News & Articles

Ever since I was a child I would try to catch the local nightly news. Over the years I developed a sort of through-the-tube camaraderie with some of the local celebs that have spent years on the air including but not limited to; Dennis Anderson, Barbara Reyelts and Michelle Lee. And who could forget Tom Hanson sports!

Some have gone separate ways, some remain, and some new, young faces have sprung up. Others have been fired for sneezing on air. But the news must go on, and will go on, as it is filmed live on the daily. One young man, representing the Northland’s NewsCenter, joins me today. His voice is cherubic. His disposition pristine, so much that he refuses on-air makeup. And what he does in his private life is none of your business. His name is Bill Wagness. He’s a reporter.

MJ: What’s been getting a lot of play on your ipod lately?
BW: Primarily Bibio. Bibio is the type of artist that, in a relatively small amount of time, he can redefine genres while never losing that part of the sound that makes him uniquely Bibio. He is the master of analog sound. Also been listening to Boards of Canada and Gorillaz a lot.
MJ: What do you do other than report the news?
BW: First of all, I never thought I had that thick skin to be become a reporter. I really love the thrill of telling other people’s stories. I’m a musician. I play the drums, flute, piano and guitar. I was born a drummer and also have an affinity for beats. Being a drummer primarily helps in learning all the other instruments. I’m also a winter enthusiast. I’m a Minnesotan by hobby. I love the changing of the seasons, I couldn’t live in a place with two seasons.
MJ: Where was the last place you travelled?
BW: I went to Steamboat Springs Colorado with one of my roommates to ski. Everything that was good about the trip went bad when I was driving through Nebraska at 3am with my friends asleep, no ipod, and nothing but static and country on the radio.
MJ: What is your greatest achievement?
BW: Hopefully I haven’t experienced it yet. But otherwise the release of Gracie and the Mouse’s first album (Bill’s side-band) or my accumulation of completely esoteric knowledge of acid jazz facts, band names and songs.
MJ: What is your most treasured possession?
BW: My sense of humor. In life we either turn into comedians or serial killers.
MJ: What’s your motto?
BW: Life should be more like anime. In anime it seems to be the kid with the least going for him that becomes the savior of mankind. It’s the outcast who can see ghosts who becomes the next greatest soul reaper.
MJ: What are you most passionate about?
BW: Adult Swim (Cartoon Network program series) During my younger years, Adult Swim was the womb that incubated my cognizance. Since 2001 Adult Swim has been my third parent. My band, Gracie and the Mouse, feature two cartoon characters, a cat and robot, both mischievous. I’m passionate about getting them a TV show on Adult Swim.