LOCAL BRIEFS

NEW YORK MILLS - The 2007 Great American Think-Off question, "Which should you trust more - your head or your heart?" brought in 535 essays, some from as far away as London and Guam.

Judges chose four finalists to compete in the live debate at 7 p.m. June 9 in the Mann Performing Arts Center at New York Mills School for the title of America's Greatest Thinker.

The two finalists for "head" are Joe Kaiser, 38, an arts administrator from Minneapolis, and Robert R. Anderson, 44, a paralegal from Shalimar, Fla.

Defending the "heart" will be Paul D. Allick, 38, an Episcopal priest from Burnsville, and Paul Ruterbusch, 53, an engineer from Flushing, Mich.

All four will be honored in a parade June 8 and receive $500 and a medal and have their expenses paid.

Celebrating its 15th year, the Great American Think-Off is a national philosophy competition providing an opportunity for people to voice their opinion on life's perplexing questions.

Stange family March of Dimes ambassadors

Born seven weeks early in 2002, no one was prepared for identical twins Isaiah and Isaac.

After a three-week stay in the neonatal intensive care unit and months of monitoring at home, the healthy 4-year-olds have been named 2007 WalkAmerica Brainerd Ambassadors.

Their parents, Shelley and Mark Stange, know the important role that March of Dimes research played in helping the boys get this far and are grateful for the chance to serve as the ambassador family. Along with their eldest son, Nicholas, they will share their story to help the March of Dimes raise awareness and funds to fight premature birth - the leading cause of newborn death - and other serious threats to infant health.

In Brainerd, WalkAmerica will take place Saturday at Central Lakes College. Registration will begin at 9 a.m. and the official walk will be at 10 a.m.

Local sponsors of WalkAmerica Brainerd include Grand Casino Mille Lacs, American Family Insurance, Subway, Culligan, Farmer's Insurance, KLIZ Radio, Caribou Coffee, McDonald's, FitQuest and Viking Coke.

For more information or to register for WalkAmerica, visit walkamerica.org or call Paula at (320) 252-1156.

Good Samaritan Bowl IV scheduled Monday

The Good Samaritan Bowl IV on Monday will include a silent auction with nearly 100 baskets available for bid.

The event will benefit local nonprofit Good Samaritan care centers.

Prizes include an autographed desk-sized replica of a Lindner Media/Rapala lure, Rapala DVDs, lures, a jersey, a Ron Schara autographed lure and Raven plush animal. Theme baskets include Gander Mountain and Reeds outdoor baskets, a Minnesota Twins package including a jacket, cap and bobble head, a tropical floral basket, picnic basket and gardening, movie and Mother's Day baskets.

Door prizes will include coupons and gift certificates from local businesses such as photographers, fine dining establishments, floral shops, hair salons and fitness centers, along with gas coupons and video rentals.

Many items are on display at Bethany, Woodland and Pine River care centers.

Camp Vanasek open house, yard sale slated

BAXTER - The Baxter Lions Club will host an open house and yard and bake sale from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Camp Vanasek, 14307 Oakwood Drive, Baxter.

Funds raised will be used to benefit the community. There will be food concessions and free coffee.

Last year, the Baxter Lions donated $75,000 to the community.

Spring weight limits to be lifted Friday

ST. PAUL - Spring truck weight limits in central Minnesota will be lifted Friday.

On Tuesday, weight limits will be lifted in north-central and northern Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Transportation announced.

When the limits are lifted for the north-central and north zones, spring limits will end statewide. MnDOT lifted weight limits in the south, southeastern and Twin Cities metropolitan area frost zones April 27.

May proclaimed Mental Health Month

Brainerd Mayor James Wallin proclaimed May as Mental Health Month in Brainerd and asked residents and community leaders to increase awareness and understanding of mental health, along with the need for appropriate services for people who have mental illness.

May 13-19 proclaimed Police Week in Brainerd

Brainerd Mayor James Wallin proclaimed the week of May 13-19 as Police Week in the city of Brainerd.

Wallin asks Brainerd residents to honor and show their appreciation to the city's police officers through deeds, remarks and attitude.

Chapter DV, P.E.O. to meet on Saturday

Chapter DV, P.E.O. will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday at the home of Jane Lee Kuhn, with program by co-hostess Sue Kuhn.

Planning commission to meet Wednesday

The Brainerd Planning Commission will meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Brainerd City Hall.