April 8, 2003 - The initial diagnosis for "Hermann the German" is -- better than expected. Hermann is a century old statue in New Ulm. It depicts an ancient german warrior but it needs repair. A metal expert and a sculptor are studying Hermann's copper skin and steel frame. So far they're pleased with what they're finding. Mainstreet Radio's Mark Steil reports.
January 10, 2003 - Land may be forever but what grows on the land isn't. Thousands of acres of Minnesota farmland each year are being converted back to a natural state. Private land owners, non-profit groups and government are all part of the effort. Hunting organizations are especially active. One group, "Pheasants Forever", which started in Minnesota, has bought 85-thousand acres nationwide. Mainstreet Radio's Mark Steil reports. { Minnesota's best pheasant range is along its western flank. When settlers arrived more than a century ago this part of the state was treeless prairie. Most of the land now is farmed. But in Lincoln County on the South Dakota border one field is being returned to the wild.
October 1, 2002 - Wildlife officials say West Nile virus has been found in a Canada goose in South Dakota. It's the first time the virus has been detected in a game bird in that state. The goose and duck hunting seasons opened last weekend. But officials say hunters should not be afraid to eat water fowl. Mainstreet Radio's Mark Steil reports:
September 26, 2002 - The Mainstreet Radio documentary “An Uncivil War” examines The US-Dakota War of 1862, a war fought in the Minnesota River valley back in 1862 that still leaves scars today. On one side were the Dakota Indians. On the other, settlers and the U.S. government. Hundreds of people died on both sides of the five-week long war. It lead to the largest mass execution in U.S. history, when 38 Dakota were hanged in Mankato.
June 5, 2002 - Despite all the talk of market based agriculture, the new farm bill means most farmers are dependent on government subsidies for their living. But there are exceptions. Organic farmers for one. Most organic growers receive far less money than conventional farmers. Some don't receive any subsidies. They say there's a message in their mission. Mainstreet Radio's Mark Steil reports:
May 23, 2002 - An All Things Considered/Mainstreet Radio profile of author and poet BIll Holm, his small home town Minneota, and literary history of nearby Marshall. Program includes interview with Holm, various readings performed by MPR staff, and musical elements.
May 6, 2002 - Government regulators begin hearings today (Monday) to decide whether Xcel Energy can build new powerlines in southwest Minnesota. Xcel says the lines are needed to serve the growing wind energy industry in that part of the state. So far there is no organized opposition to the plan. Hearings are scheduled this week in Worthington, Pipestone and Redwood Falls. Mainstreet Radio's Mark Steil reports:
April 26, 2002 - A House/Senate conference committee worked for two months on the final package. Corn, soybean, and wheat farmers will receive higher subsidies than on the old bill.
April 25, 2002 - The president touched on several agricultural issues during his half day in South Dakota. He traveled about 35 northwest of Sioux Falls to the small town of Wentworth to visit an ethanol fuel plant. Dakota Ethanol
April 4, 2002 - One of the most surprising turnarounds in health care is the rebound of small town hospitals. Hundreds closed across the U.S. during the 1980's and 90's. But five years ago the federal government changed how medicare benefits are paid. The new system sends more dollars to rural health facilities. At Minnesota's smallest hospital, in the southwest part of the state, the change has been dramatic. Mainstreet Radio's Mark Steil reports: