LOCAL BRIEFS

Salvation Army bell-ringers will start their holiday efforts from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday in the area.

Red Kettle locations are in Brainerd and Baxter at: Cub Foods (Brainerd), Super One Foods, Reed's Sporting Goods, Gander Mountain, Herberger's, Steve & Barry's.

Bell-ringers at Wal-Mart, Cub Foods (Baxter), Walgreens, Best Buy and Fleet Farm begin after Thanksgiving.

Volunteers interested in bell-ringing can contact the Salvation Army at 829-1120. Bell-ringing continues through Dec. 24.

Crow Wing County offices to begin move to Community Service Building

Three Crow Wing County offices soon will begin their move to the Community Service Building at 204 Laurel St. During this period departments will remain open on a limited basis or for emergencies.

The following schedule will be in effect during the transition period. Income maintenance (MFIP, food support, health care, etc.) - Minimal service from noon Monday-5 p.m. Wednesday.

Child support - Minimal service from noon Nov. 28-5 p.m. Nov. 29.

Health department - Minimal service from 8 a.m. Nov. 30-5 p.m. Dec. 2.

All county offices will be closed Thursday and Nov. 25 for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Pillager firefighters to receive $25,484 in federal funds

Sen. Mark Dayton, D-Minn., announced this week that $25,484 is on its way to the Pillager Area Fire Protection Association to pay for fire operations and fire safety.

The funds are being awarded through the Assistance to Firefighters program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

This is the 12th round of awards for fiscal year 2005 with four fire departments in Minnesota receiving a total of $174,330 in federal funds.

VFW Friday dinner slated

The Brainerd VFW will serve Jack and Diane's baked chicken dinner from 5:30-7 p.m. Friday. Reservations appreciated by calling 829-6393.

Brainerd Community Education Advisory Council to meet

The Brainerd Community Education Advisory Council will meet at 7 p.m. Monday at the Learning Center.

The public is invited.

Driver improvement sessions offered

The four-hour refresher 55+ Driver Improvement Program will be offered several times in December.

Classes will be at the following times and locations:

9 a.m.-1 p.m. and 5:30-9:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Baxter.

5-9 p.m. Dec. 8 at St. Andrew's Church in Brainerd.

9 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 15 at Crosslake Community Center.

Cost is $18 or $20 for the eight-hour course.

People 55 and older who complete the course qualify for a 10 percent discount on their auto insurance premiums for three years. First-time participants must complete two four-hour sessions. Repeat participants are required to take a four-hour refresher course.

Classes are open to the public and pre-registration is requested. A Minnesota Highway Safety and Research Center certified instructor will teach the classes. Driver safety, confidence and comfort will be covered by using the most up-to-date research in the field.

For more information or to register, call (888) 234-1294.