Community Focus

Guests Joel Clough and Nate Olson, Board Members, Brainerd Sports Boosters join us to talk about the 11th Annual Tapped and Corked happening Saturday, March 18th at the Essentia Health Sports Center. They share how funds raised directly support local student-athletes and activities, how to get tickets, and extend a big thank you to the sponsors and donors who make it all possible.

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Faith Hamson, Marketing Coordinator for Lakes Area United Way joins to recap the Brainerd Elks recent reading events at the Brainerd Public Library, highlighting their impact on local youth and literacy efforts. She also previews the upcoming “Run for the Roses” Kentucky Derby fundraiser on May 2nd, supporting community initiatives. Plus, Hamson shares details on the United Way’s plans to bring back the popular Llama Llama Read-O-Rama, continuing to encourage reading and family engagement across the Lakes Area.

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Heidi Fairchild, Executive Director of Sexual Assault Services, and Shelby Fitch, Lead Advocate, join to highlight Sexual Assault Awareness Month and the vital support available to victims in Crow Wing County. They discuss the range of confidential services offered, from advocacy and crisis support to education and prevention efforts, aimed at helping survivors heal and empowering the community. The pair also preview several upcoming events and fundraisers throughout the month, designed to raise awareness, foster community involvement, and support ongoing services for those affected by sexual violence.

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Lindsay Riffle, Executive Director of ISP, Paul Drange, Chief Regional Solutions Officer at Sourcewell, and Randy Thompson, educator at Menahga High School, join to highlight the 2026 Innovative Teacher of the Year award. Thompson is announced as this year’s recipient of the $2,500 classroom grant and shares how he tailors learning experiences to match his students’ individual interests. Drange also discusses Sourcewell’s long-standing partnership with ISP in supporting and recognizing outstanding educators through this award.

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Lori Rubin, Development Director, Lakes Area Habitat for Humanity, RuthAnn Veith, Realtor, J. Hanson Real Estate Group and Danielle Lambke, Star Dancer, talk about the history of Lakes Area Habitat for Humanity and the upcoming fundraiser, Dancing with the Lakes Area Stars. They also discussed the closure of Habitat's Restore.

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Jon Aga, Associate VP of Advancement, and Sue Bremer, CLC Instructor at Central Lakes College, join Community Focus to talk about the upcoming Hats Off event, along with Empowered ’26 and the 5K for Mental Health Awareness. They also preview their April job fair, highlighting opportunities for students, employers, and the community to connect.

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Debby Erickson, Crow Wing County Administrator, joins to discuss the Land Services team seeking public comment on proposed revisions to the County Land Services Ordinance, along with updates on county parks as we head into the warmer months. Debbie also previews Severe Weather Awareness Week and shares details on upcoming Weather Spotter classes, giving residents a chance to get prepared and stay informed this spring.

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Shawn Hanson, Executive Director of The Outreach Program, joins us to talk about how their organization is helping provide meals to families locally and across Minnesota. She also shares details on two upcoming ways to give back- the Warrior Day of Service on April 8th and the Run for the Lakes on May 2nd.

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Guests Isaiah Moengen, Founder and Executive Director, and Allyson Moengen, Board Secretary, stop by to share details on the upcoming Hero’s Banquet happening Friday, April 24th at the NP Center. The event aims to support local first responders and community heroes, with funds going directly to those facing hardship or unexpected need right here in the Lakes Area. Isaiah also highlights the inspiring Return the Favor Fleet mission... giving a retired emergency vehicle a powerful new purpose. Instead of responding to emergencies, it will now travel throughout the community delivering gratitude and recognition to those who serve.

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Mary Savage, Volunteer Coordinator and Facilities Manager with the Relationship Safety Alliance, along with Steph Charles, Lead Visitation Supervisor at the Alex & Brandon Child Safety Center, stop by to highlight Volunteer Appreciation Week and recognize the impact of those who give their time to support families in the community. They also preview a couple of upcoming fundraisers, including a bake sale next month and a garage sale planned for June. Steph shares details on the next round of Love & Logic classes, as well as an upcoming Family Fun Day at Gregory Park, offering families a chance to connect, learn, and enjoy time together.

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