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LOCAL BRIEFS Driver improvement program offered
PEQUOT LAKES - The Minnesota Highway Safety Center will be offering a 55-and-older driver improvement four-hour refresher course from 5:30-9:30 p.m. Wednesday at Pequot Lakes High School, 30805 Olson St., Pequot Lakes.
The driver improvement course is open to the public. Pre-registration is requested.
A Minnesota Highway Safety and Research Center certified instructor teaches this class. Driver safety, confidence and comfort are enhanced by using the most up-to-date research in the field, including the latest visual scanning and steering techniques, anti-lock braking skills, airbag information, driver distraction, road rage and new vehicle technology.
The fee for the four-hour refresher course is $18 and the eight-hour course is $20.
For more information or to register call (888) 234-1294.
Persons age 55 and older who complete the course qualify for a 10 percent discount on their auto insurance premiums for three years, according to Minnesota law. First-time participants must complete two four-hour sessions. Repeat persons are required to take a four-hour refresher course.
Faith in Action programs building ramps
Handicapped-accessible ramps and low-rise steps make it possible for many people to remain in their home when physical limitations require a wheelchair or walker for mobility.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services has provided grant money to a collaboration of Faith in Action programs in the surrounding area.
Titled the Central Minnesota Access Project, Faith in Action programs in the counties of Cass, Morrison, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Mille Lacs, northern Sherburne, Todd and Wadena have access to volunteers who provide labor to build the ramps or stairs.
Under the direction of Tim McCarthy, program director for Lakes Area Interfaith Caregivers in Crow Wing County, the grant was extended for another year. Those in need of a ramp must be unable to afford the labor costs associated with building a ramp. The homeowner is asked to provide for or assist with the cost of the materials.
The warmer weather now allows ease in building ramps and volunteers are being recruited and trained. For those in need of a ramp or if you would like to become a volunteer, contact Sue Hagen, director of Faith in Action for Cass County. The office number is (218) 675-5435.
Saddle-Up for St. Jude event to raise funds for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
PILLAGER - Those interested can help save lives by participating in a Saddle-Up for St. Jude event to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
The event, a 10-mile horseback ride scheduled for June 3, is sponsored by Hightails Saddle Club and will be at the Shafer Lake Day Use Area in Pillsbury State Forest. It is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. with registration at 9 a.m.
By participating in or attending the event, funds will be raised for the research hospital. These funds will help St. Jude in its ongoing fight against childhood cancer and other catastrophic diseases.
All riders are asked to collect donations to be turned in at the day of the ride. After five miles riders will break for lunch and then return to the starting point. All riders need to bring a sack lunch, which will be transported to the halfway point. Beverages will be provided.
For sponsorship forms call Kerri at 839-3227 or Lisa at 838-5689. Prizes will be awarded for the top fund-raisers and all riders turning in donations will earn prizes through St. Jude as well as be entered into a drawing for prizes donated by area businesses.
Education grant awarded to CWC Health Department
An education grant has been awarded to Crow Wing County Health Department by the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Breast health education will be provided by public health nurses who will speak to women's groups, provide information at health fairs and assist women in need of information about resources or screening and follow-up.
For more information or to schedule a speaker for a group, call Arvilla Felten at the Crow Wing County Health Department at 824-1086.
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