February 6, 1979 - Report on the abandonment of a hundred-mile branch line railroad track in southeastern Minnesota and how that abandonment would affect the communities, residents and businesses along its route. Minnesota has about 7,000 miles of rail lines - that figure was 8,000 miles just over ten years ago. Since then, rail line abandonment has increased, and the pace of abandonment is picking up. Railroads operating in the state have requests before the Interstate Commerce Commission that 400 miles of track be scuttled. Minnesota officials say another 300 miles of line may become moribund in the next three years. One of the requests before the ICC is that a 100-mile branch line in Southeastern Minnesota be abandoned. The track follows the root river from La Crescent on the Mississippi River to Ramsey just north of Austin in Mower County. The rail serves 12 communities and about 50 businesses. But Milwaukee Road officials say the line is a loser because there isn't enough traffic. MPR's John Gaddo of KLSE in Rochester visited some of the businesses along the track and prepared this report.
February 7, 1979 - Report and coverage of Minnesota senate debate over a rebate plan for Minnesotans. The bill was introduced by Senator Bill McCutcheon.
February 10, 1979 - On this regional public affairs program, MPR’s Nancy Fushan interviews members of the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphony, and their director William Jones. They share their experiences of performing at the Royal Albert Hall in London, as part of a London School’s Promenade concert series sponsored by the London Times and the BBC.
February 12, 1979 - On this Options program, a piece for Black History Month on Frederick Douglas.
February 14, 1979 - U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Bob Bergland speaking before a Farm Forum in Minneapolis. Bergland commented on the domestic farm situation. Speech was followed by a question and answer with audience members.
February 14, 1979 - Ossie Davis, actor and author, talks about Black oral tradition at the Science Auditorium on the campus of the College of Saint Scholastica in Duluth. Event was held on March 29, 1978.
February 15, 1979 - Poets Joe and Nancy Paddock share their impressions on the sale of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, located in Taunton Minnesota. Segment also includes comments from Vickie Sturgeon and church members.
February 16, 1979 - MPR reporter Dan Olson speaks with with Gregory Reed of the Afro-American Cultural Arts Center in Minneapolis about the history of Black people in Minnesota.
February 23, 1979 - MPR’s Nancy Fushan feature on Minneapolis’ Mixed Blood Theatre.
February 27, 1979 - Ossie Davis, actor and author, talks about Black oral tradition at the Science Auditorium on the campus of the College of Saint Scholastica in Duluth. Event was held on March 29, 1978. Davis uses personal examples to explain the importance of the oral tradition in Black culture.