Local briefs

The Crow Wing County Human Rights Commission is accepting nominations for the first Crow Wing County Human Rights Award.

Nominations are requested to recognize and honor a county resident whose actions have demonstrated the standards of the county human rights commission. These standards are tolerance, inclusion of diversity, opposition to discrimination and fair treatment of all citizens in the county regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, handicap or sexual orientation.

The commission seeks to promote harmony and a sense of community by advocating for basic human and civil rights.

Nominations may be made by an individual on his or her behalf or by another person. Selection will be based on the activity or program the individual was involved with in 2003 in the community, how it relates to the mission of the human rights commission and for actions that went above and beyond a paid employee's usual job responsibilities.

Nominees must be 16 or older and a Crow Wing County resident.

Nominations must be submitted on a prepared form and must be postmarked by Dec. 15. Forms should be sent to the Crow Wing County Human Rights Commission, 326 Laurel St., Brainerd. Nominators may remain anonymous if they choose.

For further information on the award call the commission at 824-1351 or e-mail to cwchraward@charter.net.

A public recognition ceremony will be held in January to honor the recipient.

HART pet help line open

As of Monday, pet owners can call the Heartland Animal Rescue Team pet help line at (877) 228-6364 and leave messages about problems they're having with their pets. A trained volunteer will return their call within a reasonable time.

HART receives many calls from pet owners wanting to surrender their pets because they are having pet behavioral problems they feel they can't deal with. In doing research on how other humane societies handle these types of calls, HART decided to offer the free pet help line.

The main goal of the project is for the pet owner to work out the problem and keep their pet. In the long run, HART supporters hope this will help curb the overwhelming number of unwanted pets surrendered to the humane society.

HART volunteers will attempt to help the callers to the best of their abilities and will offer referrals to other professionals when needed. HART can't address medical concerns and questions.

In the future, HART hopes to offer workshops and seminars for pet owners regarding problems and concerns they are having with their pets.

Application dates set for legislative pages

Applications for the Minnesota Legislature's high school page program have been mailed to all area public and private schools, Rep. Greg. Blaine, R-Little Falls, said.

Applications must be postmarked no later than Wednesday to ensure their arrival in time for the selection process. Applicants should have a parent's or guardian's signature and approval from a school counselor, civics teacher or principal.

Chosen applicants will be notified in December.

Retired justice to speak today at CLC

Rosalie Wahl, a retired justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court, will speak at 7 p.m. today in Room C171 at Central Lakes College in Brainerd.

Wahl offered to donate her time in support of this fund-raiser, which will raise money for the Mid-Minnesota Woman's Center. The event is sponsored by the Brainerd Area Zonta Club.

Tickets are $25 and available from Brainerd Area Zonta Club members or at Riedl Travel, 406 W. Washington St., Brainerd, or call 829-1463. Coffee and desserts will be served.

Brainerd park board to meet Monday

The Brainerd Parks and Recreation Board will meet at 3:30 p.m. Monday in the small conference room at Brainerd City Hall.