Main Street

Friday, September 28 – Our monthly Editors’ Roundtable show with news director Dave Thompson. Today our guest journalists are Renée Jean, assistant managing editor at the Willison Herald, who attended a hearing on the Roosevelt gas plant in the morning; and John Hageman, the Bismarck political reporter for the Forum News Service. ~~~ Matt Olien reviews “A Simple Favor.”

Thursday, September 27 – We’re on location at Hostfest. We’ll learn about the Neil Diamond tribute show, the Medora Gospel Singers, and we also visit with ventriloquist and singer Darci Lynne, one of the youngest ever winners of America's Got Talent. In addition to appearing at Hostfest, she also has a stop in Moorhead. ~~~ Sue Balcom and Andrea Collin weigh in with some thoughts about Scandinavian food.

Wednesday, September 26 – We continue our conversations with candidates, today speaking with Republican Ryan Rauschenberger, the incumbent state tax commissioner.  ~~~ NDSU history professor Tom Isern shares a Plains Folk essay titled” “Weasel Punchers.” ~~~ Former North Dakota US Senator Byron Dorgan is remaining quite active in his retirement, and yesterday he stopped by our studio to explain his objection to the lawsuit that’s challenging the Affordable Care Act.

Tuesday, September 25 – It’s a candidate interview day. We begin with Brian Kroshus, candidate for the North Dakota Public Service Commission. The PSC is an important regulator with authority affecting abandoned mine, coal mine reclamation, electric and gas utilities, telecommunications, energy conversion facility sitings, transmission facility sitings, railroads, grain elevators, pipeline safety and more. ~~~ Mark Trahant comments on the census. ~~~

Monday, September 24 – In a special two-episode Prairie Pulse television show, Doug Hamilton interviews Frank Abagnale, a security consultant known for his history as a con man, check forger, and impostor when he was between the ages of 15 and 21. He was portrayed in the movie Catch Me if You Can by Leonardo DiCaprio. We consolidate both episodes for today’s Main Street. The TV episodes will air at 7:30 on September 28 and October 12.

Friday, September 21 – The fall movie lineup promises to feature a number of Academy Award hopefuls. Here to discuss the new releases are Matt Olien, Brittney Goodman, and Greg Carlson. ~~~ News director Dave Thompson joins us for our weekly news chat.

Thursday, September 20 – Meet Chrysti the Wordsmith. She’s been sharing short essays on the interesting stories behind words and phrases since 1990. The passion gave rise to two collections of her work, Verbivore’s Feast and Verbivore’s Feast Second Course. ~~~ Matt Olien joins us to review “The Wife.” ~~~ Sue Balcom of the Root Sellers Farm near Mandan is here to discuss the value of eating local. ~~~ Our What’s Happening calendar of events with Ashley and Erik.

Wednesday, September 19 – We meet Make-a-Wish child Logan Hahn and her mom, Nikki Hahn, as well as Billi Jo Zielinski, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish North Dakota. ~~~ Our own Dave Thompson was among those who took a turn in the StoryCorps mobile trailer this summer. We share an excerpt as he visits with Lowell Loritz, Prairie Public business development representative.

Tuesday, September 18 – Most of us have seen those old photographs from the 1800s of American Indians that have a distinctive quality, the result of an archaic process called wet glass plate photography. The practice has been revived by photo artist Shane Balkowistch, who is once again creating compelling images of Native Americans today.

Monday, September 17 – Horticulturist Ron Smith is here to diagnose your latest lawn and garden woes. It’s been an interesting year – hot and dry at times, rather wet at others. Call with your questions during our 3pm live broadcast at 888-755-6377. Or email during the show or ahead of time to mainstreet@prairiepublic.org. ~~~ Tom Isern shares a Plains Folk essay titled "Rare and Glorious Days."