Sonia Pitt's managers have now been investigated and disciplined for their lack of oversight of the emergency manager who didn't return until 10 days after the bridge collapse. Rick Arnebeck was suspended without pay for three days. Steven Lund was given a written reprimand. Bob Winter was given an oral reprimand. The letter from the Department of Employee Relations said their "lack of supervisory oversight attributed to extremely damaging consequences" that is a report from the legislative auditor saying Pitt had wrongly traveled and spent state money to the tune of $26,000. The other obvious "consequence" is the worst round of sustained bad press I've seen for a state agency in a decade. MnDOT can't seem to escape rough headlines and now more will be coming. And knowing how lawmakers are feeling, the heat isn't off MnDOT. There's the Wakota Bridge investigation and Commissioner Molnau's confirmation vote in the Senate which will likely get her fired in February.
Mary's Page
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11/20/09/4:49 pm Franken's Cooking & Healthcare
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11/18/09/5:48 pm Health Care Concerns
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11/16/09/4:47 pm Unallot Lawsuit
12/2007
Almanac - December 14, 2007 (12/14/07)
The Weekly Monologue (12/14/07)
It's Dominic Papatola's turn. He compares holiday gift shopping to shopping for a presidential candidate.
Duluth Mayor Don Ness (12/14/07)
Late Thursday the City of Duluth ratified a contract with its largest public employee union. Duluth Mayor-elect Don Ness talks about the union vote and other city issues.
Austin Pork Workers (12/14/07)
A dozen workers at Quality Pork in Austin have developed mysterious medical problems. We check in with State Epidemiologist Ruth Lynfield.
Quie's Idea (12/14/07)
Former Governor Al Quie says he knows a way to reduce partisanship at the State Capitol. Our Mary Lahammer explains.
Yellow Ribbon Campaign Going National? (12/14/07)
The U.S. House of Reps passed a Defense Bill this week that would extend Minnesota's innovative National Guard "Beyond the Yellow Ribbon" campaign nationwide. Find out more from Col. Kevin Gerdes.
Steroids in Baseball (12/14/07)
That's one of the topics on our list of things to chat about with Larry Fitzgerald, Sr. He makes monthly visits to Almanac to discuss sports.
Leatherheads (12/14/07)
That's the name of a new book written about the Duluth Eskimos NFL football team. We meet up with Duluth News Tribune columnist Chuck Frederick, who is the book's author.
A Minneapolis Schools Action Plan (12/14/07)
This week the Minneapolis School board approved a district-wide strategic plan, the first such plan for the district in decades. Joining us in the studio are Schools Superintendent Bill Green and School Board Chair Pam Costain.
The Wrapup (12/14/07)
We have two Minnesota history questions, including this week's (who was May Walker Ollie Homestead?). We then end the show with a rare 1962 holiday music clip from the KTCA program Christmas in Tyrol, starring the Madrigal Singers of the College of St. Thomas.
MnDOT Managers Reprimanded
Another Holiday Tune by The Steeles (12/07/07)
We thought this would be a good way to end this week's show.
A Political Science Panel (12/07/07)
The Iowa caucuses are getting closer ... both in time ... and in poll results. Throw in Mitt Romney's big speech this week and Ron Paul's impressive fundraising ... and you have plenty for a Poli Sci Panel to talk about. Telling us more is Larry Jacobs, Guy Charles, David Schultz and Dan Hofrenning.
Why We Are Here (12/07/07)
That's the name of a series of upcoming stories at MinnPost.com. Each video will tell the story of a Minnesota immigrant. We preview the series with MinnPost videographer Steve Date and profile subject Theary Kem. The full online story will be available midday Monday at MinnPost.com.
Recycling (12/07/07)
Our state is grappling with how to get people to recycle tons of electronic waste. Our Mary Lahammer reports.
The Beatles (12/07/07)
Relive August 21, 1965 — the day the Fab Four came to old Met Stadium — through the eyes of Twin Cities photographer Bill Carlson. He's written a book on the subject.
The Steeles Holiday Music Live! (12/07/07)
For more than a decade The Steeles have been paying us a holiday visit to test their lung power in prep of their annual holiday concert. This year's performances will be December 14 and 15 at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul.
Supreme Court Justice Chris Dietzen (12/07/07)
He's not actually been sworn it yet, but our state's newest Supreme Court justice sits down with Cathy and Eric at the Almanac table.
Mesothelioma on the Iron Range (12/07/07)
The Minnesota Department of Health issued a report Friday with analysis of the 58 Iron Range miners who have died in recent years of the lung disease mesothelioma. Minnesota Health Commissioner Dr. Sanne Magnan tells us about it.
