Owatonna
Education
Reading tutor boosting literacy at Washington
Mary Butler-Fraser is proud of every kid who graduates from her program, but that doesn’t always mean they’re happy to leave. As a Minnesota Reading Corps tutor, Butler-Fraser provides one-on-one literacy support at Washington Elementary. She works with kids from kindergarten to third grade who aren’t meeting their reading benchmarks. Of the 45 students she’s worked with this year, 25 have reached the threshold set by Reading Corps and exited...
SCHS event explores consequences of institutionalization on children
No single account can adequately capture the reality of the Minnesota State Public School for Dependent and Neglected Children, housing more than 10,000 children over a period of 60 years. Where some suffered, others flourished. Even those that emerged relatively unscathed carried the effects of their institutionalization for years to come. The Steele County Historical Society's (SCHS) latest community event examined the story of the institution, from its lofty ambitions...
Bethlehem Academy's Section 1A softball reign comes to an early end
In the postseason it’s all about the little things. It’s about running the bases, it’s about fielding, it’s about getting good pitching and pairing it with timely batting. It’s about a little bit of luck and a whole bunch of leaning on everything you’ve learned in all the months leading up to that moment. On the whole it should be said that Lewiston-Altura played better than Bethlehem Academy on Wednesday afternoon, a big part of the reason why the Cardinals found themselves trailing 7-0 in...
COFFEE & CONVERSATION: Superintendent talks cell phone policy, alternate school calendars
The Owatonna Public Schools district office hosted its final session of Coffee and Conversation last week. Superintendent Jeff Elstad met with community members Friday, May 17, for this school year’s final session of Coffee and Conversation, discussing topics including the impact of recent legislation on student cell phone use, summer work projects in the district and the pros and cons of alternative school calendars. Held roughly once a month, Coffee...
With roof in poor condition, K-W Elementary loses insurance
After a recent inspection found much of Kenyon-Wanamingo Elementary School’s roof to be in poor to failing condition, insurance company EMC has announced it will no longer provide insurance coverage for K-W Elementary. Local insurance agent Todd Greseth and staff from SitelogIQ, a Minneapolis-based architecture, design and engineering firm, visited the Kenyon-Wanamingo Board meeting on Tuesday to discuss potential next steps including a potential referendum. With Kenyon-Wanamingo Public Schools having...
School District chosen for CDC wellness initiative
With a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Faribault Public Schools is developing additional health and wellness goals and resources for students and staff. The district was among 20 entities chosen for the Healthy Schools program nationwide. The Minnesota Department of Education was a recipient of the nearly $100,000 in funding and chose the district as its implementation partner. The program utilizes the CDC’s Whole School, Whole...
Minnesota Section 1A & 1AA Tournaments Get Underway
Morgan Wilson, junior, allowed no hits, no walks, 8 strikeouts while throwing 52 pitches, 42 strikes. Every BA player had at least one at bat in the game. Josie Flom threw a 2-hitter against Fillmore Central/Lanesboro. Cannon Falls goes to Randolph in 1AA Section action Tuesday, May 21, 2024.
Bethlehem Academy softball cruises through sections 1st round
Considering that Bethlehem Academy had beaten Lyle/Pacelli 19-1 less than a month ago, it was not terribly surprising to look up and see the Cardinals winning 12-0 Monday afternoon in the first round of the section tournament. However, it was a bit surprising that the scoreboard noted that the 12-0 score came in just the first inning. But it was that kind of afternoon for Bethlehem Academy who jumped out...
2-out rally in 2nd inning lifts Owatonna baseball over Eagles on Senior Night
After losing in a low-scoring battle on the road against Albert Lea, the Owatonna baseball team looked to bounce back against non-conference opponent Marshall at home on their Senior Night. The Huskies offense delivered on Friday night against the Marshall Tigers as they won 7-2. Senior Michael Reinardy came into pitch the third inning and ended up pitching five innings, allowing only one earned run. Senior outfielder Ethan Armstrong led...
MSHSL Section 1A Bracket Released
Kenyon-Wanamingo is the #3 seeded team in the MSHSL Section 1A Baseball Tournament which begins Wednesday, May 22, 2024. The Gopher Conference Champions had a 13-5 record going into the seedings and will host Mabel-Canton (4-15) in Wanamingo. The winner faces #6 Spring Grove (12-6) or #11 Wabasha-Kellogg (6-13) Saturday at Noon in Austin.
School Board discusses 4-day week, outdoor learning
As Minnesota legislators consider lowering barriers for districts that wish to implement a four-day school week, Owatonna Public Schools is one of many districts in the state eying the possibility. Under current state law, districts must receive approval from the education commissioner to implement a four-day work week. Several districts in Minnesota already have. However, HF1242, a bill introduced into the House last year, would remove that requirement, leaving the...
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