August 10, 1999 - Sioux Falls' newest performing arts center is already in need of repair. The building's 560-seat mezzanine is showing stress cracks because it bounces up and down when people stand and dance. This happened during a Collective Soul Concert in June. Minnesota Public Radio's Cara Hetland reports a structural engineer's report says as long as people sit still the multi-use facility is in no danger of structural damage.
August 10, 1999 - Wildlife officials say unprovoked bear attacks - like one on a Wisconsin Boy Scout Monday morning - are extremely rare. But they caution that a growing population of black bears in Minnesota and Wisconsin are likely to result in more human and bear encounters.
August 10, 1999 - As St. Paul Mayor Norm Coleman continues his search for new Twins ownership and west metro officials consider their options for retaining the team in Minneapolis , opponents of publicly subsidized ballparks grow increasingly frustrated. They wonder why -- in the face of significant public opposition -- the debate continues.
August 10, 1999 - One year ago environmental and Native American activists dug in their heels to fight the rerouting of Highway 55 in south Minneapolis . The protesters have survived a police raid and lost a campsite. Yet continue a 24 hour a day presence in the path of the highway's expansion --something Minnesota-DOT officials say is on track despite the protestors' actions to stop it.
August 10, 1999 - Mainstreet Radio visits several towns, each trying a different technique to make sure they are "wired." On this segment, MPR’s Mark Steil reports on how the town of Windom is considering a local phone service. City officials in Windom in southwest Minnesota are considering launching the state's first new municipal telephone business in more than 75 years.
August 11, 1999 -
August 11, 1999 - Wells Fargo, already the world's largest Internet bank with a million online customers, is making a big bet on ON-line banking. Chief executive Richard Kovacevich sat down with Minnesota Public Radio's Chris Farrell to talk about his bank's drive to gain business over the Internet, and last years merger between Wells Fargo and Norwest.
August 11, 1999 - A three year investigation into allegations of fraud in the housing program on the White Earth Indian reservation may result in federal indictments. The current tribal government says millions of dollars intended for housing was misappropriated during the administration of Darrell "Chip" Wadena. Wadena, who recently completed a two year federal prison sentence for corruption, denies the allegations. Tribal leaders are also blaming the federal government, claiming it failed to properly monitor how federal housing funds were used.
August 11, 1999 - Mainstreet Radio is visiting several towns, each trying a different technique to make sure they are "wired." Just as small rural communities once competed for rail lines, now towns see telecommunications as the vital link which will keep them flourishing.
August 11, 1999 - Suggested lead: For the last 12 years researchers have been prowling Minnesotas woods and prairies, armed with pens, papers, and nature books. They're with the Minnesota County Biological Survey. collecting information on the distribution and ecology of native habitats and rare plant species. The information will be used in a number of ways including as an aid to local officials making land use decisions.But, as Minnesota Public Radio's Bob Reha reports, not everyone is thrilled with that idea.