North metro town briefs

Casino gives away brand-new house Hain Ho of Brooklyn Park hit a different kind of jackpot at Mystic Lake Casino last week: a new, fully furnished house in Prior Lake valued at more than $600,000.

The 47-year-old was among 25 casino guests who qualified for a chance to win the three-bedroom, 2 1/2-bath house as part of the casino's Welcome Home Giveaway promotion. He chose the correct key to unlock the door to the grand prize.

"I was not expecting to actually win. This is amazing," Ho said. "The first thing I am going to do is throw a big party."

Trail named to honor park board member The city of Blaine recently renamed the trail at Kane Meadows Park to honor former park board member John Henry Graham, who died in 2004.

The City Council agreed to name city trails after a recommendation from the National Resource Conservation Board. The city plans to continue to name trails in honor of notable Blaine residents.

Website highlights north-metro commerce Visit Minneapolis North has created a new online destination for the north metro area. The website, which debuted in early June, was recently updated to include features such as a travel reservation system, a restaurant and dining guide, and a search function for event, meeting and sports facilities. Visit Minneapolis North promotes businesses, shopping and events in Anoka, Arden Hills, Blaine, Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Coon Rapids, Fridley, Ham Lake, Maple Grove, Mounds View and Shoreview.

The website is www.visit minneapolisnorth.com.

Amphitheater backers must alter their plan The Windego Park Society will continue working on plans for restoration of the downtown amphitheater, even though the City Council turned down the site plan two weeks ago. Windego Park Society President Erik Skogquist said the society will adjust and resubmit the plan.

At the June 16 council meeting, members denied the plan because of concerns about accessibility for handicapped people, traffic along Hwy. 169 (Ferry Street) and safety on the pedestrian bridge that connects to Riverside Park. Mayor Bjorn Skogquist abstained from voting because of questions raised about his involvement with the Windego Park Society.

The amphitheater restoration plan was approved by the council in 2006. The city also entered into a 25-year lease in 2006, but under the agreement, the construction deadline is 2010.

Wanted: Election judges for the fall The city of Shoreview is looking for more volunteers to serve as election judges for the fall elections. For information, contact Tessia Melvin at 651-490-4613.

County offers compost bins at discount price Anoka County residents can purchase compost bins for $30 plus tax. To pick up a compost bin, go to the Andover Public Works building, the Coon Rapids Recycling Center, Devon's Gardens in Anoka, Holtz Garden Center and Floral in Ham Lake, Mickman Brothers Nursery in Ham Lake, or Rock Gardens in Lino Lakes.

For more information, visit www.anokacounty.us/yard waste or call Anoka County Integrated Waste Management at 763-323-5730.