Anoka-Hennepin

District holds kindergarten events

The Anoka-Hennepin School District will host 2014-15 kindergarten registration at each of its 24 elementary schools this month and next.

Families should receive a registration packet in the mail before their school event. Parents who don't receive a packet should call the district's information systems department at 763-506-1030.

The district will be offering all-day kindergarten free of charge to all families starting in the fall of 2014.

For more information, go to www.anoka.k12.mn.us.

Anoka County

Senior expo features food, healthy living tips

Anoka County's 16th annual senior expo will be held April 5 and will include a free pancake breakfast, blood pressure checks, mini massages and entertainment.

The event runs from 9 a.m. to noon at Lord of Life Church, 14501 Nowthen Blvd., Ramsey.

"The Expo is a great resource for families," said County Board Chairwoman Rhonda Sivarajah. "We encourage seniors and their families to take advantage of this one-stop shop for information about healthy activities and options, protection against fraud and abuse, and opportunities in the community."

The expo also helps connect seniors and their families with community resources and organizations. The event is sponsored by the Elder/Vulnerable Adult Action Team, a subcommittee of the Alliance for a Violence Free Anoka County and Anoka County Human Services.

Program explores role of 'Civil War Women'

Stories of Minnesota women during the Civil War will be the subject of an Anoka County Historical Society program Thursday, March 6, at the Chomonix Golf Course clubhouse in Lino Lakes. The 7 p.m. event is part of the Historical Society's Civil War series.

The clubhouse is at 700 Aqua Lane, Lino Lakes. For details, call 763-421-0600 or go to anokacountyhistory.org.

Blaine

City will hold triathlon in May

Blaine will host its third annual Triathlon starting on May 17.

The three-part race includes a 0.3-mile swim, 16.7-mile bike ride and 3.5-mile run. Individuals and two- and three-person relay teams may race.

Individual registration is $90 plus a processing fee. Relay team registration is $125 plus a processing fee.

The registration fee includes a dry fit performance shirt, swim cap and refreshments after the race. All finishers will receive an official race medal.

For more information go to www.blainetriathlon.com.

columbia heights

'Springbrook Spree' will aid nature center

Tickets for Springbrook Nature Center's annual fundraising dinner and auction are now on sale.

The 2014 Springbrook Spree will start at 5:30 p.m. on ­Saturday, March 15, at Murzyn Hall, 530 Mill St., Columbia Heights.

The event includes a buffet dinner and cash bar, silent and live auctions and guest speaker Darby Nelson, an aquatic biologist and author of the book "For the Love of Lakes."

The cost is $40 for the first ticket, and $35 for each additional ticket up to a total of eight.

Tickets may be purchased by calling 612-226-1638, at the Nature Center or through the website at http://springbrooknaturecenter.org.

New Hope

Council OKs plans for apartment building

The New Hope City Council approved plans for construction of a 68-unit apartment building at 6113 W. Broadway.

The developer, Ron Clark Construction and Design, will break ground this spring.

Compass Pointe will be a four-story apartment building valued at $13 million, according to the city. It will include heated underground parking, a community room, workout facilities, a tot lot, basketball half-court and an outdoor grilling area.

Nowthen

Lions Club to host two fish fry events

The Nowthen Lions Club will host its annual fish fry events March 7 and April 4.

The meal will take place from 5 to 7:30 p.m. both nights at the Nowthen Alliance Church dining room, 19653 Nowthen Blvd. NW.

The menu includes breaded Alaskan pollock, red potatoes, green beans, coleslaw, bread and cookies.

Donations will be used for community service projects. For more information, e-mail nowthenlions@yahoo.com.

Ramsey

Fast-food chain buys into COR

The city of Ramsey has closed on the sale of a parcel of land for a new McDonald's in the COR mixed-use development, formerly Ramsey Town Center. The land is at the southeast corner of Sunwood Drive and Armstrong Boulevard.

The city's Housing and Redevelopment Authority finalized the sale on Feb. 26 to McDonald's USA, which paid $470,000 for the 1-acre lot. Construction could start this spring and will take about four months, according to city documents.

Spring Lake PARK

Upcycle event nets schools $4,100

Spring Lake Park Schools' "Upcycle Fest" has raised $4,100.

The money goes to the school district and the Panther Fund. In November, the school collected consumer electronics with no recycling charge, including televisions, computers, monitors, printers, VCRs and cellphones, for recycling and upcycling.

The district partnered with Causes International for the project. More than 32,000 pounds of electronics were turned in during the event.

St. Anthony

Reserve-officer applications accepted

The St. Anthony Police Department is accepting applications for police reserve officers. Those interested should file an application with the department. It is a volunteer position. Reserve officers assist at the city's annual celebration, Village Fest. They also help with parking, community events, crime prevention activities and other special events. Applications can be found at www.ci. saint-anthony.mn.us.

Staff reports