jruzi
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jruzicka@parkrapidsenterprise.com
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Not that long ago, parents learned of their kids' academic progress via a report card, arriving at the end of a quarter of school. The C or D in math was a "done deal." Today, parents can pull up timely information on their student's grades, attendance and other info on the computer. And the program has just received an update. The Park Rapids Schools are implementing ParentVUE, replacing Parent Connect, high school principal Jeff Johnson told the board this week of the Genesis Parent Online System. "It's almost like looking at a teacher's grade book," he explained - via the computer
When diners arrive for the Living at Home rib dinner Friday night, they will be asked to consider a gift beyond the cost of the meal: Fill Our Heart. This year, 2010, marks the beginning of Baby Boomers reaching 65. And with the burgeoning aging population comes a tremendous demand for services, Living at Home administrator Susan Ramse said. But the increased need comes at a time when nonprofits are losing grant funds. Living at Home is anticipating $2,000 less in funding this year and Ramse anticipates further cuts in the years ahead.
Republican governor candidate Tom Emmer made a stop in Park Rapids Friday evening, greeted by a group at GOP headquarters who were reminded winning the November election requires "a team effort." "We do represent the average Minnesota family," he said, introducing wife Jacquie.
Akeley is applying for a grant via the Small Cities Development Program to fund water main improvements for a three-block portion of Broadway in conjunction with the Highway 34 improvements. The Akeley Council, convening a special meeting Friday, learned the city is eligible for grant funding based on the community's median household income. The council, although facing a tight deadline of Oct. 7, will work with the engineering and economic development firm of Short Elliott Hendrickson to make a pre-application for grant funds for the estimated $376,000 project.
The "farm" has moved into the city. Summerhill Farm has opened a shop on the first block of Main, carrying women's apparel "and the best" of the lines offered in the quaint shopping village north of Park Rapids. Owners Jeff and Eileen Reish moved to the area eight years ago from Seattle. The family now includes "mascots" Jake, 9, and Sam, 6, who were the impetus for the move. "This is a great place to raise kids.
The Nevis School Board approved a proposed 2011 property tax levy of $599,001, nearly an 18 percent reduction over this year's levy of $705,076. But what residents see on tax statements will depend on what district voters decide in November. The district is proposing revoking the current operating levy of $126 per resident pupil and asking voters to authorize a $475 per resident pupil amount.
"The time has come," St. Johns Lutheran proclaimed, "for a new organ." The proclamation became reality this week with the "skins and bones" of the wind and pipe instrument arriving from Chicago. A crew of four Berghaus builders accompanied the instrument to complete the exterior casework. Work began a year ago, woodworker Ron Skibbe explained of its evolution. Positioning the wind chest and wind reservoirs, which control pressure, is the first component, he explained of the red oak structure. The entire installation process is expected to span three months.
The Nevis School Board suspended use of all district motor vehicles for personal use by employees Monday evening and will draft a "letter of deficiency" to be placed in superintendent Steve Rassier's file. Board chair Ed Becker, in making the motion, cited the deficiency as "lack of an up-to-date policy specific to 902." The existing policy allows community use of school facilities and equipment as long as it doesn't interfere with use for school purposes. But attorney John Valen reported this does not include automobiles.
Those in need of assistance in completing daily activities can turn to Many Lakes Home Care, Heidi Neuer and her staff now providing in-home personal care services. Neuer, a registered nurse, said the 12-hour shifts she was experiencing at the hospital were leading to "burn out." She went to work in home care "and loved it." Before long, she decided to strike out on her own. "I prayed," she said. "And I guess I heard him. Loudly. "This is above and beyond my wildest dreams," Neuer said of the "helping hand" she now extends to promote independence via PCS.