Local briefs

LITTLE FALLS - Five people were injured in a two-vehicle crash that occurred at 7:43 p.m. Tuesday at Highway 27 and Dove Road, seven miles west of Little Falls, the State Patrol reported.

A vehicle driven by Jon Lennartson, 54, Backus, was traveling northbound on Dove Road when a vehicle driven by Miriam Montanez Paramo, 17, Long Prairie, was westbound on Highway 27 and struck Lennartson's vehicle broadside.

Lennartson and Montanez Paramo were both treated and released at St. Gabriel's Hospital in Little Falls.

Montanez Paramo's three passengers also were injured. They included Maria Montanez, 47, Long Prairie, who was treated and released from St. Gabriel's Hospital; Maria G. Orozco, 65, who suffered nonlife-threatening injuries and was transported to St. Gabriel's Hospital; and Jose Paramo, 71, who was treated and released from St. Gabriel's Hospital.

Morrison County Sheriff's Office and Randall Police Department assisted at the scene.

Tour of Cuyuna Bicycle Ride planned Sept. 11

Participants are urged to enjoy the serene beauty of the Cuyuna Range from the saddle of a bike during the seventh annual Tour of Cuyuna Bicycle Ride, Sept. 11.

People may choose from a 30- or 60-mile route with various rest stops that include food and beverages along the way and lunch to follow.

The Tour of Cuyuna is a recreational ride for cyclists of all abilities and is not a race. Cost is $25 and includes a T-shirt.

For more information, go online to cuyunalakestrail.org call (218) 545-4545.

Flu vaccine for children available at GuidePoint Pharmacy

This year, GuidePoint Pharmacy in Brainerd was one of the first five pharmacies in Minnesota to be able to vaccinate children as young as 10 years old against the flu.

Legislation passed last year stated pharmacists could no longer administer influenza vaccines to people under the age of 19 unless they've been approved by the Minnesota Department of Health's Minnesota Vaccines for Children Program.

Mike Schwartzwald, pharmacist and owner of GuidePoint Pharmacy, said he has thousands of doses of the influenza vaccine available. Appointments are not needed to receive a flu shot at GuidePoint Pharmacy, and most insurances will cover the cost of the flu shot. Without insurance, it will be $25 per dose.

GuidePoint will also host flu shot clinics at locations around the Brainerd lakes area, which will be open to the public for ages 10 and up.

Sept. 15: 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at Crosslake Evangelical Free Church.

Sept. 21: 1-4 p.m. at the Brainerd Public Library.

Sept. 28: 9 a.m.-noon at St. Alice Catholic Church in Pequot Lakes.

Sept. 29: 9 a.m.-noon at Lakes Area Senior Activity Center in Brainerd.

Oct. 12: 1-4 p.m. at Jessie Hallett Library in Crosby.

Oct. 13: 3-5 p.m. at Lakewood Evangelical Free Church in Baxter.

Flu season usually begins in October, but several cases have already been confirmed this year, prompting health department officials to recommend getting vaccinated early.

This year's seasonal flu shot includes the H1N1 strain, meaning only one shot will protect against both seasonal flu and H1N1.

Other vaccines are also available by prescription for adults 18 and older at GuidePoint Pharmacy. For more information, call 829-0347. GuidePoint Pharmacy is located at 108 S. Sixth St. in Brainerd.