On February 18, 1908, Lee DeForest patented the "audion," a vacuum tube that could take a weak electrical signal and transmit it over a much larger scale. DeForest's invention was used in early radios, televisions and the very first computers. It's ironic but also fitting that on that very same day, Joseph R. Pavek—founder of the Pavek Broadcasting Museum—was born.  "Given how key DeForest's piece was to early radio, it seems some destiny was afoot there," said Tom Mittelstaedt, associate director of the museum.  That so-called destiny wouldn't be realized for upwards of 80 years when, in …

Welcome to "Local Places, Local Faces," a new bi-weekly column that highlights local businesses and the folks that make them work. If you've ever clicked through St. Louis Park Patch's directory, then you know how many businesses this community is home to. Let's get to know them a little better, starting with Midwest Homebrewing and Winemaking Supplies.  Upon entering Midwest Supplies' large warehouse store off Excelsior Boulevard, customers might think they've stumbled into a Home Depot. But one look around — bottles, taps, wine and beer recipe books, and a grain room fill the space — and …