Local news briefs

The Brainerd Police and Fire departments along with several associations and businesses will again team up to make Halloween activities safer for Brainerd area children.

The police department will host the annual Halloween event from 3:30-6:30 p.m. on Saturday. The first 1,200 children will receive a glow-in-the-dark necklace, a trick-or-treat bag and candy.

The event is sponsored by the Brainerd Police Department, the Brainerd Fire Department, Lakes Area Law Enforcement Association, National Child Safety Council, Brainerd Police Department Patrolman Association and First Impression Printing.

Senate bonding panel to tour sites in central Minnesota

The Minnesota Senate Capital Investment Committee will tour five sites in central Minnesota as one segment of a four-day tour of potential capital improvement sites.

The Brainerd area sites that will visited on Thursday and the approximate times of the meetings include: the Cuyuna Recreation Area near Ironton, 10:15 a.m.; Central Lakes College in Brainerd, 11:30 a.m.; Department of Human Services campus in Brainerd, 12:45 p.m.; town hall at Camp Ripley, 2 p.m.; municipal truck station in Little Falls, 3 p.m.

Committee members expect roughly $3 billion in capital investment requests. More information on specific capital investment requests may be obtained by visiting the Minnesota Management and Budget Web site at www.doer.state.mn.us.