December 23, 1998 - In these days of plastic, tinsel and even aluminum christmas trees, many people prefer the smell of a REAL tree. An increasing number of Americans are returning to the tradition of cutting their own Christmas tree... But as Minnesota Public Radio's Hope Deutscher reports this surge in sales comes as many Christmas tree growers are getting out of the business... Driving down the lane through Sherman Mandt's 60-acre tree farm near Perham, Minnesota...Durk and Bobbie Currier and their three children are trying to pick the perfect Christmas tree. Bobbi Currier explains the difficulty:
December 23, 1998 - Elk once roamed much of Minnesota, but unregulated hunting in the 1800s so reduced the elk population it's now limited to a handful in the northwestern part of the state. A herd of about 30 animals lives near the town of Grygla, a product of an elk reintroduction program in 1935. Since then, the herd has been the subject of controversy because of damage it has caused to local crops. As Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Robertson reports from Bemidji, the Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comment on a draft management plan for how best to deal with Minnesota's elk.
December 23, 1998 - Greg Lemond retired from the world of cycling four years ago, but his bike hasn't had a chance to get rusty. He spent two weeks last January riding from Hanoi to Ho Chi Min city on "The Vietnam Challege" organized by World Team Sports. The 12-hundred-mile ride was the first officially sanctioned event between the United States and Vietnam. It brought together veterans, many who were disabled, from both countries. Participants hoped to heal some of the wounds caused by the Vietnam war. Lemond went along to lend encouragement, help change flat tires and offer support. A new film, which will air on NBC Saturday afternoon, brings the 16-day adventure to life. Lemond says it was the most amazing ride of his life:
December 23, 1998 - Some of the region's top economists say the economy is showing several signs of a slow down moving into next year. And some economists say there is a possibility of a recession in the second half of 1999. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports... --------------------------------------------------------- | D-CART ITEM:5884 | TIME: 404s | OUTCUE: soc --------------------------------------------------------- Wells Fargo Bank Chief Economist Sung Won Sohn says weak international markets from Asia to Latin American coupled with softening consumer demand in the United States will slow the US and Minnesota economies next year. Sohn is predicting fewer jobs will be created in Minnesot
December 23, 1998 - The U.S. was once a nation of farmers. But now, we're a country full of people who's families once farmed...so the story of foreclosure, bankruptcy and the letting go of a lifestyle is not uncommon. One South Dakota family experienced all of that a decade ago. Their story is still an open wound filled with anger, defeat, revenge and hope. Mainstreet Radios Cara Hetland reports: Bill was born and raised on a farm in southeastern South Dakota. For 19 years, his live was measured by the weather and the sky as he worked the soil raising corn, soybeans and lifestock. Today it doesn't matter how much rain falls or how dry the land is as Bill goes to work in Sioux Falls..
December 23, 1998 - Low prices for this year's crops have left many farmers struggling... and now, they're making decisions for the next planting season. With both crop and livestock prices the lowest they've been in decades, farmers may have to diversify in order to make it as agriculture changes. Minnesota Public Radio's Cara Hetland reports: Pioneer seed salesman Brian Jergans finishes up a sale for next spring. Most farmers buy their seeds early, to get in on price breaks and to ensure they'll get the seed they want. This year, farmer Jim Lammers will buy ten different varieties of corn. Salesman Brian Jergans encourages customers to test varities and check data over three years before ordering large quantities.
December 23, 1998 - It's a word that makes many lawmakers cringe, but talk of stadiums will be back before the legislature in 1999 session. A task force appointed by Governor Carlson is asking lawmakers to create a new commission to fund sports stadiums and arts venues. Legislative leaders and the Governor-elect are skeptical.
December 23, 1998 - Everybody seems to be on the move at the state capitol these days: in the House, the new Republican majority is swapping offices with the Democrats... while Arne Carlson's staff members are cleaning out their desks to make way for Jesse Ventura. The calm spot is the Senate, where DFL Majority Leader Roger Moe continues to run things as he has for almost two decades. As Minnesota Public Radio's Martin Kaste reports, Moe's experience puts him in a unique -- and potentially very powerful -- position. If things had gone according to DFL plans, Roger Moe would be getting ready to move into the Lieutenant Governor's office about now. Instead, the Humphrey-Moe gubernatorial ticket came in third, and Moe is looking forward to his 19th consecutive year as Senate Majority Leader. What's surprising is how upbeat he sounds about the prospect:
December 24, 1998 - FOR DEC 24 ATC Imagine you're a celebrity musician. New cars, nice clothes, fans stopping you on the street for autographs. Then, war changes everything. You're forced to leave your homeland with little more than the clothes on your back, and you end up in Minnesota working at a bakery. That in a nutshell is the story of Alexsander Pavolic (PAV low vick). Minnesota Public Radio's Dan Olson has more. audio . . . ambience Pavlovic family smiles as bright as light bulbs greet visitors to the their small apartment in Brooklyn Center. Coffee is served, there's a little conversation. But Alexsander is straining at the bit like a race horse. He is happiest when his fingers are racing over his
December 24, 1998 - MPR’s William Wilcoxen reports on efforts of the Minnesota Twins executives to “break even” by cutting payroll. That helps explain why the Twins let go of several of their best-paid players, but it’s not clear where this short-term strategy will lead them.