LOCAL BRIEFS

The Rural Renewable Energy Alliance is one of seven nonprofit organizations that recently completed the Initiative Foundation's Healthy Organizations Partnership program.

The two-year program is designed to help nonprofit organizations become more effective by providing strategic planning assistance, leadership training and implementation grants. RREAL, which began the training in February 2007, has created a new strategic plan to serve low-income families in the community and was awarded a $5,500 grant. The organization will now receive priority funding consideration from the Initiative Foundation.

"This partnership with the Initiative Foundation has helped our organization to recognize our strengths while allowing us an opportunity to identify and reduce the impact of barriers as we move forward," said Jason Edens, director.

The Rural Renewable Energy Alliance was founded in 2000 with a mission of making solar power accessible to people of all income levels. The primary way in which RREAL achieves its mission is through its solar assistance program.

Motorcycle rider courses scheduled at college

The Business and Industry Center at Central Lakes College has scheduled motorcycle rider courses for various skill levels this spring and throughout the summer months.

The fee is $160. The first class meets April 16, 18, and 19. Others are scheduled. For more information, go online to http://www.clcmn.edu/BUSIND or www.motorcyclesafety.org or call (800) 933-0346 ext. 8142 or 855-8142.

Registration deadline for the first class is April 9. The deadline is seven days before the start of each class. Other classes to be offered are introduction to a motorcycle, scooter basic rider and experienced rider.

Little Falls seeking applications for vacant council seat

LITTLE FALLS - The Little Falls City Council Monday agreed to accept applications for those interested in filling a council vacancy made by James Laird.

Laird, who resigned in March because he moved, represented the Second Ward, which includes the area east of the Mississippi River and north of Highway 27 in the city limits of Little Falls.

Salary for the position is $800 a month.

Applications are available at city hall, 100 Seventh Ave. N.E., Little Falls, or on the city's Web site at www.cityoflittlefalls.com. Applications must be submitted no later than 5 p.m. April 20.