Jay Thomas Show: Exhumed Truths amp; Presidential Visions: From Coroners to the Cowboy Cafeacute; (7-18-25)

🔥 Episode Summary: Guest host Tim Flakoll takes the reins with a jam-packed episode featuring a lineup of fascinating guests, powerful local stories, and a touch of humor. From investigating a decades-old mystery with the Cass County Coroner’s office to unveiling updates on the future Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, this episode captures the heartbeat of North Dakota. 🎧 Tune in for deep dives on rural revitalization, higher education reform, and a dash of animal fashion flair. Oh, and there’s a presidential lazy river idea. You had to be there. 🎤 Featured Guests: Brent Sanford – ND University System Chancellor Christy Ross – Cass County Coroner Natalie Batisa – Death Investigator, Cass County Robbie Lauf – Executive Director, Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Laura Larson – Owner, Best Friend’s Closet Natalie Perhus – Homeward Animal Shelter Event Coordinator Austin Erickson – WDAY News Reporter (with breaking news on Sen. Nicole Mitchell trial) ⏱️ Standout Timestamps: [0:03:00] – Jay’s Away, Tim’s In: Guest host Tim Flakoll kicks things off with farm talk, REO Speedwagons, and childhood stories. [0:25:10] – Higher Ed Shakeup: Chancellor Brent Sanford on workforce needs, dual credit expansion, and why 83% of ND grads stay in-state. [0:59:15] – Mystery in the Cemetery: The incredible cold case of an unidentified 1970s body—solved through a denture plate and military serial numbers. [1:23:40] – Presidential Library Countdown: Robbie Lauf shares exciting updates on the TR Library, the 351-day countdown, and the green-roof design overlooking Medora. [1:43:00] – Street Fair Style: Laura Larson chats about her pop-up shop, consignment secrets, and donut-safe shopping. [1:54:10] – Pawject Runway: Natalie Perhus previews Homeward Animal Shelter’s fabulous upcoming “Project Runway” fundraiser and highlights the ongoing animal adoption surge. [2:03:45] – BREAKING VERDICT: Austin Erickson reports the guilty verdict in State Senator Nicole Mitchell’s burglary trial. 🧠 Topics Explored: How dentures solved a 50-year-old cold case 💀 North Dakota’s changing educational priorities 📚 Construction countdown to the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library 🏛️ The truth about consignment shopping 💃 Animal fashion shows & community creativity 🐶 Breaking political news 🚨 ✨ Highlight Moment: “We’re not building a structure — we’re building a place of learning, of healing. The Badlands shaped Roosevelt. This library will shape the next generation.” – Robbie Lauf 📍 Location Shoutouts: Fargo, West Fargo, Medora, Bismarck, Watford City, Detroit Lakes, Valley City