Articles

New laptops may open opportunities for teachers

Last summer, teachers in the Farmington School District got new iPads to use in the classroom. This summer, several of those teachers will get new computers the Farmington School Board hopes will make the tablets even more effective.

Farmington School District 192 seeks input on finances

The Farmington School Board is looking for a few residents who are willing to offer their input on issues related to the district’s finances. At a workshop meeting Monday, citizen’s finance committee chair Laura Beem announced plans to appoint six or so residents to a committee that will advise the board on the district’s budget, debt refinancing and facility issues, among other things.

Column: Like somebody’s watching me

There’s been a whole lot of fuss lately about PRISM, which was introduced to the world last week as a government program to mine personal information from the phone calls and online activity of the American people.

Deputies seek help identifying break-in suspects

The Dakota County Sheriff’s office is looking for some help identifying two individuals suspected of breaking into Peine Plumbing in Empire Township last week.

• Photo: Suspect
• Photo: Suspect

Farmington volunteers come together to feed the community

Farmington’s Allina Clinic hopes a little community service will help build connections in the city. On Saturday the clinic joined Allina locations across the area to pack tens of thousands of meals for local food shelves.

Barriers remain to all-day kindergarten in Farmington, Rosemount

When the Minnesota Legislature agreed to provide funding for districts that want to offer all-day kindergarten, it removed one barrier to the program in local schools. But there are still plenty of questions to answer before classes start in the fall of 2104.

Girls golf: Swenson advances to second day of section tournament

The Farmington girls golf team sent one player to the second day of last week’s section tournament. Junior Brianna Swenson shot a 107 both days of the tournament to finish with a 214.

Minnesota legislature: Satisfaction, frustration follow legislative session

At least among local legislators, how you feel about the Minnesota Legislative session that ended last week might have a lot to do with the side of the aisle on which you sit. It’s the kind of thing that can happen when one party has a majority in both the Senate and the House.

Column: An inspiring tradition continues

It’s become something of a tradition since I started writing this column. Every year at this time the people in charge of planning graduation ceremonies at Farmington and Rosemount high schools neglect to ask me to speak (Given how many years my invitation has gotten lost in the mail now, I start to understand why the post office is struggling) and every year I choose instead to share my message to the graduates in this space. Because we all know how much today’s young people like to read newspapers.

‘Guardian angel’ has made a big difference this year at North Trail Elementary

North Trail Elementary School has had a guardian angel this year, the kind that makes umbrellas and winter coats and student snacks appear as if by magic.

Columns

Column: Still committed to your city

It’s been two months now since we combined the two newspapers we produce in this office. That’s 10 issues and counting of combined Farmington and Rosemount news, and one comment we have heard multiple times from our readers.

Column: Do bikini models like pizza rolls?

It’s possible that by the time you read this the University of Minnesota men’s basketball team will have a new coach. It’s also possible bikini model Kate Upton will show up on my doorstep tomorrow, but I’m not going to set out a tray of appetizers just yet.

Column: A little tournament trivia

One of the best things about the NCAA basketball tournament, which enters its second weekend Thursday, is the way it brings people together. For three weeks, millions of people across the country watch the same games, experience the same emotions, even think many of the same thoughts.

Column: Unburdened before the end

There has been a whole lot of fuss lately about the Mayans and what some will tell you is their prediction that the world will end this week in a hail of fire, populations devoured by serpents and, worst of all, condemned to endless reruns of The Jersey Shore.

Column: Can we demand a recount?

I’ve never been a particularly political person. I vote, obviously, and I know that an electoral college is. But I don’t obsess over things like polls or swing states or knowing who half of the people on my ballot actually are.

Column: It’s a growing problem

I was on vacation for most of a week at the end of September. I went to California, sampled wine and rode my bike in the mountains.

Column: A crash course in the NFL season

Last weekend was an exciting time for sports fans and anyone else who likes watching grown men run into each other at high speeds.

Column: Lessons from the gambling world

It would be an overstatement for me to describe myself as a gambling expert. Or to say I am knowledgeable in the ways of the gambling arts. Or, I guess, that I have any idea how to improve your chances of winning money while gambling.

Column: A bit too much fair

Not long ago, and on this very page, there was an editorial about the value of the Dakota County Fair. The fair celebrates everything that makes Dakota County great, the editorial argued. It brings a widespread community together. There are funnel cakes.

Column: Finally time to change the channel

Early Sunday evening, I did something I hadn’t done for in two weeks: I changed the channel on my television. Before that, if I wasn’t either working or on my bike, two activities that took up a fair amount of time, I was stretched out on the couch watching the Olympics.