Membership to the Minnesota State High School League was approved by the Benson School Board Monday night, as was the MDCC contract which is the special ed service co-op contract. Supt. Lee Westrom says the contract was for $102,624 for next year. In other business the board heard the adjustments to the 2010-2011 parent student handbook and under personnel approved the hire of Jason Stewig as ag instructor and FFA Advisor.

The Kerkhoven City Council approved election judges for both the primary election and the regular November election when it met this week. Mayor Brian Thompson says election judges appointed were Jean Lilly, Eldon Hauge, Dale Erickson and Mona Doering. In other business they approved four zoning permits, one to Collins Construction to make an addition to their shop; an entry way for
Stephanie Abner; approved a front entry for Steve and Cheryl Syverson;
and Mike Norton for a deck and some fencing plus an overhang for some
shade for his dog.

2nd street between Atlantic Avenue and almost Columbia in Morris was dug up Tuesday as crews removed tar and prepared the area for major reconstruction of sewer replacement. Driver are encouraged to chose another route during this construction. The project should be finished in October. 2nd street at the Regional Fitness Center is still closed to the public but that area is supposed to be finished in time for the U.M.M. students' arrival at the end of August.

The City of Morris will pay a little over $14,000 dollars and the Morris Area School District will pay a little over $21,000 to continue to fund the resource officer program. The Morris City Council approved the year long agreement at Tuesday night's regular meeting. County Attorney Charlie Glasrud said "It's a good deal, the students form a relationship with the officer, very positive from the police stand point."

The Litchfield Police Department arrested a 26 year old Grove City woman and 28 year old Litchfield man Tuesday for fifth degree assault and disorderly conduct at a North Swift Avenue residence. The two are being held in the Meeker County Jail pending an appearance in Meeker County District Court.

According to the Meeker County Sheriff’s Office they sent weather spotters out Tuesday night from Eden Valley, Watkins, Dassel, Litchfield, Grove City and Cosmos. Spotters reported heavy rain, strong winds and pea size hail. Cosmos also reported rotation in the clouds, which prompted the weather sirens to be set off in the southern half of Meeker County.

“We The People” will have a meeting at the MinnWest Campus auditorium Saturday night, Aug. 7th at seven. This is open to everyone. According to organizers, you’ll hear about how we can protect our rights as Minnesota citizens in regards to safeguarding our judicial elections. Appearing at the event are Tim Tingelstad, who is running for the Supreme Court position currently held by Alan Page, and Greg Wersal, who is running against Helen Meyer for a Supreme Court position. Wersal, who grew up on his family’s farm near Redwood Falls, is in private law practice. Tingelstad was born in Detroit Lakes and is currently the magistrate for the 9th Judicial District.

65 year old Carl Remmers, former superintendent of the Benson School District, will make his next appearance on felony fourth degree criminal sexual charges August 9th in Beltrami County District Court. Its alleged he inappropriately touched a 17 year old boy while in his office at the Cass Lake Alternative Learning Center, and again at a motel in Bemidji where he rented a room. Remmers appeared in court Tuesday. He posted bail, which had been set at $5,000 with a 20 percent cash alternative.

You’ll encounter daytime lane closures on Highway 23 from Granite Falls to Hanley Falls beginning today (Thursday) as crews begin a patching operation. Flaggers and cones will direct you through the work zone. The patching operation is expected to be complete Aug. 12th, weather permitting.

30 year old Phillip Boyer of Eagle Lake was arrested yesterday (Wednesday) by the Minnesota State Patrol and is being held in the McLeod County Jail on several traffic violations and fleeing a police officer in a vehicle. The patrol was in pursuit of Boyer, who attempted to pass a semi on the shoulder of the road, lost control of the vehicle, crashed into the side of the semi and went into the ditch. 51 year old Donald McGregor of Minnesota Lake was the semi driver. Boyer was traveling north on Highway 15 into Meeker County. Assisting with the incident were the McLeod County Sheriff’s Office, Hutchinson Police Department and Meeker County Sheriff’s Office.

28 year old Rebecca Larson of Canby was sentenced to 67 months in the Minnesota Correctional Facility in Shakopee Tuesday on a second degree drug sale. She was also has to pay $685 in fines and fees and was given credit for 38 days for time already served. Larson was sentenced in Yellow Medicine County District Court. She is one of ten people charged in selling prescription drugs to a CEE-VI informant.

The recent Willmar community budget survey shows people are concerned about public works, public safety, parks and playgrounds according to Mick Schmit, Willmar City Administrator. He says there were no surprises and those are the traditional public services that local governments provide. Schmit says between now and the end of the year the mayor will be finishing up his proposed budget which he plans to submit to the council in late August. Then the city council will have two or three months to go through the budget, scrutinize the mayor’s recommended revenues and expenditures, make any adjustments they feel are appropriate and eventually reach a consensus and adopt a budget in December.

The Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce is soliciting nominations for the Board of Directors. Board terms are three years in length. Members in good standing are eligible to be nominated and qualify for election. Nominations can be forward to the Nominating committee at the Chamber.

There is an open house today (Thursday) from 5:30 to seven at the Kandiyohi County Health and Human Services Building, Willmar. The meeting will be held in the multipurpose room and is to discuss future improvements to the 3.5 mile common section of Highways 23 and 71 from north of the 23/71/294 split to the 23/71 split near Eagle Lake. You’ll be able to review the preliminary layout and learn more about the anticipated impact. Staff from MnDOT and the consultant, SEH, Inc. will be there to discuss the preliminary layout of the preferred alternative, the environmental impact findings and answer questions.