In conjunction with the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics’ (NCTM) regional conference in Minneapolis, the council’s president visited Anoka and Andover high schools Nov. 4.

Hank Kepner’s ambition to observe teachers’ use of technology in educating their students on the fine points of all things mathematical was indeed welcome. See more in Sue Austreng's ABC Newspapers story.

NEWS RELEASE

St. Paul, MN -- Minnesota employers added 2,200 jobs in October, according to figures released today (Thursday, Nov. 19) by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).

The state's unemployment rate climbed 0.2 percent from the previous month to a seasonally adjusted 7.6 percent. The U.S. unemployment rate in October was 10.2 percent.

Read more: Minnesota employers add 2,200 jobs during October

by T.W. Budig
ECM Capitol reporter

Outbreaks of flu-like illness in Minnesota schools has decreased for a third week in a row, having Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) officials speculating that the second wave of novel H1N1 is receding.

“I am optimistic that we are on the downswing of our second wave,” said Dr. Ruth Lynfield, state epidemiologist.

Minnesota State Epidemiologist Dr. Ruth Lynfield is optimistic that the second wave of novel HiN1 flu is dissipating in Minnesota. But health department officials still stress the need for taking flu precautions such as washing hands, staying home when sick, getting vaccinated.

(Photo by T.W. Budig, ECM Capitol Reporter)

Read more: Outbreaks of flu-like illness decreases in Minnesota schools

NEWS RELEASE

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) is an original co-sponsor of legislation authored by Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) to guarantee up to seven days of paid sick leave for workers infected by the H1N1 virus.

“Minnesota families need to know they can do what’s best to keep themselves and others healthy,” said Sen. Franken.

Read more: Franken co-sponsors paid leave act in response to H1N1 epidemic

The body of Farmington pilot Andrew Lindberg, 32, was recovered Wednesday morning after a pilot spotted the tail of Lindberg’s airplane in a remote area of White Earth State Forest near Mahnomen in Clearwater County.

After four days of searching – Lindberg’s plane was reported missing on his trip from Airlake Airport in Lakeville to Hallock, Minn. – at about 8 a.m. officials located the plane and directed law enforcement to the remote site. See more in Kara Hildreth's ThisweekLive story.

Some fourth grade students at Milaca Elementary School had the privilege of meeting military personnel on Veteran’s Day. Airman 1st Class Jennie Gaylor and her husband Sgt. Lee Gaylor visited with students in Michele Leom’s and Gina Prose’s classrooms.

Jennie’s daughter Jaelin Veurink, 10, and her son Collin Veurink, 11, are students at Milaca Elementary. Jennie is with the 934th Medical Evac with the Air Force. Lee, who has been deployed five times, is in the National Guard and served previously with the Navy. See more in Dawn Slade's Mille Lacs County Times story.

Sgt. Lee Gaylor and Airman 1st Class Jennie Gaylor spoke with fourth grade students at Milaca Elementary School last week on Veterans Day. (Photo by Dawn Slade, Mille Lacs County Times)

Morrison, Cass and Crow Wing counties will receive the 2009 Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC) Conservation Award Dec. 7.

Nominated by Camp Ripley and the Region Five Development Commission, the three counties are being thanked for their support of a buffer zone project. The AMC and the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources began this award in 2008 to recognize leadership, innovation and excellence by counties in protecting or improving natural resources. See more in Morrison County Record story by Tina Snell.

The Blaine City Council is scheduled to review a proposed work plan at its Nov. 19 workshop that will address the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) infestation threat in the community.

The insect larvae drill into the trees, interrupting the flow of nutrients and water, eventually killing the tree. See more in Blaine/Spring Lake Park Life story.

In its over 150-year history, the main functions of the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office have never been under one roof.

The 135,000 square-foot public safety building in Andover encompasses all aspects of public safety response and investigation. The 144 staff members are tentatively planning to move to the new facility on Dec. 9 and Dec. 10, according to Capt. James Stuart. See complete story, slideshow and video by Eric Hagen on ABC Newspapers site.

Craig Dollansky was anxious for the 2009 season to get under way, after missing the final two months of the 2008 campaign with a broken arm that required surgery.

After a slow start, the veteran driver from Elk River hit his stride in the middle of the summer and wound up winning three times on the World of Outlaws trail and placing seventh in season points. He had 41 top-ten finishes and 21 in the top five.

Dollansky, now living in Zimmerman, picked up his first 2009 win at Lebanon Valley Speedway in New York in late July and followed with a victory in the inaugural Ironman 55 at I-55 Raceway in Missouri. He also triumphed at River Cities Speedway in North Dakota. See more in special story to Star News by Tony Veneziano of Outlaws Media Relations.

Craig Dollansky switched racing teams late in the season. He's now with Tod Quiring's group. (World of Outlaws photo)