Crow Wing County Engineer Tim Bray, Transportation Planner Matt Kallroos and Maintenance Manager Brian Berent join to discuss the county’s new Safe Roads for All Plan, including how residents can provide input on areas of concern. They also preview the upcoming winter snowplow season with safety reminders for drivers and an update on equipment and staffing. Plus, the conversation covers important voting information ahead of the November 3 General Election, including absentee ballots, early voting and Election Day options.

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Faith Hamson, Marketing Coordinator for the Lakes Area United Way, previews the 2026 United Way Chili Cook-Off, happening Wednesday, October 14 at the Northern Pacific Center in Brainerd. This year’s theme is “Local Heroes,” as area teams serve up their best chili creations while raising support for the Lakes Area United Way. Faith shares what attendees can expect, how the competition works, and why the annual Chili Cook-Off is a fun way to bring the community together while supporting local programs and organizations.

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Director Ben Gordon and actors Ginger Lupella and Patrick Smallman from GLAPA join to preview their upcoming production of Blithe Spirit. They discuss the supernatural comedy and what audiences can look forward to when it takes the stage at the Pequot Lakes High School Theatre October 15–18.

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Lanai Epps and Mandy Flitch, Domestic Violence Advocates with Relationship Safety Alliance, join to discuss October’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month events, upcoming fundraisers, and the organization’s support group, which meets Tuesdays from 6–8 p.m. They also highlight the support and resources available to those affected by domestic violence.

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Dr. Kim Lynch, Interim President of Central Lakes College, and Erich Heppner, Interim Dean of Staples Campus, highlight October as Manufacturing Month. They discuss the popularity of CLC’s Welding, Machine Tool and Robotics programs and how students are developing hands-on skills for careers in manufacturing.

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Trevor Pumnea, Executive Director of the Northland Arboretum, joins Community Focus with updates on the latest happenings at the Arb. He shares progress on the bike park and discusses lessons learned and new features planned for the return of Forest Ice Skating. Trevor also previews Haunted Trail Weekend, October 15–17, and addresses the news that Sertoma Winter Wonderland is entering its final season at the Arboretum.

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Travis Grossman, Executive Director, Confidence Learning Center and Sharon Carr, Events & Marketing Director, Confidence Learning Center visit about the camp in Brainerd and how it serves its campers with social and developmental disabilities. Sharon invited listeners to take part in upcoming events that support the camp, including the Gull Lake Oktoberfest. Travis talked about the Camp Confidence Community Day where guests from the area are invited to camp to get a hands-on experience of camp. They also put out an ask to listeners for volunteers for many of their upcoming events.

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Kennedy Niska, Executive Director of Legacy Choirs of the Lakes Area, and Brian Stubbs, Director of the Legacy Chorale, join to talk about the organization’s recent rebranding and what the new Legacy Choirs identity means for its growing programs. They also preview the upcoming fall season, including the Voices of the Lakes Area fundraiser on October 10 at The Lodge at Brainerd Lakes, along with other performances and opportunities to experience choral music throughout the Lakes Area.

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