Anoka County

Slavik is 'Deputy of Year'

Anoka County Sheriff's Deputy Jessica Slavik was named "Deputy of the Year" by the Minnesota Sheriff's Association at the association's winter conference in Alexandria, Minn., last week. Slavik, an eight-year-veteran, has spent the last four years in the crime scene unit, where she collected and processed evidence. She also has worked in jail, patrol and court security units. She was chosen, according to a news release, because of her work on a complex arson and murder case "where she spent an extensive amount of time processing an extensive and gruesome crime scene." Her work won praise from jurors, prosecutors and the judge who presided over the trial. Anoka County Sheriff James Stuart said Slavik "exemplifies what it means to go above and beyond and embraces her role as an ambassador in our communities. I am very proud of her accomplishments." Slavik holds a bachelor's degree and a forensic science certificate from Hamline University.

KAREN ZAMORA

Woodbury

Sign up now for city's New Year's Eve

Woodbury's parks and rec folks are encouraging early registration for their popular New Year's Eve family celebration.

Activities include Bubble Soccer, a Ga-Ga pit, inflatable obstacle courses, and trampolines, bounce houses, dancing, bingo, ice skating, photo booth raffle and a countdown to 2016 — though at 8:45 p.m. rather than at midnight, a more appropriate time for families with children ages 2 to 12.

A couple of dozen local businesses are donating raffle prizes.

The event will run from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 31 at the Bielenberg Sports Center, 4125 Radio Dr. Cost is $8 per person if preregistered, $10 at the door if tickets are still available. Children under 2 do not need to register.

Buy tickets online (http://tinyurl.com/ WoodburyNewYear) or by calling 651-714-3583. For information, call 651-414-3437.

DAVID PETERSON

Hudson, wis.

Gifts from artists at annual holiday sale

The Phipps Center for the Arts in Hudson is offering "A Gift by the Hand," an annual holiday sale of items made by more than 40 local and regional artists.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, as well as one hour before and through intermission of performances in the Phipps' theaters. The center is at 109 Locust St.

For information, call Anastasia Shartin, visual arts director, at 715-386-2305, ext. 103.

DAVID PETERSON

Roseville

Blood donors wanted on Monday

The Roseville Fire Department and the American Red Cross are accepting blood donors from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday at the fire station, 2701 Lexington Av.N.

E-mail Emily.Nelson@cityofroseville.com. Appointments are preferred but drop-ins are fine.

Kevin Giles