Looking back: Farmington school officials considered sites for second elementary in 1986

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10 years ago

From the February 1, 2001 edition of the

Farmington Independent

Lifelong experience of volunteering makes its mark on Wacker

In 1965, a flood destroyed a business run by Jerry Wacker’s father. Wacker, now a Farmington Police Department investigator, remembers the incident and the problems that it caused for a family with seven children. He also remembers the reactions of others. He remembers people spending hours to build a wall of sandbags that ultimately was not enough to hold back the water.

That experience, along with the years that Wacker’s father spent volunteering for the Scott County Housing and Redevelopment Authority, made an impression on Wacker. When he took his first job as a patrol officer in Madelia, he volunteered to serve on the rescue squad.

Over the years the pattern has continued. Last week, Wacker was recognized for his efforts with the Farmington Chamber of Commerce Businessperson of the Year award....

In 1992, Wacker ran for and won a seat on the District 192 School Board....

Nine-and-a-half years later, Wacker is in his third term on the board, and he is happy with the progress the district has made.

25 years ago

From the February 5, 1986

edition of the

Farmington Independent

Farmington officials may need to cut more than $57,000 this year

The Farmington City Council was forced to conduct a special meeting last Thursday night to plan a course of action should proposed state and federal budget cuts take effect.

Responding to an “Action Alert” from the League of Minnesota Cities, City Administrator Larry Thompson told the Council that the City could experience a $57,000 shortfall in the General Fund budget for 1986. A large portion of that amount would arise from cuts in local government aid from the state, as well as from proposed cuts in homestead credits....

Thompson characterized the problem at the state level as non-partisan. “I think you can’t place blame (on either party),” the administrator noted. “I think it’s the system.”

School board delays vote on new elementary school site

A two-and-a-half hour discussion by school board members and consultants ended late last Thursday night with no final decision on which of two sites should be considered for potential construction of a second elementary school in Farmington.

Information about the sites, which are both located near 195th Street and Pilot Knob Road, was discussed at length by five board members and nearly a half dozen architectural, legal, and other consultants who are teaming up with the district to help secure a location....

Among the issues the School Board is facing are more questions of precise survey boundaries of the two locations, appraisals, and negotiation stances with owners.

50 years ago

From the February 2, 1961

edition of the

Dakota County Tribune

Gerlach sells Tiger Inn here

Don Gerlach, operator of the Tiger Inn in the Nordquist Building here, has sold out to L.G. “Lou” Cowan, of Minneapolis, effective February 1st.

Gerlach said he does not have any special plans other than take a two months’ vacation. HE extends best wishes to the newcomer, and a “thank you” for past patronage.

Farmington’s city council, in a special meeting Friday night, granted a 3.2 beer license to Ruth E. Baland, of Minneapolis, who we understand is the daughter of Mr. Cowan, and who will be operating the place.

Postoffice dep. takes option on once church site

Howard T. Orr, regional real estate office for the bureau of facilities, post office department, has obtained an option on a 90x120 lot on Third street here, now owned by Ken Nelson Enterprises, and the former site of Faith Evangelical United Brethren church.

Orr indicated the former church lot would be the best possibility for the new postoffice here. He has looked the town over extensively, and said if they can’t build there, the deparmtnet may have to go out of the downtown district to find property at a reasonable price.

Greg Fischer interviews TV stars at Gillette

Greg Fischer, age 13, polio patient at Gillette Hospital and a son of Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Fischer, Farmington, had the distinction of interviewing T.V. stars Gary Moore, Lorne Green and Dan Blocker.

Since Greg returned to the hospital Jan. 16, he has been a reporter for the hospital paper, “Voice of Gillette.”

Greg’s stay at Gillette in St. Paul will be indefinite.

115 years ago

From the February 6, 1897

edition of the

Dakota County Tribune

High School Budget

Examinations are over at last. They averaged about as usual, but with mathematics unusually hard.

It has been said that every dog has his day, therefore, by the new program at school several pupils who formerly “got out” at recess in the afternoon are forced to remain until half past three or four at most....

A nubmer of new books were put in our library last Monday, which will help not a little, but there is plenty of room on the shelves....

The new clock which was donated to the school by Miss Scofield has been put in the High School room and the old one placed in the laboratory. Thanks for such a fine gift.

The Creamery

The Farmington creamery is now in successful operation under the guiding hand of Samels Bros.

The senior member of the firm, F. A. Samels, is well known to most of our residents having owned and operated the Osborn farm west of this village for some time past. His brother, P.P. Samels, is his partner in the enterprise and is a young man of push and vigor. The twain comprise a strong firm financially and otherwise; are responsible parties and a large patronage and good business is the inevitable result.

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