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June 30 - July 4, 2003
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Monday, June 30, 2003 |
State government fees to increase July 1st
The state's new fiscal year begins tomorrow, free of any statewide tax increases. The no-new-tax budget was a key priority for Gov. Tim Pawlenty's administration. But that doesn't mean state government will be starved for new revenues. New fees -- and increases in old ones -- will add hundreds of millions of dollars to state coffers over the next two years. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo has more.
Child care industry bracing for state cuts
Many in Minnesota's child care industry are bracing for a shake-up starting tomorrow, when changes to the state human services budget take effect. Lawmakers saved $87 million this spring through cuts to child care subsidies -- even more than Gov. Tim Pawlenty originally proposed. Some child care providers say the drop in state assistance will mean lower quality care, and may drive them out of business. The cuts' architects say the industry is over-reacting, and nothing so dramatic is in store. Minnesota Public Radio's Jeff Horwich reports.
DNR to restrict turtle trapping
The Minnesota DNR is planning to restrict turtle trapping. New rules will take effect this fall. Over the next several years turtle trapping will be phased out. DNR officials say increased demand for turtles threatens the wild turtle populations. The DNR is taking public comment on the new rules until July second. Mainstreet Radios Dan Gunderson reports.
Locals want U.S. Tidewater remembered
There's an anniversary today that will probably go largely unnoticed. Nearly six decades ago, on this date, June 30th, the U.S. Navy launched a ship that continues, to this day, to have quite a hold on some of its former sailors. One from Hudson, Wisconsin, and another from Northfield, Minnesota, hope that generations don't forget the importance of the ship's mission and the times in which it was built.
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Tuesday, July 1, 2003 |
Judge blocks welfare cuts
At least a portion of the Minnesota's two-year budget won't go into effect today as planned. Yesterday afternoon, a Ramsey County judge temporarily blocked cuts to the state's welfare program. Minnesota Public Radio's Marisa Helms reports.
Conference attempts to develop better treatment for mentally ill
Mental health advocates, medical providers and law enforcement say they need to create a better system for caring for the mentally ill. Federal estimates say 15 percent of those incarcerated in the nation's prisons have a severe mental illness. Police departments nationwide say they don't have the proper training to deal with people who have severe mental health problems, even though they're usually the ones who have to deal with a mentally ill person who's causing a disturbance. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports.
Expect higher fees at state parks
If you're planning a visit to a state park this holiday weekend, expect higher fees. The changes made by the Legislature to balance the state budget go into effect today. In addition to increasing park fees, the Department of Natural Resources will be implementing a number of policy changes made during the session. Joining us on the line is Gene Merriam, commissioner of the DNR.
Two Harbors debates development proposal
People in Two Harbors are debating a painful choice. A developer wants to build a motel, shops, and condos on a key piece of real estate. But many local people want to preserve their a favorite place for a quiet walk along Lake Superior. Others are questioning whether the city can afford what it'll take to keep the land as a park. Mainstreet Radio's Stephanie Hemphill reports.
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Wednesday, July 2, 2003 |
Minneapolis begins search for new police chief
The city of Minneapolis is beginning the process of hiring a police chief to replace Robert Olson. Mayor R.T. Rybak says Olson is planning to retire when his term expires in January. Rybak says City Coordinator John Moyer is now taking preliminary steps in the search for a new chief.
Politics clouds Missouri River's future
The Missouri River is known by some as the "Big Muddy". But for the last 50 years that description applies more to its politics than the water. Ever since a half dozen dams were built on the upper Missouri, most of the river is surprisingly clear. But the dam's clouded the river's politics like never before. The fallout has divided the Missouri basin into two camps: upstream and downstream. And so far downstream is winning. Mark Steil begins a new Mainstreet Radio series we call, "Water Wars."
Taste of Minnesota moves to Harriet Island
The 21st annual Taste of Minnesota kicks off today in a new location. The free festival, which draws about half a million people each summer, has moved from the State Capitol to Harriet Island, on the banks of the Mississippi. The festival is packed full of food, music, and fireworks. Joining us now is the organizer of the event, Ron Maddox.
"Enthusiast" series begins with ArtCar
Beginning this morning, Minnesota Public Radio news inaugurates a new series: "The Enthusiasts". In it we'll meet people who take their interests and hobbies to a higher level. Today we'll chat with Jan Elftman, known to many as 'The Cork Truck Lady". Jan is considered the doyen of the Twin Cities art car scene. She covered the exterior of her Mazda truck with thousands of old wine corks. Dozens of Minnesotans have used everything from paint to bones and bowling balls to turn their wheels into rolling works of art. Minnesota Public Radio's Euan Kerr caught up with Elftman as she prepared to make her next art car.
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Thursday, July 3, 2003 |
Minnesota could be next for death penalty case
Death penalty opponents say U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft is seeking capitol punishment in jurisdictions that have historically opposed the death penalty. Minnesota hasn't had a death penalty case in nearly 100 years. But some attorneys say Minnesota could be the next in line for a federal death penalty case. Minnesota Public Radio's Elizabeth Stawicki reports.
Local Shriners trying to save children's hospital
Later this morning, the leader of a group formed to save the Shriners Hospital for Children in Minneapolis will give a status report on his effort to the staff of the hospital. The meeting comes just before about 20,000 Shriners from all over North America travel to the Twin Cities for a major convention. Seven months ago, the Shriners national leadership announced that they would close several of their children's hospitals. The announcement sparked a major effort here called "Put Children First" to save the hospital in Minneapolis. During the upcoming convention, delegates will vote on the proposal to close hospitals. Joining us on the line is William Messerli, leader of "Put Children First."
Counties getting ready for felons from state prisons
Crowded county jails are likely to become even more cramped under a new law that took effect this week. Felons with less than 180 days left on their sentence will now serve their time in a county jail, workhouse or on a work farm, rather than in a state prison. About 200 short-term offenders are expected to be in local jails across the state on any given day. Bob Fletcher is the Ramsey County sheriff, and he's on the line now.
Drought hurting Lake Sakakawea on Missouri river
When the Garrison Dam was built 50 years ago on the Missouri river, it created a lake nearly 200 miles long. Lake Sakakawea became a thriving fishery that attracts anglers from around the country. Visitors to the lake spend millions of dollars each year. But many fear low water will lead to economic ruin for businesses around Sakakawea. Dan Gunderson continues our Mainstreet Radio series, "Water Wars."
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Friday, July 4, 2003 |
Albert Lea loses out on pork plant and jobs
Albert Lea has lost its bid for a $130 million pork processing plant. Instead the facility, and as many as 2,000 new jobs, will go to St. Joseph, Missouri. The news is the latest blow to Albert Lea's economy, which is has been floundering since a fire destroyed its Farmland Foods plant two years ago. Despite many attempts, city officials have had little success luring new employers to town. Mainstreet Radio's Erin Galbally reports.
Chronic Wasting disease target of new money
Despite the tough budget year, Minnesota's Board of Animal Health is getting some extra money to fight Chronic Wasting Disease. The Legislature allocated an additional $800,000 for that purpose over the next two years. Dr. Paul Anderson is the Assistant Director of the Board. He says the money is meant to help keep the disease under control.
Minnesota was part of Louisiana Purchase
The 200th anniversary this year of the Louisiana Purchase is taking a back seat to the Lewis and Clark bicentennial observance. But, the Louisiana Purchase, which included part of what would become Minnesota, is arguably a bigger deal - literally. In one stroke the size of the country was doubled. And as Minnesota Public Radio's Dan Olson reports, behind the transaction lurks a tale of geopolitics and intrigue.
Barge traffic slows on Missouri river
The Missouri and the Mississippi Rivers meet in St. Louis. It's a popular port crammed with barges. Most of those barges take their loads down the upper parts of the Mississippi, while each year a smaller number of them arrive from the Missouri. At one time, planners thought both rivers would become commercial arteries. But as the decades go by the Mississippi has become much busier, carrying 30 times as much freight as the Missouri. Erin Galbally continues our Mainstreet Radio series on the Missouri river called "Water Wars," and has this report.
Preventing construction site fires
A fire that destroyed the West River Common's project last week in Minneapolis was the second such fire for developer Michael Lander in the last 2 months. The fire leveled the $11 million housing and retail complex on Lake Street. The other fire that hit Lander's company was in Des Moines, Iowa where a $20 million development was destroyed. Lander's recent losses, and construction project fires are the topics covered in an article in this week's edition of "The Business Journal." Joining us in the studio is Sam Black, the reporter who wrote the article.
Meteorologist Mark Seeley's weather commentary
University of Minnesota meteorologist Mark Seeley on the recent tornadoes in the state. He also discusses how often Minnesota sees 100 degree temperatures.
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