Local briefs

ST. PAUL -- Rep. Larry Howes, R-Walker, said last week he was optimistic about Gov. Jesse Ventura's budget proposal.

"The governor's proposal includes a lot of good tax cuts and reforms," Howes said. "I'm pleased that he's taking the lead to improve the way we pay taxes and how much we pay."

Howes did take exception to Ventura's plan to expand the sales tax to services. Howes also wants to see more money go to education and transportation.

He has authored a bill to propose a constitutional amendment that would put half of the sales tax collected from vehicle sales into the transportation fund where it could be used for highway construction and maintenance. If the bill passes, Minnesotans would vote on it in the next statewide election.

Red Cross disaster unit to meet

The American Red Cross will hold the next disaster services meeting at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 9 at the Red Cross office, 521 Charles St. in Brainerd.

YMCA plans charity ball

The sixth annual YMCA Charity Ball will be March 10 at Cragun's Resort.

Entertainment will be provided by David Landeo, an acoustical entertainer from Knoxville, Tenn., and his band.

Hors d'oeuvres will be provided by the Central Lakes Chef's Association. The ball also will include casino gaming and a live auction.

Tickets are $50 per person and are on sale now at the YMCA and will be available the night of the event at the door. Tickets can be ordered by phone using a major credit card by calling the Brainerd Family YMCA at 829-4767.

Radar run is scheduled

The Hydro Sno-Baron's fourth annual Multiple Sclerosis snowmobile radar run will be 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at Piney Ridge in Pine River.

Cost for three runs is $7. Trophies for first, second and third place top speed will be awarded. Gift certificates for top class speed also will be awarded.

The Saturday night music and entertainment at Piney Ridge will be provided by D.J. Paul Nelson. Music begins at 9 a.m. There is a $5 cover charge for men and no cover charge for women.

Winter auction set Thursday in Crosslake

The Crosslake office of the Brainerd Lakes Area Chambers of Commerce is hosting its annual winter auction Thursday at the Exchange in Crosslake.

This fund-raising event offers various auction items, such as a Marketplace/American Gourmet catered office lunch for up to 20 people, a golden retriever puppy as well as golf packages, dinner certificates and a casino getaway.

Social hour begins at 5:30 p.m. Thursday with a buffet dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the auction, coordinated by John Stranne, begins at 7 p.m. Seating is limited and reservations are recommended.

Tickets, which include dinner, cost $25 at the door.

For more information, call Elaine Wagner at 1-800-450-2838 or 829-2838, ext. 110.

BHS cheerleading team places at state

The Brainerd High School Warrior Competition Cheer Team earned a sixth place trophy in the medium varsity division at the Minnesota Cheerleading Coaches Association for the state cheerleading competition at Concordia College in St. Paul.

There were 11 teams who completed in Brainerd's division and Brainerd tied for sixth place.

Walz promotes rebate bill

ST. PAUL -- Rep. Dale Walz, R-Brainerd, promoted his 2001 tax rebate bill last week before the House Tax Committee. The bill, which was approved by the panel, will likely become part of the tax omnibus bill at the end of the legislative session.

"We've collected another huge surplus because the state collected more than it needed in tax money," Walz said. "The only fair way to deal with this is to give the money back to the taxpayers who overpaid."

Region 5 board to meet

STAPLES -- The Region 5 board will meet at 9 a.m. Feb. 8 at the Region 5 office in Staples.