AREA BRIEFS

A bill to rename the Highway 6 bridge near Outing in Cass County passed the House.

Rep. Frank Moe, DFL-Bemidji, is chief author of the bill that would rename the bridge for longtime Minnesota Department of Transportation engineer Bradley Waage (aka Brainerd Brad).

Waage died suddenly after a day of work on the bridge.

"Bradley Waage's family, his friends and his co-workers have taken to calling the bridge 'Brad's bridge' as they travel across it," Moe said. "It was his last project after years of dedicated service to our area. This will allow his loved ones to memorialize his life, dedication and hard work."

The bill requires that the signs memorializing the bridge must not be paid with taxpayer dollars. It was co-authored by Rep. Larry Howes, R-Walker, and passed on a unanimous vote. It has already passed the Senate with overwhelming support and will be sent to the governor for his signature.

Fish fry to benefit Morrison Habitat for Humanity

MOTLEY -- The Men's Group of Motley United Methodist Church will sponsor a fish fry to benefit Habitat for Humanity of Morrison County at 4:30 p.m. Friday at the church.

The new church is on Third Avenue South in Motley.

Bird walk scheduled Saturday at Deep Portage

HACKENSACK -- Unlimited Learning will sponsor a bird walk for all ages 9 a.m.-noon Saturday at Deep Portage Conservation Reserve near Hackensack.

Leader will be Ben Wieland, Deep Portage bird observatory director. Fee is $5 per adult and $2.50 per child.

Twenty-five species of warblers and other songbirds are a possibility on this tour. Binoculars will be available. Participants should wear sturdy walking shoes. The program will include a banding demonstration.

A car caravan to Deep Portage will leave from the Hallett Community Center in Crosby. To join the caravan, be there by 7:15 a.m. People who need a ride should be at the community center in Crosby at 7:05 a.m.

For more information, contact George Cowie at 829-6591.

Driver improvement course offered in Crosslake

CROSSLAKE -- The Minnesota Highway Safety Center will offer a 55+ Driver Improvement Course 1-5 p.m. May 25 and 26 at the Crosslake Community Center.

The course, which is open to the public, will cover anti-lock braking skills, airbag information, driver distraction, road rage and new vehicle technology.

People age 55 and older who complete the course will qualify for a 10 percent discount on auto insurance premiums for three years.

Pre-registration is requested. Fee is $20. For more information call 1-888-234-1294.

Drive-through bratwurst sale to benefit Mission Park

MISSION TOWNSHIP -- A drive-through bratwurst and soft drink sale will run 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 27 at Mission Township Hall, seven miles south of Crosslake on the east side of County Road 3.

Freshly grilled bratwurst with an assortment of condiments and pop will be available for $2. This annual fund-raiser supports Mission Park, which offers recreation activities for area youths and adults and sponsors several annual community events.

For more information, visit the Web site at http://lakesarea.brainerddispatch.com/groups/missionpark or call Katie Brine Doyle at (218) 765-4149.