LOCAL BRIEFS

October rainfall was 4.34 inches compared to the 10-year average of 2.42 inches, the DNR forestry office in Brainerd reported.

Year-to-date rainfall is 33.15 inches compared to the average amount of 27.11 inches.

October's temperatures ranged from a high of 80 on Oct. 1 and a low of 25 on Oct. 25.

Rwandan journalist to speak

Rwandan journalist Patrick Bigabo will speak at 7 p.m. Thursday in the large meeting room at the Brainerd Public Library. The event is sponsored by Friends of the Library and is free and open to the public.

For more information, call the library at 829-5574.

Meet the Candidates forum in Staples set

STAPLES - A Meet the Candidates forum, hosted by the Staples Community Foundation, is set for 7 p.m. Thursday in the Staples-Motley High School cafeteria. It will be broadcast in the Staples area on cable television's community access channel 8 and on radio station KSKK (94.7 FM)

Residents of the city of Staples, the Staples-Motley High School and other interested persons are invited to attend the event.

The first hour will be dedicated to those running for school board. The second hour will focus on Staples city positions. The forum's format will consist of opening and closing statements and questions and answers. Questions may be submitted in writing at the forum. The moderator will be Brenda Halvorson of the Staples World.

More information on the forum may be obtained by contacting Alan Judd of the Staples Community Foundation at (218) 894-2497.