Community Focus

Talia Brodhead, Community Engagement Manager with the Minnesota Prevention & Recovery Alliance and Program Coordinator for the BLADE Coalition, and Jacklin Steege with Crow Wing County Public Health Emergency Preparedness discuss the Care to Prepare workshop and the importance of emergency preparedness for local facilities and the community. Talia previews National Prescription Drug Take Back...

Mark Oehrlein, Board President and Co-Director, and Gary Hirsch, Director, stop by to preview Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery, coming to the Franklin Arts Center October 22–25. They discuss this fast-paced, comedic twist on the classic Sherlock Holmes mystery, what audiences can expect from the production, showtimes, ticket information, and how to catch a performance See Privacy Policy at h...

Brad Chapulis, Administrator, City of Baxter talks about the 2026 road construction season and the projects that are wrapping up for the season. Brad also looked ahead to what was left of the projects to continue in 2027. Additionally, he talked about the status and update to the Highway 371/210 Overpass project and where listeners can go for updated information. Brad also gave an u...

Brainerd Public Works Director Paul Sandy and City Engineer/Deputy Public Works Director Jen Schumann join to discuss the winding down of the 2026 construction season and all things city infrastructure. They provide an update on the Highway 210 reconstruction project, review this year's road and infrastructure improvements, and offer a look ahead at projects and priorities for 2027. See Privacy Po...

Pequot Lakes Mayor Tyler Gardner and Police Chief Mike Davis join to discuss Operation Grizwold, a community-driven effort to make Christmas brighter for families in the Pequot Lakes School District. They share how the program brings the community together through generous donations to help local families enjoy a happier, more memorable holiday season. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/priva...

Shane Riffle, CEO of the Brainerd Family YMCA, joins to recap the success of their summer food program and highlight the many fall and winter programs now open for registration. Shane also shares details about the annual Coats for Kids distribution happening Saturday, October 17th, at Westgate Mall in Brainerd. Plus, he previews the YMCA’s Annual Campaign kicking off in November, themed “Building...

Crow Wing County Engineer Tim Bray, Transportation Planner Matt Kallroos and Maintenance Manager Brian Berent join to discuss the county’s new Safe Roads for All Plan, including how residents can provide input on areas of concern. They also preview the upcoming winter snowplow season with safety reminders for drivers and an update on equipment and staffing. Plus, the conversation covers important...

Faith Hamson, Marketing Coordinator for the Lakes Area United Way, previews the 2026 United Way Chili Cook-Off, happening Wednesday, October 14 at the Northern Pacific Center in Brainerd. This year’s theme is “Local Heroes,” as area teams serve up their best chili creations while raising support for the Lakes Area United Way. Faith shares what attendees can expect, how the competition works, and w...

Director Ben Gordon and actors Ginger Lupella and Patrick Smallman from GLAPA join to preview their upcoming production of Blithe Spirit . They discuss the supernatural comedy and what audiences can look forward to when it takes the stage at the Pequot Lakes High School Theatre October 15–18. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy...

Lanai Epps and Mandy Flitch, Domestic Violence Advocates with Relationship Safety Alliance, join to discuss October’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month events, upcoming fundraisers, and the organization’s support group, which meets Tuesdays from 6–8 p.m. They also highlight the support and resources available to those affected by domestic violence. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy a...

Dr. Kim Lynch, Interim President of Central Lakes College, and Erich Heppner, Interim Dean of Staples Campus, highlight October as Manufacturing Month. They discuss the popularity of CLC’s Welding, Machine Tool and Robotics programs and how students are developing hands-on skills for careers in manufacturing. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://...

Trevor Pumnea, Executive Director of the Northland Arboretum, joins Community Focus with updates on the latest happenings at the Arb. He shares progress on the bike park and discusses lessons learned and new features planned for the return of Forest Ice Skating. Trevor also previews Haunted Trail Weekend, October 15–17, and addresses the news that Sertoma Winter Wonderland is entering its final se...

Travis Grossman, Executive Director, Confidence Learning Center and Sharon Carr, Events & Marketing Director, Confidence Learning Center visit about the camp in Brainerd and how it serves its campers with social and developmental disabilities. Sharon invited listeners to take part in upcoming events that support the camp, including the Gull Lake Oktoberfest. Travis talked about...

Kennedy Niska, Executive Director of Legacy Choirs of the Lakes Area, and Brian Stubbs, Director of the Legacy Chorale, join to talk about the organization’s recent rebranding and what the new Legacy Choirs identity means for its growing programs. They also preview the upcoming fall season, including the Voices of the Lakes Area fundraiser on October 10 at The Lodge at Brainerd Lakes, along with o...

Joey Yow, Director of Central Lakes College Performing Arts, joins Community Focus to preview a busy fall season! Joey highlights three upcoming tribute shows and gives us a look at CLC Theatre’s production of Sweeney Todd, on October 16. Plus, Christmas may still be a few months away, but The Grinch is coming! Joey encourages adults and children of all ages to audition for CLC’s upcoming Grinch p...

Darcy Walkowiak, Executive Director of The Center in Brainerd, joins to preview several upcoming events. Darcy shares details on the Ageless Expo, the Fall Harvest Craft Show and an upcoming Lunch ’n Learn focused on de-cluttering and simplifying your space. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Laura Cook, President of the Vacationland Figure Skating Club, and VFSC Coach Mackenzie Papillon-Renford join Community Focus to unveil details for the club’s upcoming Learn to Skate season, beginning in early October. They discuss what new and returning skaters can expect, who can participate and how to get involved. Laura also reveals the dates for VFSC’s annual Holiday Ice Show and shares a pre...

Is flying first class really worth the upgrade? Plus, Janet is getting ready to go under the knife, and if your budget could use a little trimming too, BBay has plenty of great local savings to help you keep more money in your pocket! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Matt Kilian, President of the Brainerd Lakes Chamber, and Ali Beste, Marketing & Programs Manager, join to highlight two Chamber initiatives. Matt discusses LakesArea.vote, an online resource designed to help area voters learn more about local candidates and the issues ahead of Election Day. Then, Ali introduces The Collective, a new professional women’s network focused on building courage, co...

Brainerd Activities Director Jack Freeman joins Student Council President Presley Glynn and Vice President Nolan Jendro to preview Brainerd Homecoming Week! They run through the schedule of festivities, including student dress-up days, the Homecoming parade, tailgating and other activities planned to bring Warrior pride to the community. Then, Dr. Tammy Stellmach shares details about the upcoming...

Julie Meister, Pequot Lakes Deputy Clerk, Mayor Tyler Gardner and Joe Klatt, co-owner of Snarky Loon Brewing Company, join to preview the inaugural Okbobberfest coming to Pequot Lakes on Saturday, September 26. They share how the idea for the new fall celebration came together and what visitors can expect at South Trailside Park. The day runs from noon to 9 p.m. and features live music from Norman...

Kelli Johnson, SHIP Health Educator with Crow Wing County Public Health and Crow Wing Energized, along with Talia Brodhead, Community Engagement Manager and Program Coordinator with the BLADE Coalition, join to highlight two important local efforts. Kelli shares details about the Crow Wing County Food Drive and how the community can help support local families facing food insecurity, while Talia p...

Tedi Russell, Marketing and Community Engagement Manager at Bridges of Hope, joins Community Focus to highlight several ways the organization is helping local families. Tedi discusses Operation Sandwich and the effort to make sure kids have access to meals during the upcoming MEA break. She also shares details on the Thanksgiving Basket Program, with applications opening soon for families who coul...

Crosslake Chamber of Commerce members Heather Jones and Brittany Rohwer talk about the upcoming Crosslake Days celebration. The event showcases the businesses and organizations in Crosslake as they celebrate fall and offer discounts and deals to shoppers and guests. They talked about the Chili Cookoff, the Loon Calling Contest, and a number of events that are happening during the three-d...

Tiffany Stenglein, Coats for Kids Coordinator with the Brainerd Family YMCA, and Carla Bahr, owner of Anderson Cleaners, join Community Focus to preview the 2026 Coats for Kids drive. They discuss what new and gently used winter gear is needed, where donations can be dropped off throughout the Lakes Area, and how Anderson Cleaners helps prepare donated items for local children. They also share the...