Community Focus

Faith Hamson, Marketing Coordinator with Lakes Area United Way, joins Community Focus to talk about the annual Stuff A Bus school supply drive in partnership with Hubbard Radio. Faith shares how the community can help local students start the school year with the supplies they need, explains where donations can be dropped off, and reveals the theme for the 2026 Lakes Area United Way Chili Cook-Off...

Jarod Griffin, Camp Director, Camp Knutson and Volunteer Brenda Peterson talking about the 40th annual Quilt Auction to raise money for Camp Knutson. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Becky Hale, Event Chairperson for the Brainerd Lakes Area Women of Today, joins Community Focus to talk about the return of the popular Flock Your Friends fundraiser, taking place throughout August and September. Learn how the fundraiser works, how you can surprise friends, family, or coworkers with a flock of pink flamingos, and how the proceeds benefit two local animal rescue organizations: Hear...

Wayne Harting, Commander of Brainerd American Legion Post 255, and Billy Lowe, 2nd Vice Commander and Gambling Manager, join to discuss the Brainerd Legion Baseball team's run at the state tournament this weekend and the excitement of Brainerd hosting the state tournament next year. They also invite the community to attend the Benghazi Memorial on August 15 and preview the Labor Day celebration ho...

Lakers Lions Club members Ken Baalson and Don Smude talk about the 18th Annual Project New Hope/Mike Wilder Golf Tournament. The tournament raises money to send veterans who are returning from battles overseas on a vacation to area resorts with their families as they try to get back to "normal" lives after tours of service. Adittionally, the Lakers Lions Corn Feed - another fundraiser th...

Cindy Myogeto, Director of the Crosslake Chamber of Commerce, joins Community Focus to highlight all the summer fun still ahead in Crosslake! From family favorites like Big Fun Tuesdays and Saturday evening Music in Town Square to the Crosslake Train Club, there's no shortage of activities for residents and visitors alike. Cindy also previews an exciting weekend of events, including Rockin' on Whi...

Ericka Heid, Executive Director of the Cuyuna Lakes Chamber of Commerce, shares what's happening across the Cuyuna Lakes area as the community gears up for a busy late summer season. Ericka previews the Chamber's upcoming Gear Up networking event, highlights all the fun planned for Deerwood Days, looks ahead to The Crusher gravel bike race, and shares the remaining Music in the Park concert dates....

Sarah Smith, Executive Director of Smiles for Jake, is joined by Emma Sheflo and Chloe Czech, co-event coordinators for the upcoming Miles for Smiles event at Forestview next Thursday. They share what's planned for this year's event, including a special Moment of Remembrance and Butterfly Release honoring loved ones lost to suicide. They also discuss the importance of mental health awareness and t...

Cast and crew from Pillsbury Players joins to preview School of Rock, the nonprofit community theater's premier summer musical for 2026. Learn about this high-energy production, what audiences can expect from the show, and how Pillsbury Players continues to enrich, educate, and entertain the Pillager community through live theater. Plus, get all the details on performance dates and showtimes so yo...

Joey Yow, Director of CLC Performing Arts Center in Brainerd talked about a number of upcoming events including the currently running "Mean Girls" and the upcoming auditions for "Sweeny Todd." Yow invited area youth to participate in this summer's theater camps and also discussed the Cultural Arts Series that continue at CLC for the public to attend. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/pr...

Sue Galligan, Director of Special Events for the Brainerd Lakes Chamber, joins to preview the Chamber Golf Classic coming up August 13. Sue shares how businesses and golfers can still register teams and take advantage of remaining sponsorship opportunities. She also highlights an upcoming WAVE Business After Hours event, looks ahead to the festivities planned for Crosslake Days, and previews the C...

Kelly Johnson, SHIP Coordinator with Crow Wing County, and Rena Bolt, Community Health Specialist with Crow Wing Energized, stop by to talk about a busy summer of healthy living initiatives. They preview their upcoming presence at the Crow Wing County Fair, share details on the upcoming "Got Plans?" Save the Date event, and give an update on the popular "Where's the Carrot?" Wednesdays, including...

Baxter Police Chief Matt Maier and Officer Tim Carroll join to preview Baxter's Night to Unite coming up Tuesday, August 11th at Oscar Kristofferson Park. They'll discuss what families can expect, how the event helps strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the community, activities for kids, safety demonstrations, emergency responders, local organizations taking part, and why Night to...

Guests Karla Shepard-Johnson, Andrea Anderson, and Jayley Andresen join us to preview the Great Lakes Academy of Performing Arts' upcoming production of Into the Woods . They'll share what audiences can expect from this beloved musical that intertwines classic fairy tales with unexpected twists, discuss the show's memorable characters and themes, offer a behind-the-scenes look at rehearsals, and e...

Brainerd Fire Chief Tim Holmes joins to discuss the extensive renovation project underway at Fire Station 1. Holmes explains what prompted the upgrades, the improvements being made to modernize the station, and how firefighters are continuing to respond to emergencies while construction is taking place. He also shares what residents can expect during the renovation process and how the updated stat...

Katie Waugh, Wildlife Program Coordinator with Wild and Free Wildlife Rehabilitation, joins us to give 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 the community plays a critical role in their success. Finally, Katie highlights their upcoming raffle fundraiser at Garrison Play Days and a new Silent Auction...

Shane Riffle, CEO of the Brainerd Family YMCA, stops by to share the latest on a busy summer at the Y. He discusses the continued success of the Summer Meals Program, which has already served more meals than all of last summer, along with updates on the popular Couch to 5K program, youth summer sports, swim lessons, and current membership specials. Shane also explains why the Kids Triathlon has be...

Tony Housey, Public Affairs Officer at Camp Ripley, joins to recap the installation's recent 95th Anniversary celebration and discuss the early planning already underway for Camp Ripley's 100th birthday in 2031. Tony shares how the public can help preserve Camp Ripley's rich history by submitting artifacts, photographs, and personal stories that may become part of the centennial celebration. Tony...

Faith Hamson, Marketing Coordinator for the Lakes Area United Way, recaps the success of the Llama Llama Read-O-Rama literacy event and shares a save-the-date for the upcoming Chili Cook-Off, one of the organization's signature community fundraisers. Then, Lynn Fairbanks, Executive Director of Mounted Eagles, explains how grant funding received through the Lakes Area United Way helps provide life-...

Brainerd Warriors Activities Director Jack Freeman, Brainerd boys hockey head coach Jerr Johnson, and Brainerd/Little Falls girls hockey head coach Tony Couture preview what's ahead and celebrate the incredible hockey community that makes this event so special. Then, on July 18, the complete HDM27 schedule, featuring games from youth hockey through adaptive hockey, college and pro showcasing every...

Captain Adam Fulton and Lieutenant Karla Beierman discuss the recent increase in traffic fatalities across Minnesota and stress the importance of making safe choices behind the wheel as the busy Fourth of July travel weekend approaches. They talk about slowing down, eliminating distractions, always wearing a seatbelt, driving sober, and planning ahead to help keep everyone safe on the road during...

Jen Chock, Healthcare Career Outreach Specialist at Central Lakes College, and Kathy Cottew, Workforce Development Specialist with Essentia Health, discuss the upcoming Scrubs Camp, happening July 28 and 29 at the Central Lakes College Brainerd campus and St. Joseph's Medical Center. They highlight the hands-on experiences available to students interested in healthcare careers, the opportunity to...

Aryn and Courtney Kern join to talk about the upcoming Lakes Area Art Show, taking place on July 4. They highlight talented local and regional artists displaying everything from paintings and photography to jewelry, pottery, woodworking, and handcrafted gifts. The Kerns discuss this year's participating artists, the welcoming atmosphere for families, and how the event celebrates creativity while s...

Cory Jay, President of the Merrifield Lions, previews this year's Merrifield Parkfest and Car Show, happening Saturday, July 18. Cory shares everything attendees can look forward to, including a wide variety of classic, custom, muscle, antique, and specialty vehicles, plus a unique remote-control car class that's sure to entertain visitors of all ages. The day also features a beer garden, great fo...

Jory Danielson, Crow Wing County Administrative Services Director, joins to discuss everything voters need to know ahead of the upcoming Primary Election, including important dates, voting options, and how residents can make sure they're prepared before heading to the polls. Jory also shares details on the County's ongoing Coffee Talks, which provide an informal opportunity for residents to meet w...