlooked things— That carry the weight of our past and the shape of who we used to be.
An old Bible found at Kate’s Corner in Elizabeth.
A wax gorilla from Como Zoo that still smells like crayons and childhood.
A beer can from Schmidt’s Wildlife Series with a loon so vivid you’d swear it could call you back into your grandpa’s boat.
You don’t expect it. You’re just cleaning out a closet, maybe stopping at a garage sale, or opening a box in the attic that’s been taped shut since Reagan was president. And then—bam. Time travel.
But not the sci-fi kind with glowing portals and DeLoreans. I’m talking soul travel. The kind that doesn't take you back, but takes you in. Inside. Where the memory lives not as a movie, but a map.
It’s funny, isn’t it? The right item at the right moment isn’t just nostalgic—it’s clarifying. It can whisper a truth you forgot you knew. It can nudge you, course-correct you, wake up a part of you that’s been dozing off for years.
We live in a culture that loves to clean, purge, minimize, simplify. And sure, there’s freedom in letting go. But don’t be so quick to toss the talismans.
Because sometimes, that crinkled ticket stub or that creased camp photo or that dusty old Bible… isn’t junk. It’s an anchor— Tethering you to what matters, what shaped you, what still guides you if you’d just let it.
There’s a yin and a yang to it, no doubt. Some items sting. They remind us of what was lost, or what we regret. But even then, they serve a purpose. They help us see— The whole picture. Not just the filtered version we carry around in our heads.
So whether it’s scripture, sculpture, or a cheap souvenir from a zoo trip long gone…
Give those things a moment. Hold them. Turn them over in your hands. Let them speak.
Because the past, when honored—not idolized— has a way of lighting up the present.
This is Spiess in the Morning, reminding myself and anyone else listening that the soul doesn’t need a time machine. Sometimes it just needs a nudge—From something small, silent, and sacred enough to survive the years just to find you again at a place like Kate’s Corner, across the street from the liquor store on Highway 59, once again.
Well, aloha and salutations, my beautiful otters. The coffee’s hot, the sky’s clear, and I’ve still got cotton candy stuck to the inside of my jacket pocket.
I was at Pelican Fest this past weekend, and let me tell you… it was a real slice of summer. There were yummy tacos, fabulous music, lemonades bigger than your head, and enough deep fried cakes to fog a windshield.
Kids with painted faces. Grandparents tapping their feet to cover bands playing CCR tunes. People of all kinds moving shoulder to shoulder under a carousel of smells—corn dogs, diesel fuel, and sunblock.
But that’s not what this segment’s about.
No, today I want to talk about something I couldn’t help but notice between bites of my bacon-on-a-stick and a near conversation with Pelican Pete.
We were all there.
All of us.
All ages, all genders, all walks of life.
Physically present, shoulder to shoulder in the golden glow of community.
And yet…
Everywhere I looked, heads were tilted down.
Eyes lit up—not by the stage lights—but by the glow of a 6-inch screen.
Couples walking together without speaking.
Friends in line for a ride, thumbing through apps instead of laughter.
Parents snapping selfies with their kids, only to scroll straight past the moment that just happened.
Now don’t get me wrong—I’m not here to wag a finger at the future. Technology has given us miracles. We can video chat with snowbirds in Tucson, order Thai food without speaking, and learn about gravitational waves before our coffee cools.
But connection isn’t the same as communion.
We can be connected to the whole world…
and still feel completely alone at the fair.
I saw a little girl—maybe five years old—tugging at her mom’s shirt, pointing at a classic car in front of another really cool classic car.
The mom, eyes glued to her phone, didn’t look up. Didn’t even see the moment she missed. And the girl? She stopped pointing.
That hit me harder than the Tilt-a-Whirl.
I wonder if we’ve trained ourselves to document life instead of living it.
To collect proof of joy instead of experiencing it.
To show we were “there,” while somehow not being there at all.
Socrates, the old bearded buzzkill, once said, “Beware the barrenness of a busy life.”
And I think today, that barrenness wears a glossy screen and a full signal bar.
We’ve traded eye contact for emojis.
Laughter for likes.
Touch for tap.
And yet…
There’s hope.
Because every now and then, I saw a moment crack through.
A couple dancing barefoot in the grass, phones forgotten.
A teenager sharing fried pickles with a stranger.
An old man telling stories over a bench to anyone who’d listen.
Real stuff.
The kind you can’t upload.
The kind that only lives if we live it.
So here’s my challenge, otters—
The next time you’re at a festival, a fair, a potluck, or even just the gas station—
Look up.
Talk.
Listen.
Laugh without recording.
Smile without snapping.
Be where you are.
Because while the world’s more connected than ever…
what we really crave—is each other.
This is Spiess in the Morning, reminding myself and anyone else listening that the strongest signal doesn’t come from 5G. It comes from a look, a word, a moment shared in real time.
Checking the bird on a wire, literally there’s a morning dove coo’ing away at me. Now, as the sun climbs higher on July 15, 2025, and the lakes glint with summertime promise. Let’s drift through the news that’s stirring across our shores.
🚓 Frazee Rest Area Shooting: BCA Names Officers & Suspect
Yesterday, the Minnesota BCA confirmed the roles of officers involved in the July 9 encounter at the Frazee rest stop. The suspect has been identified as Todd Ole Burris (36, Bemidji), who fled a domestic assault scene, stole a firearm, and pointed it at officers. Becker County Lt. Luke Sweere (26 yrs on the job) and Detroit Lakes Officer Philip Vaughn (16 yrs) both fired their weapons, wounding Burris in the legs. He remains hospitalized in Fargo; no officers were hurt. They’re now on administrative leave. Body‑cam footage is under review as the case moves to Otter Tail County court.
🐚 New Zebra Mussels Found in Ethel Lake
Hey boaters—some unwelcome guests popped up in Ethel Lake: zebra mussels. The DNR verified their presence on July 14. Please clean and drain your watercraft, follow decontamination rules, and avoid spreading invasive species to keep our lakes healthy.
🚨 Impaired Driving Leads to River Hide‑and‑Seek
Monday night in Frazee, a suspected drunk driver fled on foot into the Otter Tail River, evading officers for hours before being caught by deputies in an airboat. The 28‑year‑old suspect now faces multiple charges—DWI, fleeing, obstruction, and violation of court order
🔐 Stay Alert to Scams & Fraud
Feel a chill in the air? It's not just the weather—it’s also property‑fraud scams. The County now offers a free Property Fraud Alert service to notify you of suspicious filings tied to your land. A small shield for your peace of mind.
🎗️ Relay for Life: A Powerful Night of Hope
Hundreds gathered July 11–12 at the East Otter Tail Fairgrounds. Relay for Life honored survivors, remembered loved ones, and raised nearly $200,000 for cancer research. That takes the decades‑long fundraising total past $3 million. A powerful reminder that every step matters.
🍳 Local Spotlight: Breakfast at Nootzi’s on Main (Perham)
If the morning’s got you drifting through Perham, follow the scent of sizzling hashbrowns to Nootzi’s on Main. It’s one of those breakfast spots where the coffee’s never bitter, the pancakes come golden, and the booths carry the kind of quiet wisdom only found in a town like this. On Tuesdays, try their biscuits and gravy special—comfort in every bite.
No press releases here. Just good food, real people, and windows that let in the sunrise.
That’s our morning tapestry of law, environment, safety, and solidarity on display. Keep your hearts open otters, your awareness sharp, and your paddle steady.
I’m Spiess in the Morning—wishing you a smooth ride across glass‑like water, and a day brimming with late‑summer sunshine.
Otter and out.
The OtterTalk media network – Doing our best to keep the small town smiles alive, fish tales told and the coffee percolating.
CLICK HERE FOR SPECIAL PARAMOUNT PLUS PARTNERSHIP PAGE
OTTER TALK COMMUNITY CALENDAR
🎡 West Otter Tail County Fair (Fergus Falls) – July 19–22
Take the West Otter Tail County Fair, just around the corner in Fergus Falls. Four days of agricultural excellence, carnival lights, and the sound of teenagers discovering who they are over a funnel cake and a first kiss on the Ferris wheel. There’s something spiritual about the demo derby too—an existential clash of chrome and chaos. As Camus might say: in the heart of absurdity, we crush the rules of the road and cheer for survival.
👑 East Otter Tail County Fair (Perham) – July 24–27
Head east a few miles and time bends in Perham for the East Otter Tail County Fair. A twin sibling to its western cousin, but like any twin—it’s got its own voice. There’s livestock, sure, but there’s also laughter under the grain bins, and the kind of warmth you can’t program into an app. It’s honest. It’s home.
🤪 Vergas Looney Days – August 11–13
But maybe you’re feeling a little... looney? That’s okay. Embrace it. The folks in Vergas certainly do. Every August, the town throws Looney Days, a celebration that dances joyfully on the fine line between silly and sublime. We’re talking water-ski shows, dachshund races, and street dances where even your uncle who hasn’t moved since ‘84 remembers how to boogie. Vergas isn’t just leaning into the looney—it’s leading the parade.
🦦 OtterFest (Ottertail) – August 12
Then there’s OtterFest in the town of Ottertail. A little quieter. More music than mayhem. It’s the perfect spot to bring a lawn chair, a blanket, and a beer—and just listen. Maybe talk to a stranger. Maybe don’t. OtterFest gives you permission to just... be.
Kate’s Korner Antiques & Collectables is NOW OPEN in Elizabeth! Located across the street from the liquor store on Hwy 59, Kate’s Korner is a must stop and see. If you see the flags flapping in the wind, she’s open and ready to serve your nostalgic needs.
Paul’s Farm Fresh Eggs - $3/dozen - call or text 218-205-7779 (The Greater Elizabeth Area)
Abbie’s Farm Fresh Eggs - $9 for 30 eggs - washed or unwashed - call or text 320-349-0942 (The Greater Morris Area)
IBC Totes for sale - Endless uses for these totes from firewood storage to rainwater catcher to stacking two for an outdoor shower. Pick up encouraged, delivery available. Food grade are $100 each and non-food grade are $65 each. Call 218-639-1116
The Shoreline Bowling Alley in Battle Lake has open bowling All Summer Long. Call 218-864-5265 for more info or stop by 505 N Lake Ave, Battle Lake, MN.
The Bookmobile has books, movies & magazines to check out, but the Bookmobile and member libraries also offer a wide variety of electronic resources including Ebooks, downloadable audiobooks, streaming movies, TV and music, and a wide variety of educational databases and distance learning resources.
The Bookmobile stops across from the Parkers Prairie Post Office every other Wednesday throughout the year. You can find the Bookmobile there from 3 pm to 4 pm.
The Bookmobile stops in Elizabeth, only this stop isn’t at the community center or the public park, rather it’s a private house. Next stop is July 3 in Elizabeth and it’s a block north of the C-Store on the gravel road, or 206 N Pelican Street, for you GPS folk.
Check out more Bookmobile towns by clicking here
If you have a community event for the Community Bulletin Board, email studio@ottertalk.media
Want Otter Talk to highlight a local musician or upcoming gig? Email studio@ottertalk.media
Feel free to like, share and or comment!
Please tune in tomorrow for more local lakes area tunes, totally tubular tales, and some small-town smiles.
Know someone who might enjoy today’s program? Give a gift subscription or share it on!
Have some news? How about an idea for the show? Email studio@ottertalk.media
Share this post