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.
February 9, 2005 - Mainstreet Radio's Tim Post reports that teachers in the Crosby-Ironton school district are on strike as of February 9th, 2005. They worked without a contract for 20 months and for the past year, teachers have negotiated with the district. The sticking points are salaries and health benefits for retired teachers.
February 10, 2005 - Mainstreet Radio's Erin Galbally talks with Martin Zellar, one of the state's most respected rock musicians. Galbally intrviews Zeller about music, small town life, and politics.
February 24, 2005 - Mainstreet Radio's Tom Robertson reports that three northern Minnesota Indian tribes are closing in on an agreement with the state to build a Twin Cities area casino. The proposed half-billion dollar entertainment and hotel complex would be operated by the tribes through the Minnesota State Lottery.
March 2, 2005 - Mainstreet Radio's Mark Steil reports on how the Minnesota town of Appleton honors fallen soldiers. Funeral services for Sergeant Jesse Lhotka will be held in his hometown of Appleton. A roadside bomb killed Lhotka and two other Minnesota National Guard soldiers in Iraq. Lhotka is the most recent in a long line of Appleton residents to die in battle and reminders of the town's service are everywhere.
March 15, 2005 - Governor Tim Pawlenty wants the state to partner with three northern Minnesota Indian tribes on a $550 million dollar Twin Cities casino. Profits would be split between the state and the White Earth, Leech Lake and Red Lake Ojibwe bands. The plan has launched a high-profile debate in the Legislature. It's also sparked a growing debate among northern tribal members. Some don't trust the state; they worry the plan is a bad deal for the tribes. As Mainstreet Radio's Tom Robertson reports, members of the Red Lake band may get a chance to vote the deal up or down.
March 18, 2005 - MPR’s Steven John checks in with Mainstreet Radio’s Erin Galbally about heavy snow in southern Minnesota. Galbally describes closed roads and blowing snow.
March 18, 2005 - MPR’s Bob Reha stops at women’s basketball team practice at the University of Minnesota to talk to guard Kelly Roysland…and her grandmother, Bernice Carlin, who started this generational basketball family.
June 10, 2005 - Mainstreet Radio's Mark Steil reports on the death of 1st Lieutenant Michael Fasnacht, who was killed by a roadside bomb Wednesday near Tikrit, Iraq. The Minnesota soldier is being praised today for his love of family and country.
July 1, 2005 - Mainstreet Radio's Tom Robertson reports that the Minnesota Legislature passed a $686 million dollar funding bill that averts a state park shutdown over the busy holiday weekend. Environmentalists are angry over one of the bill's provisions, which loosens restrictions on riding all-terrain vehicles in state forests north of Highway 2.
July 15, 2005 - Mainstreet Radio’s Dan Gunderson reports that many farmers in northwest Minnesota aren't sure how much longer they can hang on after several years of crop failure. Minnesota Farm Service Agency officials are adding up the damage from wet fields in northern and western Minnesota. A report will go to Governor Pawlenty in preparation for seeking a federal disaster declaration.