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Hey Brainerd, hope your week’s off to a good start! Hwy 371 overpass vote, a scandalous British farce, cocktails for a cause, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Lumber town history and trails: A January 24 Islands piece highlighted Onamia as an affordable lakeside gem just 45 minutes southeast of Brainerd, with small-town charm, restaurants, and lower-than-average home prices — get all the details.
Development oversight thresholds proposed: Brainerd City Council plans to update Brainerd’s comprehensive plan, last revised in 2019. A proposal would raise threshold for requiring an environmental assessment worksheet, with Planning Commission review in mid-March — learn what’s changing and when.
Council debate shapes project: Baxter’s $58 million Hwy 371 overpass could proceed after a 3-2 council vote against it unless conditions are met, with MnDOT approval expected to keep the design 99 percent intact — see the seven conditions.
Celebrating standout student leaders: Pequot Lakes seniors Avery Amsden and Ryder Schultz received the Triple A award for academics, arts, and athletics. Amsden plans Luther College biology and volleyball, while Schultz plans wildlife biology — learn more about their paths.
Gold and silver are (still) on fire: Gold’s strong run continues, and silver is outperforming nearly every major asset class in the last year. With demand rising and supply tight, precious metals offer the right combination of market hedge and growth. Augusta Precious Metals is a great way to invest in gold because you can just roll over part of your retirement account into their gold and silver IRAs. Curious to learn more about it? Grab their free guide here.
Compare rates for free: Insurance prices drop all the time, but you’ll only know if you check. I assumed my rate was fine until I compared options and realized I was leaving real money on the table. It took a minute to check and instantly showed better offers for where I live. If it’s been more than a few months, you should probably run this comparison tool here.
One pet emergency can easily cost $7,000+ but pet insurance helps ease the financial and emotional burden. It’s something I wish I’d had after spending $10k on last-minute surgery for my cat (her name is Miss Stache). I learned my lesson and signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Pathways to public service: Brainerd Lakes Chamber will host a Running for Office workshop on Feb. 9. It will explain how campaigns work and what to expect, featuring representatives from Crow Wing County and Momentum Advocacy plus a former Minnesota Senate majority leader. Admission is $10. Get all the details.
Supportive gatherings for those affected: Epilepsy advocates meet today from seven to eight thirty p.m. at the Northland Arboretum, welcoming anyone affected by epilepsy for coffee, cookies, and conversation. The group met Jan. 26 at Essentia Health-St. Joseph’s Medical Center and will focus on the basics of the disease. See when and where to join.
Mac craving, solved: When only gooey, cozy carbs will do, Main Street Ale House delivers a mac and cheese that truly hits. Rich, silky, weeknight worthy… the kind you twirl, breathe in, then grin. Winter feels easier with a warm bowl that hugs back.
Closet refresh, minus the fuss: Hunting soft graphic tees, lived-in denim, or a dress that does school pickup and date night? Bells+Blossom Boutique makes it easy with curated finds for women and littles from two local mamas who get it… a quick downtown Brainerd mood lift.
A smart way to save on big purchases: When costs hit the tens of thousands, credit card and personal loan interest racks up fast. A HELOC lets you tap into your home’s equity as a flexible line of credit at a lower rate… all without refinancing your mortgage. I’ve been looking into this myself, and Figure’s HELOC stood out for its 100% online application, no in-person appraisal, and quick access to cash.
Your neighbors are Googling you:It’s an uncomfortable thought, but people search names all the time — employers, new friends, other parents at school pickup. If something negative, outdated, or misleading shows up on the first page, it can shape how people see you before you ever meet. BetterReputation helps push down unwanted search results so the first impression you make actually reflects who you are today. And if it’s not your name, you can help a friend or family member with that too.
Get clarity on financial decisions: Managing retirement, taxes, and investments alone can feel overwhelming, especially during big life transitions. Financial advisors provide holistic guidance, help reduce risk, and keep emotions away from costly decisions. I found a tool called Unbiased that matches you with the right financial advisor based on your personal situation so you can get a second opinion… it never hurts.
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📆 Around town this week
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.
This week
🍸 Cocktails for a Cause @ 5Rocks Distilling Co. | Tuesday (2/3) at 6:00 PM – Clear your schedule for a guilt-free happy hour at 5Rocks Distilling Co, where every cocktail or mocktail sends $5 to Relationship Safety Alliance. Bring friends, sip well-made drinks, and feel virtuous doing nothing strenuous. Feeling ambitious? Sponsor a cocktail, play hero.
☕ ECFE Pop Up @ Littles & Lattes Play Cafe | Wednesday (2/4) at 9:30 AM – Parenting hack, Brainerd edition. ECFE pops up at Littles & Lattes with Valentine’s stories, songs, and kid-friendly activities, while you actually drink a coffee hot. Grab an ECFE In a Bag for at-home fun, because the sugar rush does not end at the door.
🏇 Wednesday Night Horse Races!\ @ BMerri Gastropub Restaurant and Bar\ | Wednesday (2/4) at 5:30 PM\* – Give your scratchers a night off and pull a pony on the TV instead. Buy a few tabs, cross your fingers, and you could trot off with $150 to $300 cash, no jockey required. Zero mud, maximum bragging rights.
This weekend
🦆 Kids’ Duck Soap Making Class @ Purple Fern Bath Company | Saturday (2/7) at 10:00 AM – Wrangle the kiddos and pop in for a Valentine’s duck soap class, complete with a cute toy duck, curious faces, and zero mess at home. It’s walk-in every Saturday in February, $10 a soap, and you leave smelling like victory, roses, and bath time.
🐧 Needle-Felted Penguin Workshop @ Crossing Arts Workshop Space | Saturday (2/7) at 11:00 AM – Swap your weekend errands for a barbed needle, and poke some wool into an adorable 5-inch penguin with Nancy Scott. Beginner friendly, all materials provided, and yes, pipe cleaners are involved. Members save a bit, non-members still get bragging rights, 12+.
🧘 Mindfulness Training @ Carnegie Wellness | Saturday (2/7) at 11:00 AM – Think you can actually hear yourself think around here? This 75-minute session zeroes in on sound with mantra, mindfulness meditation, and gentle yoga, then wraps with Lake Superior hot stones, warm towels, and tea. First-timers are free, drop-ins $25.
🏈 Super Bowl 60 @ O’Neary’s Irish Pub | Sunday (2/8) at 5:00 PM – Nothing beats watching Super Bowl 60 at the pub with free appetizers and a Purple Hooter for every touchdown. Expect drink specials, trivia, giveaways, prizes, and a prediction board. Bring your team spirit, your competitive streak, and a ride home.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Brainerd report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 16°F – Low: 3°F – Precip: 0%
Mostly sunny. High near 16, with temperatures falling to around 13 in the afternoon. Northwest wind around 0 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 3. Southwest wind around 0 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 22°F – Low: 14°F – Precip: 0%
Partly sunny, with a high near 22. Northwest wind 0 to 5 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 14. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
This house is wild
This 2-bed, 2-bath ranch has 942 finished square feet on the main level, plus a third bath in the full unfinished basement. Hardwood floors and a functional layout pair with a detached one-car garage for everyday ease. In an established neighborhood near schools, medical care, and conveniences, the property offers quick access to major roadways and a central Brainerd location.
Take a peek inside →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we genuinely think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week:
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