LOCAL BRIEFS

A Region Five Development Commission public hearing on fiscal year 2009 work program and budget will be 7 p.m. Thursday at the Region Five Development Commission office, 403 Prairie Ave. N.E., Staples.

For more information, contact Region Five Development Commission's staff at (218) 894-3233.

United Way 2008 Midwest Flood Recovery established

United Way announced the creation of the United Way 2008 Midwest Flood Recovery Fund to support long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts throughout the Midwest states that have been devastated by the recent floods. Seven states have been severely impacted, with thousands of people evacuated and untold destruction to homes and businesses.

People who live in the region and want to volunteer to help with flood relief efforts are being encouraged to register at the United Way of Central Iowa's Web site, www.unitedwaydm.org, or to call 2-1-1. United Ways in the Midwest are not looking for volunteers from outside the region at this time.

Financial donations can be made by credit card online at www.liveunited.org, or by phone at (866) 404-5826. Checks can be mailed to United Way, c/o One World Communications, 5195 Hamstead Village Way, Suite 135, New Albany, OH 43054. Checks should be made out to United Way and include "United Way 2008 Midwest Flood Recovery Fund" on the memo line. Questions about the fund can be directed to (866) 404-5826.

Minnesota Help Network community kickoff event set Thursday

The Brainerd Public Library and the Disability Linkage Line of Central Minnesota will launch a service called Minnesota Help Network that will help individuals navigate through resources and systems at the library.

A kickoff event to introduce the new service is planned from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday at the library.

The network site will be staffed by Disability Linkage Line specialists and trained volunteers from the Brainerd office who will help people of all ages with benefits counseling for medical assistance, Social Security, health insurance counseling, housing programs and financial assistance.

Information on the Senior LinkAge Line and Veteran Linkage Line also will be available.

The Minnesota Help Network site is scheduled to open to the public July 10. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments can be made by calling the Disability Linkage Line at (866) 333-2466 or (218) 317-1010.