December 27, 1996 - We'll hear a few of the winning entries in the Children's Museum annual short story contest. "Melody" by 9-year-old Anna Rice of Randolph Heights Elementary School in Saint Paul. Read by 10-year-old Ben Wareham of Expo Elementary School in Saint Paul.
January 1, 1997 - Mainstreet Radio’s Leif Enger visits Mille Lacs, and reports on the perplexing nature of ice fishing.
January 3, 1997 - Kent Nerburn, "January" and "Benediction" from "A Haunting Reverence."
January 4, 1997 - Faith Sullivan's latest book, "The Empress of One" was born out of frustration and rejection. Her best-selling novel The Cape Ann was printed by a New York publisher. But when Sullivan submitted the sequel to her story, it was roundly rejected by her publisher. That reaction plummented Faith Sullivan into a depression and into a writing block. But the encouragement of local Milkweed Editions publisher--Emilie Buchwald--prompted Sullivan to embark on a new project.
January 7, 1997 - On the opening day of the Minnesota Legislature, a Midday discussion with key legislators on the major issues coming up this session: taxes, welfare reform, education, crime, and Twins stadium. Program also includes an interview with Governor Arne Carlson about his hopes for the 1997-98 and a short profile on two new legislators.
January 8, 1997 - MPR’s Chris Roberts talks with Chris Dorn, founder and frontman of Minneapolis band The Beatifics. Dorn discusses songwriting, the band’s album “How I Learned to Stop Worrying,” and the “power pop” genre.
January 9, 1997 - Midday looks at the proposal for a new Twins ballpark and the surrounding financial details with guests Gene Merriam, Minnesota Senate Finance Committee Chairman; and MPR reporter Bill Wareham. Program also includes short interviews with key individuals on proposal and listener call-in questions.
January 9, 1997 - MPR’s Bill Wareham reports on Minnesota Twins release of stadium proposal. State lawmakers now know it will cost upwards of $200 million to ensure the Twins remain in Minnesota. The team announced it would contribute $83 million of the estimated $350 million needed to build a new ballpark. Though the public would have to come up with the rest, it would get something no other community has…a 49% ownership interest in the team.
January 10, 1997 - MPR’s Gretchen Lehmann reports on the growing number of women involved in the sport of dog sled racing. Women are out in record numbers as mushers, braving sub-zero temperatures to experience the thrill of rushing through the woods on a sled pulled by a team of dogs.
January 10, 1997 - Susan Carol Hauser's latest book is titled "Full Moon: Reflections on Turning 50," published by Papier Mache Press.