Access To Democracy

Jason Sanders, Executive Director of Dodge Nature Center, joined Access to Democracy to share his passion for Dodge Nature Center and Preschool. As the organization’s executive director, you’ll be taken in by his infectious love of the great outdoors and how you can experience that right in Dakota County.

Dr. Kamran Karimi, MD, FACS, a vascular surgeon with Fairview Health in Minneapolis, had a very convoluted path to his current position. Starting out in medical school in his native Pakistan, Dr. Karimi, who speaks Hindi, Punjabi, and French as well as English, served his residency in West Virginia before being awarded a Fellowship by the Mayo Clinic. He discussed the importance of the blood vessels and problems which arise when people ignore warning signs. He also spoke of the difficulties which arose while practicing during the pandemic, and a little about his home life and hobbies.

Lisa Jemtrud, vice president of the Minnesota and North Dakota Better Business Bureau, is interviewed by guest host Bill Raker. Lisa explains how the BBB, an organization of businesses, works to advocate for consumers and helps protect them from scams and fraudulent activities. She describes some of the more rampant and pernicious scams the BBB is currently tracking and explains how consumers can take advantage of the information and assistance the BBB has available to help prevent falling victim to a scam. Lisa talks about how scammers use technology, especially social media platforms, to find and exploit their victims. This is a “must watch” episode of Access to Democracy – valuable information to help you stay safe from scammers.

Paul Werni established 45th Parallel Liquors in New Richmond, WI, initially as a distillery for Vodka. After a dozen years and many awards for purity and quality, the business has now expanded to bourbon, several other alcohol products, and three expansions that include a state-of-the-art bar, restaurant and a large facility for weddings and special events. Paul’s September 25th outdoor event, the first since the pandemic, will feature multiple bands, food trucks, other festivities and, oh yes, the opportunity to purchase a variety of liquors.

Dr. Dan Whitney is an Iowa veterinarian who is a partner in the Jordan Creek Animal Hospital in West Des Moines, specializing in dogs and cats. Previously practicing in Minnesota, he discussed the difference between his experience in Eagan and West Des Moines, the pressures of maintaining the practice during the Pandemic, and various topics such as the advisability of implanting ID chips in animals, the many abilities of dogs, and trying to resume normal life after months of Covid restrictions.