Articles

Signs of life in local housing market

There was a time, not so long ago, when Farmington city officials had so many new housing developments being proposed, it was almost hard to keep them all straight. Ah, the good old days.

Many still feeling storm’s impact

The Aug. 13 tornado that damaged more than 120 homes in Farmington only took a few minutes to rip through the central section of the community, but the damage it caused took nearly 10 days to clean up.

• Storm damage

Budget challenges will mean cuts for city

Cuts to the city of Farmington’s budget are on the way, and those cuts likely mean someone will lose his or her job.

Students show off their Tiger Pride

It’s never too early to start making plans, and when it comes to planning a whole week of activities to celebrate Farmington High School’s Tiger Pride, well, it’s safe to say those plans are already in the making.

• Homecoming team

A fresh look for art park

Every year, the Farmington School District celebrates the work of its students during an all-school art festival. Last Saturday, a handful of those students and their artwork were further honored.

• Art park

Summer of construction near an end

To many, Labor Day symbolizes the beginning of fall. To residents on Walnut Street, though, Labor Day will definitely bring the end of a long, dusty and inconvenient summer.

Seven file in city council race

Farmington voters will have plenty of choices when it comes time to fill two seats on the Farmington City Council this fall.

EF-1 tornado had winds up to 105 mph

They swore it was a tornado. It turns out, they were right. On Sunday, the National Weather Service confirmed what many Farmington residents suspected all along: a tornado, not straight-line winds, caused severe damage to the central part of the community during an Aug. 13 storm.

• Storm

Storm damaged 124 homes in Farmington

Mother Nature wasn’t picky when she decided whose homes would be damaged by last Friday’s early morning tornado. She didn’t care if the home was old or new, if the homeowners had lived there for one year or several.

• Storm damage

The bigger, the better

Stroll through the Horticulture building at the Dakota County Fair this week, and there’s one thing you won’t see: any of the large, ripe vegetables from a Second Street garden here in Farmington.

• Emil Boostrom
• Giant vegetables

Columns

Column: Taking vacation takes hard work

Have you ever noticed how much work goes into taking a vacation? It’s not necessarily the packing. It’s not necessarily the financial planning. You have to think about how you’re going to get to where you’re going, and you have to work out the timing while you’re actually on said vacation.

Column: Reaction to storm was cool to see

I was really confused Friday morning. I don’t often sleep with my windows closed during the summer. I like to sleep with fresh air, so unless it’s really hot for a really long time, I don’t turn on my air conditioner at night. Well, last week was really hot for a really long time. The AC was on. My windows were closed.

Column: A lifetime at the county fair

It’s Monday afternoon, and I’m at my desk. I’ve been to the 2010 Dakota County Fair once already, and I’ve got to say - I love this time of year. Sure, it’s a pretty steamy day, and sure, wandering through the heat and humidity already has me feeling like a good nap would hit the spot. And maybe the bellyful of Taco Dick’s and 4H chocolate shake is adding to my fatigue.

Column: In honor of ‘ookie-oh’

Every so often, I do something that reminds me that I’m getting older. When, for instance, I bought my home nine years ago, I figured it was time. I was 33, and it seemed like something a responsible adult would do. Thinking I’d like to be considered a responsible adult, I became a homeowner.

Column: Tomatoes and the march of time

I was initially delighted Monday when, for the first time this season, I was able to pick ripe, red cherry tomatoes from one of my two potted cherry tomato plants on my patio. So sweet. So yummy. So ... a sign that this summer is going by way too fast.

Column: Dealing with a vacation hangover

I have to admit — probably much to Nathan’s chagrin — I’ve been a little slow to get back into the swing of things this week. I’m trying to get my groove back. I really am.

Column: Graduation message? Have fun

Way back, oh, 24 years ago, a friend gave me a graduation card with a simple message on it - Life is short. Have fun. And really, I’ve tried to. I had a blast through college (by choice), and haven’t exactly settled down with a husband and kids (not necessarily by choice). I have a job that is plenty stressful at times, but I work with a great bunch of people who make me laugh every day.

Column: Cemetery is filled with stories

I was out at Corinthian Cemetery Tuesday morning, visiting with Aaron Ehlers about being caretaker for one of the community’s cemeteries. And as I’m mentally preparing for the Memorial Day weekend, I know I’ll be spending a little time out there, too.

Column: Pick up a poppy or two

We’re coming up on a couple of really big, important weekends in the world of military and veterans affairs. This next Saturday is Armed Forces Day, and a World War II reenactment event has been scheduled at the Dakota County Fairgrounds to coincide with the holiday. The following weekend, Warrior to Citizen will hold its second annual Military Family Day at the Dakota County Fairgrounds. And the weekend after is one of the biggies — Memorial Day.

Column: A round of applause

You know what? I love to clap my hands. I really, really do. Seriously, think about it. Every time you clap your hands, it’s for a good reason. Even when the occasion is a somber one, clapping means someone somewhere has done something that deserves recognition.