Today in Minnesota history: In 1969 President Johnson bestowed the Medal of Freedom on civil rights activist Roy Wilkins. Wilkins spent most of his life in St. Paul. He graduated from the University of Minnesota, where he was the Minnesota Daily's first black reporter and editor. He served as executive director of the NAACP. A postage stamp honoring him was issued in 2001.

From the Workforce Investment Act annual report: At 14 and living in foster care, Deserae participated in Anoka County’s Youth Program. It was her first job -- and she used the work experience to learn new skills. Then it was on to a thrift shop operated by Anoka County Community Action Program, where she developed a real talent for working with customers and the working knowledge of a busy retail store. Deserae excelled in her position at Twice Nice and in school. She is a Blaine High School graduate and was adopted by her foster family. Deserae’s supervisor was effusive: 'Deserae has been a huge asset to Twice Nice. Once reserved, soft-spoken and unsure, she has grown into a confident, self-assertive, strong young woman. She is a team player with her knowledge of the business and working with over 200 volunteers, community service workers and other workforce participants. She is well known in our store and is sought after for her knowledge, expertise and friendly disposition. She tackles all projects wholeheartedly, and her sense of loyalty and belief in our store has greatly contributed to the success that we have had so far.' Deserae is now a permanent staff member in the position of thrift store technician and continues to work with customers. Her goal is to attend college and get a job in the animal control field.