COMMUNITY

Dec 10 2025EDUCATION

A Teacher's Legacy: Barbara Leszynski's Impact on Westlake Schools

Barbara Leszynski, a retired middle school science teacher, has left a lasting mark on Westlake Schools. She recently stepped down from the Westlake Board of Education after nearly 14 years of service. Her contributions were recognized and celebrated during her final meeting. Leszynski's time on th

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Dec 09 2025OPINION

Boulder's Vote for a Stronger Tomorrow

Boulder's recent vote to keep a special sales tax going forever is a big deal. This tax helps pay for important stuff like roads, parks, and safety. It's not just about fixing potholes or building new trails. It's about making sure Boulder stays a great place to live for years to come. People had t

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Dec 09 2025EDUCATION

Parents and Schools: Who Decides What Kids Read?

Parents in New York are pushing back against the idea that only a few groups should decide what books their kids can read in school. They believe they should have a say in what their children are exposed to, especially when it comes to content that might not be suitable for their age. The current s

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Dec 09 2025BUSINESS

Growing Your Small-Town Business: Smart Moves for Real Success

Small-town businesses have a unique advantage: everyone knows each other. But that can also make it tough to stand out. To grow, you need to be smart about how you connect with people. It's not just about ads or discounts. It's about building trust and being part of the community. First, be visible

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Dec 09 2025HEALTH

Young Helpers Boost Health Checks for Seniors

Young people are stepping up to make a real difference in health checks for older adults. A special program called HealthStart is using a mix of support and coaching to help seniors stay healthy. The goal is to make sure they keep up with their health and make positive changes in their lives. The p

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Dec 09 2025LIFESTYLE

Discovering Wisconsin's Top Spots to Call Home

Wisconsin is a state that offers a lot for those who enjoy a mix of affordability, natural beauty, and a strong sense of community. While it's true that winters can be harsh and job opportunities in high-tech fields might be scarcer compared to coastal areas, the benefits of living in Wisconsin ofte

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Dec 09 2025HEALTH

Rural Colorado Church Steps Up to Boost Flu Vaccinations

In a rural part of Colorado, a unique project took place. A nurse who works with a faith community teamed up with the local public health department. Their goal? To tackle the growing issue of people being hesitant about getting the flu vaccine. This partnership aimed to make more people get vaccina

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Dec 09 2025WEATHER

Wind Whips Through Mat-Su: Residents Hold On

The Mat-Su Valley is in the grips of a fierce windstorm that has been howling since Friday night. With gusts reaching up to 75 mph, the storm has caused widespread power outages and damage. Schools were closed on Monday, and many residents sought shelter at the Menard Sports Center in Wasilla. The

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Dec 09 2025ENVIRONMENT

Chicken Feed to the Rescue: A Smart Swap for Sidewalk Salt

Winter in Minnesota brings snow and ice, but it also brings a problem: too much salt. This salt ends up in our water and hurts wildlife. So, what's the fix? Chicken grit. Chicken grit is small, hard bits fed to chickens to help them digest food. It turns out, it's also great for traction on icy sid

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Dec 09 2025HEALTH

How Past Experiences Shape Your Digital World

Ever thought about why some people brush off online hate while others take it hard? Well, it turns out that what happened in your early years might have a lot to do with it. A big study involving 14, 000 adults uncovered that those who had rough childhoods might find it tougher to deal with online b

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