When the Minnesota Department of Education released its 2008 Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment data last month, education officials touted the big increase in reading proficiency among 10th graders.

The state reported a 9 percent proficiency increase among high school sophomores, resulting in 71 percent of students meeting or exceeding state reading standards.

When the 2008 general election comes around Nov. 4, Litchfield School District residents may be asked to open their wallets.

The Litchfield School Board is expected to consider asking voters to approve a larger excess operating levy to give the district a boost in revenue.

District administrators will conduct a levy presentation at Monday’s meeting to give School Board members a better view of the district’s financial picture.

Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment data is in, and local school administrators are breaking down the highlights and lowlights of this year’s test data.

Most area school districts made positive strides in math and reading proficiency.

The Litchfield High School Marching Band entertained area residents June 26 with its annual Pie in the Park performance down Sibley Avenue. The band, which had a very successful season, leaves Tuesday for a week-long trip to Nashville, Tenn. Read about the band's season in the July 3 Independent Review.

See photos from the Pie in the Park performance of "Medusa" here.

The price of a corn dog or a chicken patty will cost parents more next year.

The Litchfield School Board voted to raised breakfast and lunch meals by a dime for the 2008-09 school year. The increase is the result of anticipated rises in food prices.

“I feel there’s going to be a raise in food prices due to the increase in delivery raises because of fuel prices,” business manager Todd Swanson said Monday.