Fractured families cause Crookston schools to look at busing policy

The Crookston school board is poised to make changes in its busing policy to meet the needs of children who live at more than one address.

December 24, 2016 at 9:06PM
CROOKSTON

Fractured families inspire new look at busing policy

The Crookston school board is poised to make changes in its busing policy to meet the needs of children who live at more than one address.

Currently, each student has one designated pickup and dropoff point. The district now is willing to allow more flexibility to meet the needs of children who may split time between two parents.

"As of late, we seem to have some people questioning our one-stop policy when there's divorced families and things like that," said Frank Fee, school board chairman. "We're in the student business, and we have to get our students to school."

Fee said the district and its transportation director are expected to propose changes that give more flexibility to students while not overwhelming the bus routes with frequent changes.

John Reinan

ROCHESTER

City approves luxury apartment building

The Rochester City Council approved a new luxury apartment building that will go up near the Mayo Clinic Hospital, St. Marys Campus.

The new 13-story structure will contain 347 upscale, market-rate apartments and about 21,000 square feet of commercial and retail space, said Terry Spaeth, redevelopment director for the city. It will also include 560 garage parking spaces.

The council approved $10.5 million in tax increment financing for the $116 million project, which will be built by Alatus LLC at the corner of 2nd Street SW. and 14th Avenue SW., not far off Hwy. 52.

Pam Louwagie

COLD SPRING

Police chief resigns after extended medical leave

The police chief of Cold Spring has resigned after an extended medical leave. Chief Chris Boucher had worked for the department since 1993. His departure will be effective Jan. 2. Boucher started an unpaid part-time family medical leave on Sept. 14 and a full leave Sept 29. Interim Chief Jason Blum will remain in the office until a permanent replacement is found.

City Administrator Brigid Murphy said the City Council will discuss a selection process at its Dec. 27 meeting, when it formally accepts Boucher's resignation. Murphy said privacy statutes prohibited her from discussing the departure because of the medical nature of his leave.

Mark Brunswick

DULUTH

'Duluth-opoly' game available at many sites

A Duluth-centric version of the classic Monopoly game is now available. More than 40 local enterprises and landmarks in the Twin Ports are on the board, including Grandma's Marathon and Bob Dylan Way. The game can be purchased for $29.95 at a number of local venues, including the Great Lakes Aquarium gift shop, the Duluth Children's Museum and the Duluth News Tribune.

Mark Brunswick

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