During the Oct. 16-17 Education Minnesota Professional Conference, formerly known as MEA, school’s out for kids across the state.

Tobacco Free Youth of Meeker, McLeod and Sibley counties is offering its Friday afternoon MEA BASH for fun-seeking sixth- through 12th-graders. It runs 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, at Glencoe-Silver Lake High School’s Panther Field House, 1825 16th St. E., Glencoe.

MEA BASH activities will include open gym, organized dodge ball, open swim and a “dive-in” movie. County health educator Jean Johnson reports there will also be “cool door prizes and awesome food.” Free shuttle service will be available from McLeod West School in Brownton, Hutchinson High School’s main entrance, and Lester Prairie High School’s east side.

Admission is free, but Johnson asks attendees to register in advance. Registration forms are available online at www.tfycrew.com [1]. Completed forms can be e-mailed to jean.t.johnson@co.mcleod.mn.us [2], or mailed to 1805 Ford Ave. N., Suite 200, Glencoe, MN, 55336. For more details, call Johnson at (320) 864-1440.

(Jorge Sosa is a staff writer for the Hutchinson Leader. He can be reached at sosa@hutchinsonleader.com [4])