May 15, 2001 - The farmers had to start planting late because of flooded fields from melted snow and preciptation. It's not a bad thing because this is prime spouting time.
May 2, 2001 - Unseasonable weather that dumped snow in northern Minnesota and poured rain in central and southern sections last week has further delayed spring planting. It was the second wettest April in Minnesota history - but many in agriculture say that could be a blessing in disguise once the crops go in. Mainstreet Radio's Cara Hetland reports:
April 30, 2001 - For many parts of our region, tourism is a vital industry. Many farmers and ranchers are getting into the business by opening up their homes and land as vacation spots. Tourism organizations target international travelers with an invitation to come and see the "real" Midwest. Packages promoting farm and ranch stays have some worried that Foot and Mouth disease could easily find it's way to midwestern livestock. Most trust the preventative measures in place while others are taking their own precautions. Mainstreet Radio's Cara Hetland reports:
April 24, 2001 - As part of Mainstreet Radio series "Broken Trust: Civil Rights in Indian Country,” MPR’s Cara Hetland reports on decades of Native American civil rights complaints in South Dakota.
April 13, 2001 - The Big Sioux (sue) River is expected to crest today (Friday) in Watertown South Dakota ten feet above flood stage. The nearby lake will crest a few hours later about four feet above it's natural banks. The Mayor of Watertown says original projections called for an even higher crest; it seems for now, the city's avoided a crisis. Volunteers are in a holding pattern and operation centers and shelters are closing as the water makes its way through the system. Mainstreet Radio's Cara Hetland reports:
March 9, 2001 - President George Bush continued his tax cut roadshow today the nation's top political leaders showed a bipartisan spirit at a Sioux Falls clinic - before the tax bickering began. Mainstreet Radio's Cara Hetland reports:
January 9, 2001 - A proposal to give each of South Dakota's nine Native American tribes non-voting representation in the state legislature is one issue facing lawmakers as the 2001 session begins. The move is designed to establish a direct voice for the tribes -but interestingly, did not come from any of the state's Native American leaders. Lawmakers are luke-warm to the idea but say it's worth debating and Native Americans want to be more involved in the discussions. Mainstreet Radio's Cara Hetland reports:
December 29, 2000 - The South Dakota legislature passed legislation today to sell the state-owned cement plant. Governor Bill Janklow announced plans to sell the plant to a Mexican company for 252 million dollars Saturday then called the legislature into special session. Janklow says the sale must be completed by the end of the year. The state has been in the cement business for 80 years. Minnesota Public Radio's Cara Hetland reports.
November 6, 2000 - (sound of video lottery up under host lead - DCART Video Lot sound 0844) Casino signs dot nearly every main street in South Dakota. With 8-thousand machines the video lottery industry has given the state 684 million dollars in the past ten years. South Dakota doesn't have an income tax. Despite the obvious boost to state coffers, South Dakota voters have been asked three times in the past ten years whether to continue the games. This year on election day they'll vote again but the debate has changed. Religious and business leaders have taken a public stand against video lottery on moral grounds. Mainstreet Radio's Cara Hetland reports:
October 30, 2000 - All this week Minnesota Public Radio is taking an in-depth look at the issues in the political campaigns. The men and women elected to the United States House and Senate this year will play a critical role in shaping farm policy. The federal legislation they'll pass dictates payments to the nation's two million farmers and outlines loan rates and marketing strategies. Many farmers will say these issues aren't being actively debated in the political arena this year because their power as a voting block has faded. Mainstreet Radio's Cara Hetland reports: