[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 176 (Tuesday, November 15, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6688-S6689]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO TODD HAUGEN

 Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Madam President, today I rise to honor and pay 
tribute to Todd Haugen, a Minnesota legend who is retiring on November 
18 after 42 years as a local radio host in Bemidji.
  A proud graduate of Bemidji State University, Todd did not always 
intend to become a radio host. He graduated with a major in geography 
with no radio experience, originally hoping to pursue a legal career 
and only taking a part-time gig as an afternoon radio DJ to earn some 
more money. Todd figured that any job where he got to meet and 
interview Barbara Mandell, one of the biggest country singers in the 
country, couldn't be half bad. But he fell in love with his part-time 
pursuit, drawn to the critical role that local radio stations play in 
keeping communities informed.
  Todd has been a staple on local airwaves since 1980 when he first 
joined the team at KB101. With the exception of 6 months in 1985, Todd 
has remained at KB101 throughout his entire career, where he has hosted 
the morning show for almost four decades.
  For generations of families in the Bemidji area, Todd's voice was as 
integral to their mornings as their breakfast and coffee. Commuters 
counted on him for weather updates, students looked to him for the 
score of high school sports games, and the entire community depended on 
him for honest news reporting and candid interviews.
  Through his daily Chatabout public affairs show, Todd has interviewed 
countless local elected officials and leaders, highlighting the issues 
that matter the most to his listeners, from city council agendas and 
school board meetings, to public safety guidance and flu season tips. 
As Todd says, public service and helping people is the best part of his 
job.
  But not all of Todd's conversations were so serious. Throughout his 
four decades in local radio, he also got the chance to show off his 
light-hearted side, participating in cow milking contests, riding 
elephants, and even introducing a wrestling match--all for the 
enjoyment of his listeners.
  Todd's engaging and entertaining work has won him a record six 
National Association of Broadcasters Crystal Awards, a National 
Association of Broadcasters Crystal Heritage Award, and two National 
Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation--NABEF--Service to 
America Awards. He has also been a two-time finalist for the National 
Association of Broadcasters Marconi Award for Small Market Personality 
of the Year.
  Todd's service to his community has gone beyond just keeping them 
informed and entertained on the radio.

[[Page S6689]]

He has done so much to give back, from hosting Hubbard Bemidji's annual 
Radiothon To End Child Abuse since the event's inception in 1988 to 
serving on the local school board this year to fill a vacancy. After 
all Todd has done for Bemidji, he deserves the chance to spend more 
time with his wife and his two daughters and to finally turn off his 
alarm clock.
  Todd, even though Bemidji will miss having you on the airwaves, I am 
wishing you and your family all the best in your next chapter.

                          ____________________