[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 24 (Tuesday, February 3, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S467]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                       TRIBUTE TO COLIN MacDONALD

 Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I rise today to honor Colin 
MacDonald or, as his listeners in the Brainerd Lakes Area have known 
him for over 30 years, ``Mac,'' as he begins his retirement.
  Mac first moved to Brainerd in 1992. He fell in love not just with 
the beauty of the Brainerd Lakes Area, but with the community that made 
it such a special place for him and his family to build the next 
chapter of their lives. Mac quickly began hosting overnights as ``Mac 
in the Middle of the Night'' on the Power Loon local radio station.
  Mac eventually went on to host mornings with his friend and coworker 
Danny Wild. For 25 years, Mac and Danny were an iconic duo who brought 
news, laughs, and warmth to the mornings of thousands of Minnesotans. 
Danny lost his battle with cancer last year, a loss felt by people 
across the region, but especially by his close and loyal friend Mac.
  The kindness and dedication that listeners could hear in Mac and 
Danny's friendship was a staple of Mac's broadcasting career. In 1994, 
Mac started calling play-by-play for Brainerd Warriors high school 
sports, covering football, basketball, baseball, and hockey. For over 
30 years, Mac was the voice of Brainerd Warriors sports, calling over 
2,000 games, an honor for which Brainerd High School inducted him into 
the Hall of Fame.
  In 2026, as the saying goes, ``Everyone watches women's sports.'' But 
thanks to Mac, the Brainerd Lakes Area was ahead of the times as he 
brought coverage of girls' high school sports into the cars and homes 
of fans, parents, and perhaps most importantly, their daughters.
  Mac's commitment to his listeners is matched only by his commitment 
to giving back to the community directly. He has volunteered as an 
emcee and spokesperson for both the Minnesota Special Olympics Polar 
Plunge and the Brainerd/Baxter Walk for Diabetes. He has cochaired 
multiple United Way campaigns. And he coached girls softball and boys 
baseball for 15 years, carrying the same dedication to these kids and 
their teams onto the field that he displayed on the radio for so many 
years.
  Mac is a household name throughout the Brainerd Lakes Area. While his 
voice is now off the air, the joy that Mac brought to listeners and 
loved ones alike will be a lasting legacy.
  Mac, the Brainerd Lakes region and our entire State are better off 
because of you. I wish you a restful and well-earned retirement 
surrounded by those who are lucky enough to call you friend or 
family.

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