Area briefs

NISSWA -- The Nisswa Chamber of Commerce has raised $7,200 toward its $15,000 goal to build a gazebo south of the chamber building on Main Street.

The gazebo has been in the blueprint stages for about three years.

Funds received include a sizable donation from Lakewood Bank of Nisswa.

The gazebo will provide a place where small musical groups can perform; it will offer a resting place for bicyclists, walkers and runners who use the Paul Bunyan Trail; and it will be a stage for broadcasting parade entries, making speeches, etc.

An architectural rendering of the gazebo will be on display at the Nisswa chamber office.

Donations should be made out to the Nisswa Chamber of Commerce Gazebo Fund and sent to P.O. Box 185, Nisswa, 56468.

Solar, wind power class offered in Pine River

PINE RIVER -- A Pine River-Backus Community Education summer class called Introduction to Solar and Wind Power for Your Home or Cabin will run 10 a.m. to noon July 13 at First Lutheran Church in Pine River.

Solar and wind power usage are growing as viable sources of energy for home and cabin use. Class topics include solar and wind power, solar hot water heating, solar space heating, installation and carpentry, and students can learn more about residential alternative energy systems.

Registration is required for the class, which is sponsored by Pine River-Backus Community Education and Rural Renewable Resources Alliance in Pine River. To register call community education at (218) 587-2080.

Nisswa Pioneer Village and Depot open for holiday

NISSWA -- The Pioneer Village Museum and Depot will be open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today through Saturday to celebrate the Fourth of July.

There is a minimal charge to view the village, which is on Main Street in Nisswa.

The Nisswa Area Historical Society will sponsor Bill Mattson's old hay wagon float in Friday's Freedom Day Parade beginning at 7 p.m. in downtown Nisswa.

Cass Council on Aging to meet July 15

WALKER -- The Cass County Council on Aging will meet at 1 p.m. July 15 at the Whistle Stop Senior Center in Walker.

Doris Wilcox will give an overview of the "Experience Works" program (formerly Green Thumb).