Community Focus

Guests Kelli Johnson from Crow Wing County Public Health and Kara Schaefer, Community Health Specialist with Essentia Health, join to discuss the 8th Annual reThink Your Drink Water Challenge, encouraging residents to build healthier hydration habits. They also continue celebrating the carrot as the Vegetable of the Year, sharing simple ways to incorporate it into everyday meals. In addition, the guests preview the 5th Annual 5K for Mental Health Awareness, happening April 25, inviting the community to come together in support of mental health education, awareness, and local resources.

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Kennedy Niska, Executive Director of the Legacy Chorale of Greater Minnesota, joins to preview this weekend’s highly anticipated Disney Spectacular performances. He shares what audiences can expect from this family-friendly celebration filled with iconic Disney favorites, vibrant staging, and talented local voices bringing the magic to life. Kennedy also highlights the upcoming Youth Choral Festival in March, an inspiring opportunity for young singers from across the region to come together, learn, and perform in a collaborative setting designed to foster both musical growth and community connection. Plus, the adult ensemble is hard at work preparing for an exciting collaboration with the National Lutheran Choir, a special partnership that promises a powerful and memorable choral experience for performers and audiences alike.

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Mallory Goerges, Crosslake Parade Committee Chair, and committee member Alisha Novak join the show to preview the 52nd Annual Crosslake St. Patrick’s Day Parade, one of the region’s biggest spring celebrations. They discuss the new 1:15 p.m. parade start time, along with returning favorites like the Pot O’Gold Hunt, 5K Clover Dash, and the lively Yardi Pardi festivities happening throughout town. The guests also highlight the parade raffle and Lucky Lanyard promotion, all as the community prepares to welcome thousands of visitors for a full day of Irish-themed fun, tradition, and celebration in Crosslake.

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Becca Rugemer, Director of Marketing for IceFest, joins the show to preview this year’s highly anticipated winter celebration. She shares details on the massive 714-foot Ice Carousel, how the team successfully brings the engineering feat to life, and whether organizers have their sights set on a future Guinness World Record attempt. Becca also highlights the many family-friendly activities planned throughout the event, from interactive winter attractions to entertainment designed for all ages, making IceFest a can’t-miss experience for the entire community.

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Guest is CEO Shane Riffle

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Gary Hirsch, Director, Wendy DeGeest, Choreographer & Costumer, and Music Director Kennedy Niska from Stage North Theater stop by to preview their upcoming production of Forbidden Broadway, running February 26th-March 1st at the Franklin Arts Center. The long-running revue, hilariously spoofs some of Broadway’s biggest musicals including Wicked, Les Misérables, The Lion King, Annie, and Rent. The team shares what audiences can expect from the fast-paced cabaret-style performances, clever musical parodies, and high-energy choreography that celebrate and poke fun at the magic of Broadway.

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Brad Chapulis, Baxter City Administrator, joins to discuss the latest developments on the Highway 371/210 overpass project, including an important update from MN DOT. He also reflects on key accomplishments from 2025 and previews what’s shaping up to be a very busy 2026, with several new residential and commercial projects planned that will continue Baxter’s rapid growth.

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Guests are Nick Broyles, City Administrator, and Jessie Dehn, Brainerd City Engineer, discussing the upcoming Highway 210/Washington Street Reconstruction project, which is scheduled to begin this spring and continue through fall of 2027. While the work is being led by MnDOT, the City of Brainerd will play an active role in keeping residents informed, sharing updates, and helping the public understand each phase of the project as construction progresses.

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Ben Gordon, Director, Ally Hartwig, Stage Manager, and Amelia Heinecke, cast member and Master of Ceremonies, join the show to preview the upcoming performances of The Tim Woodman of Oz. They discuss the size of the cast, how Gordon adapted the production from the original book by L. Frank Baum, and share details on performance dates, showtimes, and ticket pricing.

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Dr. Hara Charlier, President of Central Lakes College – Brainerd Campus, joins to highlight February as Career and Technical Education Month and discusses the wide range of hands-on programs available at CLC for students who may not see a traditional college path as the right fit. She also shares details on the completion of CLC’s major renovation project, previews the upcoming ribbon-cutting ceremony, and looks ahead to several exciting performing arts and athletic events coming to campus.

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