Ground Level®: Amplifying Community Voices

Your story is powerful. The stories you share with others honor the complexity of our communities while forging a more equitable and vibrant future.

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We’d like to hear your thoughts and questions. Your ideas about solutions. How are your communities? What are you seeing today? And what do you want to see tomorrow?

Note that while we will exercise editorial judgment for language, length and avoiding personal attacks, we will not sacrifice your meaning. We will ensure your main message comes through on air and online.

October 29, 2010 3:53 AM

Case Study: New Prague’s golf course

It seems a financial reality is emerging: if consumers don’t have a lot of money to spend on recreation, they aren’t likely to travel for things they can experience without traveling.

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October 28, 2010 3:26 AM

Cities can adjust to an LGA-less future, says former budget chief

Given time, Minnesota cities can adjust to a future without local government aid, says longtime public official and Humphrey Institute senior fellow Jay Kiedrowski.

by Nancy Lebens

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October 27, 2010 2:30 AM

If collapse is nigh, get to know your neighbor

Transition Towns, a loose collection of communities focusing on building personal and community resilience in preparation for the bleak economic and energy future they predict, is growing in Minnesota.

by Dave Peters

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October 26, 2010 6:33 AM

Gravel or pavement? Running costs to ground in exurbia

The yearly maintenance costs of gravel roads make them appear inefficient, until you consider the capital improvement costs associated with bituminous roads at the middle and end of their lives.

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October 26, 2010 4:11 AM

Little by little, Todd County adds local food production

A variety of projects in and around Todd County are adding, little by little, to the area’s local food production.

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October 25, 2010 7:00 AM

Todd group pushes computer skills for seniors, jobs for youth

Todd County’s Healthy Communities Partnership group is focusing on two areas to affect the community’s quality of life — helping seniors gain computer skills and finding ways to give kids job training.

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October 23, 2010 3:30 AM

Baldwin’s community effort creates a park in phases

At Tuesday’s park meeting, representatives from the Healthy Communities Partnership group reminded township officials that their volunteers are still ready, able and hoping to get things rolling on Young Park improvements before winter sets in.

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October 21, 2010 6:38 AM

Horner, Dayton, Emmer on state’s broadband role

Broadband has had a low profile in the Minnesota governor’s race, even though many economic development authorities consider it key to success in the 21st Century. Here’s how the candidates describe their positions.

by Dave Peters

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October 21, 2010 2:30 AM

Electric cars that can go exurban distances

At least two electric cars currently in the production process will be able to go far enough for commutes from Baldwin to downtown Minneapolis. Will this mean more electric vehicles in the exurbs?