North town briefs: Anoka opts against organized trash collection

Entries are now being accepted for this year's photo contest sponsored by the Coon Rapids Arts Commission. The contest is for amateur photographers, and the theme this year is "Water!" — photos with water as their theme will be considered.

Photos must be taken in Coon Rapids, in 2013 or later, and cannot be previously published or entered in other contests. Entries can be in color or black and white and can be from any season. Not accepted: slides, photocopies, or framed/mounted/matted prints.

Photos can be entered online or physically by mail. The deadline is Sept. 14. For an entry form or further details, including more about rules, go to www.ci.coon-rapids.mn.us/ and click on "Enter Photo Contest," or call 763-767-6432.

The Anoka City Council decided recently not to pursue organized trash collection but plans to limit the number of hauling licenses it issues each year. The city currently has an open system with seven haulers.

Anoka had studied a switch to an organized system, in part because of concerns over street damage from having multiple haulers operating. Under an organized system, a single hauler serves the city or single haulers serve designated areas, with a uniform rate charged. Opponents of that approach say it takes away choice.

The city collected comments from residents and others, and those, along with an open forum in late April, showed a mix response. The decision to stick with an open system but look at limiting licenses was made at a May 26 council meeting.

The Anoka County WorkForce Center has recently started hosting On-Site Hiring Events the first three Wednesdays of each month from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The events, similar to a mini-job fair, host up to eight employers who connect with potential candidates for current or future job openings, says a news release from the county. They're held at the WorkForce Center in Blaine, 1201 89th Av.

• In Coon Rapids, this week's "Thursday Nights LIVE!" features the Jumpin' Jehosafats (Dixieland/gospel/jazz) at 7 p.m. at Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, 9750 Egret Blvd. Concerts will be held at the park each Thursday, except July 2, through Aug. 6. For more: www.coonrapidsmn.gov

• In Ramsey, Roadhouse Blue, a variety/classic country/rock band, kicks off a weekly summer event series, the Draw, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at 7401 E. Ramsey Pkwy. The Draw will be held each Thursday through Aug. 27. For more, go to www.cityoframsey.com/thedraw-summerevent

• In Minneapolis, "Live on the Drive" returns to Victory Memorial Drive at 34th Avenue N., with jazz vocalist Debbie Duncan and her band performing from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday. This is a monthly series, with future concerts scheduled for Thursday, July 9 (hip-hop artist Toki Wright), and Aug. 13 (guitarist Javier Trejo). Each concert will be followed by a movie, starting with "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" this week. For more: liveonthedrive.org or 612-588-1155.

A weekend of activities is set for June 20-21 at the Crystal Airport, 5800 Crystal Airport Road A kickoff party, featuring a spaghetti dinner followed by live music, is scheduled for 5-11 p.m. Saturday, June 20, at Hangar 60. Tickets are $15 at the door. On Sunday, June 21, activities will run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., including a pancake breakfast from 8 til noon. At 11 a.m., there will be a memorial ceremony and "missing man" formation flyover. There will also be displays of aircraft and vehicles, along with airplane and helicopter rides.

For more information, e-mail julie.deshler@crystalmn.gov or call 612-306-5808.

The city noted a study from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency affirming that lakes and streams across the state were contaminated by medicines used to treat high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and depression, among other things.

The University of Minnesota prostate cancer support group will meet Thursday, June 11, from 6-8 p.m. at Hope Lodge, 2500 University Av. SE, Minneapolis. This session will be an open discussion at which participants can discuss their experiences with prostate cancer to help each other learn, provide support and connect as a community. Family and friends are welcome. There is no charge, and free parking is available behind the Lodge or on adjacent streets. For more, call 612-388-3588.

Current and former students, families and community members are invited to the Robbinsdale school district's Pathways to Career fair on Thursday, June 11. The event is free and will run from noon to 7 p.m. at Cooper High School, 8230 47th Av. N., New Hope.

The district says it's a chance "to explore numerous career pathways and learn more about various postsecondary options available to further an education or advance in a career." In addition, "there will be immediate employment opportunities with local business partners such as Hy-Vee, located in New Hope."

Local community and technical colleges will provide information, and staff will be available to help families fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Summit Academy OIC, a nonprofit vocational and educational training center, will also be on hand, holding hourly information sessions. To register for one of those, call Mechelle Allen at 763-504-8027.