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 Expose' coming in January that will feature local resources and professionals who will provide information and answer questions about epilepsy to those who are living with or providing support to those living with the disease.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 local jobs, and strengthening the region, especially during the holiday season.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 resources for families in need. Their work helps create safer homes, stronger communities, and brighter futures for children across the region.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 children.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 Chamber Business After Hours Extravaganza coming to Grand View Lodge on December 16, sharing why it's one of the can't-miss networking events of the season.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, 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 friends.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 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 year after year.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 wraps up with a preview of their Big Event coming in February, one of the community's most anticipated celebrations of education and philanthropy.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 two encouraged listeners to either participate in the event on Thanksgiving morning or to make a donation to the event or to the hospital itself.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, 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 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, 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 California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 officialsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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-info.

Jennifer Williams, Executive Director of the Equilibrium Epilepsy Group talks about November being Epilepsy Awareness Month in addition to several events taking place this month. Jennifer also previews their community awareness event in JanuarySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gary Hirsch - Co-Director and Kennedy Niska - Musical Director for the upcoming stage performance by Stage North Theatre of "10 November" that will be taking place at Franklin Arts Center in Brainerd. The play focuses on the mystery surrounding the sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald on Lake Superior in 1975.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Salvation Army Captains Joyce and Jeff Curran and Brian Lehmen, Co-Chair of the Red Kettle Campaign discuss the 2025 drive including locations, volunteer options, new ways to pay. Along with how and where the funds are distributed to various people in need.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kennedy Niska, Executive Director and Youth Chorale Coordinator and Brian Stubbs, Legacy Chorale Coordinator visit about their upcoming Songs for the Ages Concert series. A 3 show series highlighting over 120 singers with a variety of music.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mata Agre and Halie Majerus, WAVE anchor board members discuss what WAVE Young Professionals Network is about as well as some of their upcoming events, thanking their sponsors and guiding potential members on how to reach out and be a part of WAVE. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mark Persons, Vietnam Veteran and Jeff McArthur, veteran of Iraqi Freedom join with an overview of all the upcoming events in the Brainerd Lakes area for Veterans Day.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joey Yow, Director of Central Lakes College Preforming Arts highlights the current performances of Dracula as well as their upcoming Prince tribute show as well as the 4 shows of Rudolph in December and the fan favorite Rock & Roll Christmas Spectacular.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kevin Denny, Director of Advancement discusses their upcoming Speaker Series at the Gichi Ziibi Center for the Arts on 10/29 as well as recapping last month's Inaugural Run for The Son. Kevin also talks about the progress of the expansion project at St. Francis church.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, and Allison Baker, Oncology Operations Coordinator at Cuyuna Regional Medical Center, join the show to share details about the upcoming Kaleidoscope event on October 30th. The annual fundraiser supports the Courage Cabinet, which provides financial assistance to cancer patients during their treatment journey.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jodi Kennedy, Principal at Garfield Elementary chats about their Parent Teacher Organization at Garfield as well as the activities they use title funds for. Also encouraging any volunteers to share their talents with any of the area schools.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Commander Wayne Harting and Second Vice/Gambling Manager Billy Lowe share mis-conceptions about the current American Legion as well as recruit people to become members of the Legion, Sons of the American Legion or Auxiliary members. Improvements to the Legion building and funds available for child related needs in the community specifically aimed at family of American Legion 255 members.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Talia Brodhead and Josh Nelson from the MN Recovery and Prevention Alliance share some information on their Know The Truth prevention program as well as updating on a grant they received in addition to explaining hoe community members get involved with their mission.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Denise Laudenbach and Shawn Hansen visit about the history of Women Who Care as well as educate listeners on the history of the movement in addition to how women are interested can join the Brainerd Lakes chapter.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John Erickson, Brainerd Public Schools Archivist visits about the new exhibits that opened at Brainerd High School along with the current and future exhibits at the Washington Educational Services building.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mike Habighorst, Public Works Director for the City of Brainerd stops in to discuss the ongoing construction projects and their timelines, reminder on fall leaf cleanup and the latest public transit tool, their new scheduling app.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jana Shogren, Executive Director and Tedi Russell, Marketing and Community Engagement Manager at Bridges of Hope discuss Operation Sandwich for MEA break as well as the Thanksgiving basket program being open for applicants and they remind the public about the Bridge on 7th open house on November 1st.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 about current happenings at the YMCA, including Youth Sports, Adult Activities and a number of Healthy Living initiatives, including Breast Cancer Awareness and Mental Health. They also talked about the upcoming Coats for Kids distribution drive at the mall and High Five Day. Shane also reminded listeners that the Annual Campaign Season is approaching as they ask for contributions to keep their programs up and running at the Y.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.