Theresa Nistler has been named Spring Lake Park School District 16’s director of human resources and organizational development.

“I am thrilled, absolutely thrilled to be here,” Nistler said in an interview with the Life. “The welcome I’ve received here has been fantastic.” See more in Elyse Kaner's Blaine/Spring Lake Park Life story.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer unveiled what he called “Part 1″ of his budget plan for Minnesota on Labor Day (Monday, Sept. 6) at Permac Industries in Burnsville. The proposed measures focus on tax relief that he said would encourage job creation and business investment. Measures include a cut in the corporate franchise tax, which Emmer’s campaign says would save Minnesota employers an estimated $386 million in fiscal year 2012-13.

See ECM Capitol Reporter Tim Budig's blog on Emmer's budget plan.

Pictured with Emmer is Darlene Miller, owner of Permac Industries, which manufactures precision parts for customers worldwide. (Photo by Rick Orndorf, Thisweek Newspapers)

Perhaps the 1.5-story home at 611 5th Ave. N. that Shanna Skoriuchow bought for $62,000 this past May from the city of Princeton wasn’t such a good deal.

The home underwent what the city and Lakes & Pines Community Action Council in Mora approved as a rehabilitation project earlier this year, only to have some major problems develop later. Lakes & Pines has been assisting the city of Princeton in its use of the city’s $796,254 Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) grant. See more in Joel Stottrup's Princeton Union-Eagle story.

by Kara HildrethThisweek Newspapers -- When second-grade students headed back to school this week in Farmington, many will find  fewer desks in their classrooms.

Concerns about larger second-grade class sizes were when the Farmington School District committed to adding three full-time teachers to reduce overcrowding at three elementary buildings.

Read more: Farmington adds 5 elementary teachers to reduce class size

St. Paul, MN -- Minnesota Gov. Pawlenty sent a letter today (Tuesday, Sept. 7) to U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius requesting that the Federal Title XIX (Medicaid) and Title IV-E (Foster Care) funds be made available to the State of Minnesota.

The governor requested the Medicaid and foster care funds because the programs reflect current and longstanding Minnesota policy objectives and commitments. The funds reportedly will total about $260 million.

Read more: Pawlenty sends letter to Sebelius requesting federal funds

Drivers in Minnesota should be on the lookout this week for kids and yellow school buses returning to classes for the 2010-11 school year.

In many school districts in Minnesota, the student population is diverse and students come with an array of educational experiences and skills. These experiences help school districts create a multicultural educational energy supplementing classroom lessons.

Like many school districts throughout Minnesota, Caledonia students’ return to school Tuesday morning was more than a little brisk, as cool temps and strong winds let everyone know that summer is about over.

First grader Alysha Heaney, daughter of Joe and Tammy Heaney had a yawn, as she waited outside Caledonia Area Elementary School. (Photo by Charlie Warner)

North Branch schools is embarking on a new adventure this year with the four-day school week.

Many adjustments have had to be made in families, in the schools and in the community. No one really knows exactly how this will work. See more in Editor MaryHelen Swanson's blog entitled "Here's the Thing."