January 13, 1998 - The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says its close to wrapping up an investigation into alleged permit violations at the Koch Refinery. The Rosemount facility is the largest refinery in the state and has long been the target of complaints from people living nearby. The MPCA suspects water and air quality violations as well as illegal dumping of hazardous waste. Earlier today Koch executives pledged to spend MILLIONS of dollars to improve environmental protection at their refinery.
January 8, 1998 - Twin Cities-based Northwest Airlines and Houston-based Continental Airlines are talking about an alliance in which they'd funnel passengers between the two airlines. Leaders of Northwest's pilots union are meeting in Minneapolis today and tomorrow to determine whether teaming up with Continental would benefit the union. Whatever thy decide will be critical to prospects for an alliance because the pilots are in a position to reject the arrangement.
October 3, 1997 - State and federal wildlife managers have increased the number of ducks hunters can kill this fall. In Minnesota this year's bag limit will be the highest its been since the end of World War Two . The Department of Natural Resources says the higher limits are justifiable. Officials say wet weather over the past several years has helped the duck population to boom. But some environmentalists think the new bag limits are too liberal and they're worried other new waterfowl regulations could threaten the thriving duck populations. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports.
September 25, 1997 - The Stroh Brewery Company told 365 workers this afternoon it's shutting down its St. Paul brewery November 24th. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports.
September 4, 1997 - Negotiations between Japan and the United States over aviation treaties have pitted most U.S. airlines AGAINST Twin Cities-based Northwest Airlines. Post World War II netted Northwest valuable air routes to Japan. Now as Northwest celebrates the 50th anniversary of its sucessful service to Asia, there's talk about amending the treaties that have greatly benefited Northwest. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports... | D-CART ITEM: 5784 | TIME: 5:21s
August 28, 1997 - The home improvement industry is one of the fastest growing areas in retailing and the nation's largest and fastest growing home store is aggressively expanding in the Twin Cities. Less than a year and a half ago Home Depot didn't even have one of its giant warehouse-like stores in the Minneapolis St. Paul area. Now it has seven with plans to open three more by the beginning of next year. Minnesota Public radio's Mark Zdechlik reports.
August 21, 1997 - Northwest Airlines says special so-called "Fly Local," fares have stimulated travel in the five greater Minnesota commmunities where the new prices are being tested. The airline says it'll decide on a city by city basis whether the low fares will remain in place... probably by the end of the year Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports...
August 19, 1997 - United Parcel Service says it will start ramping up to full service tomorrow now that it appears as though a strike is drawing to an end. Labor is claiming victory in the tentative settlement and observers say the struggling labor movement stands to benefit from the walkout. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports.
August 18, 1997 - The Minnesota State Fair starts this Thursday and the fairgrounds are alive with activity in preparation for opening day. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik interviews various members at the State Fair on what this year holds.
July 10, 1997 - A Ramsey County jury has acquitted a Roseville dentist and his daughter charged with hiring a shoplifter to steal expensive department store merchandise. The jury did however convict Judy Dick on a charge of attempting to receive stolen property. Defense attorneys say the case against the Dick family was built on police misconduct and they're confident the one conviction the government got will be overturned on appeal. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports.