by Bob Harris
Columnist

Question of the week. How does North Dakota tie in with the television series “Hogan’s Heroes”? Answer coming at the end of this article.

While I type this article we have a blizzard going on in the area and driving in it was no fun. I was returning from Detroit Lakes and found Mother Nature decided to step up her time table. I’ve been in stuff like this before and will again I’m sure. From just west of Hawley to Fargo the winds picked up and were gusting up to 45 mph. White out conditions, and an earlier light mist really slickened the roads and traffic speeds were greatly reduced. So I thought! Even with zero visibility and traffic speeds around 20 to 30 miles per hour we were passed by trucks and SUV’s doing 50. How is this possible? I’m trying to keep an eye on the white line in the middle of Highway 10 and the flashing tail lights of the vehicle in front of me while these guys (some even pulling trailers) passed all of us who valued our vehicles but more importantly our lives. By the way, I would love to know what you think about this. I actually smiled, almost chuckled because one of those 4 wheel bullets that passed us was in the ditch. I’d also like to know how you faster drivers do it. I can barely see the bumper in from of me yet you drive like it’s a beautiful summer day. Okay, enough of that.

Every radio talk show host loves to hit a nerve with the audience and light up the old phone lines. After all it’s your participation that helps make a show interesting. But during my evening show recently we opened up the topic of the number of miles on your car. I read a story about a man’s pick-up truck that had a million miles on it. He used it for long haul deliveries. Since then the truck has put on an additional 220,000 miles. Here’s the kicker! It’s only a 2006 model but with frequent maintenance it still runs smoothly. Another million miler popped up last year and GM actually wanted to do an “autopsy” on the engine. When I mentioned my old Buick with 200,000 on it, the calls started coming in with miles from 180,000 to 350,000. We got all kinds of tips to help keep our cars running. You guys know how to take care of your vehicles.

I’ve been reading John Steinbeck’s “Travels with Charley” and have come to the point of him going through Fargo-Moohead and camping at the Maple River near Alice. Its no “Grapes of Wrath” or “of Mice and Men” but an interesting look as a man discovers America with his dog (Charlie). Sorry Alice Cooper, you were not the first celeb to visit Alice.

How is North Dakota tied into the classic TV comedy “Hogan’s Heroe’s”? The character of Carter, played by Larry Hovis, was born in Bullfrog, North Dakota. The character was also supposed to be a single man, but if you look close, he sports a wedding ring. Hovis refused to take off his ring during the filming and the producers let it slide.

bob.harris@mwcradio.com