November 30, 2001 - MPR’s Stephanie Hemphill profiles Alden Lind, who for three decades was a passionate defender of Lake Superior. He was a leading voice in the successful battle to stop dumping taconite waste into the lake.
November 23, 2001 - In elections around the state earlier this month, a record number of school districts asked voters to approve extra money for school programs. Most of those levy referendums passed. In Cook County in northeastern Minnesota, voters defeated a $300,000 referendum. But some residents aren't giving up. They're not challenging the referendum, but they're still trying to raise money. They've organized a fund drive. They're inviting people to contribute any amount, and they've raised about thirteen thousand dollars in just a couple of weeks. Minnesota Public Radio's Stephanie Hemphill reports.
November 16, 2001 - MPR's Stephanie Hemphill visits a rehearsal of the Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra as they are led by Markand Thakar, their new conductor. Thakar has his feet in two musical worlds. He'll keep his job as an assistant conductor at the New York Philharmonic while commuting to Duluth for the monthly concerts with the DSSO. The Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra celebrates its 70th season under the baton of a Thakar.
November 15, 2001 -
November 7, 2001 - Unofficial results from Tuesdays election show two-thirds of the school districts asking for money from local residents will get it. But voters did say "no" in Bloomington, Anoka-Hennepin, Duluth, and St. Cloud. 188 school districts -- a record number -- had levy referendums on the ballot. School board officials say there's no definite pattern to explain the "no" votes. They see the largely positive response as a mandate to ask for more money at the legislature next year. We have two reports, starting with Minnesota Public Radio's Stephanie Hemphill. <
November 2, 2001 - In Duluth, more than three hundred volunteers are visiting an inner-city elementary school every week to read with the students. There's a reading partner for every child in the school. Minnesota Public Radio's Stephanie Hemphill reports the effort grew out of the belief a child has a better chance at success in life with direct adult involvement. {
October 10, 2001 - People in Duluth have been talking for years about how to keep young people in town. Every year the city's high schools and colleges send thousands of graduates into the world - and for most of them, that means almost anywhere but Duluth. In years gone by, the lure of the big city explained part of the exodus. But these days, many young people say they'd like to live in Duluth, but they can't find good jobs. Now, a group of young Duluthians is working to make the city more attractive to young people. Minnesota Public Radio's Stephanie Hemphill reports.
September 25, 2001 - Last summer's special session of the legislature changed the way Minnesotans pay for public schools. The state will now pay almost 80% of the basic public schools costs. The money will come from a new statewide property tax on businesses and cabins as well as from income and sales taxes. The reform was designed to ease the local property tax burden. But many rural school officials say they still aren't getting enough money from the state, and they plan to ask voters to approve additional property taxes to bridge the gap. Minnesota Public Radio's Stephanie Hemphill reports. { Superintendents say they're glad the state is increasing its spending on schools, but they say it's not enough. Most districts will cut budgets, or ask local voters to approve excess levies, or both.
August 22, 2001 - Boise Cascade and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency are appealing a court ruling that requires an Environmental Impact Statement before Boise can expand its mill in International Falls. Forest industry officials say the ruling puts a cloud over the state's voluntary approach to forest management. Environmentalists say it points up deficiencies in that approach. Minnesota Public Radio's Stephanie Hemphill reports.
August 6, 2001 - Off highway vehicle fans say it's time the state created trails for all-terrain-vehicles, dirt-bikes, and 4 x 4 trucks. Critics say the DNR should do more to enforce laws and protect the environment before they spend money on new trails. Now the public is being asked for input. Minnesota Public Radio's Stephanie Hemphill reports.