Rouse has open invitations to Barack Obama, John McCain, Jessie Ventura, Norm Coleman and Al Franken. To date not one of these politicians has responded, although Rouse just finished interviewing Franni Franken, Al’s wife on “In the Passenger Seat.” According to Rouse, “Al wouldn’t come into my car.”

Dave Smith presents unique editorials, including one on ramen noodles, in “A New View.”

“Designing Accents,” hosted by interior designer Douglas Wollman, originally from Mankato, gives decorating tips, advising viewers how to use odds and ends. Another show, “By Design,” is moderated by a local real estate agent.

Along the same line, “Our Humble Abode,” features Heidi Villeneuve-Schlomann interviewing locals.

Betsy Palmer and Will Hutchins were interviewed by Rouse in a “State of the Arts” episode.

“Spirited Away” features religious segments.

“Minnesota Outdoors” describes an organization that takes seniors fishing.

The facilities
In addition to being the set for “Our Story,” the Fairmont building takes on a variety of roles. The auditorium with its large stage and rows of wooden chairs has a loft decorated like a detective agency, complete with a Phillip Marlowe 1940s theme. The multi-purpose room is used for rehearsals and meetings while concerts, dinner theater and film nights are held in the Screening Room.

A Hollywood theme using black-and -white photos of famous actors and vintage cameras line the lobby wall. The entrance is decorated with dressed mannequins and glitz and glamour props.

Framed vintage ads of famous people puffing or holding cigarettes fill the Smoking Room, or Hall of Shame.

Women who attend Chick Flicks on the first Monday of the month can relax in a ladies lounge complete with a “Psycho” shower curtain and an undressed mannequin standing in the shower.

A Western-themed hallway displays cowboy murals, barbed wire and other memorabilia.

There are offices, flamingo gardens and an outdoor concert area. Billie Kruse painted celebrity murals on several of the walls.

“All of these things, ‘Our Story’ and the different rooms here, just take on a life of their own,” Rouse said.