A Blaine High School freshman was recently honored for an essay about Native American religious rights.

Ann Jerry was named a national finalist and earned an honorable mention award in this year's First Freedom Student Competition, which involved 1,842 high school students from around the world, according to the Anoka-Hennepin School District.

Local officials will celebrate the reopening of the new picnic shelter and redeveloped Turtle Lake County Park, 4979 Hodgson Rd. in Shoreview, at a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 19 at 5 p.m.

The park redevelopment project included construction of a new picnic shelter and beach building, installation of wood chips at the playground, and turf restoration.

The Mounds View Community Theatre is celebrating its 30th season with the regional premiere of “Les Miserables.”

The show is the world’s longest-running musical and tells the story of ex-convict Jean Valjean and his experience of redemption.

The show runs from July 12-28 at Irondale Theater, located at 2425 Long Lake Rd. in New Brighton.