Minnesota governor proclaims Gary Eichten Day statewide as longtime MPR host retires

Jan. 20 was Gary Eichten Day in Minnesota, proclaimed by Gov. Mark Dayton to honor the retiring Minnesota Public Radio host and producer after a 45-year career. The proclamation noted that Eichten began his career at MPR as a student announcer at KSJR, Minnesota's first public radio station, in 1967. Over the years he has served as news director, special events producer, and station manager; for the past 20 years he's been host of Midday.

A "Heckuva Farewell" for Eichten took place Jan. 19 at the Fitzgerald Theater. For his last Midday show, Gary interviewed Vice President Walter Mondale.