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Happy weekend, Brainerd!
In today’s happening-today edition: Controversial highway overpass approved, gold and silver heat up, and taste Jamaica at the craft fair + events worth checking out today & tomorrow.
Today’s sponsor (Money.com) built a free comparison tool that helped me cut my car insurance premiums in half. It took about 3 minutes, and honestly… I wish I’d done it sooner. If you haven’t shopped around in a while, you can easily check the best rates here.
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📰 In the news
Highway 210 access preserved: MnDOT approved the Highway 371 overpass in Baxter in February with Baxter’s conditions after a public vote against it. Construction is expected in 2028 and 2029, each paying $950,000 — get all the project details.
Student artwork shines locally: In February, Brainerd Dispatch spotlighted a Winter Olympics themed Weather Drawing by Harrison Elementary fourth grader Tatum Gakin, celebrating Brainerd creativity from Mrs. Luke’s and Mrs. Meyer’s fourth grade class — see the featured drawing.
Guidance on new workplace rules: North Central SBDC at Central Lakes College is offering free lunch and learn sessions to help Brainerd-area businesses navigate Minnesota Paid Leave, plus one-on-one consulting through a state outreach grant — get details on sessions and consulting.
Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why they’re back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.
Someone Googled you this week: Whether you’re dating again, selling something locally, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up. Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you (or someone you care about) to clean up all that up – learn more here.
Highlights this week:
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🚗 Are you quietly overpaying for car insurance?
Together with our sponsor Money.com
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I learned that the hard way. I had the same policy for half a decade. Autopay was on, I saw the charges come in every month and never thought twice about them. Turns out I was paying well above the national average ($175/mo) for a single car… for years.
This free comparison tool lets you check rates from multiple insurers in just a few minutes. It costs nothing to look, and it could save you hundreds this year.
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🫶 We got your back
Color pop, right downtown: If your feed needs a lift, the You Betcha Community Mural at The Crossing Arts Alliance delivers bold color and community spirit. Snap your shot, then stroll for coffee, compare favorites, and spot new brushstrokes you missed before… the kind that make everyday walks feel like mini gallery visits.
Color-drenched fabric fix: Cherrywood Fabrics hand-dyes cotton into a rich, suede-look finish; the Baxter studio showroom brims with curated bundles, gradients, and limited-run gems. Need a spark for your next project? Infuse your stash with unapologetically bold hues, and let saturated color do the heavy lifting.
Local pints, zero fuss: Big Axe Brewing Company keeps it easy with a relaxed downtown Nisswa taproom, inventive house beers, and a kitchen serving comfort staples. Kid-friendly inside, dog-friendly patio when it’s nice. Perfect for a low-key hang with neighbors. Fresh pours, chill vibes, no pretense.
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.
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📆 Around town today & tomorrow
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.
🧺 Berry Picking Basket Workshop @ The Crossing Arts Alliance | Saturday (3/7) at 10:00 AM – Basket master Shannon Lucas-Westrum is guiding a hands-on workshop to craft a sturdy berry-and-mushroom basket, leather handle included. It’s sold out, of course, so stalk the waitlist, flex those dexterous fingers, and thank the Minnesota arts grant for picking up the materials.
🧘 Mindfulness Training @ Carnegie Wellness | Saturday (3/7) at 11:00 AM – Swap the doomscrolling for a 75-minute reset with mindfulness, gentle yoga, and actual breathing. This session leans into mindful eating and communication, then melts you into Lake Superior hot stones, warm oil towels, and tea. First-timers are free, which feels very zen.
🎉 Party at the Track @ The Side Track | Saturday (3/7) at 8:30 PM – Pull on the black shirt and head to The Track for a Johnny Cash–heavy night of outlaw country, dance tunes, and good-natured trouble. Expect singalongs, two-steps, and maybe shots, which is precisely how questionable choices turn into quality local lore.
🎤 Karaoke for the Kids @ O’Neary’s Irish Pub | Sunday (3/8) at 4:00 PM – Round up the crew for a family karaoke takeover at the Irish Pub in downtown Brainerd, all ages welcome. Pre-game with slices and joysticks at Big Jay’s Arcade, or an escape-room victory at Copper Cat, then let the kids belt while you harmonize and grin.
🍓 Fresh Strawberries & Oranges @ El Tequila Mexican Restaurant (Baxter) | Sunday (3/8) at 5:30 PM – Whether your fruit bowl has been on a months-long beige diet or you just want to see neighbors in the El Tequila lot, Freshly Picked Tour is bringing farm-fresh strawberries, citrus, pecans, and Michigan maple, just days post-harvest. Pre-order for the discount, pay at pickup.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.
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📻 Brainerd report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 45°F – Low: 36°F – Precip: 5%
Sunny, with a high near 45. West wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 36. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 60°F – Low: 37°F – Precip: 1%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 60. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 37. West wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
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Take a peek inside →
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