Community Focus

Nisswa Elementary Principle Molly Raske and Interim Superintendent Peter Grant join to discuss end-of-the-school-year happenings across the district, from high school graduation to the tradition of graduating seniors revisiting their elementary schools one last time. Raske also shares the story of being surprised with the recent Heart of Nisswa honor, while Grant reflects on his past two years ser...

Patrick Spradlin, Producer and co-founder of Actors Repertory Theater and Don Abbott, Director of the two-part performance Oh Look, Another Roundabout, join us to talk about the upcoming sketch comedy and improv production featuring plenty of audience participation. The show runs June 9-11 at the Dryden Theatre on the campus of Central Lakes College. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy...

Brainerd Family YMCA CEO Shane Riffle discusses the upcoming Y Kids Triathlon happening in August and how the event encourages young athletes of all skill levels to stay active and have fun. Riffle also highlights the YMCA’s summer youth sports programs, their growing partnership with the Brainerd United Soccer Club, and the YMCA’s continued search for additional staff members to help support expa...

Camp Ripley Public Affairs Officer Staff Sgt. Tony Housey discusses the latest training schedule at Camp Ripley, including upcoming exercises and the impact of new military equipment arriving for training operations. Housey also talks about preparations for Camp Ripley’s Centennial Celebration, efforts to collect historic artifacts, photos, and personal stories connected to the camp’s 100-year his...

Nick Broyles, Brainerd City Administrator discusses several important updates for the Brainerd community. Topics include the upcoming public hearing on proposed updates to the city’s shoreland ordinance, a call for residents to serve as election judges, local construction project updates, and available community garden plots. Broyles also previews upcoming summer events including the Fishing Clini...

Joey Yow, Director of the Central Lakes College Performing Arts Center, joins the show to highlight upcoming performances and presentations coming to the stage, along with exciting summer camp opportunities for area youth interested in theater and the performing arts. Joey shares how the camps help students build confidence, creativity, and stage experience while giving the community plenty to loo...

Debby Erickson joins to talk all things happening around Crow Wing County, including excitement surrounding Minnesota’s fishing opener, what residents can expect heading into the 2026 election season, and the transition of the county landfill into summer operating hours. Debbie also shares reminders for residents using the landfill and recycling facilities as the busy spring and summer season ramp...

Faith Hamson, Marketing Coordinator for Lakes Area United Way joins to recap the Run for the Roses Kentucky Derby fundraiser Hamson shares details on the United Way’s plans to bring back the popular Llama Llama Read-O-Rama, continuing to encourage reading and family engagement across the Lakes Area as well as the next Pop-Up Pantry at CLC- Brainerd campus See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/pr...

Ed Opatz, President, Cuyuna Rock Club, talking about the Annual Rock Show at the Crow Wing County Fairgrounds. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Alex Dominguez, Program Manager, and Stephanie Charles, Lead Visitation Supervisor, Relationship Safety Alliance, talking about May being Supervised Visitation Awareness Month, their garage sale fundraiser and the upcoming Family Fun Night in August. As well as the services offered to battered women and their children through RSA. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Priv...

Amynda Hadfield, Camp Director at Camp Confidence, and Ron Plinske, Public Relations for Let's Go Fishing, join the show to highlight meaningful ways the community can get involved. Amynda shares how Camp Confidence continues to provide life-changing outdoor experiences for individuals with developmental and physical disabilities, and the wide range of volunteer opportunities available—from helpin...

Bobbie Gorron, founder of the Cory Borg-Massaneri Foundation, joins to talk about Corey’s Backyard BBQ happening this weekend at Green Lantern, along with a Bean Bag Tournament benefiting the foundation. She shares how the family-friendly event helps keep Corey’s memory alive while bringing the community together, and how proceeds support giving back to the outdoor community he loved so much. See...

Brainerd Lakes Chamber Office Manager Colleen Dols joins to preview the next Blue Ox Success Series, focused on helping local businesses prepare for severe weather. She shares what attendees can expect from the session, why weather preparedness is critical for operations in the region, and practical steps businesses can take now to protect employees, customers, and property when severe conditions...

Brittany Goerges, Program Coordinator for the Crow Wing Master Gardener Program with the University of MN Extension came together to discuss the Gardening 101 classes that were being offered through the U of MN coming up at the Northland Arboretum in Brainerd, however it was learned earlier in the day that the classes were filled. So the two talked about the upcoming Arbor Day event at the Ar...

Katie Waugh, Wildlife Program Coordinator with Wild and Free Wildlife Rehabilitation, joins us to talk about one of their busiest times of year-baby season. She also shares important guidance on what to do if you encounter a baby animal in the wild. We also get an inside look at the wide variety of animals currently being cared for at Wild and Free, the resources it takes to support them, and how...

Jana Shogren, Executive Director of Bridges of Hope, and Tedi Russell, Marketing & Community Engagement Manager, shared an exciting update on the recent approval for the Bridge on 7th to operate year-round, marking a significant step forward in providing consistent support to those in need. They expressed sincere gratitude to the community for its continued backing, emphasizing that ongoing op...

Smiles for Jake Executive Director Sarah Smith and Program Coordinator & Board Member Mike Schmidt join the program to share the latest efforts in mental health awareness and suicide prevention across the Brainerd Lakes Area. They highlight the new Smiles Club , a peer-to-peer support initiative designed specifically for middle school students, helping create safe spaces and stronger connectio...

Guest is John Bruder, Founder, President & Board Chair of Crosslake Cares See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Guests are AnnMarie Lacher, Community Education Director and Kristin Schaffhauser, ECFE Teacher See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Darcy Walcowiak, Executive Director at The Center, joins Community Focus to highlight several upcoming events and opportunities to get involved. She previews their annual plant sale, a fun Bingo & Meat Raffle combo event, and shares details on the unique Snacklebox fundraiser. Walcowiak also puts out the call for nominations for the 2026 Outstanding Senior Volunteer, recognizing those making a...

Talia Brodhead, Community Engagement Coordinator for the Minnesota Prevention and Recovery Alliance and Program Coordinator for the BLADE Coalition, joins to discuss the upcoming Drug Take Back Day on April 25th. She shares how the event helps safely dispose of unused medications and reduce the risk of misuse in our communities. Brodhead also previews the Northern MN Recovery Summit, highlighting...

Trevor Pumnea, Executive Director, Northland Arboretum, to talk about the many activities and classes available at the Arboretum. Trevor also did a winter recap and talked about the Arbor Day event at the Northland Arboretum and additional programming available. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Brad Chapulis, Baxter City Administrator, joins to discuss the latest developments on the Highway 371/210 overpass project. Brad expands on other road, new residential and commercial projects planned that will continue Baxter’s rapid growth. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Brainerd Public Utilities Director Paul Sandy and City Administrator Nick Broyles join to discuss the city’s upcoming wastewater treatment facility needs and a new water treatment plant study. Broyles also shares updates on community favorites returning for the season, including the Community Garden, youth fishing clinic, and Movies in the Park. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and...

Guest Kennedy Niska, Executive Director, Legacy Chorale of Greater MN, joins to preview the April 27th presentation of Alzheimer’s Stories from Legacy Chorale of Greater Minnesota. Ahead of the concert, attendees can take part in a resource fair offering information and support for those impacted by Alzheimer’s. Kennedy also shares an update on the new choir, Still We Sing , and highlights their u...