North news briefs: Independent living for mentally challenged youth

Independent living for mentally challenged youthFamilies and mentors of youth ages 14 to 21 with mental health challenges are invited to a free conference on March 2 on how to help them transition to independent living.

Welcoming Independence and New Growth with Support (WINGS) is hosted by the Anoka County Children and Family Council and Anoka County.

The WINGS conference will be held at Anoka-Ramsey Community College in the Legacy Room (SC270) from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Youth ages 14 to 21 are welcome to attend with their families.

There is no cost to attend, but registration is required. Go to www.anokacounty.us/WINGS or call 763-712-2703.

Police share tips on crime preventionThe Robbinsdale Crime Prevention Association will host a public meeting for residents at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Robbinsdale Police Department, 4101 Hubbard Av. N.

Residents will learn about how to prevent auto theft, hear about the 2012 crime numbers and trends, and have questions answered by Police Chief Steve Smith.

For more information, call the department at 763-531-1220.

Robbinsdale Cooper senior Celisia Stanton and Armstrong senior Claire Peavey and junior Tanner Berris competed in the National Qualifying tournament Jan. 25-27 at Eagan High School.

Stanton faced off against fellow Robbinsdale teammate Andrew Urevig to decide who was going to represent both the district and the state in Lincoln-Douglas debate, and she edged her teammate on a 2-1 decision. Urevig recently became Minnesota State High School League champion in the Lincoln-Douglas debate forum.

Partners Peavey and Berris competed against Chaska High School in the Public Forum debate and won on a 3-0 decision to qualify for nationals.

This will be the first time Robbinsdale Armstrong has qualified contenders to the national tournament and the first for Cooper since 2008.

Nominations accepted for Hill Legacy awardNominations are being accepted for the annual J. Stanley and Doris Hill Legacy Award honoring a volunteer in the White Bear Lake-Mahtomedi community. The deadline for nominations is Feb. 22.

The award recipient will be selected in March and honored at a community reception in May at Century College.