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"Hospital Care, Weather Forecast & Broken Computers: Brainerd Lakes News!"
"Hospital Care, Weather Forecast & Broken Computers: Brainerd Lakes News!"
"Hospital Care, Weather Forecast & Broken Computers: Brainerd Lakes News!"
"Stayed warm at WinterFest and SoupFest! Plus, hospital care in Brainerd Lakes, a frustrating computer issue, and more. Don't miss out on upcoming events!" VIDEO OF THE WEEK: "Don't miss the thrilling highlights from WinterFest!"
Joshua McElmurray
Feb 18, 2026
Trivia Questionâť“What was the name of the first steam locomotive to enter Brainerd in 1871, assisting in the construction of the river crossing? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
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Essentia Health-St. Joseph's Medical Center shines as a leader in rural hospital care at the heart of the Brainerd Lakes Area, earning national recognition for outstanding excellence.
The hospital’s deep commitment to patient compassion and attentive nursing transforms ordinary care into a source of comfort and healing for local families.
Essentia Health-St. Joseph’s influences the entire area, providing over 2,000 jobs and driving economic stability throughout the region.
Future plans include a leading-edge musculoskeletal center in Baxter, set to expand access to advanced orthopedic care and support long-term community health.
The hospital remains an essential force—uniting expert medical care, compassion, and unwavering community impact. Read More... |
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Weather Forecast |
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The Brainerd Lakes area is alive with community pride as winter events unite locals and visitors alike.
In Crosby, Tori Oehrlein captivated the town by breaking Minnesota's state career scoring record in basketball, reaching 5,085 points. Her remarkable achievement is celebrated as she prepares for her next journey at the University of Minnesota.
The Crosby-Ironton Rangerettes showcased talent and teamwork, earning their fifth section high kick title and fourth in jazz, embodying the region’s commitment to excellence.
Crosslake’s 24th annual WinterFest brought lively winter fun, highlighted by SoupFest, where Andy’s Bar & Grill’s Chicken Fiesta soup won the People's Choice for the seventh time.
At Mount Ski Gull, Hope on the Slopes combined racing, music, and charity, raising vital funds for local causes and underscoring the community’s generosity.
Innovative educators like Nicole Harmer and John Bellear further inspire Brainerd’s spirit of growth and support. Read More... |
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Technology breakdowns can strike at the worst moments, whether you're managing payroll or processing urgent orders.
The reality is, every business and household faces IT headaches—slow computers, crashed systems, and critical delays that drain both time and money.
Most folks aren’t tech experts, yet find themselves troubleshooting with confusing online advice and no clear solution in sight.
Bigger companies have IT departments, but small business owners and families often juggle tech fixes on top of everything else.
Local expert Chris Besett at ItsATech brings decades of real-world experience, offering swift, honest service and clear explanations, so you’re not left guessing.
ItsATech focuses on prevention and quick repairs—protecting both businesses and homes from downtime and costly security risks.
Save Chris’s contact info now and be prepared.
Let ItsATech handle the tech, so you can focus on what matters most. Read More... |
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Upcoming Events |
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
McLaughlin’s Brainerd In‑House Boat Show McLaughlin’s RV & Marine, Brainerd/Baxter (Hwy 371)
WAVE YPN: Leveraging LinkedIn for Career Growth Essentia Health Brainerd Lakes, 523 N 3rd St, Brainerd
Aquarius New Moon Solar Eclipse Sound Bath
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Minnesota Chef Series Dinner at Cru
McLaughlin’s Brainerd In‑House Boat Show (Day 2) McLaughlin’s RV & Marine, Brainerd
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Music Bingo at Cana Wine Bar
Meat Raffle, Horse Races & Bingo – Fifty Lakes
Rib Night & b*merri Meat Raffle
Friday, February 20, 2026
Triple Fest Snowmobile Racing – Opening Day
“The Tin Woodman of Oz” – Pequot Lakes Community Theater
Friday Fish Fry at St. Francis
Saturday, February 21, 2026
I.C.E. Fest with WonderTrek Children’s Museum Green Prairie Fish Lake, 12636 Forest Rd, Little Falls
Ski Lodge Bingo at Manhattan’s
“Snowy Smores” Paint & Sip at UpNorth Social
Sunday, February 22, 2026
Commanders Breakfast Buffet – Brainerd VFW
Indoor Play – Crosslake Community Center
Meat Raffle Benefiting Merrifield Marathoners
Monday, February 23, 2026
Nisswa Lions Meat Raffle at The Pickle Factory |
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VIDEO OF THE WEEK |
VIDEO CREDIT: Lakeland PBS |
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đź’ˇ Answer to Trivia Question: The Minnetonka (Northern Pacific Engine No. 1). |
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. |