ANOKA COUNTY

Two programs deal with Civil War, WWI

Photographer Doug Ohman will give a presentation at 7 p.m. Thursday about his project on Civil War monuments. The event will take place at the Chomonix Golf Course clubhouse, 700 Aqua Lane, Lino Lakes. Ohman will talk about his work in looking for monuments in libraries, city parks, cemeteries and elsewhere.

The program is part of the Anoka County Historical Society's Civil War Series. For further information, call 763-421-0600 or go to www.anoka countyhistory.org

On Saturday, the Historical Society will present "Safe for Democracy," looking at daily life in Anoka County during World War I. The program will begin at 2 p.m. at the Northtown Library, 711 County Rd.10 NE in Blaine.

For further information, call 763-717-3267 or go to www.anokacountyhistory.org.

Valentine's night ski and snowshoe event

The Anoka County Parks Department is hosting a "Valentines Ski by the Light of the Moon." Adults can register for the event, which runs from 6-9 p.m. on Feb. 14 at Chomonix Golf Course in Lino Lakes. A full moon that night provides an opportunity to cross-country ski or snowshoe; that will be a simple Valentine's dinner and dessert. Cost is $20 a person plus tax. Pre-registration is required. Go to www.anoka countyparks.com/programs.

FRIDLEY

Northeast Orchestra will perform Sunday

The Northeast Orchestra will present "Winter Dreams" at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 9, at the Church of St. William in Fridley. Admission is free; contributions are welcome. The church is located north of Interstate 694 at 6120 5th St. NE., just east of University Avenue. For further information, go to www.neorch.org

Residents asked to 'Adopt-a-Hydrant'

The Fridley Fire Department is encouraging residents and businesses to "adopt" a nearby fire hydrant and keep snow shoveled away from it. The program is informal; participants are asked to clear a path about 3 feet around a hydrant and shovel a path to it from the street or road. The city notes that this will help the Fire Department to locate hydrants quickly.

COON RAPIDS

Applications accepted for Citizen's Academy

Coon Rapids is accepting applications for the 2014 Citizen's Academy.

Residents will learn about the city's police and fire departments and take a tour of the cable TV studio in the seven-week class.

Classes will run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Mondays from March 3 through April 14. Apply online registration at www.ci.coon-rapids.mn.us/citizenacademy/index.htm.

The application deadline is 4:30 p.m. Feb. 14. The academy is limited to 20 participants. Contact Cathy Sorensen with questions at 763-767-6493 or csorensen@coonrapidsmn.gov.

Police Dept. looks to add another K-9

The Coon Rapids Crime Prevention Association is raising money to buy a second K-9 for the Police Department.

The goal is to raise $20,000 to pay for the dog, training and other related expenses.

The department currently has one canine, which is used for police activities and investigations. To learn more or donate, go to www.ci.coon-rap ids.mn.us/police/newk9.htm.

Spring Lake PArk

Feb. 15: parent-child sweetheart dance

Families are invited to attend a parent-child sweetheart dance from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Feb. 15 at Spring Lake Park High School. The Spring Lake Park Recreation Department, Community Education and Spring Lake Park Lions Club are teaming up to host the event. Cost is $7 a pair. To register, call 763-792-7201.

St. Francis

Police Department sets up crime tip line

The St. Francis Police Department has started a new anonymous "Crime Tip Line."

This service will allow residents to call and report ongoing or suspicious criminal activity within the city. The tip line number is 763-267-6199.

Residents often hesitate to report possible criminal activity out of fear of retaliation, according to police. The line will allow callers to remain anonymous and leave messages.

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