February 23, 1999 - MPR’s Amy Radil reports on ‘green design’ taking place on the North Shore. The idea of building a cabin using old hoses and pickle barrels may seem fantastic, but that's exactly what is happening along the shore of Lake Superior near Tofte. The unconventional materials are being used to fulfill the mission of Medora Woods, a Twin Cities-based psychologist, to build the most earth-friendly home possible.
February 23, 1999 - The Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis has announced its 1999-2000 season. While it maintains the Guthrie's devotion to the classics, it also feature new works, including a musical that wowed critics in London and another collaboration with St. Paul's Penumbra Theatre.
February 23, 1999 - Governor Ventura finished his visit to Washington D.C. today after by meeting over lunch with Minnesota's congressional delegation. The Minnesota members of congress say they got along well with Ventura, but they disagreed over the federal governments' role in funding public schools.
February 23, 1999 - There's not much relief on the horizon for farmers suffering from low prices. The United States Department of Agriculture projects export prices will remain low this year. Problems in global markets mean countries can't afford to buy American crops and livestock. Ed Lotterman, former agricultural economist for the Minneapolis federal reserve says the USDA report continues the trend of bad news for farmers.
February 23, 1999 - Republicans in the House want to give Minnesota voters the power to either pass new laws through statewide initiatives or repeal existing laws through referendums. The proposal gets its first hearing in a House committee tomorrow. But already, Democrats who control the Senate say they'll strongly oppose it.
February 24, 1999 - A Mainstreet Radio special broadcast from community room at City Hall in Thief River Falls. Mark Steil hosts a discussion on farm crisis and its impact on small towns with guests Howard Pearson, Pennington County Extension Agent; and Bob Bergland, former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.
February 24, 1999 - While few people would automatically come out against environmentally-conscious design... the rainforest-friendly rubber often meets the cash-conscious road when the bills come due. Despite this, "Green" architecture is gathering steam in Minnesota. A new building opening in St. Paul next month showcases green design options, while Hennepin County is developing what architects hope will be a model for other government bodies across the country.
February 24, 1999 - Brooklyn Park's planning commission holds a public hearing tonight on whether to let the Minnesota Orchestra build an outdoor amphitheater. Some Brooklyn Park residents say the amphitheatre would be a boon to the city and enhance its image; but many neighbors fear it will be a noisy boondoggle, disturbing their tranquility.
February 24, 1999 - The Saint Paul school board has officially named its finalist for superintendent. A public interview of Patricia Harvey, a former Chicago school administrator, is scheduled Monday night. Board members say they're ready to offer her the job.
February 24, 1999 - Members of St. Paul's Irish community say Governor Ventura must apologize for his comments on "The Late Show with David Letterman" last night. The Governor took this swipe at St. Paul as he explained why he preferred Minneapolis , the city where he was born.