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Dakota Midday: 'Love and Terror on the Howling Plains of Nowhere'

32-20 Productions

In the summer of 2006, Dr. Steven Haataja arrived at Chadron State College in northwestern Nebraska. That winter the mathematics professor disappeared without a trace and 95 days later his body was discovered tied to a tree and burned beyond recognition on a private ranch in the remote hills south of campus. Theories about what happened ranged from murder or suicide to even space aliens.

Author Poe Ballantine spent six years investigating the case while writing a memoir centered on the events. His book, Love and Terror on the Howling Plains of Nowhere, was published last year. A new documentary based on the book and directed by Philadelphia filmmaker Dave Jannetta came out earlier this year. The film screens at the Garage in Rapid City tonight at 7 pm.

Ballantine and Jannetta joined Dakota Midday and discussed the film.

You can see view the trailer for Love and Terror on the Howling Plains of Nowhere here.

Karl was born to northeastern South Dakota crouton farmers, but was orphaned as a toddler during the Great Salad War (1966-67). Rescued by a flock of chickadees, he grew up in the woodlands of Sica Hollow. Legends of a bird boy living in the trees attracted the interest of renowned ornithologist and amateur bandoneon repairman Dr. Vogel Gehrke. With a handful of suet, Dr. Gehrke coaxed the timid boy down from the trees. He adopted him, named him Karl and taught him not to molt on the carpet. Dr. Gehrke’s book, The Bird Boy of Sica Hollow, was a best seller and Karl became a minor celebrity and teen idol. He appeared as a guest star on numerous television programs, most notably an awkward role on The Love Boat as the boyfriend of Captain Stubing’s daughter, Vicki. After critics panned his 1980 album, Bird Boy Does Disco, Karl retreated from public life and returned to Sica Hollow. Living in an isolated tree house, Karl achieved a reputation as a mystic. Pilgrims and seekers from around the world came to ask him about the meaning of life and for vinaigrette recipes. Growing tired of answering questions, he climbed down from his tree, shaved his massive white beard and took a job as the host of SDPB Radio’s Dakota Midday where he could ask the questions instead. After three years in that position, he ran out of questions and became host of Jazz Nightly instead. Karl makes his home in Vermillion with his charming wife Kari and three delightful children, Kodey, Kasey and Spatula. His hobbies include reciting the alphabet, combing his hair and doing volunteer work with delinquent songbirds.
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