Briefs: Andover cross-country runner is one of 'The Best'

Cross-country runner is one of 'The Best'Josh Ripley, an Andover High School cross-country runner who carried an injured runner to help during a race in September, has earned a nod from Esquire magazine as one of "The Best of 2011."

Josh was one of 77 people and events recognized by Esquire, which introduced the capsules by saying "Even amid the chaos and uncertainty of the year, there were some bright and heroic moments."

Josh's came when he happened upon a Lakeville South freshman who'd been accidentally spiked during the Applejack Invite 5-kilometer race; he had fallen to the ground with a three-inch gash to the bone. Josh stopped to check on Mark Paulauskas, picked him up and carried him to help, then rejoined the race.

Flood risk info open house scheduledFederal, state and local officials will attend an open house Thursday to answer questions about flood risks for Anoka County residents. The event will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Anoka Police Department, 275 Harrison St.

There will be no formal presentation, but visitors can talk with representatives from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and local community agencies.

Car-seat clinic coming next monthThe Blaine Police Department, Spring Lake Park-Blaine-Mounds View Fire Department and Safe Kids Anoka County will hold a free clinic on car-seat use on Jan. 10 at the SBM Fire Station 3 in Blaine.

The event is open to Anoka County residents by appointment only.

Public health award nominations soughtNominations are being sought for the 2012 Anoka County Public Health Recognition Awards, which recognize citizens in the county who strive to improve public health in their communities.

There are two categories:

•Youth-Focused: individual or group. This award recognizes an individual who is 18 or younger at the time of nomination or an organization that is led by youth.

•Adult: individual or group. This will be presented to an individual who is 18 years or older at the time of nomination, or to a group (partnerships, community coalitions, organizations).

The selection committee is looking for applicants who demonstrate leadership and success in creating solutions to public health problems.

The awards will be presented in April.

Drop-off trash no longer acceptedThe Brooklyn Park Drop-Off Facility will no longer accept trash from residents beginning in January.

The space currently used for residential drop-off will be leased to a company that will separate metals and plastics for recycling from trash that's brought in by haulers.

The center will still accept electronics, mattresses, appliances, recyclables, automotive waste and hazardous household wastes, as well a organic waste.

The company, Rational Energies, will pay Hennepin County nearly $1 million a year for the lease and share revenue from the sale of recyclables. The county figures it will save another $1.1 million a year in disposal costs.

Springbrook to hold 'Noon' Year's eventSpringbrook Nature Center will ring in the New Year slightly before the old one lets out, staging a family event from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Dec. 31.

Games, crafts and snacks are on the agenda, and a bonfire will be lit at noon -- the Noon Year, as it's being dubbed. Cost is $3 per person. Pre-registration is required. Call 763-572-3588.

Free trains set for Dec. 17 HolidazzleAs the Holidazzle parade season winds down, Northstar Commuter Rail will offer free service after 3 p.m. Saturday, and an added train will leave Big Lake for Minneapolis at 3:06 p.m.

The Holidazzle parade along Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis begins at 6:30 p.m., and a return train headed toward Big Lake will leave the downtown Minneapolis station at Target Field at 8 p.m.

The final Holidazzle parades of the year are scheduled for this Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, all starting at 6:30 p.m.

Most ticket prices will increase by 25 cents. The increase will help offset operational costs.

Cancer support group to meet todayA free prostate cancer support group will meet at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at North Memorial Outpatient Center, 3435 W. Broadway, Robbinsdale.

A group discussion will be held involving treatment options and personal experiences with successes, failures and side effects.

Refreshments will be served, and wives and friends are welcome. For more information, call 612-388-3588.

Free magic show today at CenturyCentury College chemistry Professors Wayne Haag and David Blackburn will host the annual Holiday Chemistry Magic Show at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the West Campus Theatre at the college.