LOCAL BRIEFS

CROSSLAKE - Patsy Bernhjelm will present "Turn In Poachers (TIP): Who we really are, what we really do" - a Crosslake Chautauqua program - from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Crosslake Community Center.

Bernhjelm will explain how TIP works to halt hunting and fishing law violations. As part of the program, Nikki Schoutz will present examples of poaching cases.

Coats for Kids slated Oct. 31-Nov. 1

Kinship Partners is gearing up for the annual Coats for Kids giveaway in the former Book World location in the Westgate Mall.

Distribution will be Oct. 31-Nov. 1. On Oct. 31, coats and gear will be given out from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Children must be present and accompanied by a parent, guardian or adult Kinship Partner. One coat per child will be given. From 1-4 p.m. Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, winter outer wear will be given away as needed.

For questions, call Kinship Partners at 829-4606.

Good, clean coats, boots and snow pants are needed for all ages, but especially for the elementary age group. You may drop off donations at Crystal Cleaners until Oct. 26.

Coats for Kids is sponsored by Kinship Partners, BL Broadcasting and Crystal Cleaners.

American Girl Doll tea at Library

CROSBY - The Jessie F. Hallett Memorial Library in Crosby has scheduled an American Girl Doll tea at 11 a.m. Friday.

The event will feature sit-down refreshments, a craft activity and a movie. Bring along your American Girl Doll and a friend.

Pre-register by calling the library at 546-8005. Check out details on the library Web site at www.hallettlibrary.org; e-mail the library with questions at hallett@ charterinternet.com.

Fish, wildlife grant program up and running

With a Nov. 3 deadline for submitting applications for the new Conservation Partners Legacy, interested organizations should start working now on project details.

Grants ranging from $5,000 to $400,000 will be awarded for projects that restore, enhance or protect fish and wildlife habitat on lands permanently protected by conservation easements or public ownership. Local, state and federal nonprofit organizations, along with governmental entities, are eligible to apply.

The DNR administers the CPL grant program for the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council.

Grant applicants are encouraged to work with a public land manager to complete the online project planning form and then begin to prepare the actual grant application. Complete details may be found at www.dnr.state.mn.us/ grants/habitat/ lessard-sams.html.

The CPL grant program is a direct result of the decision by voters during the November 2008 election to increase the state sales tax by 3/8 of one percent, with one-third of the receipts earmarked for fish and wildlife habitat projects.