July 26, 2001 - Phosphorous free fertilizer is growing in popularity among homeowners who want a green lawn, without causing problems in local waterways. Phosphorous is the main culprit in "algae blooms," that' is when algae feeds on phosphorous in a lake or river, grows out of control and robs the water of oxygen. A young entrepreneur from Alexandria is trying to cash in on this trend/ He's developed his own phosphorous-free fertilizer made from fish. Mainstreet Radio's Tim Post tells us more.
July 27, 2001 - Tom Robertson reports on the people of White Earth in northwestern Minnesota trying to bring back the lake sturgeon. The tribe is working to restore the fish and reclaim its heritage. Officials on the White Earth Indian Reservation say when the sturgeon disappeared, so did an important part of their culture.
July 30, 2001 - When a new politician goes to Washington, people watch to see what friends he or she makes in Congress. Environmentalists were dismayed when Minnesota Senator Mark Dayton allied himself with Senator Larry Craig of Idaho. Craig is powerful voice for logging and mining interests. Now he and Dayton have joined in a lawsuit opposing a rule which bans roadbuilding in roughly one third of the nation's national forests. Compared with Idaho, Minnesota's stake in the issue is miniscule, but Dayton says he's keeping campaign promises he made in Northern Minnesota. Minnesota Public Radio's Mary Losure reports.
July 30, 2001 - About two dozen young Japanese business people are spending the summer in Duluth. Every year the University of Minnesota Duluth helps up-and-coming executives adjust to American life before they enroll in top graduate schools. Minnesota Public Radio's Stephanie Hemphill reports.
July 31, 2001 -
July 31, 2001 - It may be sweltering in the southern half of Minnesota, but residents in International Falls are basking in the relative cool of 70 degrees. That tendency towards cooler temperatures has kept the town's Cold Weather Testing Center busy in the winter testing brakes, batteries and cars for companies around the world. But after ten years in operation, the resource is preparing to close its doors... a victim of legislative cut-backs. The center's director, Paul Nevanen (Nevuh-nen), says Minnesota has a reputation as a good cold weather testing site:
August 1, 2001 -
August 6, 2001 - Off highway vehicle fans say it's time the state created trails for all-terrain-vehicles, dirt-bikes, and 4 x 4 trucks. Critics say the DNR should do more to enforce laws and protect the environment before they spend money on new trails. Now the public is being asked for input. Minnesota Public Radio's Stephanie Hemphill reports.
August 6, 2001 - Some 500 Red Lake Reservation families are on a waiting list to move into tribal homes. Many have been on the list for years. Now Tribal housing officials are teaming up with the US military to try to solve at least part of the problem, with the help of an organization called Operation Walking Shield. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Robertson reports...
August 7, 2001 -