Local briefs

Central Lakes College is offering a course entitled "How to Choose to Refuse to be a Victim" in the Browerville Community Center on Sept. 11.

"The course provides a good start for your own personal safety strategy," said John Gagnon, instructor. Gagnon said he will discuss safety measures for a complete personal-safety strategy.

The class is from 12:30-5 p.m. and costs $15.

For more information, call Customized Training at (218) 894-5302 or (800) 247-6836, ext. 5302 or e-mail chase@clcmn.edu.

LF Arts and Crafts Fair urges grant applications

LITTLE FALLS -- The Little Falls Arts & Crafts Fair Council announced there will again be a total of $5,000 awarded through grants of $500 to $1,500 to local not-for-profits this year as the results of proceeds from this year's fair.

This year's grant criteria has changed. Organizations must meet the following criteria: The Morrison County area must benefit; the organization must have an IRS determination of not-for-profit; the grant will be matched with a minimum of $1 for $1 within the current fiscal year; the applying organization will provide services that demonstrate or address innovative and accountable leadership, community partnerships in area of K-12 education, transportation, recreational trails or emerging community issues, including business growth.

Preference will be give to applications from organizations receiving less than $3,000 from the chamber during the past five years.

For more information, call the chamber office at (320) 632-5155. Application deadline is 5 p.m. Sept. 19.

Tickets available for awards event

Tickets are available for the Initiative Foundation's fourth annual Awards for Outstanding Community Initiative event set Oct. 3 at the St. Cloud Civic Center.

Awards for Outstanding Community Initiative honors community service and volunteerism in central Minnesota. There are six award winners who were nominated by peers in June and then selected by volunteer committees.

The six awards are outstanding community, presented by Minnesota Power; outstanding enterprise, presented by Bremer; outstanding environmental initiative, presented by East Central Energy; outstanding nonprofit organization, presented by Schlenner Wenner & Co.; outstanding volunteer, presented by Spring PCS; and outstanding youth initiative, presented by Lakes Printing.

Award winners will be announced at the event. Each winner receives $1,000 for the charity of their choice along with a specially commissioned glass sculpture by Minnesota artist Michael Tonder and Princeton-based Glenn Metalcraft.

The event features a semi-formal dinner and musical entertainment by Pop Wagner and former members of A Prairie Home Companion's Powdermilk Biscuit Band.

Tickets are $35. A limited number of $450 table sponsorships, which include eight tickets and special recognition, are still available.

For more information, call the foundation toll free at (877) 632-9355 or go online to www.ifound.org.

Little Falls gains grant, more funds available

LITTLE FALLS -- Little Falls was one of 24 cities selected to receive funding for community improvements from CenterPoint Energy Minnegasco's Community Partnership Grant Program.

In the first round of grant making, 24 cities will receive a combined $57,670 for community improvements.

Program grants are targeted at public space beautification and public safety equipment. In 2003, the company plans to make individual grants of up to $2,500 to 50 communities in its service territory. Grants are reviewed and awards are made on a monthly basis.

Because this is an ongoing program with as many as 26 more grants available for 2003, cities served by CenterPoint Energy Minnegasco are encouraged to apply for future grants.

Eligible projects include: public space beautification, public park enhancements, including playground equipment, park benches and trees; main street beautification, tree planting and landscaping projects in public places; and trail enhancements; public safety equipment, multi-gas atmosphere monitors, thermal imaging cameras, extraction tools, self-contained breathing apparatus, nozzles, specialized emergency response and rescue equipment.

Nisswa Fire Department to host open house Saturday

NISSWA -- The Nisswa Fire Department will host its annual open house from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the fire hall.

There will be food and several demonstrations on fire safety, including an auto extraction demonstration.

Lakes Area Habitat for Humanity dinner and auction planned

Tickets are on sale for the Lakes Area Habitat for Humanity's 6th annual dinner and auction scheduled for Nov. 11 at Breezy Point Resort.

Social hour will start at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 11 with dinner at 7:30 p.m.

Both silent and live auctions consist of a variety of products and services contributed by area businesses and residents and will be featured during the night.

Tickets are $35 per person for dinner ($20 is tax deductible.). Proceeds from the annual fund-raising dinner and auction go directly into the building fund. Last year this event raised about $13,000, which framed a four-bedroom home.

Anyone interested in donating items for the auction may contact the area office at 828-8517. For ticket information, contact Maryalys Klapmeier at 543-4555.

Staples-Motley School District sees enrollment increase

STAPLES -- The Staples-Motley School District counted 1,507 students on the first day of the 2003-04 school year. Last year on the first day of school there were 1,494 students or 13 more students.