Community Focus

Shawn Hanson, Executive Director of The Outreach Program, joins the show to discuss how the organization provides meals to families locally and across Minnesota. She also highlights the ongoing need for volunteers, recaps key moments from 2025, and shares a preview of an exciting year ahead for The Outreach Program in 2026. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rena Bolt, Community Health Specialist with Crow Wing Energized, and Faith Hamson, Marketing Specialist with CWE, stop by to talk about upcoming community health initiatives... including the Movement Challenge, the ReThink Your Drink campaign, and diabetes prevention classes available in the area. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tedi Russell, Marketing & Community Engagement Manager at Bridges of Hope visits about their end of year fundraising push to get to $100,000. As well as an overall review of what Bridges assists the community with. Additionally, Russell previews a new event that Bridges of Hope is highlighting... Hope on the Slopes at Mount Ski Gull on February 12th, 2026. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Aubrey Koop, Director of the Cuyuna Lakes Chamber, and Ali Beste, Marketing & Young Professionals Coordinator with the Brainerd Lakes Chamber, stop by to talk about the Local Gift List created by Lakes Proud. They share how the list highlights local businesses across the Brainerd Lakes Area and why shopping local matters- helping keep dollars circulating throughout our communities, supporting local jobs, and strengthening the region, especially during the holiday season. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jason Olson, Director of Human Resources for Brainerd Public Schools (ISD 181), joins us to talk about the district as an employer, the wide range of career opportunities available, and the number of staff who help support students each day. Jason also highlights the ongoing need for substitute teachers and educational assistants as well an update on the search for a new Superintendent. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.