January 1, 1999 - Mainstreet Radio's Kathryn Herzog pays a visit to one small town butcher shop, where business is making for some long days. Business at meat markets and butcher shops across the state is booming during holiday season. With pork prices as low as they've been in more than twenty five years, sales of pork are on the rise.
January 1, 1999 - Minnesota's new governor is a member of the Reform Party -- a political movement whose primary mission is improving the machinery of government. High on the party's "to do" list are Campaign finance reform and a leaner Legislature. But even with Jesse Ventura in the governor's office, voters should not expect a flurry of structural reforms right away.
January 1, 1999 - Minnesotans celebrated the New Year last night at Firstar's Capital New Year. The event drew tens of thousands to clown shows, jazz performances, swing dancing, and hay rides. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo sampled opinion about the changing of the year. He began by asking celebrants to rate the year 1998.
January 1, 1999 - 1998 proved to be yet another year for a decrease in crime across America. In many big cities, there was a sharp decline in homicides. One exception is Minneapolis which registered a slight increase in homcides. But behind the numbers is a sense that cities like Minneapolis are getting safer.
January 4, 1999 - Those who gathered to hear Governor Ventura's inaugural speech today didn't hear his legislative blueprint. Instead, Gustavus Adolphus political scientist Chris Gilbert says they heard a sort of motivational speech for the state.
January 4, 1999 - Today's inauguration was heavy on ceremony and light on policy. Past Governor's have said it is usually the day AFTER such an event that the enormity of the job really SINKS in for a new governor. REACTION following today's event ranged from awe by Ventura supporters, to mild curiosity by tourists, to the wait-and-see attitude of some lawmakers.
January 4, 1999 - Minnesota's six new constitutional officers take office over the noon hour today -- and for the first time in the state's history, a national television audience will be watching the swearing-in ceremony. The focus of all the extra attention, of course, is Governor-elect Jesse Ventura. The colorful former pro wrestler is a natural media personality -- just as he was a natural campaigner last fall. What kind of governor will he make?
January 4, 1999 - Governor-elect Jesse Ventura kicked off two weeks of inaugural activities over the weekend. On Saturday, he released a bald eagle at the Isaac Walton Reserve in Brooklyn Park, then had a potluck lunch with Twin Cities-area farmers, which organizers billed as "Ag 101". Ventura didn't spend much time campaigning on agricultural issues, but is trying to get up to speed quickly on farm policy.
January 4, 1999 - Jesse Ventura is now the Governor of Minnesota. Ventura was sworn into office today in a traditional inaugural ceremony at the State Capitol, marked by the presence of actor Arnold Schwarzenegger and several hundred enthusiastic Ventura supporters. Ventura promised to be honest with Minnesotans, and to try to keep young voters involved in politics.
January 4, 1999 - Media from around the world and across the nation covered the inauguration today, continuing their fascination with Jesse Ventura.