Area briefs

CROSBY -- The Cuyuna Range Women's Club met Jan. 5 and plans were discussed for the annual benefit card party.

This year proceeds from the party, set for Feb. 27, will be divided between the Cuyuna Country Heritage Preservation Society, the Cuyuna Range Community Center and the local food shelf.

Tickets for the event remain at $3 each and this includes game prizes and lunch following cards. Tickets are available from event chair Kaye Frey and from women's club members. Anyone with questions can call Frey at (218) 546-5010.

Riverwood Healthcare gets Blue Cross Foundation grant

AITKIN -- Riverwood Healthcare Center, Aitkin, was awarded a $10,000 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation New Times, New Tools grant.

Funding will be used to complete a market analysis and strategic plan to help determine how restructuring and coordination of services will improve efficiencies and provide access to necessary services as Riverwood prepares to adequately position itself to meet the needs of the growing population.

The grants, totaling $200,000, were given to 21 non-profit health care delivery organizations across the state and are part of the foundation's grantmaking initiative. These grants will increase organizational effectiveness and improve delivery of care across the state.

Rodeo events set in February at R & J Arena near Verndale

VERNDALE -- R & J Arena, located one mile west of Verndale on Highway 10, will host Rough Riders Rodeo Days in February.

A pro rodeo will be held at 7 p.m. Feb. 7 and 1 p.m. Feb. 8. JS Pro Rodeo Co., a 2003 National Finals Rodeo stock contractor, will provide the stock for the event. A dance with the Chelsea Hartman Band will follow the Feb. 7 rodeo.

Rodeo events will include bull riding, saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, team roping, breakaway roping, barrel racing and a wild cow race Feb. 7 only that is open to the public.

Rodeo tickets are $10 for adults in advance and $12 at the gate, and $6 for children in advance and $8 at the gate.

The Bull-O-Rama will be at 7 p.m. Feb. 20-21. JS Pro Rodeo Co. again will provide the stock. A Bull-O-Rama dance will conclude each day, with the Killer Hayseeds performing Feb. 21.

Tickets are $13 for adults in advance and $15 at the gate, and $10 for children in advance and $12 at the gate.

Tickets for both events are on sale at Super One of Wadena; J & B Western Store of Baxter, 829-8144; Carr's Conoco of Staples; R & J Horse Sales; Verndale Liquor Store; Carr's Shell Station, (218) 445-5250, of Verndale; and at the Stampede Grill and Saloon of Hewitt.

For more information call Ron Sundby at (218) 445-5849.