TOWN SQUARE; BRIEFLY.(NEWS)

Byline: FROM STAFF REPORTS

ANOKA COUNTY

Two compost sites open for season

Anoka County's two compost sites have opened. They are in Bunker Hills Regional Park in Coon Rapids, and Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park in Lino Lakes. There is a $4-per-vehicle fee for up to 4 cubic yards of yard waste, plus 50 cents per cubic yard for any waste beyond that. Proof of residency is required, and all yard waste must be de-bagged.

For more information, call the Bunker Hills Compost Site, 13285 Hanson Blvd., Coon Rapids, at 763-767-7964, and the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Compost Site, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes, at 651-429-3723. For general information, call the Anoka County Integrated Waste Management Department at 763-323-5730 or visit www.anokacounty.us/yardwaste.

County urges testing of private well water

The 12th annual Well Water Wise promotion, sponsored by the Anoka County Community Health and Environmental Services Department, is set for May 2-6. It's intended to encourage residents to check the safety of their private well water.

County residents may pick up a well-water test kit at the county Environmental Services Unit, Suite 360, in the Anoka County Government Center, 2100 3rd Av., Anoka. Kits also are available at the Linwood Township Hall and at city halls in Andover, Bethel, Blaine, Centerville, Columbus, East Bethel, Ham Lake, Lino Lakes, Lexington, Nowthen, Oak Grove, Ramsey and St. Francis.

Water samples can be submitted to the Environmental Services Unit for analysis every Monday from 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. and Tuesday from 8 a.m. to noon. During Well Water Wise week, samples can be submitted Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. and Friday before noon. A lab fee of $30 will be charged for bacteria and nitrate/nitrogen analysis.

For more information about well-water testing, call the Environmental Services Unit at 763-422-7063.

Brooklyn park

Mayoral candidate forum is this month

The North Hennepin Area Chamber and the League of Women Voters are joining to sponsor a candidate forum from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday in the Brooklyn Park City Council Chambers, 5200 85th Av. N., Brooklyn Park. Election Day is April 30.

Brooklyn Park Lions host annual smelt fry

Billed as the "World's Largest Smelt Fry," this year's event will be 5-8 p.m. April 20-22 at the Brooklyn Park National Guard Armory, 5500 85th Av. N., Brooklyn Park. Tickets are $10 at the door or $9 in advance and may be purchased at the Community Activity Center office or from any Brooklyn Park Lions member. Tickets for kids 12 and younger are $5.

COLUMBIA HEIGHTS

Heights Idol, Round 1

The first round of this year's "Heights Idol" competition is set for May 18 at Murzyn Hall, and local talent of all ages is invited to take part.

For more information, call Liz at 763-706-3733.

Round 2 will be held during the Heights Jamboree City Celebration on June 25.

FRIDLEY

Springbrook offering spring, summer events

Springbrook Nature Center will hold a "Spring Fling" from noon to 4 p.m. April 23. It'll include costumed characters, a petting zoo and games.

Tickets are $6 per person and can be bought in advance by calling 763-572-3588. For more information, visit www. springbrooknaturecenter.org.

Springbrook also is accepting registrations for Summer Nature/Science Camps. To find out more, go to the website, click on the Education tab and scroll down to Nature Camps. To register, call 763-572-3588.

LINO LAKES

Faith Forum to take up Internet safety, bullying

The Compassion Action Network (CAN) will hold its Spring Faith Forum on April 28, focusing on Internet safety and on bullying. The event will be from 5:30 to 9:15 p.m. at St. Joseph of the Lakes Catholic Church in Lino Lakes.

The program is geared to young people age 12 to 18 as well as parents, teachers, youth leaders, pastors and other professionals who work with youth.

The cost is $10 for 12- to 18-year-olds, $20 for adults who preregister, and $25 for adults at the door. The cost covers dinner and two general sessions.

To register, go to www.compassionnet-mn.com/registration_form.php, download a form and return it with payment to CAN.

NEW HOPE

Police chief retires after 37 years

New Hope Police Chief Gary Link's retirement is effective next week. He will be replaced temporarily by recently retired Capt. Dave Rudolph.

A new chief will be hired after an internal search. The city hopes to have its new chief in place by late May.

STAFF REPORTS