June 17, 2002 - People in Roseau, near the Canadian border, are beginning the process of cleaning up after the worst flood in that town's history. Water from the rain-swollen Roseau River receded over the weekend, after nearly a full week of devastation. City officials place early damage estimates at more than $120 million dollars as residents are discovering just how much they've lost.
June 6, 2002 - MPR presents a series of reports "Reading, Writing and Revenue," which looks at Minnesota schools' funding crunch. MPR’s Tom Robertson profiles the Bemidji school district as it struggles with enrollment and public support.
May 29, 2002 -
May 8, 2002 - The Paul Bunyan Playhouse in Bemidji is the longest continuously running summer stock theater company in Minnesota. But, lately, it's fallen on tough financial times. Playhouse officials say they've had trouble filling seats the past two years. They say part of the problem has been a sluggish economy and fewer tourists. But the Playhouse is also facing competition from several new theater companies. And as Mainstreet Radio's Tom Robertson reports, there are plans to bring even more theater to Bemidji. {
April 26, 2002 - Mainstreet Radio’s Tom Robertson reports on a bill heading to Governor Ventura that restricts all-terrain vehicle use in some state forests. Legislators approved a ban on cross country ATV travel on some state land. That means ATV riders can't go off established trails and roadways, but there are other changes ahead for Minnesotans who ride all-terrain vehicles.
April 15, 2002 - Last month, the FBI announced the arrests of dozens of people in a child pornography sting operation called "Operation Candyman." The sweep targeted an on-line child porn club with 7,000 members worldwide. Child advocates praised the effort. But some say it only scratches the surface of a growing problem. As Mainstreet Radio's Tom Robertson reports, there are efforts in Minnesota -- both public and private -- to hunt down online sexual predators and consumers of child pornography.
March 12, 2002 -
February 13, 2002 -
January 14, 2002 - The eleven bays were closed in 1992 due to studies in the 1980s. Snowmobiles fought the decision and they were mad that they couldn't use it to play or drive on.
December 19, 2001 - The communities of International Falls, Minnesota and Fort Frances, Ontario have a casual, sister-city relationship. Though separated by the Rainy River and an international border, they share strong social and economic ties. But things changed after September 11th. As part of Mainstreet Radio's "On the Border" series, MPR's Tom Robertson reports on the Canadian view from Fort Frances.