LOCAL BRIEFS

FORT RIPLEY - The top two candidates for the Democratic Party endorsement for the U.S. Senate race in 2008 are scheduled to appear at a joint Crow Wing and Morrison County DFL picnic.

Candidates Mike Ciresi and Al Franken have confirmed they'll attend the picnic. Other candidates are Jim Cohen and Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer. Featured guests will be Rep. John Ward, DFL-Brainerd, and Rep. Al Doty, DFL-Royalton.

The DFL picnic begins at 2 p.m. Aug. 5 at the picnic pavilion at Fort Ripley Park and will end at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults. Children under 11 are free. Barbecue pork and turkey will be served along with picnic fare, desserts, beverages. There will be a silent auction and live music at the event.

More information on the event may be obtained by calling Melissa Samuelson at 568-4351 or Mary Surma at (320) 632-4001.

Utilities commission to meet Tuesday

The Brainerd Public Utilities Commission will meet at 9 a.m. Tuesday at the BPU Service Center, 8027 Highland Scenic Road.