WHAT'S DOING

BACKUS - The Backus American Legion is featuring a classic New Year's Eve event with hospitality time at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 31. A prime rib or jumbo shrimp dinner will be served at 7 p.m. Dance to the Frankie Lamb Band, playing classic country and pop, old time and swing from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. All for $20 a person including tax and gratuity. Call (218) 947-3156 or (218) 947-3416 for reservations or sign up at the clubrooms, Highways 371 and 87 West.

Brainerd American Legion Post meeting

The Brainerd American Legion Post meeting will be at 7 p.m. Monday. All Legion members are encouraged to attend.

No doughnuts for the holidays

The Lakes Area Senior Activity Center will not be making donuts Thursday or Dec. 31. Doughnut making will resume Jan. 7.

Duplicate bridge scores

Bruce Eastman and Patrick Spradlin, 33.5; Mark Anderson and Joe Heal, 27.5; Phyllis DeRosier and Bruce Peck, 24; Jim Thompson and Tom McGrath, 24.

WHS class of 1957

The Washington High School class of 1957 will meet 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Northwind Grille.

Novel explores Minnesota history

LITTLE FALLS - Author Candace Simar will be at Bookin' It in Little Falls from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Monday signing her book, "Abercrombie Trail." It is Simar's debut novel.

The public is encouraged to stop in at Bookin' It, meet Simar and learn more about her book and what inspires her writing. Books are available in advance or the day of the event. For more information, contact the store at (320) 632-1848. Bookin' It is located on Second Street SE across from the Historic Morrison County Courthouse.

BNSF Veterans Association

The BNSF Veterans Association will meet at 9 a.m. Tuesday at the Northwind Grille.

Widowed Friends

The Widowed Friends will meet at 11 a.m. Monday at the Nisswa Legion. For more information, call 829-3084 or 829-2682.

Senior dance

A senior dance will be from 1-4 p.m. Tuesday at Motley with music by Michael James.

Fight for Air Climb Challenge planned

MINNEAPOLIS - Help sponsor the Akeley Fire Department in the Fight for Air Climb Challenge.

The Fight for Air Climb will be Feb. 27 at the Accenture Tower in downtown Minneapolis.

Teams of four or more firefighters will compete in their full gear excluding their ax, climbing 60 flights which is 660 stairs. Firefighters doing the challenge include Billy Krotzer, Willie Krotzer, Kevin Gentry and Mark Teckemeyer. All proceeds will go to help fight lung disease.

Those interested can donate by going to http://ala.convio/net/goto/kgentry or call (651) 223-9561 and tell them you're sponsoring Akeley Fire Department or by mail send a check or money order to American Lung Association in Minnesota, Attention: Fight For Air Climb, 490 Concordia Avenue St. Paul, MN 55103.