St. Cloud School Board Highlights Growth and Challenges of Therapy Dog Programs

Overview: The St. Cloud School Board meeting, held on February 5, 2025, focused on the successful implementation and expansion of therapy dog programs across local schools, alongside discussions on academic curriculum updates and policy revisions. The board also addressed the procedure for filling a recent vacancy.

Benton County Board Approves Housing Trust Fund to Tackle Local Housing Needs

Overview: In an effort to address Benton County’s housing shortage, the Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the establishment of a local Housing Trust Fund. This initiative aims to create a permanent funding source to meet the county’s housing needs, leveraging local dollars to secure additional state and federal funding.

Benton County Approves Housing Trust Fund Amid Extensive Drainage System Debates

Overview: In a recent Benton County Board of Commissioners meeting, the establishment of a local Housing Trust Fund was approved, aimed at addressing the county’s housing needs by leveraging state and federal funding sources. The session also involved discussions on financial assessments and drainage system maintenance, reflecting ongoing concerns among property owners about fairness and communication.

Foley School Board Scrutinizes Legal Expenses, Approves Bond for Indoor Air Quality Project

Overview: In a recent meeting, the Foley School Board engaged in a discussion about the district’s legal expenses and approved a bond measure to fund an indoor air quality project. Additionally, the board addressed various topics, including construction projects, personnel changes, and community activities.

St. Cloud School Board Approves Girls’ Soccer Co-op Amid Concerns Over Declining Participation

Overview: The St. Cloud School Board meeting addressed several topics, with a key focus on the approval of a cooperative girls’ soccer program, dubbed “Crush,” intended to merge the teams from St. Cloud Apollo and St. Cloud Tech due to declining participation numbers. The initiative aims to ensure a more competitive and equitable experience for student-athletes, providing them with the opportunity to participate in both varsity and junior varsity levels. This decision is part of a broader strategy to maintain student engagement in sports amidst declining numbers, particularly in soccer, and to address the challenges posed by athletic classifications.