Local briefs Trail to be closed temporarily between Brainerd, Pine River Segments of the Paul Bunyan State Trail between Brainerd and Pine River will be closed temporarily between Wednesday and Oct. 22, according to the DNR.

The first phase of the project consists of spot repairs in the following locations:

From the Baxter parking lot trail entrance to Beaver Dam Road (two miles).

From Smith Road to North Long Lake Road (three-and-a-half miles).

From CSAH 13 (Lake Hubert Road) to Clark Lake Road (one mile).

The second phase of the project involves resurfacing a four-mile stretch from Rosewood Lane, just south of Jenkins to CSAH 115, two miles south of Pine River.

There is no short, safe, bike-friendly way around the project, so no detour route has been designated.

For more information, call the DNR Parks and Trails office in Brainerd at 833-8710 or the DNR Information Center at (651) 296-6157 or toll-free at (888) 646-6367 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Deep Portage fall programs scheduled

The Deep Portage Learning Center and Conservation Reserve near Hackensack has announced its schedule of fall Saturday programs:

Sept. 25 and Oct. 9, tower hike, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Cost is $5.

Oct. 16, orienteering with map and compass, 1 p.m., $5.

Oct. 23, rifle sighting, 1-3 p.m., free.

Oct. 29 (Friday), Bill Staines concert and dinner, 5:30 p.m. dinner and 7 p.m. show; $12 adults, $8 seniors and children. Reservations required.

Nov. 13 and 20, climbing wall, 1 p.m., 8 years and up, $10 per climber.

Dec. 4, snowshoe weaving workshop, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (lunch provided), $140 per snowshoe set ($7 lunch only).

Also, Deep Portage is seeking black ink drawings of wild animals, fish and birds that are native to the north-central Minnesota area. The winning artist's drawing will be featured on Deep Portage's 2011 critter art mugs. Send drawings to Deep Portage Learning Center, 2197 Nature Center Drive N.W., Hackensack, MN 56452. Deadline for submissions is Oct. 1.

For reservations or more information on Deep Portage's programs, call (218) 682-2325 or go to www.deep-portage.org. Deep Portage is located 10 miles east of Hackensack, off County Road 46.

Mississippi Headwaters Board meeting Sept. 27

The Mississippi Headwaters Board's monthly meeting is scheduled from 9 a.m. to about noon Sept. 27 at the Cass County Courthouse conference room, 303 Minnesota Ave. W., Walker.

The meeting is usually the third Friday of each month, but due to scheduling conflicts, has been changed for September.

The Public is invited to attend anytime during the morning. However, an open forum period is scheduled immediately following the regular meeting.

The Mississippi Headwaters Board meets to review and certify zoning activities and to discuss land use and water quality issues in the Mississippi Headwaters.

To receive a copy of the agenda or minutes from/for any of the meetings or for zoning questions or concerns for possible addition to the agenda, call the MHB office at (218) 947-7524 or your local planning and zoning administrator.

Mille Lacs Challenge scheduled over weekend

The Mille Lacs Challenge windsurfing and kiting competition - formerly the Crossing - is scheduled Friday through Sunday at Garrison Beach on Lake Mille Lacs in Garrison.

Cost is $45 in advance or $75 for participants (kiters/windsurfers), $30 in advance or $35 for guests/non-racers and $30 in advance and $50 for the race only. Cost includes the welcome party, a long-sleeve T-shirt, lunch and banquet and the awards party. The race only covers only on-the-water activities.

For more information, call Michael Fox at (612) 508-8083 or go to http://fleet8.com.

Upper Midwest Alpacas Farm Tour in Backus

The seventh annual Upper Midwest Alpacas Farm Tour is scheduled Sept. 25-26 at alpaca farms across the Upper Midwest, including Foothills Alpaca Farm, 190 68th Ave. S.W., Backus.

This is an opportunity for the public to visit local alpaca farms and to learn more about the animals and how they support an eco-friendly lifestyle.

In addition to educational sessions, many farms will be selling alpaca-related products. Visit www.ExploreAlpacas.com for a farm and event schedule near you.

For more information, go to UppermidwestAlpacas.com and click on "Farm Tour" and go to "View Details" on Foothills Alpaca Farm.

Sibling class planned

STAPLES - The relationship between siblings is one that lasts a lifetime and preparing children for the birth of a new baby is an important beginning.

Parents and children of all ages are welcome to attend a free sibling class sponsored by Lakewood Health System from 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Lakewood Health System's Main Campus.

Children will have the opportunity to prepare for the new baby by practicing sibling-related activities. Each child will learn how to handle and play with the newborn and how to assist mom and dad with the baby's cares. Parents and children also will tour the labor and delivery room and nursery at Lakewood Health System.

For more information or to register, contact Gayle Christenson at (218) 894-8623.

Free feeding options class

STAPLES - Expecting mothers and coaches are welcome to attend a free feeding options class sponsored by Lakewood Health System from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Monday at Lakewood Health System's Main Campus.

Topics discussed at the feeding options class include the basics about breastfeeding and bottle feeding and helping parents make an informed decision on how to decide what's right for their family.

Register by calling Gayle Christenson at (218) 894-8623.