Loons in the Kitchen: Humorous & Poignant Short Stories from the Dakotas

After 11 years—arguably as North Dakota’s most widely read columnist—Tony Bender has finally done it. The Ashley newspaperman compiled the ‘Best of Bender’ into one book, Loons in the Kitchen. Subtitled Humorous and Poignant Short Stories from the Dakotas, Bender’s work between 1990-2000 ranges widely in emotion from serious and thoughtful to buoyant and witty. From Lives Collide, the beautifully haunting story of a plane crash in Prairie City, SD, to the dignified anguish of Dreams For Sale, the tale of a North Dakota farm auction, Tony Bender rivets the reader to the page with masterful story-telling. His classic essays about family will tug heartstrings. And in raucous pieces like The Redhead’s Tractor and Jukebox Blues, Bender proves he is a first-rate humorist. Loons in the Kitchen is great entertainment.

Long recognized as one of the finest writers in the Dakotas, Tony Bender gained national recognition in 2001 when he was awarded a first place prize for humor writing by the National Newspaper Association for his piece entitled, “The Redhead’s Tractor,” which is contained in his first collection of writing, Loons in the Kitchen.

While acclaimed for his humor writing, Bender’s ability to present more serious, heart-warming and introspective aspects of life on the Great Plains also helped him win seven first place newspaper association awards for his column in the ‘90s.

Bender began publishing his weekly syndicated column, “That’s Life,” in 1991, writing for his hometown paper, the Brown County News in Frederick, SD. That very first year, Bender scored a first place award for his column in the South Dakota Newspaper Association’s annual contest.

Born in 1958 in Ashley, ND, Bender grew up in Frederick, a tiny community on the North Dakota-South Dakota border, 26 miles north of Aberdeen, SD. That community with a population of 400 provided Bender with a “Tom Sawyer existence” that surfaces in his writing as he tells the tales of the characters he grew to love.

After a year of journalism at South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD, Bender, in 1977, opted for hands-on experience and embarked on a radio career including stops at KSDN and KKAA in Aberdeen and KQDJ in Jamestown, ND.

In 1983, Bender moved to Denver where he worked at legendary radio stations KHOW and KIMN.

His sense of adventure took him to Juneau, AK in 1986, where he starred at KTKU with his unique morning show featuring alter-egos like obnoxious newsman Irving R. Osgood and the unscrupulous Rev. Billy Joe Jim-Bob. In 1988, Bender was awarded the “Goldie,” a top honor from the Alaska Radio and Television Association, for his accomplishments at KTKU.

In 1989, Bender accepted a morning drive position at WBPR in Myrtle Beach, SC. Shortly after his arrival, Hurricane Hugo struck. While all other broadcast stations evacuated, Bender and his newsman elected to stay to broadcast to the many listeners who had not been able to evacuate in time. As the only station on the air for hundreds of miles delivering crucial information, the effort was widely applauded by South Carolina officials and citizens.

In 1990, Bender returned to North Dakota to be closer to his family, accepting a position as news director at KYYY, Bismarck. In 1991, he took a position as a reporter at the Williston Daily Herald. Six months later he was offered the publishership of the floundering Adams County Record in Hettinger, ND.

Bender sparked a resurgence in the Adams County Record leading it to two General Excellence Awards, the highest honor from the North Dakota Newspaper Association. He served as executive news director for the parent company, Dickson Media, until 1997.

Bender was presented the first-ever North Dakota Newspaper Association First Amendment Award in 2000 for his continuing fight for the public’s right to know what their governments are doing. He has championed open meetings through the NDNA Legislative Affairs Committee. “I think government works better under a spotlight rather than in the shadows,” he has said.

In 2000, Bender was elected to the NDNA board of directors.

Bender led the Ashley Tribune to NDNA Sweepstakes Awards in 2000 and 2001. He is a two-time winner of the North Dakota Heritage Writing Contest. His writing has been published in North Dakota Outdoors, The National Newspaper Association’s Publishers Auxiliary, The Journal of Indian Wars and newspapers in many states.

Bender and his wife, Julie, have two children, Dylan and India. The couple owns Redhead Publishing, which includes The Wishek Star and Ashley Tribune. The company publishes niche publications including Mighty Mac Hunting & Fishing Guide and Spring and Fall Ag Outlook.