November 2, 2000 - Northeast Minnesota is being targeted not only by the presidential campaigns, but also by the leading state candidates for U-S Senate. Rod Grams and Mark Dayton both stumped hard in Duluth today, five days before the elections. Minnesota Public Radio's Bob Kelleher reports: {t's clear Republican Rod Grams considers Minnesota's arrowhead important to his re-election chances. Grams is a regular visitor and has pushed popular local issues including protections for the motorized recreation dear to many in this region.}
November 1, 2000 - The three leading candidates for the U-S Senate in Minnesota divide sharply over some environmental issues; but sound remarkably similar on others. There are clear divisions on what to do about oil exploration and global warming But the differences get cloudy over logging, mining, and motorized recreation. Minnesota Public Radio's Bob Kelleher reports: { {script}
October 26, 2000 - Minnesota's wood products industry is in trouble. The producers of Minnesota paper and lumber report poor earnings; some have laid off staff, others have closed. High interest rates, foreign competition and tight timber supplies are combining to squeeze profits from timber producers. Minnesota Public Radio's Bob Kelleher reports.
October 12, 2000 - The clear blues skies over Snowbank Lake filled with billowing smoke, as the Forest Service set a prescribed fire in timber blown down in the July 1999 windstorm. Fire experts consider controlled burn just the first of many more to come in and near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
September 26, 2000 - As Minnesota duck hunters take to the field this weekend, they're being warned about a new danger in the woods this fall. Wildlife officials are concerned about dangerous chemicals that might be left behind from clandestine methamphetamine labs. Minnesota Public Radio's Bob Kelleher reports.
September 4, 2000 - St. Louis County Commissioners are being asked to reconsider their denial of support for a methadone clinic that's opening in Duluth. Clinic operators have the necessary permits to open, but would like a vote of support from the county. But county Commissioners say there's no need for the clinic in St. Louis County. Minnesota Public Radio's Bob Kelleher reports: {Colonial Management Group of Orlando, Florida, now operates two methadone clinics in the Twin Cities, and dozens in other states. They plan to open a third Minnesota clinic in Duluth.
August 9, 2000 - A new study finds it may be feasible to build a combined direct reduced iron and steel plant on Minnesota's Iron Range - providing a fledgling Minnesota company can raise a lot of money. Minnesota Public Radio's Bob Kelleher reports:
August 4, 2000 - There's a familiar sound echoing once more over the Duluth harbor today. Workmen have returned a forty-year old air horn to the famous aerial lift bridge. The horn was removed several months ago during remodeling, after neighbors complained about the noise. But others thought its low powered replacement just didn't sound like Duluth. Minnesota Public Radio's Bob Kelleher reports:
July 28, 2000 - The Great Lakes Aquarium opens to the public Saturday on Duluth's waterfront. The $33.8 million dollar facility becomes the nation's first all-fresh water aquarium with displays of fish and turtles, birds and other wild creatures. Supporters have high hopes they can overcome attendance stagnation that's hit other Minnesota Aquariums. Minnesota Public Radio's Bob Kelleher reports.
July 12, 2000 - The kidnap and murder trial of Donald Blom got underway in a Virginia, Minnesota, courtroom this morning; but only after a last minute hearing forced yet another delay. Minnesota Public Radio's Bob Kelleher reports.