In 1875, the Brainerd City Council was so opposed to the newly elected mayor, a "garbage man" named Thomas Lanihan, that they successfully petitioned the state legislature to do what to the city?

Most people in the Brainerd Lakes Area recognize Brandon Hedlund as the face of Navigate North Group, the realtor who has guided hundreds of families to their dream homes. But very few know the story of the teenager staring out a car window, wondering where he would sleep that night.

It is a journey that almost ended before it truly began. Twelve years ago, a single, intuitive phone call interrupted a desperate moment and saved his life. Yet, Brandon isn’t sharing this story to claim he has "made it." In fact, he insists he is still in the messy middle of learning how to live.

In this week’s exclusive feature, we uncover how embracing deep adversity became his unexpected secret weapon for business and fatherhood. We explore why he believes small hinges swing big doors, and how a simple philosophy about "turtles sticking their necks out" is changing how he serves our community.

If you have ever felt like your current struggles are a dead end, Brandon’s story proves they might actually be rocket fuel for your future.

Read the full story of how Brandon is redefining success—not as a destination, but as a daily choice to show up.

Weather Forecast

Tuesday, Dec 16
High ~43 °F 🌡️ Low ~16 °F | ⛅ Mostly cloudy | 💨 Light to moderate winds
A mild and mostly cloudy day for mid-December. 

Wednesday, Dec 17
High ~32 °F 🌡️ Low ~0 °F | 🌥️ Mostly cloudy, chance of light snow late | 💨 Light winds
Cloudy with increasing clouds and light snow possible toward evening. 

Thursday, Dec 18
High ~36 °F 🌡️ Low ~-6 °F | 🌨️ Light snow likely | 💨 Breezy
Snow showers likely much of the day with gusty winds. 

Friday, Dec 19
High ~31 °F 🌡️ Low ~-14 °F | 🌨️ Light snow/overcast | 💨 Moderate winds
Cloudy and cold with periodic snow showers. 

Saturday, Dec 20
High ~31 °F 🌡️ Low ~-14 °F | 🌨️ Snow showers possible | 💨 Moderate winds
Cloudy with continued chances for light snow. 

Sunday, Dec 21
High ~21 °F 🌡️ Low ~-18 °F | 🌥️ Partly cloudy | 💨 Light to moderate winds
Cold and drier with breaks of clouds. 

Monday, Dec 22
High ~24 °F 🌡️ Low ~-9 °F | 🌨️ Snow/overcast | 💨 Moderate winds
Snow likely returning as temperatures remain cold.

Red Lake Nation wild rice is a nutrient-packed superfood cherished by the Ojibwe people and rooted in their heritage.

Unlike common white rice, wild rice is the seed of an aquatic grass—naturally high in protein, essential B vitamins, magnesium, and zinc.

Manoomin, or “good seed,” stands out for being gluten-free and fiber-rich, supporting better digestion and weight management.

Studies show wild rice supports cardiovascular health by offering antioxidants that help calm inflammation and lower cholesterol.

Traditional Ojibwe harvesting ensures sustainability and protects both the environment and wild rice’s nutritional value.

It is easy to enjoy—simply simmer using a 3:1 water-to-rice ratio until tender, then serve in salads, soups, or alongside your favorite proteins.

Choosing Red Lake Nation wild rice both nourishes you and upholds indigenous traditions, inviting you to savor wholesome flavor and vibrant health.

LAKES AREA KIDS BUZZ

Share with a child you know :)

On a snowy evening, Paul Bunyan discovers a pile of glistening berries in the forest and invites his woodland friends to share a feast. After enjoying the berries, Paul realizes he has lost his way home. Guided by the wise owl and his animal friends, he learns the importance of friendship and sharing. Together, they navigate the snowy woods, and Paul promises to always share his good fortune, finding warmth and safety in their companionship.

Kids learn to Share What You Can

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, December 16

[6:00 AM] — Awakened Fusion Yoga — Notice Wellness, Nisswa

[10:00 AM] — ★ Kringle Market (holiday arts & gifts) — Crossing Arts Alliance, Brainerd

[8:00 AM] — Socks for Troops & Veterans donation drive — Shoe Sensation (Westgate Mall), Baxter

[4:00 PM] — Business After Hours Holiday Extravaganza — Grand View Lodge (Gull Lake Center), Nisswa

[6:00 PM] — Music Bingo — 14 Lakes Pub & Brewery, Crosslake

Wednesday, December 17

[5:30 PM] — Deck the Boards Holiday Charcuterie Workshop — (Brainerd Lakes Chamber listing), Brainerd Lakes Area

[5:00 PM] — MN Chefs’ Choice Dinner — Grand View Lodge, Nisswa

[5:00 PM] — Family Mixer Dinner — Pequot Lakes American Legion, Pequot Lakes

[6:00 PM] — Xtreme Music Bingo: One Hit Wonders — Roundhouse Brewery, Nisswa

[6:00 PM] — Zion Lutheran Sunday School Christmas Program — Zion Lutheran Church, Brainerd

Thursday, December 18

[5:00 PM] — All-You-Can-Eat Smoked Ribs — Dunmire’s Bar & Grill, Brainerd

[4:00 PM] — Rib Night — bmerri Gastropub, Brainerd

[5:30 PM] — Charcuterie Styling Class — 3 Cheers Hospitality, Nisswa

[6:00 PM] — Meat Raffle & Horse Racing — bmerri at The Woods, Brainerd

[6:30 PM] — Trivia: Favorite Christmas Movies — Roundhouse Brewery, Nisswa

Friday, December 19

[11:00 AM] — Santa at Stonehouse Coffee — Stonehouse Coffee, Nisswa

[3:00 PM] — Hand-Tied Wreath Class — Knotty Pine Bakery, Nisswa

[4:30 PM] — Meat Raffle — Nisswa American Legion, Nisswa

[5:30 PM] — ★ Sertoma Winter Wonderland (holiday lights) — Northland Arboretum, Baxter

[6:00 PM] — Live Music: The Mark Petersen Band — Roundhouse Brewery, Nisswa

Saturday, December 20

[10:00 AM] — Healthy Holiday Series for Kids: Christmas Party — Just Juice, Nisswa

[11:00 AM] — Santa at Stonehouse Coffee — Stonehouse Coffee, Nisswa

[1:00 PM] — Cookie Decorating Workshop — Knotty Pine Bakery, Nisswa

[5:30 PM] — ★ Sertoma Winter Wonderland (holiday lights) — Northland Arboretum, Baxter

[6:00 PM] — Live Music: Rick Adams — Quarterdeck Resort, Nisswa

Sunday, December 21

[8:30 AM] — Grounded Flow Yoga — Notice Wellness, Nisswa

[8:00 AM] — Sunday Breakfast — Brainerd VFW, Brainerd

[11:00 AM] — ★ Brunch with Santa — Madden’s on Gull Lake, Brainerd

[3:00 PM] — Christmas with Lorie Line — Gichi-ziibi Center for the Arts, Brainerd

[3:30 PM] — Bar Bingo — Nisswa American Legion, Nisswa

Monday, December 22

[9:00 AM] — Awakened Fusion Yoga — Notice Wellness, Nisswa

[4:00 PM] — Margarita Mondays ($6 margs) — Sunshine’s Summerhouse, Lake Shore

[5:00 PM] — Nisswa Lions Meat Raffle — Ye Ole Pickle Factory, Nisswa

[5:00 PM] — Live Music: Paige Rose — UpNorth Social, Crosslake

[6:00 PM] — Xtreme Music Bingo: Naughty & Nice — Roundhouse Brewery, Nisswa

Dissolve the city charter entirely. (Brainerd ceased to be a city and operated as a township for six years to avoid his leadership.)

Thanks a bunch for reading Lakes Area Buzz today! If you spotted something handy, go ahead and pass it along to a neighbor or a friend—ya never know, it might make their day too.