Articles

Looking back: MaryAnne Smith was crowned as Dakota County dairy princess in 1963

A special election was set for a new school in Farmington 100 years ago. Check out Looking Back to see what else happened this week in Farmington's history.

Busy hands, happy hearts at First Presbyterian Church in Farmington

Hands busy trimming and pinning the material before her, 96-year-old Irene Spaniol shared a personal philosophy Tuesday morning. ”I think God gives everyone a talent, and it’s up to you to use it,” she said.

Farmington Ambassadors unveil a float fit for a queen (or nine)

In the past, Miss Farmington and her court have had to ride in three convertibles during parade appearances. That won’t be the case come this weekend.

• Photo: Float

Farmington officials take a fresh look at Vermillion River Crossings

Farmington city planner Lee Smick knows how much things can change in eight years. That’s why she wants to know if the pre-existing plans for the Vermillion River Crossings commercial development are still good.

• Photo: Vermillion River Crossings

Home upkeep rules may change in Farmington

Failure to finish an exterior housing project could lead to misdemeanor charges against the homeowner if a new city code amendment is approved by the Farmington City Council.

Looking Back: Farmington set plans to observe National Air Mail Week

St. Michael's announced plans for the ceremony of the laying of the corner stone at its new church 100 years ago this week. Check out Looking Back to see what else happened this week in Farmington's history.

Farmington police recommend vigilance as weather gets warmer

Farmington police chief Brian Lindquist and his staff are getting ready for the increased number of calls regarding theft of personal property that always seems to come as the days get longer and warmer. Lindquist is also appealing to residents to think about what they can do to prevent break-ins to their cars, garages and homes.

Prize will make life easier for Meadowview Elementary teacher

One day, Meadowview Elementary School teacher Sue Williamschen liked a page on Facebook. She even entered a sweepstakes on that page. And now her students are reaping the benefits of that simple action.

VFW commander has a vision of flags lining Farmington's streets

Between now and next week, Farmington Veterans of Foreign Wars Sypal-Lundgren Post 7662 commander Ron Ersfeld hopes to collect enough donations to fund the purchase of 72 U.S. flags. Between Monday and the week before Memorial Day, he wants to get all 72 of those flags mounted on light poles in downtown Farmington.

Farmington High School Coupon Club is clipping for a good cause

A little pair of scissors can do a lot of good if it’s used correctly. At least, that’s what one Farmington High School club is finding out these days.

• Photo: Coupon Club

Columns

Column: Adjusting to change

It seems that lately, my eyesight just isn’t what it used to be. I’ve had glasses since I was 5 years old. Before that, I can remember wanting to have glasses, because my mom and dad both had them, and so did all of my grandparents. It seemed, to a 4-year-old Lil’ Chelle, like glasses were pretty cool.

Column: Another week of activity overload

I’ve come to understand there are certain times of the year when I just have to let all of my friends and family know I’ll be missing in action for a few days. Or weeks. It depends.

Columnn: Lifting a self-imposed moratorium

I can tell there’s going to be a sale at Occasionally Yours and Vintage Marketplace this week. I see the gals from both stores pull up outside our office, I watch as they haul all kinds of recommissioned goodies out of their cars and vans. I think to myself, “Man, that looks like fun.” And that scares me a little bit.

Column: I was humbled, to say the least

On Sunday, I took a little drive down to Montgomery. My destination was the Montgomery American Legion Post 79, where I was going to have lunch with a bunch of past presidents of the American Legion Auxiliary.

Column: Missing Farmington

Here it is, almost the end of August, and I’ve hardly spent any of it in Farmington. It’s not that I’ve meant to. It just kind of happened.

Column: Mall bangs and blue eye shadow

Apparently, I have to get my 80s on this week.

Column: Parade is something special

Is anyone else in Farmington as amazed as I am by the Dew Days parade? Seriously. In the 30-some-year run of Mountain Dew Days/Dew Days/Rambling River Days/Dew Days, not once has the grand parade been cancelled. Not once. It’s been postponed, but it’s never been called off. I think that’s amazing.

Column: Just reach out and take hold of it

So there I was, sitting at my desk, placing 300-plus senior pictures into little boxes, and wondering about the future for the Farmington High School Class of 2012.

Column: Gratitude first, picnics later

Last week, I saw a question posted on the Facebook page of one of the Twin Cities television stations. The question asked fans what they were going to do with the long Memorial Day weekend. I was saddened as I read through the first responses.

Column: Memory full; please delete content

I got this message on my cell phone over the weekend: Memory full. Please delete content. It came from my text message inbox. It seems I’d gotten so many messages my phone simply ran out of memory. I know how it feels. I’m feeling that way myself these days.