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News from the week of September 13, 2000 Headlight Herald - Serving Tracy, Minnesota, since 1880

State's 2nd female astronaut has Tracy connection

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) most recent class of astronauts has a Tracy connection.

Karen Nyberg, granddaughter of the late Marie and Kenneth Johnson of Tracy, was one of 17 people selected by NASA for its astronaut candidate Class of 2000. More than 3,000 people applied for the class.

Nybert, Minnesota's second female astronaut, is the grandniece of Viola Knott, Vivian Rolland and Ruth Prouty, all of Tracy. Karen Nyberg's mother, Phyllis (Johnson) Nyberg, is a 1957 graduate of Tracy High School.

Becoming an astronaut is the realization of a life-long dream.


Police or sheriff's department?

Law enforcement decision hangs in balance

Saturday could determine the future of the Tracy Police Department.

Tracy City Council members went on record Monday night that they prefer the city to continue to operate its own police department. But council members also indicated that if job interviews on Saturday don't turn up qualified candidates for two police vacancies, the city will continue negotiations for a law enforcement contract with the Lyon County Sheriff's Department.

“My preference is to stay with a Tracy Police Department, if two qualified officers can be found,” said Councilman Russ Stobb.


Phil Nelson tops county primary

Phil Nelson topped the Lyon County District 3 primary election Tuesday.

The rural Tracy farmer captured 47 percent of the vote. Cottonwood Mayor Tim Fruin was second with 41 percent of the vote. James Albee of Marshall received 12 percent of the vote.

Voters will choose between Nelson and Gruin in the November general election.

Nelson was the popular choice in Tracy, winning 72 percent of the vote. Albee won 15 percent of Tracy's vote and Fruin 13 percent.

Tracy's Jim Vickerman ran unopposed on the DFL State Senator ticket in District 22. His opponent in November will be Republican Roger Baumann, who ran unopposed on the primary ticket.


New goal-setting program readied at Tracy Elementary

Students, parents & teachers all have role

Can goal-setting improve academic performance?

Definitely yes, says Tracy Elemtary Principal Scott Loeslie.

"Goal-setting is an important skill for kids to learn," comments Loeslie, now starting his second year at Tracy Elementary.

The principal is upbeat about a new goal-setting program at Tracy Elementary this fall. Students, parents and teachers are all involved.


Mike Coquyt enjoys new challenge as Milroy principal

Although Mike Coquyt enjoyed his job as a history teacher, he felt it was time for a new challenge in his life.

As the new principal of the Milroy Public School, Coquyt is getting that challenge he was looking for.

"I wish I would have done this sooner," says Coquyt, who taught for nine years before making the switch to principal.

Coquyt wanted to stay in the school setting and likes working with kids. As principal, the increased interaction with adults is a welcome addition to Coquyt's workload.

"This is a totally different playing field," Coquyt said. "This is exactly what I needed."


Lyon County 4-Hers do well

Forty-six Lyon County 4-Hers participated at the Minnesota State Fair in a variety of judging and other activities.