May 30, 2006 - Pelican Rapids is like a lot of small towns in rural Minnesota. The community of 2,300 has changed over the years. The biggest change is the people. The region is attracting retirees and summer residents with lakeside cabins. There are also immigrants, who come for work at the West Central Turkey processing plant. More people can be good for a town. But in Pelican Rapids the influx of people has created a shortage of housing. Minnesota Public Radio's Bob Reha reports.
January 24, 2006 - Report cards are an important part of a student's education. But what happens when a school gets a poor report card? Progress reports are a part of the No Child Left Behind law. The federal law requires that schools achieve certain goals in many different areas like attendance, graduation rates and test scores. Two years ago, officials at Pelican Rapids High School were told their school needed to improve. Minnesota Public Radios Bob Reha reports on the schools efforts to raise its grades.
December 17, 2004 - Mainstreet Radio's Bob Reha reports on North Dakota lawmakers arguing over money. While Minnesota lawmakers face a $700 million shortfall when they convene in St. Paul, in North Dakota, lawmakers won't fight over fixing a deficit, but rather what to do with a budget surplus.
November 22, 2004 - Each day thousands of Minnesotans go hungry because they can't afford to buy food. There is no stereotype…they can be young or old; poor or middle class. For many, charitable organizations have helped. But the job of feeding those in need, is getting harder. Mainstreet Radio's Bob Reha talks with some involved in food shelfs and the ongoing support of them.
September 27, 2004 - Mainstreet Radio's Bob Reha reports that it's football season and once again speculation is flying about a potential sale of the Minnesota Vikings. There are few details available yet about the potential bid, but there are a lot of factors which could come into play if a sale goes forward…it will also involve a lot of money.
August 26, 2004 - Mainstreet Radio’s Bob Reha reports that while schools aren't open yet, report cards are being released nonetheless. The reports won't go to students, but to their schools.
June 15, 2004 - As part of the Mainstreet Radio series “Meth in Minnesota,” MPR’s Bob Reha reports on new techniques in recovering from meth addiction.
June 15, 2004 - Mainstreet Radio has compiled a series of stories on meth and the effect it is having on the state for the first half of a two-hour special report, “Methamphetamine Madness.” Methamphetamine is one of the most addictive, most abused and most readily available drugs in America. Experts are calling it an epidemic, and Minnesota is anything but sheltered from it.
February 9, 2004 - Minnesota residents talk a lot about the great quality of life they have. The state has enjoyed a national reputation for good schools and supportive children's programs…but that image has taken a hit lately. Funding for low income daycare has been chopped and lawmakers will struggle again in 2004 to make up a deficit that could total $500 million dollars. Mainstreet Radio's Bob Reha reports that it's a situation that may leave some families, scrambling to pay the daycare bill.
December 18, 2003 - Governor Tim Pawlenty flew around the state today (Thursday) to announce the locations for Minnesota's Job Opportunity Building Zones. Governor Pawlenty developed the program, known as JOB-Z, as an economic development tool. It offers businesses incentives to relocate, expand or start up in the designated areas. Mainstreet Radio's Bob Reha has the first of two reports.