Local news briefs

Several Brainerd lakes area Knowledge Bowl teams will compete March 4 at the Washington Educational Services Building in Brainerd for a chance to advance to the state competition.

At the end of the Knowledge Bowl season, teams compete in sub-region and region tournaments with a total of 48 teams advancing to the State Knowledge Bowl, which is scheduled April 15-16 at Cragun's Conference Center in East Gull Lake.

In this region, four teams will advance to the State Knowledge Bowl tournament.

Knowledge Bowl is an interdisciplinary academic competition that promotes academic achievement and rewards academic excellence for students in grades 7-12.

Free senior college courses to begin March 1

The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society, in conjunction with Southwest Minnesota State University and Minnesota West Community and Technical College in Marshall will again host "Senior College" at Good Samaritan Society-Woodland in Brainerd.

Senior citizens will be able to take part in the interactive classes taught by experienced instructors who share topics of interest. There are no tests or grades, just a chance to learn with others. The classes offered during the Spring 2010 session will be:

"Parables of Jesus: Ancient Wisdom for a 21st Century Faith," taught by the Rev. Greg Wilcox, Good Samaritan Society's vice president of spiritual ministry.

"Current Events at Home and Abroad," taught by David Sturrock, SMSU political science professor.

"Active Aging: Health and Wellness for Seniors" taught by Laurie Lind, University of South Dakota adjunct professor and occupational therapist.

"Family and Local History" taught by Joe Amato, retired SMSU professor of history.

Free transportation will be available for Brainerd lakes community members. For more information and registration call Ruth Hill at 855-6617.

Brainerd parks board to meet

The Brainerd Parks and Recreation Board meets 3:30 p.m. Monday in the conference room at Brainerd City Hall.