Jason E. Andersen

We’re making the move to Minnesota.

In case you missed my life news from earlier this year, in January I took a position focused on promoting prescribed fire in Minnesota with Pheasants Forever. I rented an apartment in Mankato, in the south central portion of the state, and have been commuting back to southwest Iowa on the weekends. 

Next week we will be closing on our house and making the move northward. Over the last several weeks, we’ve been feverishly packing, cleaning, and spending time with friends and family. We have also given away a lot of stuff. I’ve lived in our house for a little more than 13 years, and Council Bluffs for 23, so it’s been a little emotional. But, a new chapter and adventure, and all the other things that people say in situations like this.

All in all, I’m excited for the future. I am enjoying my job and glad to be back in a place where I make a difference. Most days, I finish out feeling that I accomplished something and made the world a slightly better place. That’s really what counts in my book. 

People have been asking if I’m excited to become a Minnesotan, and it reminds me of something I say when I do fire training. When I explain wind direction, and how it influences fire, I say that winds are named after where they come from. Such as a south wind blows from the south towards the north. In the same way, I am an Iowan, no matter where I am, because that’s where I’m from.

Bonus Fun Fact: The unofficial nickname of Minnesota is the ‘Land of 10,000 Lakes.’ What is and isn’t a lake will vary depending on who you ask but most agree it’s a matter of size. That said, there are 11,842 lakes with a size of 10 acres or larger in Minnesota.

Bonus Bonus Fun Fact: The official nickname of Minnesota is the ‘North Star State.’