Local briefs

CROSBY -- The Crosby-Ironton Varsity Choir, Girls' Triple Trio, Boys' Quartet, Chamber Singers and Concert Choir, directed by Wayne Ellingsen, will present their annual Winter Concert at 7 p.m. Monday in the Mayberry Auditorium at C-I High School.

Opening the concert will be the 80-voice Varsity Choir. They will sing "Cantate Domino" by Althouse; "Simple Gifts," a Shaker Hymn arranged by Coates Jr.; and "Rhythm Of Life" arranged by Barnes. Mariya Hachey and Judi Johnson accompany the Varsity Choir on piano. Singing solos with the Varsity Choir are Kasee Moon, Kristina Langie, Tyler Moe and Rebecca Fisher.

The Girls' Triple Trio, Boys' Quartet and Chamber Singers will perform a variety of a cappella contest music, as well as classical music. Songs include "Good night, Sweetheart, Good night," a Barbershop favorite arranged by Night; "Joyfully Sing!" by Spevacek;, "She's Like The Swallow," a Canadian Folk Song arranged by Lock; and two Madrigals titled "All Ye Who Music Love" arranged by Meredith, and "My Heart Doth Beg You'll Not Forget" by Lasso. Singing solos with these groups are Madina Hagberg and Jenni Christensen. Judie Johnson accompanies the Triple Trio on piano.

The 74-voice Concert Choir also will sing a cappella contest music. Songs will include "Ye Followers Of The Lamb" by Ferguson; "Weep O Mine Eyes" by Bennet; "O Magnum Mysterium" by Lauridsen; and "The Awakening" by Martin.

Admission is $2 for adults and free for students and children.

Council on Aging to meet in Staples

STAPLES -- The Region 5 Council on Aging will meet at 9:30 a.m. March 7 in the Region 5 office in Staples.

DFL lawmakers set news conference

ALEXANDRIA -- Rep. Mary Ellen Otremba, DFL-Long Prairie, and Rep. Steve Wenzel, DFL-Little Falls, will be among DFLers speaking at a news conference at 9:45 a.m. Friday at Alexandria City Hall to outline a rural agenda for the 2001 Legislature.

The agenda is titled "Cultivating Rural Prosperity."