LOCAL BRIEFS

Spring truck weight restrictions on state highways will end statewide in May, the Minnesota Department of Transportation announced.

Because of the cool, wet spring, weight restrictions are being imposed for the maximum period of eight weeks. Weight restrictions will end at 12:01 a.m., May 8, in the south and southeastern frost zones.

Weight restrictions will halt in the Twin Cities metropolitan area frost zone at 12:01 a.m., May 9.

On May 13 at 12:01 a.m., weight limits will cease in the three remaining frost zones: central, north-central and north. MnDOT limits truck weights to prevent damage to roadways weakened by the spring thaw.

Information about when truckers may apply for permits to carry extra weight will be posted later this month on MnDOT's Web site. The information is also available (800) 723-6543 in the United States and Canada or by calling (651) 366-5400 in the Twin Cities area.

Ward appointed to two conference committees at state Legislature

ST. PAUL - Rep. John Ward, DFL-Brainerd, has been appointed to two conference committees charged with resolving differences between the House and Senate versions of bills.

The first-term legislator will serve on the E-12 Education Policy and the Adolescent Behavioral Health Systems program conference committees.

Both panels expect to reach agreement by Monday. Following passage by both bodies the final bill will be sent to the governor.

As a member of the E-12 Education Policy Committee Ward has worked on a Report Card provision that would arrive at a school measurement tool for student achievement.

The other conference committee deals with legislation authored by Ward to prevent the state from closing agencies such as the Brainerd Children and Adolescent Behavioral Health Systems program without legislative authority.

Area airports receive FAA grants

The Federal Aviation Administration is awarding more than $2.4 million to airports in 10 communities in northeast Minnesota, Congressman Jim Oberstar announced Friday. The funding will be used to upgrade and maintain airport facilities, as well as purchase equipment to assist with airport operations.

"Regional airports in rural Minnesota are important tools for economic development," said Oberstar. "We have to do all we can to keep our airports working to move goods, services and people into the global marketplace."

The FAA grants will fund the following area airport projects:

- $169,740 to Aitkin Municipal Airport to improve an access road and expand the airport's apron.

- $136,989 to Pine River Regional Airport to extend the taxiway, expand the apron and install a new perimeter fence.

- $270,934 to Longville Municipal Airport to construct a new taxiway and an access road.

- $384,293 to Little Falls/Morrison County-Lindbergh Field to expand and rehabilitate the apron and recondition the runway.

Initiative Foundation announces recipients

The Initiative Foundation announced that it has awarded 15 community grants totaling $121,900.

The following area organizations were selected as grant recipients.

- Brainerd School District Community Education; Early Childhood Coalition, $5,000, to continue early childhood coalition projects that promote a healthy start for young children and their families in the Brainerd Lakes area. Contact: Gerald Walseth.

- City of Longville; economic development enhancing projects, $5,000, to support a marketing campaign and Web site that encourage business entrepreneurship. Contact: Dayna Merten.

- Morrison County Public Health, Little Falls; Morrison County Methamphetamine Reduction Project, $5,000, to increase public awareness and involvement to create a drug-free community, with a focus on youth. Contact: Bonnie Paulsen.

- Pequot Lakes Community Library; Summer Reading Program, $1,000, to provide reading opportunities and supplies for young children and their families. Contact: Nancy Adams.

- Region Five Development Commission, Staples; Phase II: Enterprise Network System Analysis, $10,000, to apply regional research data in order to target local businesses that may be able to expand their operations and create quality jobs in the region. Contact: Cheryal Hills.

Justice project seeks volunteers

Lakes Area Restorative Justice Project is an area nonprofit working with youth in the Crow Wing County area.

The project is looking for volunteer facilitators. These volunteers will facilitate conferences involving youth who have caused harm in their schools or communities, their families, and those harmed by their actions. Volunteers do not need to have any prior experience. They may volunteer as their schedule permits. Volunteers are provided training and reimbursement for their expenses. The next training is May 16th, 17th and 18th at Brainerd High School.

For more information, call Stephanie Haider at (218) 562 4926 or Janet at (218) 568 8111.

Brainerd Foundation marks 10 anniversary

The Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation recently marked its 10th anniversary with unprecedented growth and community engagement.

BLACF officially was established on April 30, 1998. It is an affiliate of the Central Minnesota Community Foundation, a $68-million regional foundation based in St. Cloud.

"The Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation has been a driver of positive change in the region," Foundation President Steve Joul said in a news release. "But we know this is just the beginning."

BLACF is a public charity that attracts and administers charitable funds for the benefit of the residents of Crow Wing and southern Cass counties. The Foundation is among more than 650 community foundations nationwide.

The Foundation has grown to about $4 million in assets and about 55 funds dedicated to securing the future vitality of the region.

"I continue to be amazed at the growth and accomplishments of this foundation," Affiliate Coordinator Mike Burton said. "I am proud to live and work in a community that has such a great philanthropic vehicle that makes this region an even better place to call home."

The Foundation awarded $1.7 million in grants to date. The latest grant round set a new record, awarding nearly $100,000 to 17 area nonprofit organizations. For more information, go online to CommunityGiving.org.