Community Focus

Ali Beste, Marketing & Young Professionals Coordinator and staff liaison to the Brainerd Lakes Chamber, discusses WAVE Young Professionals, including the group’s mission to connect and develop emerging leaders in the Brainerd Lakes Area. She highlights upcoming networking and community events, opportunities for professional growth, and recognizes the sponsors whose support helps make the program possible.

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Mark Persons and Herman Wisnewski, committee member, join the show to discuss the annual Memorial Day observance in Brainerd. They talk about the importance of honoring those who gave their lives in military service, details on this year’s ceremony, community participation, and the traditions that continue to make the observance meaningful for local families and veterans.

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Lt. Beierman discusses Memorial Day weekend enforcement efforts across Minnesota roadways as the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer” begin. Topics include speeding, distracted and impaired driving enforcement, along with important travel safety reminders for vehicles, trailers and boats.

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Sue Galligan, Special Events Director, Brainerd Lakes Chamber, talks about several upcoming events and opportunities through the Brainerd Lakes Chamber, including upcoming Business After Hours gatherings. One event will spotlight the upcoming Hockey Day Minnesota 2027 coming to Brainerd International Raceway in January of 2027. Galligan also discusses the Help Name Bigfoot contest happening at the Welcome Center and previews an upcoming Blue Ox Success Series tailored for businesses with a focus on fraud protection and prevention.

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Nisswa Elementary Principle Molly Raske and Interim Superintendent Peter Grant join to discuss end-of-the-school-year happenings across the district, from high school graduation to the tradition of graduating seniors revisiting their elementary schools one last time. Raske also shares the story of being surprised with the recent Heart of Nisswa honor, while Grant reflects on his past two years serving as interim superintendent and the experiences that stood out most during his time in the role.

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Patrick Spradlin, Producer and co-founder of Actors Repertory Theater and Don Abbott, Director of the two-part performance Oh Look, Another Roundabout, join us to talk about the upcoming sketch comedy and improv production featuring plenty of audience participation. The show runs June 9-11 at the Dryden Theatre on the campus of Central Lakes College.

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Brainerd Family YMCA CEO Shane Riffle discusses the upcoming Y Kids Triathlon happening in August and how the event encourages young athletes of all skill levels to stay active and have fun. Riffle also highlights the YMCA’s summer youth sports programs, their growing partnership with the Brainerd United Soccer Club, and the YMCA’s continued search for additional staff members to help support expanding programs and community activities throughout the summer.

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Camp Ripley Public Affairs Officer Staff Sgt. Tony Housey discusses the latest training schedule at Camp Ripley, including upcoming exercises and the impact of new military equipment arriving for training operations. Housey also talks about preparations for Camp Ripley’s Centennial Celebration, efforts to collect historic artifacts, photos, and personal stories connected to the camp’s 100-year history, and how the public can help preserve the legacy of one of Minnesota’s most historic military installations.

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Nick Broyles, Brainerd City Administrator discusses several important updates for the Brainerd community. Topics include the upcoming public hearing on proposed updates to the city’s shoreland ordinance, a call for residents to serve as election judges, local construction project updates, and available community garden plots. Broyles also previews upcoming summer events including the Fishing Clinic and Movies in the Park.

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Joey Yow, Director of the Central Lakes College Performing Arts Center, joins the show to highlight upcoming performances and presentations coming to the stage, along with exciting summer camp opportunities for area youth interested in theater and the performing arts. Joey shares how the camps help students build confidence, creativity, and stage experience while giving the community plenty to look forward to at the PAC this season.

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