These Are Your Neighbors Ep. 82 - Taylor Johnson

These Are Your Neighbors Ep. 85 - Denise Fettig Loftisness

Denise Fettig-Loftesnes serves as Development Director at Dream Center Bismarck, where she leads fundraising and community engagement efforts to ensure individuals and families have consistent access to food, support, and stability. Through its daily meal program and on-site resources, the Dream Center serves hundreds of neighbors each day, 365 days a year. Denise brings a diverse background in nonprofit leadership and public service. She previously served as Resource Development Director at Missouri Slope Areawide United Way and Event Coordinator at the Age Well Center. She spent 14 years living in Japan, including 10 years as a civilian Special Staff Family Readiness Officer for the Commanding General of the III Marine Expeditionary Force, and has lived throughout the United States since the age of 24. In 2021, she returned to Bismarck, North Dakota, to care for her parents following their dementia diagnoses, an experience that continues to shape her work and advocacy. She is the Founder and Director of the Bismarck Memory Café, a monthly gathering that provides connection, education, and support for those living with memory loss and their care partners. Denise serves as a Community Educator with the Alzheimer’s Association and is an active volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement, where she advocates for legislation, shares personal stories to influence policy, engages in social media advocacy, and supports policy campaigns that improve the lives of those affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia. She also serves on the Human Relations Committee for the City of Bismarck. In recognition of her impact, Denise was named the 2025 AARP Andrus Award for Community Service recipient - AARP’s most prestigious volunteer honor -and a 2026 Scheels Hidden Hometown Hero Finalist. She is passionate about building strong partnerships that create meaningful, lasting change in her community.

These Are Your Neighbors Ep. 84 - Miranda Klatt

Miranda Klatt is a passionate advocate for mental health, community connection, and accessible wellness. With a background rooted in fitness and a deep commitment to helping others, she has dedicated her work to breaking down barriers that prevent individuals from prioritizing their well-being. As the founder of a nonprofit organization focused on providing access to exercise services for individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges, Miranda believes that movement is more than physical—it is a powerful tool for healing, connection, and personal growth. Her organization works to ensure that financial limitations do not prevent people from experiencing the benefits of supportive, health-centered communities. Through her leadership, Miranda continues to build partnerships, create opportunities, and inspire others to view wellness through a more inclusive and compassionate lens. Her mission is simple yet impactful: to make community, movement, and mental health support accessible to all.

These Are Your Neighbors Ep. 83 - Mary Soucie

Mary Soucie began the duties of State Librarian on January 6, 2014. Mary moved here from Illinois, where she was born and raised. She received her undergraduate degree from Illinois State with a Bachelor of Science in Education with a Minor in Reading. Later, Mary went on to receive her Master’s in Library and Information Science from Dominican University in Illinois.Mary’s passion for libraries started young. She began volunteering at the library at the age of 12, and by 18 was leading story time. She also spent school breaks volunteering at her local library. Mary’s passion for libraries is in her blood; her mother was a reference librarian for 19 years. Prior to joining the North Dakota State Library Team, Mary has worked in public and school libraries; as the Youth Services Consultant for a Regional Library System; and was also an adjunct professor at a community college teaching Reader’s Advisory and Adult Programs. She has served as a trustee for both a public library and an Illinois Regional Library System. Mary has served on the boards of several library associations at the state, regional and national levels. She has served in many volunteer capacities, both within the library community and her own community. Mary believes that libraries serve as community centers,connecting all the parts of the community that they serve.

These Are Your Neighbors Ep. 82 - Taylor Johnson

Taylor is a 27-year-old public health professional from Bismarck who is running for the North Dakota House of Representatives in District 35. Her public health education opened her eyes to the impact of policy on health, and has been driven to improve health policy ever since. Through her campaign, she hopes to not only win, but also hopes to get more young adults in Bismarck engaged in politics and demonstrate how we can all improve our community.

TAYN Ep. 81 - Dan Eastgate

Dan is a 4th generation resident of Bismarck. Dan’s great passion is caring for his community and especially the people who call it home. Dan entered the real estate industry nine years ago and became a high-performing Realtor who believes in providing the highest level of service to his clients. He credits his success to his diverse knowledge of the area, relationships throughout the real estate and mortgage industry, and deep-rooted community involvement.  Dan is very involved in the community.  His community involvement includes being a member of the Bismarck School Board, Bismarck Public School Foundation, and the Bismarck Public School Foundation.  He has also been a mentor with Bismarck-Mandan Young Life. Dan and his wife, Lacey, have three boys and two additional members of the family, their dogs. Dan loves spending time with his family and friends. He’s an outdoor enthusiast enjoying camping, fishing, and chasing pheasants. Dan spends a lot of time at basketball games, enjoying sports, and likes to read in his spare time. You can also find him behind the microphone as an announcer at many local high school sporting events.