Tribune-Phonograph

After hearing from concerned parents and consulting with an attorney on Monday, the Abbotsford School Board voted 4-3 to rescind a new policy that extended federal anti-discrimination protections to transgender students when it comes to sensitive issues such as which bathrooms they are allowed to use. As a result of Monday’s action, attorney Tess O’Brien-Heinzen told board members that the district is no longer in compliance with new Title IX regulations and is open to a lawsuit by anyone who feels discriminated against due to their gender identity.

After receiving information and a recommendation from their attorney Dean Dietrich and hearing comments from concerned members of the public, the Colby school board decided to table a motion to approve or disapprove the second reading of the proposed Title IX policy at their regular monthly meeting Monday night. Due to ongoing litigation in the federal courts that have reached a variety of decisions, the board moved to adopt a wait-and-see approach.

The Colby school board unanimously approved motions to put forth two referendum questions on the November ballot. The first question, which will be asking for a $17.8 million bond, will target primarily infrastructure issues that need to be resolved as well as the creation of new secure entrances and renovations to modernize classrooms and other learning spaces. The second question, which will be looking for authorization for a $7.7 million bond, will be focused on the construction of an addition onto the elementary school for the purposes of creating new art and music spaces and making room for a reconfiguration of grade levels.

The Thorp Courier

The city of Thorp is debating a possible street repair project for next year. It includes East School Street from Washington Street to Cemetery Street, the 100 block of North Thorp Street and the 100 block of North Clark Street and Cemetery Street from East Stanley Street to the railroad tracks.

Stanley Republican

Lieutenant Jacob Carroll of the Stanley Fire Department addressed the Stanley City Council at the council meeting on August 19 to petition for the appointment of Captain Nathan Samplawski of the Stanley Fire Department as Fire Chief.

Water Operator in Charge Dan Demske has resigned effective August 25. Demske stated that he was unable to provide the required 60-day notice as required in the employee handbook due to starting another job and understands that he will lose all remaining paid time off.