News stories from Hutchinson, Minnesota

Thirty-eight students, including 10 preschoolers, walked through the doors Tuesday for their first day of classes at Immanuel Lutheran School.

The Hutchinson Economic Development Authority will cut the ribbon Tuesday, Sept. 7, commemorating the completion of the city’s expanded east-side industrial park.

Brian Campbell Bleil, 60, of Hutchinson, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2010 in Hutchinson.

Much of the work to be done on Adams Street north of Fifth Avenue Southeast could be done by Labor Day, but Hutchinson motorists shouldn’t expect to be using Adams until early November.

Monday is Labor Day, a day for saying farewell to summer, preparing for the return of the school year, and yes, celebrating the fruits of labor.

From Dave Skoog
Hutchinson
In our city, we have bike paths that are 4 feet, 6 inches wide with moving vehicles on the left, parked vehicles on the right.

By Richard L. Trumka
President, AFL-CIO

and Shar Knutson
President, Minnesota AFL-CIO

Cheers to the many gardeners and farmers who so faithfully are sharing the wealth of their produce at our local farmer’s market twice a week.

Youngsters from throughout a 40-miles radius homed in on Youth Conservation Day at Gopher Campfire Conservation Club’s Byron Lake grounds northeast of Hutchinson on Saturday.

Frances Graupmann, 89, of Hutchinson, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2010, at Burns Manor Nursing Home in Hutchinson.

David C. Freitag, 69, of Hutchinson, passed away Friday, Aug. 27, 2010, at the Hutchinson Community Hospital in Hutchinson.

Private family graveside services will be at a later date.

The list of tests that measure student achievement is enough to make anyone’s eyes gloss over.

From Glen Menze
Independence Party Candidate
Minnesota 7th Congressional District

Cheers to the Hutchinson maintenance lawn crew for doing a wonderful job by Boy Scout Park. We really appreciate it — they do a great job!
Bill and Jerilyn Breitkreutz, Hutchinson

Several residences and businesses were bought up and cleared out along state highways 7 and 15 when the state rebuilt 7 through Hutchinson.

By Nathan Winter
Extension Educator – Agricultural Productions Systems
McLeod/Meeker County

Arlene Felter, 92, of Winthrop passed away Sunday, Aug. 29, 2010, at the New Ulm Medical Center in New Ulm.

Betty Stockland, 87, of Cosmos, passed away Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010 at Cedar Crest in Cosmos.

Lida Inselmann, 94, of Hutchinson, passed away Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010, at Burns Manor Nursing Home in Hutchinson.

Lucille Dufresne, 88, of Hutchinson, passed away Sunday, Aug. 29, 2010, at her home in Hutchinson.

Hutchinson officials have, in recent years, made making the city more energy efficient a priority.

By Nathan Winter
Extension Educator – Agricultural Productions Systems
McLeod/Meeker County

The City Council’s decision last month, on a 2-2 vote, not to erect a light at Hutchinson’s skateboard park caused longtime park advocate Rett Young to address the council at the start of its Aug.

Steps city staff have taken to control spending has Hutchinson in line to finish 2010 with a balanced budget despite a projected revenue shortfall of $306,000.

Efforts to reduce city staff heading into 2011 continued Tuesday when the Hutchinson Police Commission reluctantly verified Chief Dan Hatten’s selection of two employees to be laid off in his department.

If people don’t take care of themselves, what is the government’s role to get them on the right track?

By Brian Depew

Cheers to District 423 School Board member Tim Kirkvliet for understanding the local economic situation. His vote and voice demonstrates real leadership.
Robert Anderson, Hutchinson

Every day at the McLeod County Fair is filled with activities and entertainment for the whole family. Thursday, Aug. 19, of the 2010 fair was no different with everything from 4-H judging in dairy, sheep and swine, to great food, music and exhibits to enjoy, and an exciting moto cross evening event in front of the grandstand. Leader photographer Terry Davis captured the action in this 48-image slideshow.

Joseph Karl, Jr., 81, of Hutchinson, (husband of Joyce), died Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2010, at Burns Manor Nursing Home in Hutchinson.