LOCAL BRIEFS

The fifth annual Toys for Kids drive-up drop-off will be from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday at 3Wi studios, 305 West Washington St., Brainerd.

There will be refreshments and a silent auction.

The Heartland Detachment Marine Corps League, sponsors of Toys for Kids, will be on hand along with other special guests. They will be accepting new, unwrapped toys and monetary donations for the less fortunate children of our area. All donations stay in the lakes area.

Friday night dinner planned at VFW

Cathy's roast pork dinner will be served from 5:30-7 p.m. Friday at the Brainerd VFW. Cost: $7. Reservations appreciated by calling 829-6393.

Children's Christmas party slated Sunday

NISSWA - There will be a children's Christmas party from 1-3 p.m. Sunday at the Nisswa Legion.

There will be games and treats and the kids can see Santa and Mrs. Claus.

The event is free of charge for children 12 and under.

Brunch with Santa scheduled Sunday

Brunch with Santa will take place from 10 a.m-1 p.m. Sunday at Forestview Middle School in Baxter.

Santa will arrive at 10:30 a.m. with a gift for all in attendance.

Entertainment will be provided by the Just For Kix dancers. There will be make-and-take crafts for kids and photos with Santa.

The Golden Years Gift Shop will offer gifts made by grandmas and grandpas for holiday shopping.

The event is sponsored by Brainerd Community Action, Youth As Resources and Brainerd School District Community Education. The event is a fundraiser for the Youth As Resources program in Crow Wing County.

Tickets are $7 for adults; kids age 3-12 are $3.50; and kids under 3 are free. Save $1 each on advanced tickets available at Brainerd Community Action, YMCA, community education and the Brainerd Dispatch.

Truth in Taxation hearing slated Thursday

The Brainerd School Board will host a Truth in Taxation hearing at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Washington Educational Services Building, 804 Oak St., Brainerd.

Highway department hosts open house Friday

The Crow Wing County Highway Department is hosting an open house at its new facility next to the Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport.

The open house is at 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday at 16589 Crow Wing County Road 142. There will be a program at 2 p.m.