May 17, 2001 - Now it's time for your comments. With president George W Bush is in Minnesota this morning to unveil his energy plan, we asked you, the listeners and visitors to our web site, for comments on what you think America's energy policies should be. And you responded with comments to our Soap Box feature at Minnesota Public Radio dot o-r-g. ... Brent in St. Paul writes: Conservation and efficient energy use must the central element in any energy plan. Americans by nature are wasteful. This habit has got to change. Increased use of renewable resources must also be a big part of any energy plan. There are plenty of sources out there just waitng to be tapped or futher exploited. These include wind, and solar energy. How about a tax credit for installation of solar panels on homes? Yet, why did the President cut funding for research and development into these renewable sources of energy? Those in charge of setting long-term policy should realize that these alternative sources of energy are INfinite and must be the central piece of any long-term plan. Richard Peterson of Moorehead writes: The Free-Market Approach Won't Work. The problem with it when it comes to energy is that the free market has a very short-term view. It will use up a resource before the rising costs promotes the development of alternatives. We must be proactive by promoting alternatives to burning fossil fuels. Yes, there are problems to be solved in developing alternative energy sources, but that is an opportunity for innovation and creativity. It can, and must be the next big driver for our economy, but it will require public, legislative incentives to start it up. The free market will wait until we use up the most convenient energy source before moving on to alternatives. Ken Hinnenkamp of Eden Prairie wrote this in our online Soapbox: We should think more long-term when trying to find solutions to our tough energy problems, which are likely to continue to get worse unless we all change our behavior. Cheap gas prices causes us to bu
May 17, 2001 - Over the last few weeks bright orange and black butterflies have been returning to the Minnesota landscape. As ever the Monarchs look remarkably fresh for having flown a long and circuitous route from their winter homes in Mexico. That journey has long been a source of fascination and mystery to humans. Every year volunteers, many of them school students, tag thousand of butterflies in the hope they will be captured in Mexico, and reveal a little more about how the Monarchs make their trip. For her book "Four Wings and a Prayer" author Sue Halpern spent almost a year travelling the Monarch flyways meeting the scientists and others who are trying to piece the puzzle together. She told Minnesota Public Radio's Euan Kerr her fascination began in Mexico. Author Sue Halpern will read from her book "Four Wings and a Prayer" at the Como Lakeside Pavilion on North Lexington Avenue in St Paul tonight at 7.
May 17, 2001 - Protestors are opposing Bush's energy bill because it is harmful to the environment. It would rely on too much coal.
May 17, 2001 - President Bush today outlined a wide-ranging energy policy he says the country needs to avoid increasing fuel costs AND power black outs like those in California. The President unveiled his energy agenda before an audience in downtown St. Paul. The plan calls for more power plants, more power lines and pipelines... and more nuclear energy. But the President says conservation and alternative energy development are also keys parts of his policy. We have two reports .... BEGINNING with Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik...
May 17, 2001 - Today, the Minnesota Department of Transportation is holding its 10th Annual B-BOP Day across the Twin Cities. B-Bop is meant to encourage people to commute using bikes, busses or car pools. It's an effort to cut traffic congestion and pollution. Joining us on the line is Brad Beagle, who rides his bike from the Macalester neighborhood in St. Paul, to his workplace in the northwestern suburb of Plymouth.
May 18, 2001 - Re: Suggestions for MPR's Morning Edition, Friday, May 18, 2001 Topic: Record high temperatures this week Strong warm advection and bright sun brought some record setting temperatures to the region on Monday and Tuesday this week. In fact, the high of 97 degrees F recorded at Redwood Falls, Hucthinson, St Cloud, Litchfield and Montevideo on Tuesday set an all-time state record high for May 15th breaking the old record of 96 degrees F set at Fergus Falls, Canby, and Beardsely in 1931 (the Dust Bowl
May 18, 2001 - Farmers across Minnesota are scrambling to get seeds in the ground. Wet weather narrowed their window of opportunity for planting. Some farmers are still waiting for fields to dry. While soybean farmers have a few more days, corn growers are a week late as corn needs more time to grow. Mainstreet Radio's Laurel Druley shadowed farmer Kevin Paap on a recent busy planting day.
May 18, 2001 - President Bush will be in Pennsylvania today promoting his energy agenda. The President unveiled his policy yesterday in St. Paul, saying the nation needs to increase energy production for economic and national security reasons. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports....
May 24, 2001 - New census figures show Minnesota is getting older. And some parts are older than others. Aitkin County in the center of the state has the highest median age in the state, 46.5 years. Cook County in far northeastern Minnesota is second with a median age of 44. Main Street Radio's Stephanie Hemphill visited the Arrowhead to see how Cook County is coping with its aging population and preparing for increasing numbers of elderly peoplein the future. {
May 25, 2001 - Chet Meyers, fishing enthusiast, speaks about the fishing season and takes questions from listeners.