Local briefs

Kinship Partners Inc. in Brainerd was awarded a $15,000 grant to support the youth mentoring program by the Otto Bremer Foundation, a private charitable foundation established in 1944 by Otto Bremer.

The organization awarded 61 grants in August and September, a total of $1,858,629 to programs in Minnesota, North Dakota and northwestern Wisconsin.

Area retired teacher recognized

A retired teacher from Staples-Motley High School will be given the Professional Service Award Saturday at the annual state conference of the Minnesota Council on the Teaching of Languages and Cultures.

Judy Gross earned the award for her ability to create a quality world language program at the high school.

The MCTLC is the only statewide professional organization specifically concerned with teaching and learning languages and cultures.

At the conference, Gross, along with teachers throughout the state, will share and learn how each can better the profession and provide high quality teaching for world language.

Music event scheduled for Brainerd students

Music students in kindergarten through eighth grade in Brainerd will participate in Together in Harmony from 7 to 7:45 p.m. Tuesday at Washington Middle School.

Small groups of third- through sixth-grade students from Harrison Elementary School, Lowell Elementary School and Washington Middle School will present a continuum from relatively simple through more complicated ways to sing in harmony.

Kate Davis, Sue Johnson, Bev Kittelson and Loretta Norgon will lead the demonstration, assisted by other members of the classroom music department.

The event is sponsored by Music Advocates for Children, an area organization that promotes and supports the classroom music program.

Parents, families and members of the community are invited to attend. There is no admission charge.

Nisswa women honored by American Heart Association

The American Heart Association honored two Nisswa women with awards for distinguished service in helping fight heart disease and stroke.

JoLeta Goble-Buss and Joyce Leitner each received the American Heart Association's Revenue Generation award.

Both were recognized Sept. 20 during the heart association's Northland Affiliate board meeting.

The Revenue Generation award is presented to a person or group who has made a difference by raising funds to fight cardiovascular disease and stroke.

As chair and vice chair of the Brainerd Lakes Area American Heart Walk, Goble-Buss and Leitner are credited with many accomplishments. The women helped increase net income from $29,902 in 2001 to $51,202 in 2002, a 71 percent increase.

Parks board to meet Tuesday

The Brainerd Parks and Recreation Board will meet 3:30 p.m. Tuesday at Brainerd City Hall.

Beef and pasture management workshop set Thursday

The beef industry in central Minnesota has grown in recent years because of the closing of many small dairy farms and more rural landowners working off the farm.

Because of this, the Soil and Water Conservation Districts and the Natural Resource Conservation Service offices in this area will host a beef and pasture management workshop Thursday. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.

Cost is $15 per person or $25 per couple. Cost includes lunch and materials. Door prizes will be available.

The agenda will include practical information for beef operators. This workshop will focus on animal health, reproductive concerns, marketing strategies, how to cut expenses and add value to products, and managing forage in sandy soils. Participants will learn how to improve and protect water quality, fencing techniques, how to rotate pastures and which kind of drinking water system is best for their herd.

This is not limited to beef producers. Anyone may attend.

For more information, call the NRCS office in Brainerd at 829-3272, extension 3.