Sartell-St. Stephen School Board Weighs Graduation Venue Alternatives Amid Ticket Concerns

Overview: The Sartell-St. Stephen School Board engaged in discussions about potentially changing the graduation venue for the upcoming ceremony scheduled for May 31st. The current plan places the event at the high school, but concerns over ticket allocations and the suitability of the venue led to debates about exploring alternatives such as River’s Edge and the National Hockey Center. With both alternative venues priced similarly between $11,000 and $12,200, scheduling conflicts became a focal point, as neighboring school districts had already booked River’s Edge for the same date.

Southwick Internet Committee Weighs $15 Million Borrowing Amid Financial Uncertainty

Overview: During the recent meeting of the Southwick High Speed Internet Committee, members grappled with the financial feasibility of their ambitious project, considering a potential $15 million borrowing plan. Concerns dominated the discussion, particularly around whether town residents would approve such borrowing and the project’s financial viability amidst rising construction costs. The committee identified the unpredictability of the “make ready” phase, which involves preparing utility poles for fiber installation, as a financial risk factor. This phase might take up to two and a half years, potentially delaying infrastructure development and increasing costs.

Bradley Beach Council Tackles Ocean Avenue Project as Residents Demand Basic Facilities

Overview: The Bradley Beach Borough Council focused on multiple issues during its recent meeting, with the potential renovation of the 54 Ocean Avenue building emerging as a central topic. The council engaged in an extensive discussion regarding the future use of this municipal asset, which has been supported by a $50,000 grant from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. While the grant aims to explore the building’s potential, council members expressed concerns about the scope of the project and emphasized the importance of aligning it with community needs.

Hopkinton Residents Voice Strong Opposition to Proposed Gas Station at Select Board Meeting

Overview: During a Hopkinton Select Board meeting, residents vehemently opposed a proposed variance for a gas station development on West Main Street, citing environmental, safety, and community character concerns. The variance, which would allow for the construction of a country store with a gas station on land zoned for agricultural use, became a focal point of the meeting, reflecting widespread community apprehension about the project’s implications.

Whittier Regional Technical School Committee Highlights Impressive MCAS Performance and Career Technical Education Growth

Overview: The Whittier Regional Technical School Committee meeting focused on discussions around MCAS results, career technical education updates, and the financial health of the school. The meeting revealed that Whittier students continue to demonstrate exceptional academic performance, particularly in their MCAS results, and highlighted ongoing improvements and new initiatives in career technical education.