April 24, 2001 - MPR’s Erin Galbally reports on an operation to expand a 1,600 dairy cow operation, despite pollution concerns. The state's pollution control agency was served with a lawsuit for failing to order environmental testing on the site of a proposed Waseca dairy expansion.
April 25, 2001 - The spring snow melt, and recent rains have done more than cause flooding across Minnesota. All that water creates the perfect breeding ground for mosquitos. Or does it? Joining us on the line is Mike McClain, public affairs officer with the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District. That's Mike McClain. He's with the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District.
April 25, 2001 - As soon as the Mississippi River reopens to barge travel, rafts of corn kernels will head down river en route to their final destination -- Southeast Asia. Along the way kernels will be tested and retested for traces of Starlink, a genetically modified corn now banned around the world. Last fall Starlink turned up in taco shells and corn chips, prompting mass recalls and a shake up on the export market. The corn's manufacturer continues to push for full governmental approval which would allow for human consumption, but with the spring thaw, Midwestern grain elevators and their customers are preparing for round two. Mainstreet Radio's Erin Galbally reports:
April 25, 2001 - Minnesota is known around the country for its medical device companies. But the state lacks a vibrant biotechnology industry that many say could be vital to future economic development. Now state officials are joining the University of Minnesota in launching a public-private partnership they hope will encourage small companies and make the state a center for biotech business activity. Minnesota Public Radio's Andrew Haeg reports.
April 25, 2001 - The University of Minnesota has hired an international expert in BSE, or what's commonly known as Mad Cow Disease to head its new Center for Animal Health and Food Safety at the College of Veterinary Medicine. As a veterinarian, William Hueston has devoted his career to understanding and tracking animal diseases here and in the United Kingdom. In the early Nineties, he led the charge to discover the risks of BSE affecting animals in the U-S. I asked him about the chances of it showing up in the states:
April 27, 2001 - Minnesota rivers still face the threat of floods and with rains expected over the weekend, it will be awhile before waters recede. The Minnesota River at Jordan is expected to remain above flood stage for at least three to four weeks. In St. Paul, the Mississippi River could remain at flood stage for the next three weeks. And, the St. Croix crested today in Stillwater at its highest level since the record flood of 1965. The town of Afton is nestled alongside the St. Croix. In the past 24 hours they've stacked 12-thousand sandbags and today, mayor Charlie Devine ordered eight-thousand more. Water is filling basements in homes in the flood plain, and Devine has required the shutoff of septic systems.
April 27, 2001 - It's been three years since a tornado wiped out Saint Peter's famous canopy of trees. This weekend, a new playground is going up to mark the spot where one of the town's huge trees grew. More than a thousand volunteers will transform an empty spot into a scene out of ninetieth century river town life. Mainstreet Radio's Erin Galbally reports:
April 30, 2001 - Water levels remain high across Minnesota. Officials report the Mississippi river will crest a second time in Saint Paul today.
May 1, 2001 - Severe weather continues to pummel parts of Minnesota. We've had reports of several possible tornadoes. Currently there is a tornado warning for Waseca and Steele counties until 6:45. There have also been numerous thunderstorms. We have a warning in effect for Dakota, Washington, Ramsey and Pine counties until 6:30. Rich Nystat is a meterologist with the National Weather Service in Chanhassen. He says these storms have been very strong.
May 2, 2001 -