Community Focus

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.

Guest is Executive Director, Darcy WalkowiakSee 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 for the Lakes Area United Way previews the 2025 United Way Chili Cookoff, dubbed the "Wild West Chili Fest" on October 15th at the Northern Pacific Center in Brainerd.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alex Dominguez, Programs Manager and Kat Emard, Lead Domestic Violence Advocate discuss October being Domestic Violence Awareness Month as well as some upcoming events including October 16th as Purple Thursday in addition to their Pints for a Purpose event on November 19th.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hara Charlier, Central Lakes College President, visits about campus renovations, October being Manufacturing Month and all the options CLC offers, An update on the performing arts calendar and CLC Homecoming.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 Community Administrator visits about the fall online land sale, a new alert to residents warning them about property and mortgage fraud. Inviting the public to participate in the county Pick-A-Mile cleanup program and fall ATV riding restrictionsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trevor Pumnea, Executive Director, Northland Arboretum, talks about the latest happenings at the Arboretum. Trevor gave an update on the new Bike Park that was installed last spring, he discussed the possibility of Forest Ice Skating coming this winter to the Arb, weather permitting. Trevor listed a number of classes and events that were taking place at the Arb that the public could take part in, and he invited the public to their annual fundraising Haunted Trail Weekend and Low Scare Trunk or Treat event. He also discussed memberships and volunteer opportunities available at the Arb.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 Performing Arts at Central Lakes College talks about the tribute shoes to the music of Billy Joel & Elton John, the PRINCE tribute coming in November and the upcoming presentation of Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Savannah Winkler Jr/Sr Director at Vacationland Figure Skating Club unveils details to their Learn to Skate season beginning in early October as well as their Spooktacular fundraiser. Savannah also reveals the dates for their 51st Annual Ice Show.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.