August 3, 1999 - St Paul mayor Norm Coleman's stadium plan is running into a wall of skepticism at the state capitol. Late last night, Coleman announced he'd struck a deal with the owners of the Twins to build a stadium in downtown St Paul, splitting the $325 Million dollar cost between the team, the city and the state. The state and city contributions would have to be approved by the Legislature next year, but the initial reaction from legislative leaders suggests that's not likely to happen.
August 3, 1999 - The St. Paul Companies is cutting another one thousand jobs. The St. Paul based insurer says the move will lower expenses by 100 million dollars next year. The announcement comes a week after the company reported a sharp increase in second quarter profits. Officials say the job reductions will boost profits further.
August 3, 1999 - The national conversation on urban sprawl has reached rural Minnesota. Specifically the Brainerd lakes area, where the city of Baxter has seen such commercial growth it's now trying to expand its boundaries, and its tax base.
August 3, 1999 - MPR’s William Wilcoxen reports on a new agreement with St. Paul Mayor Norm Coleman and the Minnesota Twins, in which owner Carl Pohlad and his sons have agreed to sell baseball team to new owners, provided a new ballpark is built in St. Paul. Some Minnesotans say an ownership change would make little difference in fostering public support for subsidizing a new stadium.
August 4, 1999 - A discussion of the St. Paul agreement with the Minnesota Twins regarding sale of the team and a new ballpark with St. Paul City Council Member Chris Coleman, a member of the negotiating team.
August 4, 1999 - There are thousands of miles of multi-use trails in Minnesota. Their popularity is exploding among hikers, bikers, snowmobilers, skiers and skaters. These trails are often a boon to small towns, pulling in tourists year round. The Lake Wobegon Trail in central Minnesota is one of those popular destinations. The former rail line-turned path stretches thirty miles in Stearns County, from Avon to Sauke Centre. Trail supporters want to add another 9 mile stretch north to the town of Holdingford. But some landowners are opposed to the move, saying its violates their rights.
August 5, 1999 - A Mainstreet Radio special broadcast of Minnesota Citizens’ Forum, live from FarmFest in Redwood Falls. In the first hour of program, Minnesota Farm Radio Network’s Tom Rothman hosts a discussion of the importance of a strong rural economy to Minnesota.
August 5, 1999 - A Mainstreet Radio special broadcast of Minnesota Citizens Forum, live from FarmFest in Redwood Falls. In the second hour of program, Minnesota Farm Radio Network’s Tom Rothman hosts a continuing discussion of the importance of a strong rural economy to Minnesota.
August 6, 1999 - Mainstreet Radio's Brent Wolfe reports on a national referendum sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which looks to change the current system that sets different minimum prices for milk in different parts of the country. The new pricing system would reduce the disparity in minimum prices around the nation.
August 6, 1999 - A reorganized district administration has begun its task of improving Saint Paul public schools. Superintendent Patricia Harvey has promised big reforms in the district and says the new leadership team will help her make the changes. The new administrators began their jobs this week and were echoing their boss's goal of raising student achievement.