LOCAL BRIEFS

State Rep. John Ward, DFL-Brainerd, recently announced the availability of new federal grants and low-interest loans to expand high-speed Internet to underserved areas in outstate Minnesota.

As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the federal government has dedicated $7.2 billion to expand access to broadband throughout the United States, with the primary goal of bringing broadband to rural areas. Potential recipients include municipalities, counties, school districts, local telephone/telecom providers, non-profits and others.

"People today use the Internet to do their jobs, continue their education and maintain personal and professional connections," Ward said.

The deadline for applying for these grants/loans is Aug. 14. Information can be found at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Web site (ntia.doc.gov)

Area program to receive federal dollars to help prevent youth violence

State Rep. John Ward, DFL-Brainerd, and Roger Lynn, executive director of the Lakes Area Restorative Justice Program, were in Minneapolis on Wednesday to announce a new Minnesota law aimed at tackling youth violence.

The new law goes into effect Aug.1, and calls on the state to work in partnership with local communities throughout Minnesota to develop community-based violence prevention programs and also help identify public and private funding for proven effective initiatives to prevent youth violence.

The Crow Wing County Youth Wellness Task Force is one of three outstate collaborative initiatives identified to participate. Federal stimulus dollars are being used to fund the new legislation.

"I want to congratulate Roger and his organization for the outstanding work they are doing to reduce youth violence in our area," said Ward. "They were chosen for this project because of their leadership on this critical community issue."

The Crow Wing County Youth Wellness Task Force has identified three areas of need: student on student violence, the need to support healthy relationships, and to combat drug and alcohol abuse.

The group will meet Sept. 1 at the First Lutheran Church in Brainerd to further establish the objectives needed to meet these goals over the coming year.

"I would encourage anyone interested in finding out more or getting involved to attend the upcoming meeting in September," Ward said.

More information may be obtained by contacting Ward at 651-296-4333 or by e-mail at rep.john.ward@house.mn.

Wadena County receives disaster funds for storm damage, flooding

Wadena County was one of five counties in northeastern Minnesota to receive Federal Emergency Management Agency funds relating to storm damage and flooding that took place between March 16 and March 20.

Wadena County received $45,719 in federal funds.

The announcement was made by Rep. Jim Oberstar, D-Minn.

Airport commission to meet Aug. 4

The Brainerd lakes Regional Airport Commission will meet at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday in the airport conference room.