Like many state agencies, Minnesota's Department of Natural Resources faces a host of problems, including a shrinking budget. Gov. Pawlenty's choice for DNR commissioner says one of the top priorities over the next four years will be improving the DNR's relationship with the people it affects. ( 01/24/2003)

Gov. Tim Pawlenty Friday appointed former DFL Sen. Gene Merriam to lead the state Department of Natural Resources. Merriam served for 22 years in the Senate, and is now a vice president for ECM Publishers. As DNR commissioner he will face a number of challenges, including a shrinking budget and a host of competing interests. (01/17/2003)

Interested groups from around the state are meeting to discuss possible legislative changes to try to manage the spread of chronic wasting disease. Experts hope to present proposed policy changes to the state Legislature this session. (01/08/2003)

Gov.-elect Tim Pawlenty completed a two-day "listening tour" of outstate Minnesota Friday. Pawlenty sounded separate themes on each of his stops; health care, economic development and the state's budget woes dominated most of the discussions. Pawlenty, who has tried to cut state aid to cities and towns, criticized some localities for depending too much on the aid. (01/03/2003)

For the first time in modern history, a lieutenant governor will head a state agency in Minnesota. Gov.-elect Tim Pawlenty named the Lt. Gov.-elect, Carol Molnau, as head of the Minnesota Department of Transportation Tuesday. This in preparation for taking office next week. Pawlenty faces many challenges as the new governor, including what to do about the projected $4.5 billion state budget shortfall. Still, he's sticking to his campaign promise that he won't raise taxes. ( 01/01/2003)

Two more cabinet positions were filled Friday, when Gov.-elect Tim Pawlenty named Gene Hugoson the commissioner of agriculture and Glenn Wilson the commissioner of commerce. The two appointments bring Pawlenty's cabinet to eight. He earlier named commissioners of finance, human services, pollution control, administration, revenue and labor and industry. (12/27/2002)

Xcel Energy says it may have to close down its Prairie Island nuclear plant if it doesn't get more storage space for nuclear waste. While Xcel has not officially asked for more storage many observers say its almost inevitable that it will be part of the upcoming legislative session. (12/18/2002)