ROG PAN-O-P GUIDE G SHOPPIN ection
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Pop-rock band Cedar Avenue returns to its roots for July 9 concert in Apple Valley. SEE STORY IN THISWEEKEND ON PAGE 7A
NEWS OPINION SPORTS
Thisweek Farmington-Lakeville
S Special issue is inside th
JULY 2, 2010
VOLUME 31, NO. 18
www.thisweeklive.com
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Wally Potter named Pan-O-Prog parade grand marshal Lakeville Historical Society member says being active in community is what ‘keeps wheels going’ by Derrick Williams THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS
LAKEVILLE
Wally Potter likes people. He also likes history. And Lakeville – he loves Lakeville, he says. “I like being a part of this community,â€? Potter, 75, said. “It’s wonderful here. And to look back and see how Lakeville’s grown from the gravel roads that were here when we came in 1971, to what it is now ‌ it’s surprising, when you think about it, to see how fast it’s grown. And I’ve been a part of that. I like that.â€? Photo submitted For the better part of Wally Potter The B-25 bomber Miss Mitchell flew 135 missions in World War II and was managed by former Lakeville resident nearly 40 years, Potter has Ray Ostlie, who died a two years ago. The aircraft will be on hand during Lakeville’s Pan-O-Prog celebration. been active in the community he loves. And people have noticed. That’s why he was selected to be this year’s Pan-O-Prog parade grand marshal. “I’m not sure why they selected me,â€? Potter joked. “It’s probably because too many people know me.â€? At first, Potter wasn’t too sure about the honor. “I was flattered, but I figured there were more people more deserving than me,â€? Potter said. “So I told them I would think about it.â€? Eventually, it was Potter’s five children who nudged him into accepting the role. th Annu by Derrick Williams al “They told me I ought to do this, that I 44 THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS deserve it,â€? he said. Miss LakevLakeville Parks and Recreation Direclakeville ille is always tor Steve Michaud said Potter has been popular during instrumental in the community for a Pan-O-Prog. number of years. She’ll headline “If we had hundreds more of Wally events, pose for Potter, we’d have a better community,â€? oodles of phoMichaud said. “He’s a great guy and a tos with adoring good community person.â€? young girls, and Potter is currently the treasurer of the even sit prominently Lakeville Historical Society and a member JULY 4-10, 2010 in the Grand Parade to of St. John’s Lutheran Church. He’s also on cap off the week-long festithe Lake Marion Homeowners Association and val. helps get the buoys on and off Lake Marion each year. But she may have company this He’s also a CAMP volunteer with the state, taking wayear from another lady. ter samples and sending them in for testing, and up until Miss Mitchell is going to be Photo submitted a few years ago, was active with the Lakeville Area Arts a pretty big part of Lakeville’s The B-25 bomber Miss Mitchell flew 135 missions in World War II and was Center. Pan-O-Prog celebration this year. managed by former Lakeville resident Ray Ostlie, who died two years ago. He’s also been active with the Lakeville Senior Center She’ll signify the start of the The aircraft will be on hand during Lakeville’s Pan-O-Prog celebration. and Lakeville Art Festival. parade and cruise night festivities “I enjoy knowing what’s going on,â€? Potter said. “If She’s a 53-foot-long B-25 by doing a flyover of both events, LAKEVILLE you’re going to live here, as far as I’m concerned, be part bomber. and when she’s not in the air, she’ll of it.â€? “She’s a pretty big deal though,â€? be at Airlake Airport, probably For Potter, the past few months haven’t been easy. kiddie tractor pull or pet show said Jim Gilmore, 52, one of Miss posing for oodles of photos with Two months ago, his wife, Ardyce, died. might be tough for Miss Mitchell, Mitchell’s pilots. adoring fans. “I’m trying to stay busy,â€? Potter said. “And being active See Bomber, 5A Headlining events like the though. See Potter, 9A
Restored WWII bomber to highlight Pan-O-Prog events World War II aircraft to be on hand for viewing, rides
Pan-O-Prog
Board adopts balanced budget District looks ahead School district to make $378,034 in program cuts at facility needs and revenue enhancements to overcome projected deficit by Kara Hildreth THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS
The Farmington School Board adopted on Monday, June 28 the 2010-11 budget making $378,034 in staff reductions and revenue enhancements to balance the budget. It was a 5-to-1 vote with Board Member Tim Burke casting the dissenting vote. In March, Jeff Priess, the district finance director, proposed budget adjustments for the 201011 school year to cover a projected $120,000 deficit. In April there was a public budget hearing and a citizens finance meeting in June to answer questions and concerns. Priess said there will be a projected fund balance of nearly $2.9 million to address needs that will come up in the next school year. “We have mentioned we will be monitoring enrollment throughGeneral 952-894-1111 Distribution 952-846-2070 Display Advertising 952-846-2011 Classified Advertising 952-846-2000
DISTRICT 192 out the summer,� Priess said. Currently, the district projects to have about 82 students fewer at the elementary level. “Historically, there will be students coming into the district over the summer, but what we do not know is those families and students who decide to leave at the end of school year do not always let us know and we could be counting those,� Priess said. The projected 2010-11 budget shortfall was primarily due to two factors – continued flat state funding that contributes to more than 80 percent of the district’s revenue and student enrollment not growing at the same rate as a few years ago. Student enrollment was 6,405 for the 2009-10 school year and projections for next year put the student body at around 6,556.
Enrollment for 2011-12 is expected to be 6,747. For the past two months, parents have implored the district to lower its class size targets in the elementary schools, which are used to guide staffing levels in the budget. Parents were particularly opposed to class size target increases for second grade, which will rise from 20-25 students to 26-30. Fourth-grade targets are proposed to increase from 25-28 students to 25-30. Parent Laura Beem asked the board to consider adding the cost of six elementary teachers in an effort to lower class sizes. “Please, I implore you to amend the budget to add the cost of these teachers,� said Beem. The board did not act on Beem’s request, but a final decision to amend the budget could See Budget, 17A
Cunningham Group hired to facilitate committee for $44,500 by Kara Hildreth
FARMINGTON
THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS
Planning for future building needs for Farmington schools lies at the foundation of a new study. Less than a year after the new Farmington High School welcomed students, the Farmington School Board decided one of its goals in 2010 is to outline future building needs for up to 10 years. “We’re not talking about wholesale changes,� said Superintendent Brad Meeks. “We’re talking about quality and equitable facilities that support student learning. “It could mean finding ways to bring in natural light, ensuring key spaces can be used flexibly, or establishing the house concept at all elementary schools,� Meeks said. “This is about what we can
do to make sure our schools are serving students the best they can.� Cunningham Group Architecture was hired to facilitate the study at a cost of $44,500. “They are committed to helping us through the facilities planning process, but they are not committed to the construction,� Meeks said. Top priorities of the study will be building safety features and technology needs, Meeks said. The planning committee’s vision will be to address how to best meet the physical and virtual educational spaces that support flexible teaching and learning environment. See District 192, 11A
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