North news briefs: Limits are in effect for watering lawns in Anoka, Coon Rapids

Limits are in effect for watering lawnsThe city of Anoka says it will enforce restrictions on watering lawns this summer.

Rules took effect June 1 and restrict watering to residences on the odd-numbered side of the street on odd-numbered days and to residences on the even-numbered side of the street on even-numbered days.

The city advised residents to avoid watering during the hottest part of the day, considered to be 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., to avoid water loss from evaporation.

Watering restrictions continue through Aug. 31.

Coon Rapids also has watering restrictions in effect through Aug. 31, using the same system as Anoka: Residents on the odd-numbered side of the street may water on odd-numbered days and residents on the even-numbered side can water on even-numbered days.

Restrictions took effect June 1. The city said further restrictions could be enforced in the event of drought.

Citizens' Police Academy applicationsThe city is accepting applications for the 2012 Police Citizens Academy.

Applicants must be city residents or have a significant business or employment connection to the city.

Applications are due by Aug. 10.

The 10-week academy begins the evening of Sept. 12. For further information, go to www.startribune.com/a1361.

Breakfast to aid Bridgeview is ThursdayA breakfast and fundraiser for Bridgeview, a drop-in center in Spring Lake Park for adults living with serious and persistent mental illness, will be held from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Thursday at Murzyn Hall in Columbia Heights.

The event, called "Minding the Body, Healing the Mind," will feature Dr. Anil Sipahimalani, medical director at Cigna Behavioral Health, as well as Diedrich Weiss, a musician and mental health advocate.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Further information is available at www.startribune.com/a1358. Tickets also can be ordered there.

Murzyn Hall is located at 530 Mill St., Columbia Heights.

5K run on Saturday will aid Fisher HouseA 5K run and walk will be held Saturday at the new VA Outpatient Clinic in Ramsey, with proceeds going to help the Fisher House near the Minneapolis VA Hospital. The run/walk, sponsored by the Minnesota state Daughters of the American Revolution, will begin at 8 a.m. at the clinic, 7545 Veterans Dr., Ramsey.

Pre-registration costs $25; race-day registration is $30. Register online at www.active.com.

The Fisher House is a place where patients and family members can stay while their veteran is receiving major medical care. It is one of 56 in the United States and Germany, offered by a private-public partnership. Further information on the program is available at www.fisherhouse.org.