Local briefs

CROSBY -- Chiropractic offices nationwide will participate in "Kids Day America/International" a health, safety and environmental awareness day.

Murray and Shannon Smith, doctors of chiropractic, will sponsor the area event from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday at their Cuyuna Family Chiropractic office on Main Street in Crosby.

Information on crime prevention, child safety and environmental awareness will be presented. The Smiths will donate child identification cards. The Crosby Police Department will be on hand to provide free finger printing of all children.

The fire department will bring a fire truck and teach fire safety tips for children.

The Smiths will offer free spinal exams and scoliosis screenings, as well as information on disease prevention and health promotion.

Free balloons, snacks, giveaways and prize drawings will occur every half hour. Donations will be taken for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Motorcycle crashes on the rise

Motorcycle crashes are on the rise in Minnesota due, in part, to an increase in the number of people riding motorcycles, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety reported.

After declining from 3,308 motorcycle crashes in 1980 to 971 in 1997, crashes are again increasing, with 1,135 reported in 2000.

The majority of crashes were single-vehicle incidents where the rider fell down or collided with a fixed object, the DPS reported.

There were 20,000 new riders and 10,000 more motorcycles on Minnesota roads in 2000, the Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center reported.

Nominations sought for Child Care Provider of Year

Nominations are being accepted through Sunday for the 2001-2002 Child Care Provider of the Year in Crow Wing County.

Nomination forms are available at all Brainerd area Triangle gas stations or at the Crosby Super Value store.