Advertise on podcast: Community Focus

Jennifer Lowe, Director of Foundation, Cuyuna Regional Medical Center (CRMC) talks about their upcoming fundraiser entitled, Kaleidoscope, Stories Worth Telling. It's a fundraiser for cancer patients and raises dollars for the hospital's Courage Cabinet. The Courage Cabinet gives monetary gifts of up to $1,000/year to cancer patients to help with anything they may need, like gas cards, grocery store gift cards, help with bills, etc. The event will raise dollars to be put into this fund in support of cancer patients undergoing treatment at CRMC now and in the future. 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 Sweeny Todd as well as their upcoming Garth Brooks tribute show plus the slate of December holiday shows including 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.

Sue Galligan, Director of Special Events, Brainerd Lakes Chamber, talking about the upcoming Business After Hours event, Lakes Area Voting Guide, 2027 Visitors Guide sponsorship opportunities and more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chip Rankin, Superintendent, Brainerd Public Schools ISD 181, visits about the district's Project True North and the plans going forward for the district. Rankin also discussed some of the points of the upcoming levy referendum and invited listeners to some public meetings regarding the impacts of the levy on residents/taxpayers. He invited them to take part in an online survey and thanked the community for its support and input during his first few months in the position. He invited listeners to contact him at any time if they had questions or concerns about the district and its future. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Talia Brodhead, Community Engagement Manager with the Minnesota Prevention & Recovery Alliance and Program Coordinator for the BLADE Coalition, and Jacklin Steege with Crow Wing County Public Health Emergency Preparedness discuss the Care to Prepare workshop and the importance of emergency preparedness for local facilities and the community. Talia previews National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with four convenient drop-off locations throughout Crow Wing County. Learn how to safely dispose of unwanted medications, where to find year-round disposal sites, and why free Narcan kits will be available at all four locations. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mark Oehrlein, Board President and Co-Director, and Gary Hirsch, Director, stop by to preview Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery, coming to the Franklin Arts Center October 22–25. They discuss this fast-paced, comedic twist on the classic Sherlock Holmes mystery, what audiences can expect from the production, showtimes, ticket information, and how to catch a performance See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Brad Chapulis, Administrator, City of Baxter talks about the 2026 road construction season and the projects that are wrapping up for the season. Brad also looked ahead to what was left of the projects to continue in 2027. Additionally, he talked about the status and update to the Highway 371/210 Overpass project and where listeners can go for updated information. Brad also gave an update of new construction projects within the city, including restaurants, apartments, banks and private dwellings. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Brainerd Public Works Director Paul Sandy and City Engineer/Deputy Public Works Director Jen Schumann join to discuss the winding down of the 2026 construction season and all things city infrastructure. They provide an update on the Highway 210 reconstruction project, review this year's road and infrastructure improvements, and offer a look ahead at projects and priorities for 2027. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pequot Lakes Mayor Tyler Gardner and Police Chief Mike Davis join to discuss Operation Grizwold, a community-driven effort to make Christmas brighter for families in the Pequot Lakes School District. They share how the program brings the community together through generous donations to help local families enjoy a happier, more memorable holiday season. 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 to recap the success of their summer food program and highlight the many fall and winter programs now open for registration. Shane also shares details about the annual Coats for Kids distribution happening Saturday, October 17th, at Westgate Mall in Brainerd. Plus, he previews the YMCA’s Annual Campaign kicking off in November, themed “Building Stronger Together,” and how the community can help support the Y’s mission. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Crow Wing County Engineer Tim Bray, Transportation Planner Matt Kallroos and Maintenance Manager Brian Berent join to discuss the county’s new Safe Roads for All Plan, including how residents can provide input on areas of concern. They also preview the upcoming winter snowplow season with safety reminders for drivers and an update on equipment and staffing. Plus, the conversation covers important voting information ahead of the November 3 General Election, including absentee ballots, early voting and Election Day options. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Faith Hamson, Marketing Coordinator for the Lakes Area United Way, previews the 2026 United Way Chili Cook-Off, happening Wednesday, October 14 at the Northern Pacific Center in Brainerd. This year’s theme is “Local Heroes,” as area teams serve up their best chili creations while raising support for the Lakes Area United Way. Faith shares what attendees can expect, how the competition works, and why the annual Chili Cook-Off is a fun way to bring the community together while supporting local programs and organizations. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Director Ben Gordon and actors Ginger Lupella and Patrick Smallman from GLAPA join to preview their upcoming production of Blithe Spirit. They discuss the supernatural comedy and what audiences can look forward to when it takes the stage at the Pequot Lakes High School Theatre October 15–18. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lanai Epps and Mandy Flitch, Domestic Violence Advocates with Relationship Safety Alliance, join to discuss October’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month events, upcoming fundraisers, and the organization’s support group, which meets Tuesdays from 6–8 p.m. They also highlight the support and resources available to those affected by domestic violence. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Kim Lynch, Interim President of Central Lakes College, and Erich Heppner, Interim Dean of Staples Campus, highlight October as Manufacturing Month. They discuss the popularity of CLC’s Welding, Machine Tool and Robotics programs and how students are developing hands-on skills for careers in manufacturing. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.