Ground Level Blog

March 7, 2011 5:03 AM

Minnesotans “solve” budget problem: Reform, don’t just cut spending; tax but only if it’s fair.

A unique series of three dozen community meetings around Minnesota gave more than 600 residents the chance to “solve” the state’s budget woes.

by Dave Peters

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March 4, 2011 7:06 AM

Where will a merged CenturyLink put $50 million broadband investment?

CenturyLink and Qwest have received Minnesota’s approval to merge, but they haven’t provided details on where a promised $50 million or more in broadband investment will go.

by Dave Peters

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March 3, 2011 2:50 AM

Minnesota cities increase reliance on property taxes, spend less

Minnesota cities have increased their reliance on property taxes over the past 10 years, even while they have been cutting spending, a state auditor’s report shows.

by Dave Peters

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March 2, 2011 8:42 AM

Does high-speed Internet access make you less satisfied with your community?

Broadband users are less likely to be satisfied with community life than others are, according to a new study commissioned by the Knight Foundation.

by Dave Peters

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February 24, 2011 10:41 AM

Mediacom files its formal complaint against Lake County’s broadband plan

Cable operator Mediacom has asked the USDA’s inspector general to force withdrawal of the federal award for Minnesota’s Lake County to build a fiber optic broadband network.

by Dave Peters

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February 24, 2011 4:26 AM

Central Minnesota launches ambitious 2-year planning effort

Some 200 people in central Minnesota launched an ambitious two-year planning effort on Wednesday, paid for by an $825,000 federal grant and involving work on housing, transportation, economic development and land use.

by Dave Peters

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February 23, 2011 5:41 AM

New Minnesota broadband report makes disparity clear

The Minnesota Commerce Department and Connect Minnesota are publishing the latest assessment of the state’s Internet availability, and the report shows substantial variation around the state.

by Dave Peters

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February 22, 2011 11:03 AM

Sibley County commissioners take next broadband step

Sibley County commissioners voted 3-2 to join a joint powers board that could ultimately make fiber-optic Internet service available to all homes and farms in the county.

by Jennifer Vogel