Community Focus

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...

Executive Director of Brainerd Community Action and Brainerd Mayor Dave Badeaux joins to highlight the busy lineup of community events leading up to Brainerd's Fourth of July celebration. Dave previews everything from family activities to live entertainment and patriotic traditions that make Independence Day in Brainerd a community-wide celebration. He also discusses the importance of supporting l...

Talia Brodhead, Community Engagement Coordinator with MN Prevention & Recovery Alliance and BLADE, and Lanaya Tilbury, Director of Programming at Lighthouse Beginnings about the upcoming Northern Minnesota Recovery Summit which will focus on expanding understanding, challenging the stigma and uplifting the belief that everyone in recovery deserves to be seen, heard and supported. It's gea...

Kristy Crocker, Lead Veterinary Technician at Brainerd Animal Hospital, and Isabel Glover, Marketing Manager for the Babinski Foundation, join Eric Grant and Tess Taylor to preview this weekend's Pups in the Park at Lum Park. They discuss the fun-filled event for dogs and their owners, including activities, vendors, demonstrations, adoptable pets, and how the event supports local animal welfare ef...

Nicole Heinen, Executive Director of the Pequot Lakes Chamber of Commerce, joins us to talk about everything happening during Stars & Stripes Days 2026, including the parade, live entertainment, family activities, fireworks, and all the community fun planned throughout the celebration. Nicole also gives us an early look at Bean Hole Days, coming up next month, and shares details on the events...

Taylor Lesmeister, Health Educator with the Crow Wing County Public Health, joins us to discuss the increased presence of ticks and mosquitoes during the summer months. Taylor shares information about common tick- and mosquito-borne illnesses found in Minnesota, symptoms to watch for, and practical steps families can take to reduce their risk. The conversation also covers proper use of repellents,...

Guests Kat Emard and Sarah Fleischacker join us to talk about several upcoming community events. They share details on their upcoming garage sale fundraiser, discuss the bags tournament fundraiser at CC's Bar in July, and explain how community support helps their organization continue its mission. They also preview their Annual Family Fun Day on August 9, highlighting activities, family-friendly e...

Matt Killian, President of the Brainerd Lakes Chamber, talked about the new Drive 210 campaign that is underway during the reconstruction and improvements being made to Highway 210/Washington Street through Brainerd.  Discussion on the importance of continuing to patronize businesses along the 210 corridor during construction and ways listeners can find maps and information regarding the proj...

Martha Smithson, Early Learning Principal with ISD 181, and Jennifer Lindholm, Early Childhood Programs Secretary, join to discuss registration opportunities for preschool and the district's Voluntary Pre-K program. They highlight the benefits of early childhood education, what families can expect from the programs, and important enrollment information for the upcoming school year. Martha and Jenn...

Mayor Tyler Gardner and Julie Meister, Deputy Clerk and Police Department Administration for the City of Pequot Lakes, join Community Focus to talk about the return of Saturdays Under The Bobber XL. The expanded community celebration takes place on the third Saturday of June, July, and August in downtown Pequot Lakes and features live music, local vendors, family-friendly activities, food, and ent...

Brainerd Family YMCA CEO Shane Riffle discusses the summer youth sports programs, membership specials, and the YMCA’s continued search for additional staff members to help support expanding programs and community activities throughout the summer. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Guests Jolie Bray, Clinical Manager at Good Samaritan Society - Home Care & Hospice, and Maggie Chapin, Clinical Admission Specialist, discuss the upcoming Hope Takes Flight: Butterfly Memorial on June 18th. They share how this special event provides families and community members an opportunity to honor and remember loved ones through a meaningful butterfly release ceremony. Jolie and Maggie...

Brad Chapulis, Baxter City Administrator, joins to discuss several ongoing projects around the city, including updates on road construction and improvements to local parks. He also talks about how area baseball organizations are making extensive use of Baxter's ballfields throughout the summer weekends. Brad puts out a call for residents interested in serving as election judges for upcoming electi...

Brainerd Public Works Director Paul Sandy and City Administrator Nick Broyles join to discuss the city’s construction projects. Broyles also shares updates on a job opening within the city as well as their Dial-A-Ride services. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Jennifer Lowe, Director of Foundation and Community Relations for Cuyuna Regional Medical Center Foundation, joins Community Focus to preview the upcoming Community Classic Golf Scramble on June 19. Jennifer discusses how proceeds from the event support the Courage Cabinet, a program that provides financial assistance to local cancer patients facing hardships during treatment. She shares ways busi...

Paul Preimsberger, Director of Secondary Relations and Narren Brown, Dean of Enrollment Management and Student Success join to talk about fall semester as well as how traditional and non-traditional students can apply for scholarships. They also discuss the increase in PSEO students and a couple dates for information on PSEO for homeschool families. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy...