Tuesday, May 21, 2013
The family of teen killed in distracted driving crash is using foundation created in her name to affect change. The Dixit family tells how they are, slowly but surely, moving forward, and making their daughter proud. Sponsored by Grape Nuts.
About this sponsorship: In honor of the 60th anniversary of Sir Edmund Hillary’s historic ascent of Mount Everest, Patch and Grape-Nuts are teaming up to highlight those who inspire people around them to climb their own mountains. Shreya Dixit could have taken the bus to her parents' home in Eden Prairie that night. That was the plan when the University of Wisconsin student woke up that morning, before she learned she would be able to catch a ride with a friend who was driving to the Twin Cities that night. When she and two other friends were getting into the car for that trip, she could have gotten into the back seat instead of the front passenger seat. The driver could have, when she realized roughly a third of the way into their …
As you give your child an extra hug, send out your thoughts to Oklahoma and share what makes the educators in your child’s life special.
Last week, I had the opportunity visit with a few children at the Excelsior Farmers Market. Not surprising, they knew the exact number of days left until summer break. While many of our kids in Minnesota are eyeing the calendar with anticipation for summer break, I was reminded this week how much we owe our educators. As parents, we send our children off to school each morning expecting another typical school day until we pick them up. It becomes a parents worst nightmare when unexpected tragedies and circumstances hit a school – situations that seem to have been all too common nationwide during the 2013-2013 school year. Yet, time and time again, we hear about educators that put their life on the line to save those students they are …
The Youth Leadership Council was recently recognized by Synergy & Leadership Exchange.
Synergy & Leadership Exchange (formerly the Center for Academic Excellence) recently recognized students in the Youth Leadership Council. The students were recognized May 15 at the State Capitol with a Minnesota Ethical Leadership Award. “Students from the Youth Leadership Program have taken leadership in creating a number of valuable initiatives which make a significant difference in our communities,” said District 622 Community Education Director Chuck Ericksen. “They are passionate advocates for celebration of diversity, eliminating the achievement gap and equity in opportunity for all students.” The Youth Leadership Council is a program of the North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale and Mahtomedi school districts. Related: Making a …
This year’s civic celebration runs from June 20-23. What's your favorite part of Summerfest? Tell us in the comments section below.
Oakdale on Monday announced the lineup for this year’s Summerfest. Events are set for June 20-23, with the Medallion Hunt clues revealed at 8 a.m. Monday, June 17, at Oakdale City Hall. Summerfest buttons ($3) sold at City Hall, Furlong’s Liquor, Rainbow Foods (Oakdale), and by members of Summerfest Royalty. The majority of the events are at Richard Walton Park. Here’s the rundown: The Medallion Hunt begins, with clues revealed at 8 a.m. at Oakdale City
Hall, on the city’s website and the Clue Hotline: 651-734-2615. Whoever finds the medallion wins a $1,000 cash prize, and it’s $1,500 with
a Summerfest button. (The medallion is not in Walton Park). The hunt is sponsored by the Oakdale Business and Professional Association. 5 p.m.: …
Donating money to organizations that help victims is quick and easy.
Americans across the country are reacting with shock to the devastation caused by a 2-mile wide tornado in Oklahoma. Dozens have died, and President Obama has declared the path of the tornado a major disaster area. People can offer assistance to those impacted by the tornado: If you know of someone local was affected by the tornado or who is working to help the victims, contact Oakdale Patch Editor Kris Janisch at kris.janisch@patch.com. Like us on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter | Sign up for our free newsletter
Monday, May 20, 2013
Early education was a huge focus in the $15.7 billion bill, which received slivers of support from Republicans in both chambers of the state capitol.
A $15.7 billion education package that will "make life easier" for working parents, according to the bill's supporters, now awaits Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton's signature as work begins to wrap up on the 2013 legislative session. "This is a great day for Minnesota’s students and Minnesota’s future," Sen. Chuck Wiger, who represents parts of Oakdale, said in a statement. "We are investing in programs that work, such as all-day kindergarten and early education. These are strategic investments. Research has shown a 16-to-1 return on investment on money put into early learning opportunities. Sixteen-to-one is a smart investment. Every student in Minnesota should have access to all-day K. It should not be based on your zip code or your ability …
Use Patch's gas price feature to minimize your pain at the pump.
Seeing your bill at the gas pump climb to $50, $60 or even $70? The statewide average gas price in Minnesota is $4.27—the highest in the lower 48 states, according to a Monday report in the Pioneer Press. Oakdale's gas prices are a little higher, with per-gallon prices at many stations hovering just above the average. Wondering where to go for the cheapest fuel in Oakdale? According to gasbuddy.com, prices for a gallon of gas ranged from $4.39 at Mills Fleet Farm to $4.32 at the 10th Street SuperAmerica. People can also click on the "Commute" tab at the top of the page for updates on gas prices in Oakdale. Editor's note: Gas prices can change several times throughout the day, therefore there may be discrepencies between what is shown here…
Upcoming graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2013 are set.
The District 622 school year is wrapping up, and upcoming graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2013 are set. The North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale School District recently announced the dates. Events are planned for: If you know of a graduate who deserves some attention, email Kris Janisch at kris.janisch@patch.com. Like us on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter | Sign up for our free newsletter
Want to make a real difference in the world? Consider one of these seven "green" careers that help protect -- and improve -- our planet. Provided by Jobs at AOL.
The following story was provided by AOLJobs.com By Debra Auerbach for CareerBuilder Have you ever had an itch to quit your job and instead do work that makes a real difference in the world? In honor of Earth Day on April 22, we've compiled a list of seven jobs that help people live a better life – from the buildings they work and live in, to the energy that fuels their homes, to the air they breathe. 1. Conservation scientist: Conservation scientists are hired to help preserve and protect natural habitats. They usually work with landowners and federal, state and local governments to find the best ways to use and improve the land while conserving the environment.* If you’re looking for a green job in Oakdale, check out our jobs page. 2…
Sunday, May 19, 2013
In all, Minnesota’s prisons house approximately 9,500 adult inmates at an annual cost of approximately $465 million.
You probably know that there are two prisons in Washington County: The Stillwater prison (which is actually in Bayport) and the Oak Park Heights prison. Did you know that there are also eight other prisons in Minnesota? Nine are for men. The state’s only women’s prison is in Shakopee. Why are there so many prisons? Aren’t they all the same? First, understand that a prison is different than a jail. Prisons are set up in a number of different ways, one of the main ways deals with the “custody classification system.” This system differentiates between the levels of security necessary for inmates. The most dangerous offenders are kept at a level 5 maximum-security prison. Those who are considered the least dangerous, including some who are …
Jimmy
8:36 am on Tuesday, May 21, 2013
It's refreshing to know students are in good hands with Senator Wiger at the Capital. more ›