Community Focus

Guests Jessy Eide from Moonlite Bay and Jared Griffin, Camp Director at Camp Knutson, stop by to preview the 25th Annual Ice Tee Open at Moonlite Bay. This winter tradition brings the community together for a one-of-a-kind day of golf on the ice, all while supporting the life-changing programs at Camp Knutson. They’ll share what makes this milestone 25th year extra special, from the family-friendl...

Justin Jerve, Board Member of the Brainerd Amateur Hockey Association, stops by to talk about their upcoming “Try Hockey For Free” event happening March 3rd at the Essentia Health Sports Center. Boys and girls ages 4–9 are invited to come out, try on full hockey gear, and get on the ice in a fun, welcoming environment designed especially for beginners. Justin shares what families can expect, how t...

Guests Patrick Spradlin, Co-Producer, Actor and Founder of Actors Repertory Theater and Cory Johnson, Co-Director and Actress about their upcoming production of "Three Viewings," a 3-person, monologue play that will be performed at the Dryden Theater at Central Lakes College in Brainerd. The guests also talked about the Actors Repertory Theater and how they are different from other theater co...

Sue Galligan, Director of Special Events with the Brainerd Lakes Chamber, joins to preview a busy stretch of networking and community events across the region. She highlights the upcoming Business After Hours at Central Lakes College, a great opportunity for local professionals to connect, followed by Eggs and Issues on Friday, March 6th, where timely topics take center stage. Sue also reminds lis...

Guests Michelle Gonska, Board President, and Laura Cook, Board Secretary and Show Chair, stop by to preview the 51st Annual Ice Show at the Essentia Health Sport Center. They’ll share what audiences can expect from this year’s performances, highlight special appearances by guest skater Sonja Hilmer at all three shows, and extend heartfelt thanks to the sponsors who make the event possible. Plus, t...

Guest is Executive Director, Sarah Smith See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Guests Kelli Johnson from Crow Wing County Public Health and Kara Schaefer, Community Health Specialist with Essentia Health, join to discuss the 8th Annual reThink Your Drink Water Challenge, encouraging residents to build healthier hydration habits. They also continue celebrating the carrot as the Vegetable of the Year, sharing simple ways to incorporate it into everyday meals. In addition, the...

Kennedy Niska, Executive Director of the Legacy Chorale of Greater Minnesota, joins to preview this weekend’s highly anticipated Disney Spectacular performances. He shares what audiences can expect from this family-friendly celebration filled with iconic Disney favorites, vibrant staging, and talented local voices bringing the magic to life. Kennedy also highlights the upcoming Youth Choral Festiv...

Mallory Goerges, Crosslake Parade Committee Chair, and committee member Alisha Novak join the show to preview the 52nd Annual Crosslake St. Patrick’s Day Parade, one of the region’s biggest spring celebrations. They discuss the new 1:15 p.m. parade start time, along with returning favorites like the Pot O’Gold Hunt, 5K Clover Dash, and the lively Yardi Pardi festivities happening throughout town....

Becca Rugemer, Director of Marketing for IceFest, joins the show to preview this year’s highly anticipated winter celebration. She shares details on the massive 714-foot Ice Carousel, how the team successfully brings the engineering feat to life, and whether organizers have their sights set on a future Guinness World Record attempt. Becca also highlights the many family-friendly activities planned...

Guest is CEO Shane Riffle See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Gary Hirsch, Director, Wendy DeGeest, Choreographer & Costumer, and Music Director Kennedy Niska from Stage North Theater stop by to preview their upcoming production of  Forbidden Broadway , running February 26th-March 1st at the Franklin Arts Center. The long-running revue, hilariously spoofs some of Broadway’s biggest musicals including Wicked , Les Misérables , The Lion King , Annie ,...

Brad Chapulis, Baxter City Administrator, joins to discuss the latest developments on the Highway 371/210 overpass project, including an important update from MN DOT. He also reflects on key accomplishments from 2025 and previews what’s shaping up to be a very busy 2026, with several new residential and commercial projects planned that will continue Baxter’s rapid growth. See Privacy Policy at htt...

Guests are Nick Broyles, City Administrator, and Jessie Dehn, Brainerd City Engineer, discussing the upcoming Highway 210/Washington Street Reconstruction project, which is scheduled to begin this spring and continue through fall of 2027. While the work is being led by MnDOT, the City of Brainerd will play an active role in keeping residents informed, sharing updates, and helping the public unders...

Ben Gordon, Director, Ally Hartwig, Stage Manager, and Amelia Heinecke, cast member and Master of Ceremonies, join the show to preview the upcoming performances of The Tim Woodman of Oz . They discuss the size of the cast, how Gordon adapted the production from the original book by L. Frank Baum, and share details on performance dates, showtimes, and ticket pricing. See Privacy Policy at https://a...

Dr. Hara Charlier, President of Central Lakes College – Brainerd Campus, joins to highlight February as Career and Technical Education Month and discusses the wide range of hands-on programs available at CLC for students who may not see a traditional college path as the right fit. She also shares details on the completion of CLC’s major renovation project, previews the upcoming ribbon-cutting cere...

Debby Erickson, Crow Wing County Administrator, joins with an update on plow truck hours so far this winter. She also reminds residents to update their addresses to ensure they receive their property tax statements. Plus, we discuss the 102nd anniversary of the Milford Mining Disaster- and unveil the carrot as the 2026 Veggie of the Year. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Califor...

Guest is Faith Hamson with United Way, discussing their Partner Program grants and how local organizations can apply for funding. Faith also explains how community members can get involved through the United Way Vision Council, which helps review grant requests and guide where those dollars go. Plus, details on their upcoming Pop-Up Pantry. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Calif...

Guests Quinn Swanson, Executive Director of HDT, and Michelle Hoefs, Program Coordinator at HDT, join to preview this Saturday’s Back to Basics event. With over 60 workshops and 55+ vendor booths, this well-attended event is a must for anyone looking to expand their knowledge of the outdoors and sustainable living. They share what to expect, who the event is perfect for, and why it’s become a stap...

Guest Becky Hale joins us to preview the 11th annual Choose Your Happy event, happening Saturday, February 7th at the Brainerd American Legion. Becky shares what attendees can expect... food vendors, raffles, and plenty of chances to win prizes- plus how this popular event continues to grow year after year. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://ar...

Guests are Mark Persons, Vietnam Veteran and Webmaster for the Brainerd VFW, and Eusebia “Chappy” Rios, Chaplain at the Brainerd VFW, to talk about Four Chaplains Day. They share the history and meaning behind the observance, the powerful story of unity and sacrifice it represents, and how the Brainerd VFW honors the legacy of the Four Chaplains locally. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/pri...

Guests are Sheena Ziegler, Event Chair, Andrey Jay, Brainerd Jaycees President, and Matt Rhoda, Co-Chair, with a full contestant rundown for the 36th Annual Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza. They cover everything you need to know before you hit the ice, including slot limits and entry info, parking and shuttle details, tickets, bait and rule reminders, and key tips to help anglers avoid s...

Guests are Lori Scharenbroich, Athena Awards Advisory Board member, and Sarah Kinkeade, Athena Awards Committee Chair. They explain the mission and impact of the Athena Awards platform, preview an upcoming Business After Hours networking event, and share details on the 2026 Athena Awards celebration happening May 4th at Maddens. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privac...

Guests are Captain Adam Fulton and LT Karla Beierman from the Minnesota State Patrol with a 2025 year-end review, a look at recent snowplow crashes across the state, and practical tips drivers can use to avoid close calls on winter roads. They also preview safety planning for the Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza, share what to do if you’re stranded in extreme cold, and break down the must...

Melissa Barrick, District Manager for the Crow Wing Soil & Water Conservation District, joins the podcast to share details on the 2026 Tree and Plant Sale and how you can take part. She explains the district’s goal of helping plant 1,000,000 trees, and highlights what’s available this year- including a wide variety of trees, shrubs, plants, and seed mixes. Whether you’re looking to improve wil...