LOCAL BRIEFS

PILLAGER - Speaker of the Minnesota House Margaret Anderson Kelliher will travel to the Brainerd area this week to address seniors and their families at the 100th high school graduation ceremony Friday at Pillager High School.

She will join Rep. John Ward, DFL-Brainerd, Friday afternoon, discussing state government and their responsibilities as legislators with 500 sixth-graders at Forestview Middle School in Baxter.

Following the presentation to students the lawmakers will meet with area educators to discuss the challenges facing school districts and answer questions about the 2009 legislative session and school cuts.

"Not only is Speaker Kelliher passionate about education, she is also a down-to-earth person who can offer sound advice to the young men and women embarking on the next stage of their life," Ward said.

On Saturday, Kelliher will meet with members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers at their state council meeting at Cragun's Resort.

Sheriff asks residents to mow ditches safely

LITTLE FALLS - With the arrival of the summer grass mowing season, Morrison County Sheriff Michel Wetzel is reminding county residents of the danger in mowing along county roadways.

In a news release, the sheriff's department said complaints are received each year from motorists whose vehicles are struck by rocks or other debris when residents aim the chute of their mower toward the road rather than down into the ditch.

Mowing in such a way that the discharge chute is pointing toward the road is not only inconsiderate, but also a public safety hazard. Flying rocks, debris - or simply the evasive maneuvers of motorists anticipating such flying debris - can create property damage or even personal injury auto crashes.

Free forum scheduled June 9

The Minnesota Department of Human Rights, in partnership with Central Lakes College and the Crow Wing County Human Rights Commission, will present a free forum open to the public. addressing human rights.

"The Right Forum On ... The Minnesota Human Rights Act" will be from 5:30-7 p.m. June 9 at Central Lakes College cafeteria, 501 West College Drive, Brainerd.

The forum will focus on the national origin, race and sexual orientation provisions of the Minnesota Human Rights Act. Audience members will have an opportunity during the forum to ask questions of panelists and share human rights concerns in their community.

Panelists include Erik Askegaard, attorney, Askegaard Law Office; Beth Bibus, enforcement officer, MDHR; Mario Hernandez, moderator, Legislative and Community Affairs, MDHR; Nancy Paulson, human resources director, Central Lakes College and representative of the Crow Wing County Human Rights Commission.

For more information contact Nancy Paulson at 855-8054 or npaulson@clcmn.edu.

Highway 169 work scheduled near Onamia

ONAMIA - Motorists will experience a traffic switch with two-way traffic on northbound Highway 169 just north of the Rum River rest area to just south of Onamia starting June 1 as the Minnesota Department of Transportation begins resurfacing the southbound lanes of Highway 169.

This $7 million project is one of nearly 100 Minnesota road and bridge projects that will be funded with $502 million in federal economic stimulus dollars.

Motorists are asked to slow down and use caution in the area where crews are working and be alert for trucks hauling materials in the work zone.

Shafer Contracting Co. Inc. is the prime contractor for the resurfacing project.

All work is expected to be completed by July 24.

For updated statewide traffic, construction, weather and travel information visit www.511mn.org.

Trust set up for Trana family

A Trana Family Trust has been set up at Wells Fargo Banks to help out the family of Peter and Kelly Trana, whose son Carter John died Sunday after being crushed by a ramp on a trailer.

Money for the family can be dropped off at any Wells Fargo Bank.