March 26, 1999 - In Superior, Wisconsin, a hardware fanatics Aladdins cave is on the auction block... and drawing visitors from around the country. Berger Hardware Store opened in 1915 and closed 70 years later, crammed to the ceiling with stock that often dates back to the 1920's and 30's. The store was known to locals as the one place that stocked everything, even if it was decades out of date.
March 18, 1999 - Republican House Speaker Steve Sviggum has a new report to bolster his contention lawmakers have no place making spending decisions on the Iron Range Resource and Rehabilitation Board. Today Sviggum's bill to restructure the economic development agency goes before a House Committee.
February 22, 1999 - A small cut in the state's 23-billion-dollar budget has business people and organized labor concerned. Governor Jesse Ventura's budget removes funding for a 60-year old apprentice training program that turns out thousands of new trade workers each year. Some worry the ranks of skilled workers are already at risk, and the shortage will be exacerbated by the cut.
February 11, 1999 - A labor union traditionally associated with the iron and steel industries is making inroads into representing healthcare workers. The United Steelworkers of America has just been granted representation of more than 800 health clinic workers in Duluth, and the union is targeting additional medical employees across the region.
January 18, 1999 - MPR’s Bob Kelleher reports on Madeline Island’s Windsled. Fewer than 200 people live year 'round on the Island just off the southern shore of Lake Superior near Bayfield, Wisconsin. While island life revolves around the mainland ferry schedule most of the year, islanders can drive across the ice during the depths of winter….but for a few weeks each year, the trip to shore has to be made in the island's unique water transportation vehicle.
January 8, 1999 - Snow fall has done a lot to lift the spirits of Minnesota businesses dependent on winter activites like snowmobiling and skiing. Resorts, restaurants and service stations are welcoming back thousands of ski and snowmobile enthusiasts who had little chance to enjoy winter sports since the Spring of 1997. But for some businesses, snow may be too late.
December 24, 1998 - Minnesota's older teenagers are supposed to be hitting the books, at least if they want to legally ride a snowmobile. A new law requires all teenagers to pass a safety course before operating a snowmobile on public land. But few of the older teens have signed up for training, and public safety officials fear many are unaware of the law, or intend to ignore it. Minnesota Public Radio's Bob Kelleher reports ..... The snowmobile season got off to a slow start this winter.... SFX: (vroom - ratta tat ratta tatta tatta - vroom) For two days in November at the annual Snowcross races just outside Duluth
December 15, 1998 - MPR’s Bob Kelleher reports from Duluth, where the temperature soared close to 50 degrees on December 14th. This fell just short of a 100-year old record. Few seemed to mind the sunshine and distinct lack of ice or snow.
November 23, 1998 - Duluth teachers vote Tuesday whether to accept a new contract. The Independent District 709 board approved the agreement Sunday, but board members worry how to pay for it. Minnesota Public Radio's Bob Kelleher reports...
November 16, 1998 - The U-S International Trade Commission has officially found evidence some overseas steel producers are selling below cost steel to U-S customers. The ruling opens the way for the Commerce Department to investigate charges of unfair trade against producers in Japan, Brazil and Russia. Minnesota's Iron Mining companies hope the investigation will lead to sanctions, which might prevent further cutbacks in Minnesota iron production and the potential of worker layoffs. Minnesota Public Radio's Bob Kelleher reports: The steel industry is a cyclical closely following the strength of the nation's economy. And both have been on a rip. Iron ore production has neared a 17-year high afte