North news briefs

Updated: May 31, 2011 - 3:31 PM

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FRIDLEY

Dragonfly census is set for June 25

Springbrook Nature Center will conduct its annual dragonfly census from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 25.

Dragonflies are an indicator of the health of an ecosystem, the center says. Dragonfly expert John Arthur will give a short introduction and then lead a hike on which participants will capture, identify and release as may dragonflies as possible.

The event is open to people of all ages and skills. For more information, call 763-572-3588.

ANOKA

Anoka High class of '61 to hold August reunion

The Anoka High School class of 1961 will hold its 50-year reunion the weekend of Aug. 18-20. There will be a banquet as well as informal activities.

For more information, go to www.anokaclassof61.com or contact Joan Gamble at 763-421-4412 or at anokaclassof61@yahoo.com.

EAST BETHEL

Eco Field Day at Cedar Creek

The University of Minnesota's Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve will be open 12:30-4:30 p.m. Saturday for Science Field Day 2011.

Visitors can learn about current research in plant ecology and global change and explore the natural areas inside the reserve's boundaries. Bring a water bottle, a snack, a camera, comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes.

The center is located at 2660 Fawn Lake Drive NE., East Bethel. For information, visit www.cedarcreek.umn.edu or call 763-434-5131.

COON RAPIDS

Donations needed for police monument

Members of the public are invited to purchase bricks to fund the construction of a monument to police and peace officers in Coon Rapids.

Donors can purchase single or double bricks for a donation of $100 or $250. Bricks can be inscribed with the name of a donor or a dedication. The Coon Rapids Crime Prevention Association will match all contributions up to $5000.

The deadline for purchase is Aug 31. For more information, visit the police station at 11155 Robinson Drive or call Capt. Cary Parks at 763-767-6504.

HENNEPIN COUNTY

New dispatch center for county sheriff

Wold Architects and Engineers has been hired by the Hennepin County Board to design a new emergency dispatch center in Plymouth for the county Sheriff's Office.

The proposed 46,000-square-foot building would be built next to the communications tower at the county's adult corrections facility. The board approved a contract with Wold for $302,600. Cost of construction is estimated at $30 million to $40 million.

Sheriff's dispatchers provide services for 23 law enforcement agencies and 19 fire departments. They receive 670,000 calls each year and expect that number to rise nearly five percent annually.

The current 14,400-square-foot dispatch center is in Golden Valley.

Grants and loans will boost selected projects

The Hennepin County Board, meeting as the county's Housing and Redevelopment Authority, recently approved $4 million in grants and loans for nine housing and commercial projects near light-rail stations or bus lines.

The projects are expected to generate $149 million in development.

They were selected for their potential to create jobs and mixed-use development, aid historic preservation work and improve infrastructure. All together, they are expected to result in nearly 500 housing units, 200 of them affordable, and provide nearly 1,000 jobs.

In the north metro area, the awards include:

• A $450,000 loan for West Broadway office/retail building in north Minneapolis to replace a vacant property with a new office and retail building;

• A $400,000 loan for Emerge Career and Technology Center in north Minneapolis, for renovating a library into a technology and workforce center;

• An $800,000 grant for the Corridors of Opportunity nonprofit partnership to promote transit-oriented development.

Stabilization work planned on Crow River

Hennepin County will help the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers stabilize the east bank of the Crow River along County Road 50 in Independence.

The $1.55 million project will begin this fall, with Hennepin County contributing $544,000. Plans are designed to protecting the highway from further erosion. The stream bank is about 18 feet from the edge of the roadway.

METRO

MnDOT warns: No signs in right-of-way

Garage sale season is upon us, and the Minnesota Department of Transportation is urging residents to keep signs and sale items out of the right-of-way along state roads.

Putting signs or items in the right-of-way, including the shoulders, ditches and clear zones near intersections, is a misdemeanor that carries a penalty of up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. MnDOT crews remove such objects immediately and without notice.

Signs for real estate open houses and garage sales, commercial stands and even large bales of hay are violations.

ST. CLOUD

Ballfield is opening for special-needs players

On Saturday, the Miracle League of Central Minnesota -- a nonprofit that gives kids with mental or physical challenges a chance to play baseball -- will open a new field with a playing surface designed for players with special needs.

Former Twins player Al Newman will be on hand for the ceremony, which is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. at Whitney Park, 1529 Northway Drive in St. Cloud.

After the ceremony, about 50 local children with special needs will play a game. Sponsors of the field include Northwestern Mutual and the Metro Lions of St. Cloud.

METRO

Chamber announces entrepreneur awards

Cindy Leines, co-owner of C.E.L. in Plymouth, has been named Entrepreneur of the Year by the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce. Other finalists were George Klauser, CEO of Opportunity Partners in Minnetonka, and Jeff Peterson, president of Total Energy Concepts in New Hope.

Ann Sangpan, co-founder and CFO of Check Engine Express in Minnetonka, was named Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year. Other Emerging Entrepreneur finalists were Gary Aiken, president of Tonka Financial Services in Minnetonka, and Brock Ray, marketing principal of Circadian in Minneapolis.

STAFF REPORTS

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