Foley School Board Approves Key Financial Resolutions Amid Steady Enrollment and Website Overhaul

Overview: At a recent meeting, the Foley School Board addressed several issues, including approving financial resolutions, reviewing steady student enrollment, and initiating plans for a website overhaul.

St. Cloud School Board Discusses $65 Million Bond Referendum for Apollo High School Renovations

Overview: The St. Cloud School Board meeting on November 6, 2024, was dominated by discussions about the “Building Brighter Futures” facility bond referendum, which aims to secure funding for extensive renovations at Apollo High School. The proposed referendum, totaling $65 million, seeks to address significant safety and educational infrastructure needs and includes plans for a new multi-purpose indoor facility. The board is considering presenting two separate referendum questions to the community, with the first focusing on essential security and learning environment updates and the second on constructing the indoor facility.

Benton County Secures $1 Million Grant for Community Energy Transition Amid Infrastructure and Dental Access Discussions

Overview: In a recent Benton County Board of Commissioners meeting, officials announced the successful acquisition of a $1 million grant from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development aimed at addressing the economic impacts of the Granite City power generation facility closure. This significant funding will support local infrastructure projects, notably the Road 29 and 8 extension, by covering unbudgeted expenses for relocating Excel Energy power line poles. The grant, part of a broader $10 million initiative for fiscal years 2024 and 2025, was celebrated by board members as an achievement for the county.

St. Cloud School Board Advances Community School Model and Anti-Bullying Initiatives

Overview: During the recent St. Cloud School Board meeting on October 16, 2024, members discussed the implementation of a full-service Community School model, set to launch in January, and received presentations on anti-bullying initiatives from North Junior High School.

Benton County Board Discusses $1 Billion Transmission Line and Interim Human Services Director

Overview: The Benton County Board of Commissioners recently focused on a proposed high-voltage transmission line project and the appointment of Sandy Scherg Steinbach as the interim Human Services director. The transmission line, presented by Great River Energy, aims to connect multiple substations across Minnesota. Meanwhile, Scherg Steinbach will assume her new role with adjusted compensation following a recent resignation in the Human Services Department.