September 9, 2003 - Governor Tim Pawlenty and State Agriculture Commissioner Gene Hugoson visited the Southeastern Minnesota town of Mazeppa (mah-ZEP-ah) this morning to evaluate crop damage from this summer's drought. Mainstreet Radio's Rob Schmitz reports. {Mazeppa Farmer Dale Stensland says as of the fourth of July weekend, things were looking good this year. Area farmers anticipated another bumper crop. But then, he says, trouble loomed.
September 9, 2003 - Hennepin County Commissioners today (Tues) refrained from setting the highest possible property tax levy for next year, despite a grim budget outlook. Those supporting the lower levy limit say keeping taxes down is important for families during tough economic times. Opponents on the County Board, however, say it means there will be ten million dollars less for services for needy residents. Minnesota Public Radio's Art Hughes reports.
September 10, 2003 - Two money-saving initiatives in the Minneapolis school district are drawing criticism. Hundreds of teachers demonstrated at Tuesday's school board meeting and accused district officials of illegally withholding pay increases. School board member are also facing tough questions from some parents, who are upset over a plan to close or realign several schools. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports...
September 10, 2003 - The Minnesota Health Department is reporting the state's first death from the West Nile Virus. The department says the death occurred in northwest Minnesota. The mosquito-borne disease was first diagnosed in Minnesota in July of last year. Health officials say it's the peak period for reporting West Nile-related illnesses, so they expect more cases in the coming weeks. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
September 10, 2003 - In Duluth's primary election Tuesday, voters narrowed a wide field of candidates for mayor. City councilor Herb Bergson and businessman Charlie Bell will face each other in November. Mainstreet Radio's Stephanie Hemphill reports.
September 11, 2003 - Commemorations of the second anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks will be held this morning in New York, Washington and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. There will be observances in our region as well. A memorial event will be held tonight at Midway Stadium in St. Paul... and Governor Tim Pawlenty is planning to be there.
September 11, 2003 - Two years ago today, the terrorist attacks changed our world dramatically. This week we asked you to tell us if the attacks have made a lasting impact on you or your family and whether that impact has faded. Letty, who lives in St. Louis Park writes that she has been permanently affected:
September 12, 2003 - A federal judge has awarded control of the Mall of America to the four brothers who first proposed the idea. The Ghermezian (gher-MAY'-zee-un) brothers of Canada said they were misled and ignored by the mall's managing partner in a battle over ownership control of the megamall. But Simon Property Group says it will challenge the ruling. Minnesota Public Radio's Bill Catlin reports.
September 12, 2003 - A rainstorm didn't halt the state's largest September 11 memorial ceremony last (THURSDAY) night in St. Paul. Governor Pawlenty and other leaders told a small but dedicated crowd the fight against terrorism must continue. They said Minnesotans can channel their emotions into community service here at home. Minnesota Public Radio's Jeff Horwich reports.
September 15, 2003 - Much of news about the war on Iraq has focused on the death toll of US soldiers, especially the number of deaths since President Bush declared the end of mayor combat in early May. The Defense Department says as of Friday (Sept 12) 181 US troops have died from combat wounds since the war with Iraq began. The seriously wounded get less attention, even though they significantly outnumber the dead. Caught up in sniper fire, and targeted by homemade bombs and Rocket Propelled Grenade attacks, troops are losing arms, legs and eyes.