April 12, 1999 - Voters in the Pipestone-Jasper School District in far southwestern Minnesota, decide tomorrow if they'll replace an 82 year old high school. The building violates the state fire code and is beginning to crumble from the ground up. Opponents don't want to spend 22 million dollars on a new school but would prefer to renovate the old. Pipestone is not alone in this decision. Many communities with aging schools will hold similar bond referendums in the next several years as turn-of-the-century schools need updating. The state isn't staying neutral - holding out financial assistance as an incentive to force new construction.
April 12, 1999 - It's nail biting time for Twin Cities rail boosters. Federal officials reviewing Minnesota's request for money for the Hiawatha Avenue light rail line assume the state will share the cost. But Last week, members of a key Minnesota House committee approved a transporation bill which does NOT include the $60 million the governor and other rail supporters seek. A version of the bill still alive in the Senate includes the money. Light rail supporters worry that failure to win state money will push Minnesota to the back of the funding line.
April 12, 1999 - This week marks Governor Jesse Ventura's 100th day in office. The former wrestler is arguably the country's most well-known governor, and so far he's riding high in the opinion polls.
April 12, 1999 - Tonight the congregation of Redeemer Missionary Baptist Church in Minneapolis will kick off a public fundraiser to help restore the sanctuary they've called home since 1988. The church is among the few remaining prairie school churches in the country. It was designed by architects William Gray Purcell and George Feick Junior in 1909. The architectural style was inspired by straight lines and simple forms of the midwestern landscape. Today, the church sits in a neighborhood that has weathered some tough times, but appears to be on the upswing. The church is just a few feet from Interstate 35 and the drone of traffic outside the building is pretty constant. The church is weather-worn, its paint is peeling, its windows are broken. But it's still a well-preserved example of classic prairie school design. Curator Jennifer Olivarez with the Minneapolis Institute of Arts gave me a tour of the church.
April 12, 1999 - Voters in Minnesota's southeastern-most senate district go to the polls tomorrow in a special election. They'll fill the seat DFL senator Steve Morse left to become assistant commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources. Voters will choose between long time Winona DFL state representative Gene Pelowski; Republican Bob Kierlin - the CEO of Fastenal Company; and Winona County Recorder Bob Bambenek of the Reform Party. The candidates aren't that far apart on the issues. Minnesota Public Radio's Brent Wolfe reports the election will probably turn on which party does the best job getting its core supporters to the polls.
April 13, 1999 - The time between snowmelt and spring growth is Minnesota's most dangerous fire season. Every year thousands of acres burn, and tens of thousands of dollars are spent controlling the flames. But this year, an agreement between three midwest states and two Canadian provinces could mean better firefighting for all and a strange new sight on Minnesota lakes.
April 13, 1999 - MPR’s Eric Jansen reports on community complaints regarding Minneapolis Police Department’s CODEFOR program. Minneapolis’ mayor and police chief say CODEFOR has dramatically reduced crime in the city. Critics and civil rights groups claim the computer-assisted program that targets neighborhoods based on crime patterns encourages police harassment and makes some residents feel like prisoners in their own homes.
April 13, 1999 - Governor Ventura has warned legislators that he has no intention of calling a special legislative session if they don't finish major tax and spending bills by the May 17 adjournment date. Ventura is especially concerned with the fate of his tax rebate legislation, which has been stuck in a conference committee for two months.
April 13, 1999 - Governor Jesse Ventura went head-to-head with critics of his transportation programs earlier today. During a speech in downtown Minneapolis , members of the Libertarian party heckled the governor for his support of light-rail transit in the Twin Cities.
April 13, 1999 - A new Minnesota Public Radio/St. Paul Pioneer Press poll shows most Minnesotans still think highly of Governor Ventura after his first 100 days in office. His approval rating has dipped significantly from the last poll taken before he took office, but he still gets high marks from a majority of voters. Most like his plain spoken style and agree with him that people should rely on themselves--not government--to solve their problems. But a significant number of people also say it's too soon to judge the governor's performance, and they'll wait before they make up their minds about Ventura.