North news briefs

Absentee voting starts for state primary Absentee ballots for the Aug. 10 state primary are now available to Anoka County residents.

For more information about the absentee balloting process, go to www.anokacounty.com/elections or call 763-323-5275.

Household chemicals to be collected in July Residents of Anoka, Hennepin, Ramsey, Carver, Dakota and Washington counties can drop off unwanted materials at Ben Franklin Road and Hwy. 96 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Fridays and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays during July.

Some of the accepted materials include paint, oil cleaner, pesticides and propane tanks, and there's much more. Further information and a complete listing is available on the Ramsey County Public Health website, at www.tinyurl.com/d245as, or by calling 651-633-3279.

Night to Unite registration is open This year's neighborhood gatherings are scheduled for Aug. 3. Preregistration is encouraged, at www. ci.blaine.mn.us. For more information, visit the website or call Crime Prevention Specialist Kim Kiley at 763-785-6186.

City recommends two tree contractors For property owners who want to treat their ash trees for emerald ash borer, the city is recommending two contractors that met its criteria: Ostvig Tree Inc., of Wayzata, 952-473-0534 or www.ostvigtree.com; and St. Croix Tree Service, of Roberts, Wis., 651-770-3744 or www.stcroixtreeservice.com.

A chance to RAVE in a good way New Hope is accepting nominations for its RAVE! Award program, which recognizes residential property owners who show exceptional pride in their homes.

The deadline for nominations is today.

Winners will get an engraved paver and will be recognized at a City Council meeting and in the city's In Touch newsletter. They also will have their names engraved on a plaque at City Hall.

For more information or to get a nomination form, call 763-531-5196 or go to www.ci .new-hope.mn.us.

Police chief resigns to head youth camp Spring Lake Park Police Chief David Thoth, who's worked for the city for 30 years, is leaving to become executive director of Big Sandy Camp and Retreat Center in McGregor, Minn.

Big Sandy is a Christian residential youth camp.

This summer, the outdoor repertory theater will present "A Midsummer Night's Dream," "Romeo and Juliet" and "Measure for Measure."

Performances will be at Century's Outdoor Theatre Complex on the West Campus, 3300 Century Av. N., White Bear Lake.

The dates:

•"A Midsummer Night's Dream" -- Saturday, July 16 and 24 and Aug 1.

•"Romeo and Juliet" -- July 2, 4, 10, 18, 23 and 31.

Tickets are $10-12, and free for children under 12. Friday and Saturday performances will be at 7 p.m. and Sunday shows at 6 p.m. For more information, call 651-779-5818 or visit www.shakespeareand company.org.

Board seeks members for advisory council The Robbinsdale School District is seeking applicants for its Financial Advisory Council.

Created in 2008, the council provides financial advice and support to the school board and senior administrators.

It is responsible for evaluating the district's economic status and it helps in formulating future budgets.

The council meets at least four times a year, and is made up of six community members, the school board treasurer, the district's executive director of business services and Superintendent Aldo Sicoli.

Applicants should have a strong background in finance, economics or accounting, and have experience in business and financial matters. For more information, contact Lonnie Smith, executive director of business services, at Lonnie_Smith@rdale.org or at 763-504-8037.

Application deadline is July 30. Council members will be appointed by the school board in August.

Osseo schools provide immunization clinics Osseo schools, in cooperation with the Northwest Hennepin Family Services Collaborative, will offer area residents two immunization clinics later this summer.

They will be held:

• 9:30 to 11 a.m. Aug. 25 in the nurse's office at Brooklyn Junior High, 7377 Noble Av. N., Brooklyn Park;

Appointments are not necessary, and the clinics are open to all Osseo district students. Students should be accompanied by parents or guardians, and should bring their current immunization records with them.

For more information, contact Julie Bocock at 763-391-7126, or Julie Stein at 763-585-7361.