Community Focus

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...

Shane Riffle, CEO of the Brainerd Family YMCA, joins us to recap the success of the 2026 Taste of the Lakes event and the impact it continues to have on the community. Shane also highlights Healthy Kids Day coming on April 18th at the Y. Plus, with summer right around the corner, he shares details on seasonal programming and how families can get signed up for youth activities, camps, and more. See...

Guests Joel Clough and Nate Olson, Board Members, Brainerd Sports Boosters join us to talk about the 11th Annual Tapped and Corked happening Saturday, March 18th at the Essentia Health Sports Center. They share how funds raised directly support local student-athletes and activities, how to get tickets, and extend a big thank you to the sponsors and donors who make it all possible. See Privacy Poli...

Faith Hamson, Marketing Coordinator for Lakes Area United Way joins to recap the Brainerd Elks recent reading events at the Brainerd Public Library, highlighting their impact on local youth and literacy efforts. She also previews the upcoming “Run for the Roses” Kentucky Derby fundraiser on May 2nd, supporting community initiatives. Plus, Hamson shares details on the United Way’s plans to bring ba...

Heidi Fairchild, Executive Director of Sexual Assault Services, and Shelby Fitch, Lead Advocate, join to highlight Sexual Assault Awareness Month and the vital support available to victims in Crow Wing County. They discuss the range of confidential services offered, from advocacy and crisis support to education and prevention efforts, aimed at helping survivors heal and empowering the community. T...

Lindsay Riffle, Executive Director of ISP, Paul Drange, Chief Regional Solutions Officer at Sourcewell, and Randy Thompson, educator at Menahga High School, join to highlight the 2026 Innovative Teacher of the Year award. Thompson is announced as this year’s recipient of the $2,500 classroom grant and shares how he tailors learning experiences to match his students’ individual interests. Drange al...

Lori Rubin, Development Director, Lakes Area Habitat for Humanity, RuthAnn Veith, Realtor, J. Hanson Real Estate Group and Danielle Lambke, Star Dancer, talk about the history of Lakes Area Habitat for Humanity and the upcoming fundraiser, Dancing with the Lakes Area Stars. They also discussed the closure of Habitat's Restore. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Pri...

Jon Aga, Associate VP of Advancement, and Sue Bremer, CLC Instructor at Central Lakes College, join Community Focus to talk about the upcoming Hats Off event, along with Empowered ’26 and the 5K for Mental Health Awareness. They also preview their April job fair, highlighting opportunities for students, employers, and the community to connect. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Ca...

Debby Erickson, Crow Wing County Administrator, joins to discuss the Land Services team seeking public comment on proposed revisions to the County Land Services Ordinance, along with updates on county parks as we head into the warmer months. Debbie also previews Severe Weather Awareness Week and shares details on upcoming Weather Spotter classes, giving residents a chance to get prepared and stay...

Shawn Hanson, Executive Director of The Outreach Program, joins us to talk about how their organization is helping provide meals to families locally and across Minnesota. She also shares details on two upcoming ways to give back- the Warrior Day of Service on April 8th and the Run for the Lakes on May 2nd. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art...

Guests Isaiah Moengen, Founder and Executive Director, and Allyson Moengen, Board Secretary, stop by to share details on the upcoming Hero’s Banquet happening Friday, April 24th at the NP Center. The event aims to support local first responders and community heroes, with funds going directly to those facing hardship or unexpected need right here in the Lakes Area. Isaiah also highlights the inspir...

Mary Savage, Volunteer Coordinator and Facilities Manager with the Relationship Safety Alliance, along with Steph Charles, Lead Visitation Supervisor at the Alex & Brandon Child Safety Center, stop by to highlight Volunteer Appreciation Week and recognize the impact of those who give their time to support families in the community. They also preview a couple of upcoming fundraisers, including...

Mark Persons, Vietnam Veteran, and Webmaster, Brainerd VFW, with Buford Johnson, Vietnam Veteran, to talk about the Vietnam war, and about National Vietnam Veterans Day. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Guests Colleen Dols, Office Manager of the Brainerd Lakes Chamber, and Seanay Berghuis, founder of Talent Development Co, join the conversation to preview the upcoming Success Series. The event is geared toward helping local businesses attract and hire new employees while navigating today’s competitive job market. They discuss practical strategies, along with valuable resources available to HR dep...

Guest Brad Pieper, Chair of Local Organizing Committee- Hockey Day Minnesota 2027 previews the once-in-a-lifetime event coming to the Brainerd Lakes Area July 25–30, 2027 at Brainerd International Raceway. He highlighted sponsorship and donor opportunities, the need for volunteers, and teased several community events that will build excitement leading up to Hockey Day. See Privacy Policy at https:...

Crow Wing Energized representatives, Rena Bolt, Community Health Specialist, Essentia Health, and Kelli Johnson, SHIP Health Educator with Crow Wing County, recapping the Community Health Initiatives ReThink Your Drink, One Vegetable, One Community, and the CLC 5K for Mental Health. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-se...

Ginger Agustinack and Lane Larson, Legendary Women of Brainerd Public Schools Committee Members, talking about the annual Legendary Women Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony of remarkable women, all of whom are graduates of Brainerd High School. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .