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Hi Brainerd, we made it to Thursday!Â
In today’s fun-for-grown-ups edition: Wastewater plant upgrades, Loonfest Red, White and Boom added, and Ryan Krominga named superintendent + plenty of reasons to put on real pants this week.
Today’s sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is helping folks around Brainerd protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.
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đź“° In the news
Public works priorities take shape: Brainerd is seeking $10 million in federal funding for phase one wastewater plant upgrades, adding mechanical dewatering and reliability improvements, with work planned for 2027-28 — see what’s planned and when.
Downtown festivities expand lineup: Brainerd will add Loonfest Red, White and Boom on July 4, featuring music, food trucks and beer tents from 7 to 10 p.m. City Council approved it on March 2 — see what’s planned downtown.
Homegrown leader steps up: The Pillager School Board selected Ryan Krominga as superintendent, elevating the district’s director of teaching and learning from a pool of 20 applicants. He will begin his duties July 1 — read the full story.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Highlights this week:
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đź’Ž Local business spotlight
Catch a local laugh: Whether you need a midweek lift or a reason to rally friends, Stage North Theatre Company turns the Franklin Arts Center into a reliably fun night out. Expect spoofy revues like Forbidden Broadway and familiar plays with hometown heart… a must for your Brainerd rotation.
Books and rocks, anyone? CatTale’s Books & Gifts blends new and used reads with crystals, fossils, and puzzles, a perfect rainy-day trove. When the week gets loud, duck into the stacks, browse by vibe, and leave with something that makes the couch dangerously appealing.
Hot dog craving, solved: Hot dogs sneak onto a menu stacked with burgers and prime rib at The Side Track, making it an easy win when you want something simple, fast, and nostalgia-ready. Small-town vibes set the tone, where a classic bite hits the spot and the week feels lighter.
\*These aren’t ads or sponsored placements, just some cool nearby spots we think are worth a visit.
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🫶 We got your back
Your data is for sale right now: There are over 400 websites selling your info to marketers, political campaigns, and scammers. They’ve got your phone number, home address, relatives’ names… you name it. That’s how robocallers seem to know everything about you before you pick up. You can remove your info one site at a time, or pay a service to do it for you. Here’s what we recommend →
Why your last diet didn’t work: Sustained weight loss is nearly impossible with diet alone. Your body literally fights back by making you hungrier the moment you start restricting calories. That’s why more doctors are recommending GLP-1s. The best part? Getting them has never been easier. We compared three programs to help you find the right fit. See which ones stood out →
Thinning hair? Don’t treat the wrong thing: When my ponytail started thinning, I tried the usual stuff (biotin, shampoo, sprays, etc.) and not one of them lasted. Turns out, most products target the strand, not the follicle… and that’s the whole problem. Once follicles go dormant, they need targeted help to come back. The good news? You can get treatment that actually works with no office visits or trips to the pharmacy. Learn about my favorites here →
Six figures you can’t spend: Most homeowners over 50 have spent years dutifully paying their mortgage, assuming the only time it’ll pay off is when they sell. I thought the same thing until I discovered you can tap into the equity you’ve earned whenever you want (without leaving your home). Overdue for a new roof? Want to build your dream bathroom? There are two ways to turn equity into usable cash →
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📆 Brainerd for grown ups
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🥩 Meat Raffle @ CC’s Bar | Thursday (3/12) at 6:30 PM – Swing by CC’s on Thursday nights for the meat raffle, your weekly shot at bragging rights and a stocked freezer. Emily’s Meats supplies the good stuff, no kale prizes. You bring your lucky streak, a cold drink, and the kind of patience only locals have.
🎠Three Viewings @ Central Lakes College Performing Arts Center | Thursday (3/12) at 7:00 PM – Only in Brainerd do we call a night at the funeral parlor a good time, and we mean it. ART stages Jeffrey Hatcher’s Three Viewings, three darkly funny one-acts with surprising heart at the Dryden Theater, with sharp writing, performances, mature themes, and strong language.
🎤 Bryce Hegge @ The Side Track | Friday (3/13) at 8:30 PM – Swing by The Side Track for Bryce Hegge’s Brainerd debut, ranging from Cash to Combs with some bona fide oldies in the mix. Expect toe-taps, singalongs, and that small-town magic where you recognize half the room, and the bartender knows your order.
🛠Salvage Sisters Spring Kickoff @ Salvage Sisters, A Repurposed Store | Saturday (3/14) at 10:00 AM – Spring at Salvage Sisters means hands-on demos, fresh markdowns, and an excuse to swap winter clutter for something charming. The first 25 folks who spend $25 snag a free gift, which pairs nicely with your newfound motivation, and a smugly refreshed mantel.
♠Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament @ The Lodge at Brainerd Lakes | Monday (3/16) at 6:00 PM – Whether you’ve been slow-playing since dial-up, or you just learned the big blind, The Lodge hosts a free Texas Hold’em tourney with volunteer dealers who shuffle and coach. Arrive early, claim a seat, chase prizes, enjoy a pint, and tip the kitty.
🍻 Pints for a Purpose @ Jack Pine Brewery | Wednesday (3/18) at 5:00 PM – Good deeds taste better on tap, so meet me at Jack Pine for Pints for a Purpose with HSO. Mingle with symphony folks, sip something malty, and feel virtuous without leaving your barstool. More details are coming, your tab still counts.
🎶 The Concordia Chapel Choir @ Lord of Life Lutheran Church (Baxter) | Thursday (3/19) at 7:00 PM – Brainerd-Baxter gets the good kind of noise as Concordia’s 85-member Chapel Choir rolls through with spine-tingling harmonies and zero Auto-Tune. It is general admission, $15 for adults, free for students, which makes it perfect grandkid-bait, and yes, tickets are non-refundable.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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đź“» Brainerd report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 39°F – Low: 23°F – Precip: 88%
A chance of snow showers between 10am and 11am, then snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 39. South wind 0 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible. Later: Rain and snow likely before 1am, then a chance of snow and patchy blowing snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 23. West wind 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 50 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
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Tomorrow – High: 32°F – Low: 14°F – Precip: 13%
A chance of snow showers before 7am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 32. Northwest wind 10 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 14. North wind 0 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
This house is wild
At 9159 Viking St. in Brainerd, this upgrade-packed home blends style with smart utility. Clerestory windows brighten living areas, while vinyl floors and a custom front door add polish. A granite and stainless kitchen shines. Highlights include tankless hot water, sound-insulated walls, sod with sprinklers, and an oversized 3-car garage with EV outlet and gas line, near Brainerd Lakes recreation.
Take a peek inside →
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