April 4, 2001 - Minnesota's 2000 census contained some startling numbers as well as some figures which suprised no one. Population declines in Minnesota's most rural counties continued a trend that's affected the western and northwestern regions of the state the hardest. Every county but one bordering North and South Dakota lost people in the last decade. Most people blame a long term decline in the number of farmers for losses that hit small towns especially hard. Mainstreet Radio's Mark Steil reports:
March 6, 2001 - Snow drifts are piled high in western Minnesota reminding many people of the winter four years ago when the spring melt lead to record flooding. But the snow is not quite as deep as 1997, and that has most hoping this year's high water will be more a nuisance than a threat. As the snow begins to melt, residents of the Minnesota River valley are preparing; hoping for a slow, controlled melt, but ready just in case March brings more heavy snow or rain. Mainstreet Radio's Mark Steil reports:
February 23, 2001 - One of the original land grant missions of the University of Minnesota was to bring education and its benefits to all residents of the state, whether they attended the school or not. The U of M's extension service was created to implement that mission. Originally set up to serve mainly farmers, the extension has evolved along with changes in the state's population. As a part of our series, "Universal U", Mainstreet Radio's Mark Steil reports the extension now serves both rural and urban areas and reaches out to some of the newest population groups in the state.
February 19, 2001 - Mainstreet Radio’s Mark Steil interviews American composer Maria Schneider, who has been nominated for her jazz orchestral album "Allegresse." Scheinder grew up in Windom in the southwest part of the state. She reflects on how she first got into music.
January 25, 2001 - Mainstreet Radio’s Mark Steil reports on Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura in southern Minnesota as he continued to promote his budget plan and fire back at critics. During a stop in Worthington he said one of his most important priorities is to reform telephone service in the state. He says increased telecommunications competition will help business growth in rural areas.
January 12, 2001 - Opponents of corporate agriculture say a vote to end a mandatory fee represents a major victory for family farmers. Known as the pork checkoff, the fee is collected on every hog sold and raises about 50 million dollars a year. Independent farmers with small operations say the money collected has not helped them sell more hogs, but checkoff supporters say they'll challenge the results in court. Mainstreet Radio's Mark Steil reports: The fight over the future of agriculture is mostly a behind the scenes struggle which most consumers rarely see. But the pork checkoff produced at least one bit of adverstising that most people have heard:
December 27, 2000 - The Minnesota legislature will consider a 12-million dollar aid package for the city of Granite Falls when it convenes next month. An F-4 tornado hit the town in southwest Minnesota five months ago; only the most recent disaster the town has endured. The rebuilding continues even as subzero weather sets in. Mainstreet Radio's Mark Steil reports.
December 15, 2000 - Mainstreet Radio's Mark Steil reports that the 2000 census will likely show continued population loss in the state's most rural counties. In western Minnesota, some counties have lost 10% of their population over the last decade. Lac Qui Parle county shows one of the biggest losses as its population continues to age.
December 6, 2000 - Both sides in Minnesota's second congressional district claim they've picked up votes in a recount which is about half over. Republican Mark Kennedy defeated four term DFL'er David Minge by 155 votes in the November 7th election. Minge officials claim they've picked up 41 votes so far in the recount. Kennedy's staff says they've upped their lead by about 8 votes. Mainstreet Radio's Mark Steil reports:
November 10, 2000 - Mainstreet Radio’s Mark Steil presents a special report on The Armistice Day Blizzard. Steil talks with meteorologist Paul Douglas on how the storm formed and interviews numerous survivors who recollect on their experiences in the infamous storm.