A two-year extension of the Q Comp agreement between ISD 831 and the Forest Lake Education Association has been approved by district teachers, but only by the narrowest of margins. Carissa Fredrickson, spokesperson for the district, said this week the Q Comp extension was approved behind a vote of 248 in favor and 232 opposed. The agreement, which has yet to be approved by the school board, covers the 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 school years. Fredrickson said the agreement, which contains only minor language changes, will come to the school board for approval on Thursday, March 6. Q Comp is a state created project that rewards teachers with extra compensation for training and the possibility of merit pay hikes for meeting goals and helping students improve academically. The program is funded by state and local dollars. The first two years of the program in ISD 831 will receive $1 million in a local property tax levy to cover the district’s cost. Once the agreement is approved by both parties, it will be attached as a memorandum of understanding to the teacher contract.
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Two teenagers injured in a Jan. 20 motor vehicle crash on northbound I-35 in Forest Lake at the US-8 exit remain hospitalized at North Memorial in Robbinsdale, but are recovering. Alexis Webber, 17, of Harris, and her passenger, Ryan Locke, 17, very recently of Lino Lakes, were hurt when the car they were in spun out of control and was struck by a semi-trailer tractor. Both suffered severe head injuries in the crash. Locke is a student at Forest Lake High School. Anyone who would like to keep an eye on Locke’s and Webber’s recovery, or send them a message of encouragement online, may do so at the two crash victims’ “Caring Bridge” Web sites. Locke’s address is www.caringbridge.org/visit/ryanlocke, and Webber’s is www.caringbridge.org/visit/alexiswebber. — Patrick Tepoorten, ECM Post Review, North Branch
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Chisago City Mayor Don Taylor has higher political goals. Taylor has announced he will be a Republican candidate for the Minnesota House of Representatives in District 17B which covers Chisago County. The seat is currently held by Rep. Jeremy Kalin, DFL-North Branch. Taylor said he will seek the Republican endorsement from delegates at the Chisago County Republican endorsing convention this spring. “As mayor of Chisago City, I have learned how hard it is to accommodate the wishes of all the citizens,” he said. “From my experience as mayor, I have the learned the value of listening to the citizens.” In announcing his decision, Taylor charged that Kalin does not understand the concerns of home owners and taxpayers and the impact of taxes.
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Next Tuesday is the date for a The Minnesota Department of Transportation open house regarding the US Highway 8 project in Lindstrom. The meeting will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. at Lindstrom City Hall, 13292 Sylvan Ave. The purpose of the open house is to share information and solicit public input on the proposed changes to the Highway 8 corridor in Lindstrom while promoting public understanding of all aspects of the project. There will be representatives from MnDOT, the Highway 8 Task Force, the city of Lindstrom and from Chisago County available to answer questions.
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The Forest Lake Area Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a special panel discussion, “Is Commercial Development Inevitable?” on Thursday, Feb. 21 as part of its February membership meeting. The event will take place at Roberts Family Funeral Home, 555 SW Centennial Drive from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Taking part in the panel are: Dan Anderson, president, Fairview Lakes Health Service; Tal Gravelle and Larry Porter, Forest Lake Area Athletic Association; Doug Borglund, community development director, city of Forest Lake; Patrick Gaughan, Gaughan Companies; Keith Johanneson, MarketPlace Foods; and Len Pratt, Pratt Development. Alan Bakke, Sherman Insurance, will moderate. Cost of the event is $15 for Chamber members; $20 for non-members. Lunch will be catered by the Forest Laker. Call 651-464-3200 for reservations by noon, Friday, Feb. 15.
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 Where your child is educated is no longer exclusive to a zip code. On Jan. 24, North Lakes Academy sponsored the first Lakes Area School Choice Fair. The event open to the public was an opportunity for families and parents to learn about the different schools they have to choose from.
North Lakes Academy Director Jackie Saunders (left) visits with a parent and child during the Lakes Area School Choice Fair held on Jan. 24. The event was sponsored by the charter middle school.
(Photo by Jennifer Larson)
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During the month of February, Fairview Lakes Medical Center in Wyoming will be celebrating its 10th anniversary. Kicking off the celebration at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 11 is an appearance by nationally recognized author and speaker Dr. David Walsh of the National Institute on Media and the Family.
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 There were plenty of wide eyes from kids and adults of all ages last weekend as Northland Mall in Forest Lake hosted the annual model train show. The event attracted hundreds of visitors to Forest Lake. Joselyn Leonhart of Marine gave a boost to her son, Charlie, 4, who needed a little help to see the model train exhibit. Model train owners from a wide area were on hand to display their hobbies.
(Photo By Cliff Buchan)
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