Ground Level Blog

February 17, 2011 4:17 AM

Is online learning “the other side of the rainbow” for cash-strapped rural schools?

Could rural schools really use online learning as a way to beef up resources without bankrupting their budgets?

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February 17, 2011 2:30 AM

Government innovation: Vote for a favorite idea

The University of Minnesota’s Humphrey Institute is holding a local government innovation awards program again this year. You can express your preference among about 30 ideas from around Minnesota.

by Dave Peters

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February 16, 2011 2:30 AM

Sibley County weighs broadband for farms

As Sibley County in central Minnesota considers whether to launch a community fiber optic network to build high-speed access to the Internet, county commissioners will make a key decision Feb. 22. Without their support, the project would be unlikely to serve all farms in the county.

by Dave Peters

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February 15, 2011 7:25 AM

Pleased cities prep for cuts anyway

City administrators in Minnesota were pleasantly surprised to hear Gov. Mark Dayton did not cut state aid to local government in his budget plan. But they realize reductions are still possible during the legislative discussions coming up.

by Jennifer Vogel

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February 14, 2011 10:06 AM

Grand Rapids innovates under pressure

Grand Rapids, Minn., has launched a number of innovations in recent years to maintain services while cutting jobs and other budget areas.

by Dave Peters

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February 14, 2011 3:54 AM

Can volunteers save city budgets? Can working with the city next door?

Minnesota cities are turning increasingly to volunteers, collaborations and other new means of dealing with the budget crisis.

by Dave Peters

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February 11, 2011 6:28 AM

Can a city fight crime by spending on help for troubled youth?

Should Rochester divert money for public safety toward helping young people at risk of being offenders?

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February 9, 2011 11:08 AM

Lake County broadband troubles

Lake County goes back to the starting gate on broadband after dropping the consultant that had been expected to manage a big federally backed project to lay fiber to every home in the northeastern Minnesota county.

by Dave Peters

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February 9, 2011 4:55 AM

Instead of student loans, how about student investments?

Felipe Vergara wants to help poor college students, not by lending money, but by investing and getting a part of the student’s later income. He spoke at a forum in Minneapolis Tuesday.

by Dave Peters