Local news briefs

Friends of the Brainerd Public Library will host its spring used book sale Thursday through Saturday. Hours on Thursday and Friday are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Book sellers are welcome after noon Thursday. All proceeds benefit Brainerd Public Library. For more information call the library at 829-5574.

Crow Wing County Public Health H1N1/seasonal flu clinics

Crow Wing County Community Services Health Division will host walk-in flu clinics (H1N1 and seasonal) from 2-4 p.m. Wednesday as well as March 17 and 31 at the Crow Wing County Public Health office at 204 Laurel St., Suite 12, Brainerd.

This H1N1 clinic is open to everyone 6 months of age and older. The county currently has H1N1 shots and H1N1 mist available. Second doses will be available for children age 9 and younger who received their first H1N1 dose at least 28 days ago. There is no charge for H1N1 vaccine.

Seasonal flu shots are for people ages 6 months and older. Only seasonal shots, and not seasonal mist, are available.

Cost is $25 per vaccination or CWCPH will bill Medicare Part B, Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare. You must bring your card. Some $5 vaccine will be available for children ages 6 months to 18 years who meet the Minnesota Vaccines for Children eligibility guidelines. No one will be turned away for inability to pay, however, if your private insurance covers this vaccine in full, you are asked to go to your provider or pay the $25 fee. The county does not bill private insurance.

These are walk-in clinics. No appointments will be made.

For more information call the Crow Wing County 24-Hour Flu Hotline at 822-7022 or 824-1080 or www.co.crow-wing.mn.us.

Koering sponsors two natural resources bills in state Senate

Sen. Paul Koering, R-Fort Ripley, is authoring two bills that will be of interest to hunters and anglers this year.

The first bill would allow muzzleloaders to use scopes on their muzzleloading rifles. Previously, the use of optics on muzzleloaders had been restricted to only those with a visual impairment and required a justification from a doctor and special permit from the DNR.

"It seems to me that if you are allowed to hunt with a muzzleloading rifle and want to use a scope you should be able to," Koering said. "I think that if using a scope on their muzzleloader would help a hunter make a better shot and result in more clean kills of deer. Then why would we want to prevent that?"

Currently, centerfire rifle hunters are allowed to use scopes when hunting, while muzzleloaders are restricted to the use of iron sights.

The second bill prohibits efforts by the DNR to stock South Long Lake in Crow Wing County with muskellunge. While some muskie anglers may welcome the addition of the species, many other anglers and residents of the lake are opposed to the idea, fearing that the muskies will deplete the bass and panfish populations in the lake.

"I have heard from many residents on South Long Lake and Upper South Long Lake and they are very concerned about the possible introduction of the muskie to the lake ecosystem," Koering said.

"The muskellunge is an unmatched predator and the adults are at the top of the food chain. They have the potential to severely cut into bass and panfish populations, which currently provide a lot of recreational opportunity and commerce for the area. They don't occur there naturally and I am acting on behalf of my constituents by introducing this bill to not allow the DNR to stock the lake with muskies."