April 12, 2001 - Residents in Fargo Moorhead are breathing a bit easier today after the National Weather Service lowered the projected river crest there by one foot. The crest forecasts were also reduced in Breckenridge and Grand Forks East Grand Forks,on the Red River, and at Granite Falls and Montevideo on the Minnesota River. Governor Jesse Ventura and Senator Paul Wellstone are touring the state today. Both made stops in Moorhead.
April 16, 2001 - As of today, the state law that prevents winter utility shut-offs stops protecting customers who have been unable to pay their bills. Heat and electric companies report a significant increase in unpaid bills, due in large part to the tripling of gas prices this season. And more customers are appealing to the state for help in paying their energy bills. John Harvanko is director of the Office of Energy Programs for the Minnesota Department of Economic Security. His office distributes federal grant money for heating assistance. He says it's possible that shut-offs will take place but he doesn't know of any:
April 17, 2001 - MPR’s Michael Khoo reports on Governor Jesse Ventura criticism of Senate Democrats for not passing a tax rebate bill this year, despite an April 15th deadline for taking action. Appearing on MPR's Midday program, Ventura said the failure to act means the Senate will have to accept his proposal, shared by the House, which returns the entire current year surplus. But Senate leaders say they plan to remain at the bargaining table.
April 17, 2001 - Granite Falls continuously gets hit hard during the annual floods. The money would be issued to families and to build new dikes. Governor Ventura and the House of Representatives are not backing the idea.
April 17, 2001 - MPR’s Brandt Williams reports on the new Roy Wilkins Auditorium which is being discussed in the Minnesota house and senate. The new auditorium would feature trade shows and musical acts, as well as a new civil rights museum. Mayor of St. Paul Norm Coleman speaks in support of the new center. A 12 person Tribute Committee comprised of local civil rights activists, business leaders, and citizens spearheads the development of the new civil rights museum.
April 17, 2001 - Striking bus drivers and other workers in the West Saint Paul-Mendota Heights-Eagan school district have approved a new two-year contract offer from the school district. The union employees went on strike 20 days ago over wages and benefits and could be back at their jobs by tomorrow (Wednesday) morning. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports...
April 18, 2001 - All Things Considered’s Lorna Benson interviews State Patrol Chief Anne Beers about overtime being offered in fulfilling security of the governor. Some of Jesse Ventura's State Patrol security officers are earning nearly as much per year as the governor.
April 18, 2001 -
April 18, 2001 - U-S Senator Mark Dayton has spent much of his spring recess touring flood-stricken areas of the state. Today on Minnesota Public Radio's Midday program the freshman DFLer said he'd use his congressional influence to try to restore federal emergency aid President Bush has proposed cutting.
April 19, 2001 - The senate race for 2002 is still a year-and-a-half away, but the political maneuvering is already hitting full stride, especially on the Republican side. State House majority leader Tim Pawlenty said yesterday that he would NOT run for Senator Paul Wellstone's seat. It comes just a few days after St. Paul Mayor Norm Coleman decided to switch his ambitions from running for governor, to running for senate. Pawlenty's decision also came after a phone call from Vice President Dick Cheney, who didn't want a primary battle among Republicans before facing Wellstone in the general election. Joining us on the line is former Republican gubernatorial candidate Alan Quist. Republican activist Alan Quist.