Town briefs

Anoka County

Want to learn how to kayak? You can have your chance from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Wargo Nature Center in Lino Lakes. Participants will use sea kayaks to learn the basics. Space is limited, so sign up early. Registration and payment are required in advance; call 651-429-8007. The fee is $25 per person. The class is offered by the Anoka County Parks and Recreation Department.

STAFF REPORT

The Friends of the Anoka County Library is holding its annual membership meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Crooked Lake Branch Library, 11440 Crooked Lake Blvd, Coon Rapids. Anyone interested in becoming involved in the group or with the library is invited. For more information, please visit www.anoka.lib.mn.us.

STAFF REPORT

BLAINE

More than 25 World War II and other vintage aircraft will take part in a flyover of the State Capitol on Saturday as part of Blaine Aviation Weekend. The warbirds are set to take off at noon from the Anoka County Airport.

Many types of aircraft will be on display during the event at the airport, which is 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Airplane and helicopter rides will be available for a charge. The Golden Wings Museum and American Wings Museum will be open for tours.

On Saturday night, a big band hangar dance will be held at the Golden Wings Museum; period dress from the '30s and '40s is encouraged. Tickets are $10 for adults, $6 for those ages 13-17 and free for kids under 12. Doors open at 7; the dance runs from 8 p.m. to midnight. For more information on the events, go to www.eaachapter237.org.

STAFF REPORT

COTTAGE GROVE

Richard Jenkins Sr., a Vietnam combat veteran, department commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, retired chemical dependency counselor and 33-year volunteer prison chaplain, will speak May 21 at the Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon. His topic will be "Vietnam: The Displaced Soldier Warrior and some of his Heartaches."

The luncheon will start at 11:30 a.m. at the Point Restaurant, 12378 Point Douglas Road, Hastings. Reservations can be made with the Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 16, Cottage Grove, MN 55016; phone 651-458-8334.

KEVIN GILES

DAKOTA COUNTY

Learn results of a 14-month study of transit possibilities in the Robert Street Corridor at a public open house from 3 to 7 p.m. May 29, with presentations at 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., at the Dakota County Northern Service Center, 1 Mendota Road, West St. Paul.

The study's purpose is to create a long-term corridor vision that identifies transit and transportation issues, opportunities, costs, benefits and impacts of potential transit alternatives. During the process, Dakota County has sought public comment on the alternative transit modes and routes.

For more information on the study's results, call Sam O'Connell at 952-891-7105 or see www.startribune.com/a4370.

STAFF REPORT

FOREST LAKE AREA

In honor of the 200th anniversary of the birthday of composer Joseph Haydn, community members are invited to sing or play instruments in a performance of "The Creation" with the Forest Lake Area High School choirs and Unexpected Company.

This is the fourth annual collaboration of the school and community in presenting a major work, a news release said.

Rehearsals will be 9 a.m. to noon Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. The Concert will be performed at 8 p.m. Monday.

Any person who would like to be a part of the annual event should call Jim Lindstrom at 651-982-8498 or David Livermore at 651-982-8503. Community members who play string instruments are also encouraged to participate and they should call David Livermore at 651-982-8503.

STAFF REPORT

STILLWATER

More than 200 artists from across the nation will show off their wares Saturday and Sunday at the annual Rivertown Art Festival in Stillwater.

This year marks the 30th year for the festival, which will take place at Lowell Park, near the intersection of Chestnut and Water Streets. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m to 5 p.m. Sunday.

A wide range of art forms will be represented, from ceramics to fiber art, photography and jewelry. For more information, go to www.rivertownartfestival.com.

ALLIE SHAH

ST. PAUL

People will have a chance to comment on the preliminary design plans for the Central Corridor light rail line at a public hearing May 29.

Preliminary design plans show the general dimensions and location of the tracks, including station locations and electrical systems.

The hearing will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. at Goodwill/Easter Seals, 5553 Fairview Av. N., St. Paul. An open house is scheduled from 4 to 5 p.m., and planners will be available to answer questions.

Copies of the preliminary design are available for public review. Go to www.centralcorridor.org for specific locations.

CHRIS HAVENS

ST. PAUL

Nearly 200 city employees with at least 25 years of service were honored last Tuesday by St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman and other city officials.

Four workers -- William Hansen and Roger Rygwalski in Parks and Recreation, Marcella Schillinger in the Department of Safety and Inspections and Mary Sonnen in Public Health -- were recognized for 40 years with the city.

St. Paul employs about 3,100 people.

CHRIS HAVENS

WASHINGTON COUNTY

The county's 14th annual law enforcement Memorial Day ceremony will be held Thursday at noon in front of the Historic Courthouse in Stillwater, Sheriff Bill Hutton said.

The ceremony honors officers who have died in the line of duty and is held in recognition of National Correctional Officers' Week, May 4-10, and National Police Week, May 11-17.

The ceremony is open to the public. The Historic Courthouse is at 101 W. Pine St.

KEVIN GILES