LOCAL NEWS

Sen. Paul Koering, R-Fort Ripley, recently supported discontinuing the ban on considering new nuclear power options for the state. The measure came about through an amendment to the overall energy bill in the Minnesota Senate.

Earlier in the session Koering authored a bill to lift the moratorium on nuclear power.

"We have to continue to make sure people are supplied with low-cost electricity," he said. "I am pleased that the 15-year moratorium was lifted and I hope the House follows suit."

The Senate passed the measure 42-24.

Free Bicycle Helmets at Helmets Worth Wearing'

For its sixth year, the Lakewood Health System Foundation will be distributing free bicycle helmets to area children during an annual event entitled, "Helmets Worth Wearing."

The program will kick off May 2 and continue through May 8. Children of all ages will be properly fitted and given a free helmet along with instruction on the importance of wearing a helmet during activities like riding bike, roller skating, skateboarding, etc.

Many statistics point to the importance of wearing a bicycle helmet. Bicycle helmets have been shown to reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 85 percent and it is estimated that 75 percent of bicycle related fatalities among children could be prevented with a bicycle helmet. To help prevent such injuries, the foundation gave 550 helmets to area children during last year's Helmets Worth Wearing Clinics.

Area clinic locations, dates and times for this year are as follows:

• 10 a.m. - noon May 2 LHS Senior Campus Gazebo.

• 3-5 p.m. May 5 LHS Motley Clinic.

• 3-5 p.m. May 6 Verndale Fire Hall.

• 3-5 p.m. May 8 LHS Pillager Clinic.

All area children are welcome to attend any one of the scheduled Helmets Worth Wearing Clinics to receive their free helmet. For more information, contact Connie Etzler, Lakewood Health System Foundation director at (218) 894-8503.

Medica Foundation to review funding priorities at April 29 forum

LITTL FALLS - JoAnn Birkholz, manager of the Medica Foundation, will review the foundation's 2009 funding priorities for Greater Minnesota nonprofit organizations, local units of government and school districts at an April 29 informational forum.

The forum will be from 1 to 2:30 p.m. April 29 at the Initiative Foundation in Little Falls.

The Medica Foundation provides seed money for community-based programs that address the underlying causes and factors inhibiting optimal health. These programs demonstrate measurable improvement in the availability, access and quality of health care.

The Medica Foundation is a nonprofit, charitable grant-making foundation. It's a sister organization to Medica Health Plans, a Minnesota-based nonprofit HMO. Funding is provided to organizations within Medica's service area in Minnesota, Western Wisconsin, North Dakota and South Dakota.

More information may be obtained by contacting Heather Craig at foundation@medica.com, or (952) 992-2060.

Brainerd student to attend YMCA youth conference

Ben Klinger, son of Randy and Elaine Klinger, Brainerd, has been chosen to represent the Minnesota Youth in Government delegation at the 2009 YMCA Youth Conference on National Affairs in Black Mountain, N.C.

Klinger is a sophomore at Brainerd High School.

Each year, 20 students from Minnesota are chosen to debate national and international issues with more than 550 students representing more than 30 states. Students recognized for their leadership abilities in the Minnesota Model Assembly were asked to apply for this conference. More than 1,400 students from Minnesota participate in Youth in Government.

Testing season begins at BHS

Throughout the state of Minnesota students will soon be participating in many standardized tests in order to earn a diploma. Parents and students need to be aware of the state and school requirements for graduation. These are test requirements and test dates for students at Brainerd High School:

All students, starting with the Class of 2010, and every class after must pass the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment II tests in writing, reading and math in order to earn a diploma for graduation. Students who have not passed the tests are given opportunities throughout the school year to retake the tests.

All students in the junior class (Class of 2010) will take the MCA II test in math. All sophomore students (Class of 2011) will take the MCA II test in reading. Ninth-grade students (Class of 2012) will take the GRAD writing test.

The MCA IIs will be given on April 14 at BHS South Campus and April 14 and 15 at BHS. Sophomores will also be taking the MCA-II science assessment at scheduled times between.

Seniors are excused from school until 10:30 a.m. on April 14-15.

Advanced Placement national testing will take place from May 4-15. Each AP course has a nationally designated time and date for the administration of the test. AP students should check with their teacher to prepare for their test.

Parents are asked to discuss the importance of these tests with their children and encourage them to do their best.

For more information about MCA II testing, contact BHS Student Services at 454-6298.

Water walking available at the Brainerd YMCA pool on Tuesday

The YMCA will add water walking to the pool schedule beginning Tuesday.

Water walking will be available from 9 to 10 a.m. on Tuesdays in the Aquatics Center lap lanes. A YMCA lifeguard will be on duty and the two lap lanes will be open for walking in the water. The water depth is 3.5 to 4 feet deep and the water temperature is warm. Participants can walk at their own pace and use the water as resistance. This low-impact workout is recommended for non-lap swimmers, rehabilitation and cross training.

Wine tasting for Earth Day set for Friday in Nisswa

NISSWA - Esser's Wine and Spirits and Minnesota Waters would like to invite all community members to attend a Wine Tasting for Earth Day night on Friday at the Nisswa Community Center from 5 to 8 p.m. The event will feature organic and bio-dynamic wines as well as organic appetizers, socializing and an opportunity to learn more about the event sponsors.

The event is a fundraiser for Minnesota Water and tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Space is limited and tickets can be purchased in advance at Esser's Wine and Spirits by contacting Cassie at the Brainerd Esser's 829-1230 or ewscassie@yahoo.com or stopping by one of the Esser's stores: 119 NE Washington Street in Brainerd or 14242 Dellwood Drive in Baxter. Tickets are also available at www.artisanvineyards.com

More information on the Wine Tasting for Earth Day may be obtained by contacting Molly Zins at: mollyz@minnesotawaters.org or (218) 568-4122.

Brainerd History Group to meet

The Brainerd History Group will meet at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at Rafferty's Pizza in Brainerd. Topic will be the summer field trip locations.

Anyone interested in Brainerd history is welcome. Call 820-2424 for more information.

Brainerd Park board to meet

The Brainerd Park and Recreation Board will meet at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Council Chambers at Brainerd City Hall.

Crime Free multi-housing meeting scheduled for Monday

The next Crime Free Multi-Housing meeting is at 7 p.m. Monday at the Brainerd Police Department located at 225 East River Road. Our speaker will be Chief John Bolduc who will take questions regarding state and local law.

When is property damage in a rental unit criminal or civil? What criteria do officers follow before charging someone with a disorderly house citation? What should you do if you suspect drugs in one of your properties? How many party or drug arrests could possibly put your rental license in jeopardy? There will be time for discussion and an update of the latest crime statistics.

The meetings are held on the second Monday of each month and they are free and open to the public.

For more information you may contact Elizabeth Harris at 829-2805 or e-mail elizabeth.harris@co.crow-wing.mn.us.