Community Focus

Nick Broyles, Brainerd City Administrator, visits about some grants the city received from the EDA, including a Facade Grant and another Sign Grant. He discussed them and invited listeners to contact BLAEDC if they had questions or wanted to look into ways to receive the dollars. He also discussed the Preliminary Tax Levy and they talked about the new ClimaVision weather radar being installed locally in Brainerd. Broyles then introduced the new Public Services Director, Zac Swarthout, who introduced himself and his role with the city, overseeing four key teams, Transit, Parks, Recreation, and Street/Sewer Maintenance. 

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Sheila Avenson, member of the Central Lakes ATV Club and event organizer, shares the history behind the 4th Annual 4-Wheelin’ for Kids with Cancer, happening September 26 on the Miller-Black Bear Trail in Ironton. Scott and Jody Johnson, founders of the Zachary Johnson Kids with Cancer Fund and Zachary’s parents, also share their family’s story and explain how funds raised through the event are distributed to help local children battling cancer and their families.

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Tony Housey with Minnesota National Guard Public Affairs at Camp Ripley joins Community Focus to preview a historic weekend in Little Falls. The new Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum celebrates its Grand Opening September 11–13, with three days of events, exhibits and activities honoring Minnesota’s veterans and military history. Tony shares what visitors can expect during the Grand Opening Weekend and talks about the significance of the new museum and its connection to Camp Ripley. He also discusses changes in how Camp Ripley communicates with the public after scaling back its use of social media, including where residents can turn for reliable updates on training, activities and other happenings at Camp Ripley.

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Members of the Brainerd Lakes Sunrise Rotary Club visit about their club and the upcoming Rose Sale. Her guests were Club President, Sharon Carr and the Rotary Rose Sale Chairperson, Sandy Swanson. They talked about the sale and how the money from the sale was used for scholarships for students at Brainerd High School who are in the Interact Club and how funds are also used from the sale for the Sharing Bread Soup Kitchen. They also talked about how listeners could become members of the Sunrise Rotary Club and how to get in touch with the club if listeners needed more information.

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Katie Waugh, Wild & Free Wildlife Program Coordinator, joins to recap another busy summer at the nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation center in Garrison. Katie also shares updates on new outdoor enclosures, the more than 2,200 hours volunteers contributed this summer and opportunities to get involved. Plus, she previews upcoming events at Ripple River Gallery on September 19 and Oktoberfest at Ruttger’s Bay Lake Resort October 16–17, and shares some of the unique donations the center can use right now as its animals prepare for fall and winter.

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Dr. Kim Lynch, Interim President of Central Lakes College, and Paul Priemesberger, Director of Secondary Relations, join to talk about the start of the fall semester and how things are going as students settle back into life at CLC. They also remind anyone considering a new career path, returning to school or taking the next step in their education that it’s never too early to apply and enroll for the Spring 2027 semester. Plus, Dr. Lynch introduces herself to the Lakes Area, shares a look at her career in education and discusses what attracted her to Central Lakes College and the opportunity to serve the CLC community.

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Crow Wing County Veterans Service Officer Erik Flowers joins to discuss the many services available to local veterans and their families. Erik explains how the Veterans Service Office provides free, accredited assistance with VA disability claims and appeals, healthcare enrollment, burial and survivor benefits, military records, financial assistance and more. He also shares why veterans shouldn’t assume they’re ineligible for benefits and warns about “claims sharks” and predatory companies charging veterans for services they can receive for free.

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Faith Hamson, Marketing Coordinator with the Lakes Area United Way, joins to recap the success of this year’s Stuff-A-Bus school supply drive and the impact the community’s generosity will have on local students. Faith also previews September’s Hunger Action Food Drive and how you can help support local families facing food insecurity. Plus, businesses, nonprofits and restaurants are encouraged to mark their calendars for Wednesday, October 14 for the always-popular Lakes Area United Way Chili Cook-Off!

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Patrick Spradlin and Beth Selinger, Co-Founders of Actors Repertory Theater, chat about their upcoming performance of "Lend Me A Tenor" that will be performed at Chalberg Theater in Brainerd. They talked about the content of the show and also about the theater company and how it donates back to the community. This show will help support cancer patients through The Pink Ribbon Cupboard.

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Brenda Conley, Interim Walk Manager for the 2026 Walk to End Alzheimer’s, joins to preview this year’s walk, happening Saturday, September 26 at Forestview Middle School in Baxter. Brenda talks about the continued need for walkers, teams and volunteers, how people can get involved, and why community support is so important in the fight to end Alzheimer’s. She also shares what participants can expect on walk day and how every step helps support Alzheimer’s care, research and awareness.

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