Local briefs

The Brainerd Family YMCA will conduct Teen Scene Friday night for fifth- and sixth-graders. There will be music, dodgeball, concession items, pizza and a dance contest with cash prizes!

The cost per person is $6. The time for this Teen Scene has been changed to 7-9 p.m. (no Halloween costumes are allowed). More information may be obtained by calling the YMCA at 829-4767.

Homecoming parade winners announced

The 2009 Brainerd Homecoming parade winners included Brainerd High School Marching Band, best of parade; VFW Color Guard, best marching; Just For Kix, best commercial; BHS homecoming court, best royalty; and Forestview Middle School, best open float.

Ward and Doty urge support for Farm on St. Mathias in contest

A family-owned Brainerd area farm was recently selected as a top 10 finalist in the Campbell's Soup "Help Grow Your Soup" contest and two area legislators are urging Minnesotans to support the farm.

The Farm on St. Mathias, operated by Bob and Arlene Jones, is the only Minnesota farm in the nationwide competition. If selected, Campbell's Soup and the National FFA will rehabilitate the 60-year-old St. Mathias barn, painting it red and white.

Rep. John Ward, DFL-Brainerd, and Rep. Al Doty, DFL-Royalton, a former FFA member, are encouraging area residents to visit the Web site and rally behind the Farm on St. Mathias.

The top five vote-getters in the Campbell's Soup competition will have their barns rehabilitated. Additionally, if the Farm on St. Mathias wins, local FFA chapters will receive additional resources and benefits.

Also, with each vote, Campbell's will donate $1 to the National FFA. Each individual computer is allowed a vote once a day, every day, through December. Currently, the Farm on St. Mathias is in sixth place.

Annual Toys For Kids program planned

The 28th annual "Toys For Kids" campaign sponsored by Heartland Detachment, Marine Corps League is scheduled for Nov. 23 through Dec. 17. This local community service program is supported entirely by local businesses, organizations and individuals. In 2008, the Marines and Auxiliary members and other volunteers collected and distributed Christmas gifts to children in more than 450 families in southern Crow Wing County. The need is expected to equal or exceed that number in 2009.

Application can be made for the Toys For Kids program at the Brainerd Salvation Army office between Tuesday and Nov. 25. Donations of new toys may be deposited between Nov. 23 and Dec. 17 at more than 40 toy drops located at businesses throughout the area. Tax-deductible cash donations may be sent at any time to Toys For Kids, P.O. Box 2811, Baxter, MN 56425. Gifts will be distributed at the Brainerd National Guard Armory on Dec. 17.

For additional information about the TFK program, contact Jack Huber, 764-2723 or 831-4219 or Jim Shubert at (218) 543-5041.

Planning commission to meet Wednesday

The Brainerd Planning Commission will meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Brainerd City Hall.