North news briefs: Andover citywide recycling day is April 28

Citywide recycling day is April 28The city will hold its spring recycling day from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, April 28, at the Andover Public Works site, 1785 Crosstown Blvd. NW.

In addition to regular recyclables, the following items will be accepted at no charge: antifreeze (no oil mixed in); batteries (lead acid and rechargeable); bicycles (any condition; they're repaired and given away); scrap metal (metal only); usable household items (no junk or items needing repair); used eyeglasses (collected for an ongoing Andover Lions project).

Items for which a fee will be charged include: appliances, carpeting, car seats, electronics and tires.

Fees also will be charged for fluorescent lamps, although Andover residents, but not businesses, may recycle up to five per household for free. Don't tape them together because they may break.

No garbage or household hazardous wastes will be accepted. For further information, call 763-767-5175.

Anoka also to hold recycling dayAnoka's spring drop-off recycling day will take place from 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 28, at the city's Public Works Facility, 501 Pierce St.

Among the items accepted free will be refrigerators and freezers (no gas units); bicycles (any condition); cardboard and single-sort materials; ink cartridges, eyeglasses, hearing aids, cellphones; paper shreddings; scrap metal (all non-metal parts and fluids must be removed); lead-acid auto batteries; household goods and clothing in good and salable condition (bedding, books, clothing, kitchen items, small appliances and the like); computer speakers (pairs), keyboards, home phones; computer towers; notebook computers; wires, cords and cables.

For more information, call 763-576-2725 by noon April 27.

Clothing exhibit at history centerA new exhibit -- "Clothing the County: Fashion for Every Occasion" -- will open at 7 p.m. May 1 at the Anoka County History Center and Library, 2135 3rd Av. N. in Anoka.

The exhibit will look at the history of fashion and will feature dresses, gowns, uniforms and more. On opening night, models dressed in period clothing will discuss fashion trends for women in earlier times.

The center is open Tuesdays from 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Wednesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Admission will be free on opening night, as well as on the first Tuesday of every month. Admission on other occasions is $3 for adults and $2 for children ages 6-17. Reduced prices also are available for groups of 15 or more.

April 28 Pet Walk will aid K-9 unitsThe Blaine Public Safety Association will hold its second annual Pet Walk on Saturday, April 28, to benefit public safety canine teams.

The event will take place from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Lake Commons Park. The cost is $25 for the first pet and $15 for a second.

To register or get more information, go to www.blaine psa.org/events_2012_pet_walk_reg.html or call 763-780-5708.

Event encourages cultural appreciationA Cultural Awareness evening will explore the city's Hmong, Latino and Liberian communities. Residents will share stories about their unique cultures and dinner will be served.

The free event is set for 6-9 p.m. Thursday at North Hennepin Community College's Center for Business and Technology, 7411 85th Av. N. Reservations are requested at bpdiversitycommittee@gmail.com or 612-819-1662.

The second of two events is set for 3:30-5:30 p.m. Monday at Champlin Park High School, 6025 109th Av. N.

Bauer memorial race will be run May 5Registration is open for the Randy Bauer Memorial 5K Run/Walk, held in memory of the Crossroads Alternative High School science teacher who died of cancer in 2007. Proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society to fund cancer research and provide science-related experiences for students at Crossroads.

The run will follow a loop from the school and through Coon Rapids Regional Dam Park. Registration is $25 until May 3, and $30 on the day of the race. Participation is $15 for current and former Crossroads students. For information or to register, visit www.randybauer5k.org.

Property tax auctions planned by countyPublic auctions for tax-forfeited vacant lots and buildings will be held April 27 and May 4 in the A Level Auditorium of the Hennepin County Government Center, 300 S. 6th St. in downtown Minneapolis.

Open houses on many properties are going on through April 25. More information is available at www.hennepin.us/tflauctions.

The cooperative for independent seniors 55 and older is located at 12 6th St. NE. in Osseo.

For more information, call 763-424-9056.

Minnetonka Crappie Contest is SaturdayThe Minnetonka Crappie Contest is set for Saturday, sponsored by Lions Clubs from the Lake Minnetonka area.

Registration is $5. Online registration will close at midnight on Friday, but fishermen also may register and purchase tickets from Lions Club members on Saturday morning at boat ramps around Lake Minnetonka.

Weigh-in will take place at 1 p.m. on the deck of Maynard's lakeside restaurant in Excelsior.

Raffle prizes also will be given away in a drawing beginning at 1:30 p.m. Raffle tickets, which are $5, must be purchased separately. Prizes include a boat/motor/trailer package, plus other fishing and boating equipment and gift cards.

For details or to register, go to www.MNLakeParty.com.