January 14, 2002 - This week a Rochester man will travel to Pakistan where he'll establish relief services for Afghan refugees. Frank Anderson represents the American Refugee Committee, a nonprofit organization that in the past has taken him to Bosnia, Croatia and Thailand. Anderson believes this could this could be his most challenging posting yet. Minnesota Public Radio's Erin Galbally reports.
January 11, 2002 - Republicans say that Governor Ventura's budget is the beginning of a bumpy ride. Most of the money going to nonprofits is from the government and since that money is frozen, nonprofits are going to be hurting for money.
December 6, 2001 - The state's tick population has soared because of the warmest fall in more than 100 years. It's a phenomenon any deer hunter, particularly in southeastern Minnesota, knows well. Typically ticks disappear for the winter before the start of hunting season. But this year that's not the case. And it's prompting concerns that Lyme disease could be on the rise. Minnesota Public Radio's Erin Galbally has this Mainstreet report.
November 29, 2001 -
November 22, 2001 - The winding back roads of southeastern Minnesota are home to a growing controversy over an activity known as deer shining. By definition, deer shining is the use of artificial light to locate animals. Throughout the fall and especially during hunting season law enforcement is tough on deer shiners. The Department of Natural Resources can throw violators in jail, impound cars, and take away firearms. But as the rural population grows deer shiners and their late night antics amount to nothing short of harassment. Minnesota Public Radio's Erin Galbally has this Mainstreet report.
November 20, 2001 -
November 19, 2001 - The most ambitious railroad expansion since the Civil War is one step closer to approval. A report thousands of pages long was released today (MONDAY) on the Dakota Minnesota and Eastern Railroad's one and a half billion-dollar plan. The DM&E hopes to haul coal from Wyoming through Minnesota and South Dakota to eastern power plants. DM&E officials are pleased with the federal report. But Minnesota Public Radio's Erin Galbally reports not everyone's celebrating.
November 2, 2001 - Winona schools may be forced to make some of the most severe cuts in the state if the voters turn down a school referendum. The measure asks for more than 3 million dollars a year, for the next five years. Should the referendum fail extracurricular activities, sports, and all-day every-day kindergarten will vanish next year. In the past the district has had difficult time securing the public's financial support. This time the stakes appear to be higher. Minnesota Public Radio's Erin Galbally has this Mainstreet report.
October 31, 2001 - Many ghosts and goblins will be staying indoors this Halloween. We all still have images of burning skyscrapers in our minds. Anthrax scares and new terrorist threats dominate the headlines. Psychologists say Halloween typically offers children a special time to face their fears. Before September 11th kids could dress up as monsters and take on their fear of the dark. Now for many kids and their parents, fear and a new awareness is part of everyday life. Mainstreet Radio's Erin Galbally reports trick or treating is no exception.
October 30, 2001 - Rochester's four-year fight with the Dakota Minnesota and Eastern Railroad is about to come to a head. Sometime this fall the federal Surface Transportation Board releases its final ruling on the DME's 1-point-4 billion-dollar expansion plan. All indications suggest the rail project will get the go ahead. New track will be laid to haul coal from Wyoming through South Dakota and Minnesota. DME rail lines currently run through Rochester. But city officials insist if the expansion's approved trains should be rerouted around downtown, through farmland and countryside. It's a controversial and expensive proposition. Minnesota Public Radio's Erin Galbally has this Mainstreet report.