February 13, 2002 - A group of farmers from southern Minnesota think they have an answer to our country's dependance on foreign oil. They say the solution is biodiesel. It's a fuel made from what some call "the miracle bean", soybeans. After ten years of research and development on the fuel, scientists have found it a superior alternative to oil-based diesel fuel. Last year, some Minnesota lawmakers wanted to require that all diesel fuel be made with 2% biodiesel. They introduced a bill that died in the senate. They'll reintroduce the bill to the legislature this year. In the second story of our Mainstreet series, "The Miracle Bean" Rob Schmitz reports lawmakers hope the current international atmosphere will help the bill become law.
January 15, 2002 - There's a challenge to Minnesota's first county-wide smoking ban. The Rochester Lodging and Hospitality Association has asked the Olmsted County Attorney to investigate lobbying by anti-smoking advocates. Those against the smoking ban say money from Minnesota's tobacco settlement was inappropriately used for the smoking-ban campaign. Mainstreet Radio's Rob Schmitz has this report. { Rochester resident Bonnie Wolters is sitting at the bar in Victoria's restaurant, smoking a cigarette--a freedom she'll no longer have after January 31st.
January 11, 2002 - As the new year begins, people in Albert Lea are doing their best to put 2001 behind them. The year has been a tough one for this southern Minnesota community. In July, the Farmland Foods plant, the city's third largest employer, burned down. The disaster left almost 500 residents unemployed. Then, in November, city residents voted down a proposed school levy referendum, forcing its school district to cut more than a million dollars from the budget. In the meantime, the city's population is declining, and businesses are leaving the city. Mainstreet reporter Rob Schmitz visits the city's schools in the aftermath of major budget cuts. HOST BACKANNOUNCE: Monday on Morning Edition, Laurel Druley reports on the how Albert Lea's economy has fared since the Farmland Foods plant burned. Families have moved away, and other businesses are struggling.
December 31, 2001 - Over the years more than six million children have seen the Minnesota's Children's Theatre Company. For many it was their first theater experience The Children's Theatre Company, now in its 37th season, has outgrown its Minneapolis facility. It's asking the state for $12 million to expand. Mainstreet Radio's Rob Schmitz has this report.
December 26, 2001 - Winona County approved an ordinance today that will limit locations for adult businesses. Minnesota Public Radio's Rob Schmitz has this report.
December 14, 2001 - As the military campaign against Al-Qaeda tightens, so does a campaign launched by Minnesota Congressman Gil Gutknecht. Gutknecht wants to transfer Sheikh Omar Abdel Rahman away from Rochester's Federal Medical Center to a secret location. The 63 year-old blind Imam was found guilty of conspiracy in the World Trade Center bombing of 1993. He is currently serving a life sentence. Gutknecht, a Republican who represents the first district, says the sheikh's prescence poses a threat to Rochester.
December 10, 2001 - As part of Mainstreet Radio’s “Our Town” project, Rob Schmitz reports on Viroqua, Wisconsin…a dying small town that revived itself by transforming its identity.
November 16, 2001 - A grassroots organization of Rochester residents wants a recount of last week's school referendum vote. Some residents say the school district had too much control over a ballot with only one item. Mainstreet radio's Rob Schmitz has this report. Voters passed the levy measure by only 185 votes last Tuesday.
October 25, 2001 - Fifteen miles south of Wabasha, the Weaver Bottoms is a 4,000 acre wetland fed by the Mississippi River. The region was home to the midwest's most diverse array of vegetation and animal habitat. It has since lost that title. Mainstreet Radio reporter Rob Schmitz found a man who studies one species, in a fight to keep the Weaver Bottoms, and the the river, alive.
October 10, 2001 - Last spring, the Winona Area Public School District threatened to shut down Ridgeway Elementary, the smallest and most remote school in the district, because of low enrollment. In response, the community of Ridgeway and local educators worked together to revive the school by applying for--and then receiving--charter status. Mainstreet Reporter Rob Schmitz reports on how making the transition to charter kept a small school alive. { "We really don't know what self-directed means, do we? no."