Community Focus

Guest is LeRoy Ailts, Brainerd Plunge Coordinator

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Guests are Nick Hiesserer, Dean of Career & Technical Programs and Jon Aga, Associate Vice President of Advancement

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Guest Jory Danielson, Administrative Services Director with Crow Wing County, joins to talk about several important updates for residents. He highlights Minnesota Township Day on March 10th, a chance for community members to participate in local township meetings, and reminds voters about upcoming mid-term elections and the importance of staying informed. Jory also discusses a new GIS mapping training opportunity that is open to the public, giving residents a chance to learn how to better access county mapping tools. In addition, Crow Wing County is currently hiring seasonal watercraft inspectors to help protect local lakes from invasive species. He also previews upcoming county road projects and reminds drivers that seasonal load limits will be taking effect soon as spring approaches.

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Guest is Faith Hamson with United Way, sharing info about their "Once Upon a Storytime" at the Brainerd Public Library. Also how to get involved in their Partner Program grants and how local organizations can apply for funding. Faith also explains how community members can get involved through the United Way Vision Council, which helps review grant requests and guide where those dollars go. Plus, details on their upcoming Pop-Up Pantry later this week.

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Guests Jessy Eide from Moonlite Bay and Jared Griffin, Camp Director at Camp Knutson, stop by to preview the 25th Annual Ice Tee Open at Moonlite Bay. This winter tradition brings the community together for a one-of-a-kind day of golf on the ice, all while supporting the life-changing programs at Camp Knutson. They’ll share what makes this milestone 25th year extra special, from the family-friendly atmosphere to the exciting silent auction, raffles, and food and drink specials throughout the day. It’s a fun way to embrace winter in the Brainerd Lakes area while making a meaningful impact for kids and families served by Camp Knutson.

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Justin Jerve, Board Member of the Brainerd Amateur Hockey Association, stops by to talk about their upcoming “Try Hockey For Free” event happening March 3rd at the Essentia Health Sports Center. Boys and girls ages 4–9 are invited to come out, try on full hockey gear, and get on the ice in a fun, welcoming environment designed especially for beginners. Justin shares what families can expect, how the association helps make hockey accessible for new players, and why this free event is the perfect opportunity to see if hockey might be the right fit for your child.

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Guests Patrick Spradlin, Co-Producer, Actor and Founder of Actors Repertory Theater and Cory Johnson, Co-Director and Actress about their upcoming production of "Three Viewings," a 3-person, monologue play that will be performed at the Dryden Theater at Central Lakes College in Brainerd. The guests also talked about the Actors Repertory Theater and how they are different from other theater companies in the lakes area and about the way they donate to area non-profits following each of their productions.

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Sue Galligan, Director of Special Events with the Brainerd Lakes Chamber, joins to preview a busy stretch of networking and community events across the region. She highlights the upcoming Business After Hours at Central Lakes College, a great opportunity for local professionals to connect, followed by Eggs and Issues on Friday, March 6th, where timely topics take center stage. Sue also reminds listeners to mark their calendars for the always popular St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Celebration in Crosslake. Plus, she shares details on the Brainerd Lakes Home Show and Expo, happening March 20–21, and previews the next Blue Ox Success Series Workshop, “AI Unpacked and Unfiltered,” designed to help businesses better understand and navigate the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence.

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Guests Michelle Gonska, Board President, and Laura Cook, Board Secretary and Show Chair, stop by to preview the 51st Annual Ice Show at the Essentia Health Sport Center. They’ll share what audiences can expect from this year’s performances, highlight special appearances by guest skater Sonja Hilmer at all three shows, and extend heartfelt thanks to the sponsors who make the event possible. Plus, they’ll explain how skaters- young and old- can get involved with the Vacationland Figure Skating Club and become part of this long-standing community tradition.

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Guest is Executive Director, Sarah Smith

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