LOCAL BRIEFS

PEQUOT LAKES - An informational meeting is planned for 5:30 p.m. Thursday at Pestello's in Pequot Lakes.

The Brainerd Junior Chamber (Jaycees) intends to help develop a Jaycees chapter in Pequot Lakes. One of the goals of the Junior Chamber is to extend opportunities for leadership development through community service and individual training to men and women ages 2140 in other communities. The first 20 charter members will receive a discounted membership fee of $30.

Representatives from the Brainerd Jaycees will be in Pequot Lakes making presentations to businesses on Thursday from 2-5 p.m. and hosting an informational meeting for interested individuals at Pestello's from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

The Brainerd Jaycees contribute more than $200,000 annually to charities in the Brainerd lakes area.

The Brainerd Jaycees chapter is the proud founder of the $150,000 Ice Fishing Extravaganza, Great Northern BBQ Cook-off and the Distinguished Service Awards Banquet.

For more information visit the Brainerd Jaycees at www.brainerdjaycees.com or contact Mary at 821-4997 or Roberta at 839-0520.

Council, commission meeting canceled

The joint Brainerd City Council and Brainerd Planning Commission meeting scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Brainerd Fire Hall to discuss the zoning ordinance update and rewrite has been canceled.

Parks and Recreation seeks used ice skates

The Brainerd Parks and Recreation Department is asking people who have used ice skates to donate them to children who can't afford them.

Interested donors may drop used ice skates off at the Brainerd Parks and Recreation office at Lum Park. Parks and Recreation Department staff will clean and sharpen the skates and distribute them to the ice skating rinks.

Dispatch office to close an hour early

The Brainerd Dispatch business office will close at 4 p.m. Friday for its company Christmas party.

USDA grant to boost poverty efforts

At least seven low-income communities and five nonprofits will receive Initiative Foundation funding and staff support to tackle rural poverty issues, thanks to a $234,000 grant from the USDA Rural Community Development Initiative.

During the next three years, the RCDI grant will support projects that address population growth, diversity and planning; renewable energy and conservation programs that save families money; active lifestyle and nutrition efforts that reduce health care expenses for children, families and seniors; and build capacity of nonprofits to more effectively deliver services in low-income communities.

The foundation's Healthy Communities Partnership program has trained teams from 65 central Minnesota cities in citizen-led community planning.

Its Healthy Organizations Partnership program has trained executives and board members from 98 nonprofit organizations in leadership development, strategic planning and management.

"After excelling in our leadership training programs, this grant will allow communities and organizations to take the next step to tackle poverty," said Kathy Gaalswyk, Initiative Foundation president. "As always, we thank RCDI for their investment in these leaders and volunteers, and especially for taking a multi-year approach so they have the best chance for success."