For a quarter century, the Milaca Area Pantry has been helping feed community members in need.

Each week, approximately 80 people are assisted through the local food shelf. In January alone, the Milaca food shelf helped feed 367 children and 533 adults (27 of whom are senior citizens). See more in Mille Lacs County Times story by Dawn Slade.

Apple Valley clinched its 16th state wrestling title Saturday night at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul with a 57-6 win over Albert Lea. The Eagles added five more individual titles to boost its individual state champions list to 56 wrestlers including: Eric DeVos (103), Destin McCauley (119), Justin LaValle (130), Matt Mincey (135) and Tyler Lehmann (171).

(Photo by Rick Orndorf)

Cambridge-Isanti School District has removed 20 cases of beef from its supplies to comply with the recent recall instituted by USDA.

Food Services Director Sheri Moen said that her department's primary commitment is always to the health and well-being of the children in C-I schools. "Food safety and cleanliness are our most important responsibilities," she said. See more in Isanti County News story.

North Branch School District Financial Director Randi Johnson kicked off another budget season by saying, "Today's a sad day in the North Branch School District." Sad because administration spent the work day informing staff that the 2008 - 2009 budget season was likely to bring the largest round of budget cuts since 2005.

Having previously made the decision not to pursue an operating levy in 2008, at the Feb. 28 work session the school board got down to the business of making do with what is available. According to Johnson, it's going to take $2.9 million in cuts to square next year's operating budget. See more in Patrick Tepoorten's ECM Post Review account.

A new software aerial imaging photography system is being purchased by Anoka County.

The Anoka County Board, on the recommendation of its Management Committee, has authorized a two-year license agreement with Pictometry International for a countywide system. See more in Peter Bodley's ABC Newspapers story.

For the first time, two teachers will be selected as District 16 Teachers of the Year, one from the primary and another from the secondary levels.

In its third year, the 2008 program has drawn 12 nominees

A potential conflict of interest on the Mounds View School Board has a local lawmaker advancing legislation.

Sen. Don Betzold, DFL-Fridley, presented a bill Monday (March 3) to the Senate Committee on Education providing an exception to state law that possibly could prevent a newly elected Mounds View School Board member from serving on the school board.

Sen. Don Betzold, DFL-Fridley, and Minnesota School Boards Association lobbyist Grace Schwab review legislation prior to the start of Monday's (March 3) Senate Education Committee.

(Photo by T.W. Budig, ECM Capitol Reporter)

Read more: Sen. Betzold introduces bill that would provide exception to state law on board member conflict