Community Focus

Executive Director of Brainerd Community Action and Brainerd Mayor Dave Badeaux joins to highlight the busy lineup of community events leading up to Brainerd's Fourth of July celebration. Dave previews everything from family activities to live entertainment and patriotic traditions that make Independence Day in Brainerd a community-wide celebration. He also discusses the importance of supporting local businesses and organizations while showcasing what residents and visitors can expect during one of the area's biggest weekends of the summer.

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Talia Brodhead, Community Engagement Coordinator with MN Prevention & Recovery Alliance and BLADE, and Lanaya Tilbury, Director of Programming at Lighthouse Beginnings about the upcoming Northern Minnesota Recovery Summit which will focus on expanding understanding, challenging the stigma and uplifting the belief that everyone in recovery deserves to be seen, heard and supported. It's geared for those in recovery and those that support people in recovery.  

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Kristy Crocker, Lead Veterinary Technician at Brainerd Animal Hospital, and Isabel Glover, Marketing Manager for the Babinski Foundation, join Eric Grant and Tess Taylor to preview this weekend's Pups in the Park at Lum Park. They discuss the fun-filled event for dogs and their owners, including activities, vendors, demonstrations, adoptable pets, and how the event supports local animal welfare efforts. They also share tips for keeping your pets safe and comfortable while enjoying a day at the park and explain how the community can get involved in supporting homeless animals across the Brainerd Lakes Area.

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Nicole Heinen, Executive Director of the Pequot Lakes Chamber of Commerce, joins us to talk about everything happening during Stars & Stripes Days 2026, including the parade, live entertainment, family activities, fireworks, and all the community fun planned throughout the celebration. Nicole also gives us an early look at Bean Hole Days, coming up next month, and shares details on the events and traditions that make it one of the area's most anticipated summer events. Tune in to hear how Pequot Lakes is gearing up for two of its biggest community celebrations of the year.

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Taylor Lesmeister, Health Educator with the Crow Wing County Public Health, joins us to discuss the increased presence of ticks and mosquitoes during the summer months. Taylor shares information about common tick- and mosquito-borne illnesses found in Minnesota, symptoms to watch for, and practical steps families can take to reduce their risk. The conversation also covers proper use of repellents, tick checks, protecting children and pets, and what to do if you find a tick attached. It's important seasonal information to help keep you and your family safe while enjoying the outdoors.

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Guests Kat Emard and Sarah Fleischacker join us to talk about several upcoming community events. They share details on their upcoming garage sale fundraiser, discuss the bags tournament fundraiser at CC's Bar in July, and explain how community support helps their organization continue its mission. They also preview their Annual Family Fun Day on August 9, highlighting activities, family-friendly entertainment, and ways local residents can get involved. Tune in to learn how you can support these events and enjoy a fun-filled day with the community.

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Matt Killian, President of the Brainerd Lakes Chamber, talked about the new Drive 210 campaign that is underway during the reconstruction and improvements being made to Highway 210/Washington Street through Brainerd.  Discussion on the importance of continuing to patronize businesses along the 210 corridor during construction and ways listeners can find maps and information regarding the project and detours. They also talked about upcoming 4th of July events in Pequot Lakes including Stars & Stripes Days, Beanhole Days and the next Business After Hours.

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Martha Smithson, Early Learning Principal with ISD 181, and Jennifer Lindholm, Early Childhood Programs Secretary, join to discuss registration opportunities for preschool and the district's Voluntary Pre-K program. They highlight the benefits of early childhood education, what families can expect from the programs, and important enrollment information for the upcoming school year. Martha and Jennifer also share details on the many summer opportunities available for area children, including camps, classes, enrichment activities, and family programs designed to keep kids learning, exploring, and having fun throughout the summer months.

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Mayor Tyler Gardner and Julie Meister, Deputy Clerk and Police Department Administration for the City of Pequot Lakes, join Community Focus to talk about the return of Saturdays Under The Bobber XL. The expanded community celebration takes place on the third Saturday of June, July, and August in downtown Pequot Lakes and features live music, local vendors, family-friendly activities, food, and entertainment for all ages. Tyler and Julie discuss why Pequot should become a summer destination for residents and visitors alike. They also share details on vendor opportunities, community involvement, and what attendees can expect during each monthly event.

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Brainerd Family YMCA CEO Shane Riffle discusses the summer youth sports programs, membership specials, 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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