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.
December 2, 2003 - A 50 year old Crookston man has been charged with kidnapping in connection with the disappearance of Dru Sjodin, the 22 year old college student missing since November 22nd. But police say the arrest allows them to focus completely on trying to find Sjodin. Mainstreet Radio's Bob Reha reports.
October 13, 2003 - Harvest equipment is rolling through the region's farm fields. It's a critical time for farmers. Their income is dependent on this time of year. Farmers hope market conditions are ripe for a good price. So far this year in the Red River valley harvest has been going smoothly and it appears the price may be right. Mainstreet Radio's Bob Reha reports.
September 26, 2003 - Railroads opened up the great plains. They played a big role in the history of the Fargo-Moorhead area. The old Great Northern and Northern Pacific lines sliced through the two towns. Today, the piercing sound of a locomotive's horn is still common. Recently, the Federal Railroad Administration approved a plan that will silence the horns. Mainstreet Radio's Bob Reha {REE-ha}, reports.
September 17, 2003 - The wheat harvest in the northern plains is complete. The crop is out of the field. Farmers have started to move the harvest from the farm to the elevator. But the next step will be more difficult. That is, finding enough railroad cars to move crops from elevators to markets around the country. Mainstreet Radio's Bob Reha (REE-ha) reports.
September 4, 2003 - Building or rebuilding a healthy economy is a tough job, especially in rural Minnesota. This year, small towns across the state are hoping to use a new tool for economic development, provided by the legislature. Minnesota's new Job Opportunity Building Zones or JOBZ, allows cities to offer lucrative incentives to developing businesses in the designated areas. Mainstreet Radio's Bob Reha reports.
August 21, 2003 - An anti-tobacco coalition in the Fargo-Moorhead area wants local bars and restaurants to go smoke free. They've proposed an ordinance to local city officials. They hope it's approved by the end of the year. Mainstreet Radio's Bob Reha reports.
August 7, 2003 - The United States and Canada share 4,000 miles of border. The U.S. Border Patrol has an agent every every 16 miles. The border between the U.S. and Mexico is half as long. But there's an agent every 1,000 feet. That's about to change. Officials say the agency will be shifting personnel to shore up the northern patrol. Mainstreet Radio's Bob Reha reports.
July 29, 2003 - Cuts in the state's budget took affect July first. Minnesotans who receive aid are starting to feel the difference. People who need state assistance for child care got a case of sticker shock this month. Lawmakers increased fees and co-payments along with cuts in some services to balance the state's budget. Mainstreet Radio's Bob Reha reports.
July 10, 2003 - With unemployment over six percent, lots of folks are looking for ways to make a few extra bucks to pay the bills. One part-time job that might seem too good to be true is being paid to eat. Mainstreet Radio's Bob Reha, reports.