Created in 1987, Mainstreet Radio held a mission of reporting specifically from rural Minnesota to all of Minnesota. With an introductory staff of Rachel Reabe, Leif Enger, and John Biewen, the group developed both long and short form news features as part of MPR Journal and Morning Edition broadcasts. As the years progressed, Mainstreet Radio expanded both in reporter contributions and programming, with memorable work from the likes of Mark Steil and Catherine Winter, amongst others. Beginning in the 1990s, Mainstreet Radio presented a monthly two-hour special, focusing on issues outside the Twin Cities metro. The varied Mainstreet Radio programming ran into the mid-2000s.
Mainstreet Radio presented a breadth of topics, providing an avenue for individuals from all walks of life to be heard. These efforts garnered numerous journalistic awards, including 65 national and regional awards in its first 10 years (1987-97).
Award-winning material in “special programs,” “series,” or “documentary” categories include Meth in Minnesota; Against the Grain; Dancing on Beat: Portrait of a Reservation Family; After the Flood; An Education in Diversity; Rekindling the Spirit: The Rebirth of American Indian Spirituality; Wilderness Truce: Ely 10 Years Later; Making the Grade: Rural schools the work; The Rural School Challenge; Broken Trust: Civil Rights in Indian Country; Gold: New Prospects on the Iron Range; and Articles of Faith.
Award-winning material in the category of “reporting” include Frog Music; Pumpkinland; Four Winds Treatment Center; Deer Hunting Weekend; Border Check for Poachers; Mille Lacs Fishing Launch; Loon Habitat; House Call Doctor; Geritol Frolics; Cartwright's Calendar; Ice-Fishing on Mille Lacs; Mercury Fillets; and A Place for the Wolf.
November 9, 2004 - Mainstreet Radio's Mark Steil reports on a southern Minnesota landmark that has returned to its lofty pedestal in New Ulm. A crane lifted Hermann the German, all 32-feet of him, into place. The copper statue was taken down about a year and a half ago to repair more than one hundred years of wear.
November 18, 2004 - Mainstreet Radio’s Annie Baxter reports that The Mille Lacs Band is stepping out of negotiations with Governor Pawlenty over a casino profit-sharing partnership. The band made the announcement in a letter sent to the governor.
November 18, 2004 - Mainstreet Radio's Mark Steil reports that Governor Pawlenty's livestock task force may recommend a new state panel to handle disputes over livestock farms. The task force is looking for ways to streamline the regulatory process and build Minnesota's livestock industry. The proposed state commission would hear appeals of county and township decisions on siting livestock farms.
November 22, 2004 - Each day thousands of Minnesotans go hungry because they can't afford to buy food. There is no stereotype…they can be young or old; poor or middle class. For many, charitable organizations have helped. But the job of feeding those in need, is getting harder. Mainstreet Radio's Bob Reha talks with some involved in food shelfs and the ongoing support of them.
December 17, 2004 - Mainstreet Radio's Bob Reha reports on North Dakota lawmakers arguing over money. While Minnesota lawmakers face a $700 million shortfall when they convene in St. Paul, in North Dakota, lawmakers won't fight over fixing a deficit, but rather what to do with a budget surplus.
December 27, 2004 - Mainstreet Radio’s Tom Robertson reports on how Anderson Fabrics in Blackduck, Minnesota is looking for immigrants to solve a labor shortage problem. After a failed attempt with Hmong employees due to a culture clash, company hopes to find a solution in the Twin Cities Latino community. Nearly 40 Latino workers moved from the Twin Cities to Blackduck in the fall of 2004. Blackduck school and community leaders are now bracing for what's expected to be a wave of Latino families.
December 29, 2004 - Mainstreet Radio's Tom Robertson reports that Federal agents at the U.S.-Canadian border crossing in International Falls have a new tool to enhance homeland security. Customs officials have begun using digital fingerprint technology to verify the identity of some foreign visitors.
December 31, 2004 - Mainstreet Radio’s Erin Galbally presents a report on Mankato’s historic Kato Ballroom, which opened its doors back in the early 1950s around the advent of rock and roll. Before long the Kato established itself as a Mankato hotspot, hosting legends like Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis and even Louis Armstrong. This New Year's Eve, the Kato revisits that history with a party celebrating its 50th anniversary. Galbally interviews Larry Bowers, manager of the Kato Ballroom, and Dianne Cory, a long-time regular, who share memories and insights of the venue. Segment includes music clip of Bobby Vee's 'Run to Him.'
December 31, 2004 - Mainstreet Radio's Erin Galbally reports on a fundraiser to help bring living quarters up to date at a Rochester convent, known as Assisi Heights. The Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi have made Rochester their home for more than a hundred years.
January 7, 2005 - Mainstreet Radio's Tom Robertson reports that Governor Tim Pawlenty and leaders of three northern Minnesota Indian tribes say they were pleased with an historic meeting on the White Earth Reservation. Much of the discussion centered on the governor's push to change the landscape of casino gambling in the state.