LOCAL BRIEFS

The annual Kinship Partners Coats for Kids donations will be distributed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and from 1-5 p.m. Sunday at the former World on Wheels building, 722 N.W. Seventh St., Brainerd.

Children must be present from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday to receive a coat. From 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on both days parents can pick up coats for kids without the child present.

Many adult coats will be available and will be distributed during the entire event.

For the past 17 years Kinship Partners, Crystal Cleaners and BL Broadcasting have partnered to provide coats to children and families in need. Additional partners this year include the I.A. O'Shaughnessy Family Foundation, Anderson Brothers Family Fund, United Way of Crow Wing and southern Cass counties and Brainerd Sunrise Sertoma.

For additional information contact Kinship Partners at 829-4606.

Nisswa Lions announces Sight Night

NISSWA - Students from the Nisswa Elementary School have teamed up with the Nisswa Lions Club for Halloween. When visiting your home for trick-or-treats these children will collect any old eyeglasses or sunglasses that you no longer use.

The Nisswa Lions will send the glasses to a recycling center where they will be cleaned, fixed and then sent to needy folks in poor countries around the world. If the children miss your home, glasses can be dropped off at the Nisswa Elementary School before Nov. 3. After Nov. 3, they can be dropped off at Martins Sport Shop in Nisswa.

For more information or to get involved with the Nisswa Lions Club, contact Ted Dullum at 963-2452.

DEED awards $50,000 to Region Five

Region Five Development Commission was recently awarded a $50,000 grant from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development to coordinate efforts of a central Minnesota alternative energy regional collaborative.

The collaborative currently includes 70 members who represent businesses, work force development, education and economic development professionals. A portion of the awarded funds will be used to bring in a facilitator to help the group define the regional alternative energy assets, challenges, opportunities and conditions for competitiveness.

If interested in being part of this initiative contact Cheryal Lee Hills at (218) 894-3233.

Police department to host Halloween event

The Brainerd Police and Fire departments and several other organizations are hosting a Halloween safety event from 3:30-6:30 p.m. Friday at the police department at 225 East River Road.

The first 800 children will receive a glow-in-the-dark necklace or bracelet, a trick-or-treat bag and candy.

The event is sponsored by the police and fire departments, Lakes Area Law Enforcement Association, National Child Safety Council and the Brainerd Police Department Patrolman Association.

Halloween party at Westgate planned

Westgate Mall and Brainerd Community Action will host a Halloween party from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday in the Holiday Village at Westgate Mall. There will be games, candy, cider and pictures in costume by Angel.

Airport commission to meet Nov. 4

The Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport Commission will meet at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at the airport.