North news briefs

New exhibit on WWI to open in Anoka "Safe for Democracy," an exhibit about World War I, will open later this month at the Anoka County History Center and Library.

An unveiling celebration is scheduled for 7 p.m. May 18, with no charge to view the museum that night.

Visitors will be able to walk through a muddy trench like those that troops lived and fought in and learn more about subjects ranging from the Spanish flu to the use of barbed wire.

Anoka County's contributions and sacrifices, including the names of soldiers who gave their lives in 1917 and 1918, will be featured.

The history center is located at 2135 3rd Av. N., Anoka. For more information, go to www.ac-hs.org.

Open house planned at senior housing site Realife Cooperative of Coon Rapids, a housing community for seniors, will hold an open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 20.

Realife is located at 1555 Main St., Coon Rapids.

A 90-minute session for 6- to 9-year-olds will run from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. A second session for 10- to 16-year-olds will run from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

The clinics will deal with hitting, fielding and throwing, and parents are encouraged to participate with their kids.

For more information, go to www.newbrightonmn.gov or call 651-638-2130.

Chamber seeking 50 new members The Anoka Area Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a membership drive May 10-13.

Three teams of volunteers will be visiting businesses, with a goal of adding 50 new members.

Council member Garry Grimes resigns Crystal City Council Member Garry Grimes has submitted his resignation after 21 years of representing Ward 4.

Grimes resigned for health reasons and to spend more time with his family and grandchildren, said City Clerk Janet Lewis.

The City Council this week was discussing options for filling the vacancy. Grimes' term runs through Dec. 31, 2012.

Sheriff's office open house is May 13 The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office is hosting an open house on May 13 at its Patrol Division headquarters in Brooklyn Park, and will feature a display on the dangers of texting while driving.

The event, scheduled for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 9401 83rd Av. N., also will feature a fingerprinting booth, a bomb-sniffing dog, water patrol dive team demonstrations and other exhibits.

Volunteers must be at least 16 years old, but no construction experience is required. Volunteers also are needed to help cook lunch for the other volunteers.

To help out or to get more information, contact Mary Ellen Jaspers at 612-305-7117 or maryellen.jaspers@tchabitat .org.

Bike rodeo on track for this evening Kids can get a bike safety check and test their biking skills on an obstacle course tonight at the Golden Valley City Center, 7800 Golden Valley Road.

The free bike rodeo, which will run from 6 to 8 p.m., is sponsored by New Hope, Crystal, Golden Valley and the West Metro Fire Rescue District.

No registration is necessary. For more information, call 763-531-5151.