Created in 1987, Mainstreet Radio held a mission of reporting specifically from rural Minnesota to all of Minnesota. With an introductory staff of Rachel Reabe, Leif Enger, and John Biewen, the group developed both long and short form news features as part of MPR Journal and Morning Edition broadcasts. As the years progressed, Mainstreet Radio expanded both in reporter contributions and programming, with memorable work from the likes of Mark Steil and Catherine Winter, amongst others. Beginning in the 1990s, Mainstreet Radio presented a monthly two-hour special, focusing on issues outside the Twin Cities metro. The varied Mainstreet Radio programming ran into the mid-2000s.
Mainstreet Radio presented a breadth of topics, providing an avenue for individuals from all walks of life to be heard. These efforts garnered numerous journalistic awards, including 65 national and regional awards in its first 10 years (1987-97).
Award-winning material in “special programs,” “series,” or “documentary” categories include Meth in Minnesota; Against the Grain; Dancing on Beat: Portrait of a Reservation Family; After the Flood; An Education in Diversity; Rekindling the Spirit: The Rebirth of American Indian Spirituality; Wilderness Truce: Ely 10 Years Later; Making the Grade: Rural schools the work; The Rural School Challenge; Broken Trust: Civil Rights in Indian Country; Gold: New Prospects on the Iron Range; and Articles of Faith.
Award-winning material in the category of “reporting” include Frog Music; Pumpkinland; Four Winds Treatment Center; Deer Hunting Weekend; Border Check for Poachers; Mille Lacs Fishing Launch; Loon Habitat; House Call Doctor; Geritol Frolics; Cartwright's Calendar; Ice-Fishing on Mille Lacs; Mercury Fillets; and A Place for the Wolf.
August 28, 1993 - Mainstreet Radio’s Leif Enger profiles new Nay Ah Shing School on the Mille Lacs Indian Reservation. Thanks in part to casino era revenue funding, the new school will provide K-12 classes, as well as enhanced cultural curriculum and Native American centric elements.
September 16, 1993 - On this Mainstreet Radio segment, MPR’s Catherine Winter reports on Father Frank Perkovich, also known as the Polka Priest, and Joe Cvek & the Polka Mass-ters.
September 24, 1993 - Mainstreet Radio presents broadcast from the Meadowland Farmer's Co Op in Lamberton, Minnesota. The program focuses on how local area is dealing with the effects of flooding from the previous spring and summer, and the impact it is having on farms and the economy.
September 24, 1993 - Mainstreet Radio presents broadcast from the Meadowland Farmer's Co Op in Lamberton, Minnesota. The program focuses on how local area is dealing with the effects of flooding from the previous spring and summer, and the impact it is having on farms and the economy.
December 31, 1993 - On this Mainstreet Radio segment, MPR’s Leif Enger interviews Joel Hanson, member of the Minneapolis Christian rock group PFR (formally known as Pray For Rain).
January 26, 1994 - A Mainstreet Radio special broadcast from City Hall in Nashwauk, Minnesota. Program highlights the history, current state, and future of mining in the Iron Range. In this first hour of program, MPR’s Catherine Winter and Martin Kaste present various reports and interviews from residents, miners, mining companies, and politicians. Following reports, a panel discussion with Jim Gustafson, commissioner of IRRRB; Frederic “Fritz” Knaak, former I-R state representative in White Bear Lake; and Tom Rukavina, DFL state representative from Virginia, who talk about the future of area.
January 26, 1994 - A Mainstreet Radio special broadcast from City Hall in Nashwauk, Minnesota. Program highlights the history, current state, and future of mining in the Iron Range. In this second hour of program, MPR’s Catherine Winter and Martin Kaste present reports from MPR’s Rachel Reabe and Mark Steil. Following reports, a panel discussion with Doug Schrader, president of the Iron Mining Association of Minnesota; and Bob Roots, lobbyist for United Steel Workers, about mining jobs and future industry.
July 7, 1994 - On this Mainstreet Radio feature, MPR’s Leif Enger profiles Native American rock artist Jake Reum. The Garrison musician talks about his musical journey that led to album release “Make Love Real.”
September 19, 1994 - Mainstreet Radio’s Leif Enger reports on the idea of creating a water trail on Lake Superior. The plan would allow sea-kayakers the ability to paddle and view the lake from a different perspective. While the concept has support from many politicians and environmentalists, some are concerned that no study has been completed into the potential negative impact to the shore via the access points.
September 20, 1994 - Mainstreet Radio’s Rachel Reabe visits Tofte, Minnesota. While the natural shoreline of Lake Superior has not changed over time, the small town along the North Shore has. Reabe talks with local residents about the evolution of the town, the opportunities/concerns it has brought, and what the future holds for the community.