Community Focus

Barb Mack & Loretta Campbell, both EEG Epilepsy Advocate Board Members about Epilepsy, what it is, who it affects and the support groups that are available to the community. They discussed the monthly meeting that was to be held this month, where Campbell would be speaking about Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP). They also invited the public to a large Community Awareness E...

Shawn Hanson, Executive Director of The Outreach Program, joins the show to discuss how the organization provides meals to families locally and across Minnesota. She also highlights the ongoing need for volunteers, recaps key moments from 2025, and shares a preview of an exciting year ahead for The Outreach Program in 2026. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Not...

Rena Bolt, Community Health Specialist with Crow Wing Energized, and Faith Hamson, Marketing Specialist with CWE, stop by to talk about upcoming community health initiatives... including the Movement Challenge, the ReThink Your Drink campaign, and diabetes prevention classes available in the area. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/pr...

Tedi Russell, Marketing & Community Engagement Manager at Bridges of Hope visits about their end of year fundraising push to get to $100,000. As well as an overall review of what Bridges assists the community with. Additionally, Russell previews a new event that Bridges of Hope is highlighting... Hope on the Slopes at Mount Ski Gull on February 12th, 2026. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.c...

Aubrey Koop, Director of the Cuyuna Lakes Chamber, and Ali Beste, Marketing & Young Professionals Coordinator with the Brainerd Lakes Chamber, stop by to talk about the Local Gift List created by Lakes Proud. They share how the list highlights local businesses across the Brainerd Lakes Area and why shopping local matters- helping keep dollars circulating throughout our communities, supporting...

Jason Olson, Director of Human Resources for Brainerd Public Schools (ISD 181), joins us to talk about the district as an employer, the wide range of career opportunities available, and the number of staff who help support students each day. Jason also highlights the ongoing need for substitute teachers and educational assistants as well an update on the search for a new Superintendent. See Privac...

Dr. Katie Baratto, Garrison Animal Hospital, Wild and Free Wildlife Rehabilitation, talking about their new intake facility, the many animals being cared for and fundraising efforts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Shane Riffle, CEO of the Brainerd Family YMCA, joins us to highlight youth basketball, soccer, and swim lessons now underway at the Y, plus year-end membership savings. He also previews upcoming fundraising efforts, including the return of Taste of the Lakes in March 2026. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info...

Today’s guests are Leslie Bouchonville, Executive Director of Pine River–Backus & Northland Family Center, and Betty Doss, Executive Director of the Pillager Family Center. They take us inside the impact of the annual Radiothon to End Child Abuse, explaining how funds raised provide critical services including parent education, emergency assistance, early childhood supports, and direct resourc...

Cindy Nienaber, Nursing Supervisor with Morrison County Health & Human Services and a member of the Morrison County Family Connections team, joins us to discuss the upcoming Radiothon to End Child Abuse. Cindy shares insight into the challenges families face, the work being done locally to prevent abuse, and how community support and awareness continue to make a difference for Morrison County...

Jess Vogt, Welcome Center Manager, stops in to preview their big Black Friday and Small Business Saturday Sale- complete with free gifts, specials, and even a guest elf popping in to spread some holiday cheer. She also highlights the Pequot Lakes Excellence and Service Awards, reminding the community that final nominations are due by 11/26. Plus, Jess gives a sneak peek at the Brainerd Lakes Chamb...

Gary Hirsch, Director, Wendy DeGeest, Choreographer, and Music Director Kennedy Niska from Stage North Theater stop by to preview their upcoming production of A Nutcracker Christmas , running December 10–14 at the Franklin Arts Center. They share what makes this holiday show special, how the cast has brought the story to life, and why it’s the perfect way to celebrate the season with family and fr...

Jennifer Lowe, Director of Foundations and Community Relations at Cuyuna Regional Medical Center, and Sarah Smith, Executive Director of Smiles for Jake, preview Snow Many Smiles and Cuyuna Christmas at Crosby Memorial Park on December 6. They highlight all the fun, free family activities planned for the day and share gratitude for the sponsors whose continued support helps Cuyuna Christmas grow y...

Erich Heppner, spokesperson for the Crow Wing County Food Access Coalition, joins us to talk about the ongoing need for donations- both shelf-stable food items and monetary contributions are desired through the end of November. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Jessica Gangl, Executive Director of the Brainerd Public Schools Foundation, joins us to share the impact of their fall grant cycle and the many students, classrooms, and programs supported through donor generosity. She also walks us through the Foundation’s annual partnership model, explaining how local sponsors can get involved and make a meaningful difference throughout the school year. Jessica...

Sue Galligan, Director of Special Events, Brainerd Lakes Chamber, talking about the upcoming Business After Hours event, the Black Friday & Small Business Saturday sale at the Welcome Center and the Holiday After-Hours networking event. Sue also talked vendor space for the 2026 Home Show and Expo. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.co...

Dr. Nathan Herfindahl, Brainerd High School Choir Director, joins us to share an inside look at this year’s choral program, featuring five unique choirs. He highlights the upcoming concert schedule, talks about the always-popular Madrigal Dinner fundraiser, and explains how community members can request choir performances for local events. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Califo...

Kara Schaefer, Race Director for the Brainerd Turkey Run and Paul Lauer, Treasurer and Member of the Aadzuhman Shriners club of Brainerd about the 16th Annual Brainerd Turkey Run that supports Shriners Hospitals for Children. They talked about how participating in the event supports kids through the Shriners Children's Hospital Twin Cities Pediatric Orthopedics and more. The tw...

Shane Riffle, CEO, Brainerd Family YMCA about the Y Partners Annual Campaign and how the community can help support the Y and its initiatives into 2026. The two discussed the current, upcoming and NEW classes being offered at the Y and how to get registered for them. Holiday hours were also revealed and Shane thanked the community for their continued support of the Y.   See Privacy...

Brad Chapulis, Baxter City Administrator, talks about the budget process and preliminary levy. Brad also reviews the 2025 highlights including parks, business openings and business progress. Additionally, Brad addresses misconceptions that the HWY 371/210 overpass is a city project and encourages citizens to voice their opinions to the city. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Cali...

Nick Broyles, Brainerd City Administrator, talks about several street construction projects as well as the city being ready to plow snow. Pond Hockey registrations are opening soon and there is a need for volunteer coaches, and paid positions for warming house attendants and pond hockey officials See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/pri...

Shannon Wussow, Executive Director, Alex Dominguez, Programs Manager, Relationship Safety Alliance, talking about their upcoming Pints for a Purpose event and Give to the Max Day. Also sharing stats on the number of women utilizing the services of the Safety Alliance, and about the need for donations for Christmas at the shelter, and the need for volunteers. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com...

Dr. Hara Charlier, President, Central Lakes College, and Nathaniel Warnke, Enrollment Representative with CLC join to promote spring enrollment as well as provide an update on the ongoing construction set to be finishing in January. Additionally, they preview the upcoming Men's and Women's basketball Tip-off event and future performing arts events. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/priv...

Debby Erickson, Crow Wing County Administrator visits about the updates SNAP Food Benefits, the revisions to county land use ordinances while asking for public comment on them. Debby also encourages residents to honor Veterans with Operation Green Light and she assures residents that the county is ready for any snow events with the "Where's My Snowplow" feature on their website. See Privacy Policy...

Tracy Wallin, Marketing Coordinator, Lakes Area United Way stops in recap the United Way Chili Cook-Off and preview their next pop-up food pantry. Tracy also talks about the collaborative effort with the local food shelves with Crow Wing County's Stock the Shelves campaign. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-inf...