December 13, 1996 - An essay on "look at me" houses by Voices from the Heartland contributor Mike Perry.
December 14, 1996 - Lessons passed from one generation to another are an important part of the continuity of family. However, commentator Ann Dunn recalls one time when the lesson was that of disappointment.
December 20, 1996 - Voices from the Heartland: Kent Nerburn, "Blue" from his new book, A Haunting Reverence: Meditations on a Northern Land.
December 25, 1996 - Minnesota author Ann Daly Goodwin commentary on the holiday surprise of cookies and joy of togetherness.
December 27, 1996 - We'll hear a few of the winning entries in the Children's Museum annual short story contest. “Feelings Don’t Mix with Maggie” by Ellen Finnegan, 5th grade at Oak Point Intermediate School in Eden Prairie. Read by 10 year old Ben Wareham of Expo Elementary School in Saint Paul.
December 27, 1996 - We'll hear a few of the winning entries in the Children's Museum annual short story contest.Untitled story by 6 year old Corey Kryszak, 1st grade at Saint Rose School in Roseville. Read by Molly Nelson, 4th grade at Bailey Elementary School in Woodbury
December 27, 1996 - We'll hear a few of the winning entries in the Children's Museum annual short story contest. "Melody" by 9-year-old Anna Rice of Randolph Heights Elementary School in Saint Paul. Read by 10-year-old Ben Wareham of Expo Elementary School in Saint Paul.
December 27, 1996 -
January 2, 1997 - Midday discusses the year in sports with Minnesota Public Radio sports analyst Howard Sinker. Sinker and MPR’s Gary Eichten review the events of the past year, and look ahead to the rest of the year. Topics include the battle over stadium public financing for Minnesota Twins and/or Minnesota Vikings.
January 3, 1997 - Kent Nerburn, "January" and "Benediction" from "A Haunting Reverence."