FOLEY – Even if the weather is not cooperating, First Presbyterian Church of Foley took a leap toward spring April 22 with its annual spring carnival inside the church in Foley. The event ushered in a rousing morning and early afternoon full of games, fire truck rides, food, conversation and a sense of community as area residents await the arrival of May flowers. And while the spring carnival was largely entertainment geared for children, those who attended expressed their appreciation for the impact a simple morning of fun and recreation can be for a community.

FOLEY – The Foley School Board narrowed the search for a superintendent to five candidates at a special meeting April 19. In doing so, the board is entering into the final stages of selecting the district’s top employee by holding interviews with the candidates Thursday, April 27. In a first-time move from the board, the in-person interviews will be open to the public, though attendees will need to bring photo identification to enter the building during school hours.

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Benton County Public Health continues to gain national recognition for its local tobacco ordinance. Three staff members and a county commissioner will attend a prestigious conference to share the story of how the ordinance was crafted and adopted.

The humming of sewing machines, chatter and laughter filled the room at the Benton County 4-H Clothing Camp April 10 at First Presbyterian Church in Foley. The room was filled with smiling faces, paint, fabric, scissors and excitement. The Benton County 4-H Home Economics Committee planned a full day of activities for the 4-H’ers. The kids sewed pajama pants, tied together fabric to make swag, personalized their own t-shirts, made a bulletin board and built their own pizza. 

ST. CLOUD – Minnesota’s congressional senators, Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Sen. Tina Smith, hosted a press conference at the St. Cloud Regional Airport April 10 to announce $495,000 in federal grant money intended to upgrade and improve the airport’s infrastructure. 

FOLEY – Taking on what the Gilman Park and Recreation Association is calling by far the most aggressive and substantial project it has ever pursued, the association is fundraising $126,225 for the removal of the current tennis courts and the installation of two pickleball courts and one tennis court. One pickleball court will be within the tennis court.

FOLEY – When the Mille Lacs Veterinary Clinic hosted its Coggins clinic in Foley April 8, equestrian enthusiasts in the area leaped at the one-stop-shop, once-a-year opportunity to get their horses tested, vaccinated and checked for general health. 

Benton County’s flood response policy recently became more precise. Emergency management director Kristen Tschida presented a formal, single-page document for approval during the county board’s April 4 meeting.

As the weather warms and spring arrives, a clean-up day for the Foley area is slated for Saturday, April 29, from 8 a.m. to noon at the former site of the wastewater treatment plant on Broadway Avenue South in Foley

FOLEY – Growing up, Thelma Otto was exposed to the creative potential inherent to the art of sewing. Her mom was a professional seamstress, utilizing her dexterity and appreciation for sewing as a means to provide value to the people she served. 

The Benton County Public Works/Highway Department is undergoing another leadership change. Commissioners approved a resolution April 4 to appoint a former employee to a key department post. …