Local briefs

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is offering up to a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for damaging mailboxes since the beginning of May in various locations in Crow Wing County.

Anyone with information regarding incidents of mailbox vandalism should contact U.S. Postal Inspector Jim O'Hara at (612) 349-4950, the Crow Wing County Sheriff's Department at 829-4749 or the U.S. Postal Inspection Service 24-hour telephone number at (651) 293-3200.

Conference on Aging planned in Staples

STAPLES -- "Celebrate Me in 2003" is the theme for the 22nd annual Conference on Aging from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 4 at Staples-Motley High School. The Region 5 Area Agency on Aging in conjunction with Todd County Together LifeLong Learning is planning this conference.

This year's conference will have three workshop sessions for participants to choose from. Topics include caregiver needs, celebrate life, landscaping, Internet class, prescription drug options, senior driving and other workshops. There will be exhibits from area senior organizations and businesses. Entertainment will be provided. A noon meal will be served and door prizes will be given out.

Participants must pre-register for this event. To receive a brochure or to register, contact Sandra Kruse at (218) 894-3233 or via e-mail at skruse@regionfive.org.

Aitkin library to get accessibility grant

AITKIN -- The Aitkin Public Library will receive a $4,048 state grant to help make the facility accessible to the handicapped, said state Rep. Loren Solberg, DFL-Grand Rapids.

The grant was awarded by the Minnesota Department of Children, Families and Learning and will be matched by the city of Aitkin. The funds will be used to install automated doors to provide barrier-free access to the library.

The library grant program is funded through an appropriation from state bonds authorized by the Minnesota Legislature. Solberg was one of the lawmakers who helped create the program in the early 1990s.