Inver Grove Heights Week in Review May 16 Through May 22

On Monday, Patch profiled the leaders of the Simley High School girls golf team, juniors Jessica Pate and Maddy Urness. Both players began golfing in eighth grade, and have emerged as two of the top golfers in the Classic Suburban Conference. Heading into the final stretch of the regular season, Pate is ranked third in the conference, while Urness is ranked sixth.

The profiles continued with the . This time, Patch chose well-established local business Bike King and its owner, Gil Cournoyea Jr., as the subjects of the feature. Cournoyea opened the retail and repair shop in 1995, at the age of 25.

Patch dug into School District 199 news this week, . District officials believe implementing the program will cost in excess of  $26,000 a year, but could boost test scores and improve literacy levels across the district. The board is expected to vote on the proposal on Monday.

Salem Hills Elementary School students got a little fresh air on Wednesday afternoon, when students made a trip to a community garden to plant eggplant, tomatoes and other vegetables — thanks to a partnership with the city of Inver Grove Heights and Burpee Home Gardens. Patch documented the expedition with a video feature.

Full-time volunteer Matt Van Tassell has had a profound impact on the students of Salem Hills Elementary School. The volunteer art teacher, traffic director, library assistant and tutor spends 5-7 hours a day in the school, and has earned the adoration of students and staff. But the students aren't the only ones benefitting from the relationship. .