September 18, 2002 - The University of Illinois is reporting the first West Nile virus death in a dog in the United States. Officials at the school say the eight-year old Irish Setter-golden retriever mix may have had another immunity compromising infection that contributed to his death. The virus primarily attacks birds, but mosquitoes can pass it to humans, horses and other hosts. The only other documented case of West Nile in a dog occured in Botswana in 1978. Dr. Jeff Bender is an assistant professor of veterinary public health at the University of Minnesota. He says pet owners shouldn't worry:
September 19, 2002 - Residents of the Red River Valley are all too familiar with flooding. It's a common routine. Flood waters threaten towns. Roads and bridges wash away. Homes and crops are destroyed. But there's a plan some say will help. It's coming from researchers at the "Energy and Environmental Research Center" in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Mainstreet Radios Bob Reha reports.
September 20, 2002 - The time is rapidly approaching when Minnesotans love to admire the beautiful changes in color that autumn brings. For those MPR listeners new to the state, I think you will find that the fall season is perhaps the most favored one for most residents.
September 24, 2002 - An accomplished climber from Duluth has died on Mount Ranier. Ed Hommer died yesterday when a basketball sized rock struck him as he made his way through one of the most dangerous sections of Ranier. The 46 year old Hommer who lost both his lower legs in a plane crash on Mount McKinley in 1981. He climbed using prosthetics.
September 27, 2002 - Green Party gubernatorial candidate Ken Pentel today FRIDAY released a series of proposals designed to reduce water pollution in the state. Pentel says he's the only candidate stressing environmental issues in his race. But Pentel is battling for the environmental vote with DFL'er Roger Moe, who got the Sierra Club's endorsement. And the other two major party candidates in the race say they've supported environmental programs while serving in office. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum looks at the candidates' views on environmental issues...
October 1, 2002 - Wildlife officials say West Nile virus has been found in a Canada goose in South Dakota. It's the first time the virus has been detected in a game bird in that state. The goose and duck hunting seasons opened last weekend. But officials say hunters should not be afraid to eat water fowl. Mainstreet Radio's Mark Steil reports:
October 1, 2002 - New research by University of Minnesota ecologist Karen Oberhauser reveals that this year's monarch population is about 30 percent below average. But the data - collected over a six-year period - also shows that the black and orange butterflies are quite resiliant. Oberhauser attributes this year's decline to three factors:
October 2, 2002 - Host intro: If you were asked to name a source of mercury pollution in your community, what would it be? It turns out dental offices are the largest source of mercury in most cities' sewage systems. Mercury is known to damage the nervous system and impair childrens' mental development. Now, dentists in Duluth are leading the way in reducing the amount of mercury going into the environment. Mainstreet Radio's Stephanie Hemphill reports.
October 4, 2002 - Wildlife officials in Duluth are taking steps to deal with the city's resident bear population. The state Department of Natural Resources estimates between 12 and 20 bears live permanently in Duluth and surrounding towns. DNR wildlife manager Rich Staffon is considering options to destroy some of the most problematic bears. He says the animals are so tame they act like they're the neighborhood dog:
October 7, 2002 - We've nearly paved over paradise in the Twin Cities with parking lots, homesites, roads and shopping centers. Less than 6 percent of the 7 county region's original habitat remains. All that's left of what the first residents saw are remnants of the prairie, the big woods, streams and other natural systems. There's a drive on to protect what remains. Minnesota Public Radio's Dan Olson reports.