Local briefs

LITTLE FALLS -- City officials will discuss issues created by Minnesota's increasing number of meth labs during a series of meetings slated throughout the state. Those issues include emergency response, safety, cleanup and community partnership.

A meeting is scheduled from 2:30 to 8:30 p.m. July 29 at the Initiative Foundation Community Rooms at 405 S.E. First St.

The meetings, hosted by the League of Minnesota Cities, also will cover trends in the data practices act, fire department management and the 2004 legislative session.

Miss Brainerd pageant set Saturday

Eight young women from the Brainerd lakes area will compete 7 p.m. Saturday in the 2004 Miss Brainerd Lakes Scholarship Pageant at Tornstrom Auditorium, Washington Middle School, in Brainerd.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door.

Queen candidates are Jenni Badeaux, Shaynah Baptiste, Jessica Doud, Jocelyn Jones, Quinn Nystrom, Amy Peeters, Nichole Phillips and Laura Rozinka.

Special guest is 2003 Miss Minnesota Megan Torgerson.

The event is sponsored by Brainerd Community Education and Brainerd Area Women of Today.

Volunteers sought at St. Joseph's

St. Joseph's Medical Center's Volunteer Services Department is seeking volunteers to work in the emergency room waiting area on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The purpose will be to greet patients, show them to the triage center, assist family members who have questions and generally help the staff. The hours would be from 1 to 6 p.m. or from 6 to 11 p.m. Volunteers are asked to work twice a month. For information contact Debbie at 828-7610.

Patient and visitors also are reminded that St. Joseph's has a free valet parking attendant on duty from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. every weekday. More information may be obtained by calling Sara at 828-7627.