Which ghost town on the Cuyuna Range was famous for having concrete sidewalks and curbs, but unpaved clay streets that became impassable in the rain?

Rural Minnesota families often struggle to secure prompt dental care, facing ongoing discomfort and health risks.

Dr. Chris Dens, a dedicated dentist and Baxter native, sees the effects of this shortage daily at Cosmetic & Family Dentistry.

It's common for patients to drive several hours just to get an appointment.

To address this gap, Dr. Dens launched an innovative program bringing preventive dental care straight into schools.

Working with over 170 schools statewide, his team provides cleanings, sealants, and screenings, reaching children often overlooked by traditional services.

This approach not only meets urgent dental needs but educates kids about oral health’s importance.

Compassion and a patient-centered approach are hallmarks of Dr. Dens’s practice, earning widespread community trust.

By removing barriers and prioritizing empathy, Dr. Dens’s school-based care is changing the outlook for rural Minnesota families.

Weather Forecast

Tuesday
High near 39 °F | Low 11 °F | ☁️ Increasing clouds, breezy
Clouds build with gusty west winds.

Wednesday
High 19 °F | Low 7 °F | ☀️ Mostly sunny and blustery
Chilly with strong north wind.

Thursday
High 28 °F | Low 18 °F | ❄️ Snow likely (mainly afternoon)
Snow chances increase later in the day.

Friday
High 25 °F | Low -6 °F | 🌨️ Chance of snow (mainly before noon)
Cloudy with continued wintry chances.

Saturday
High -1 °F | Low -6 °F | ⛅ Partly sunny
Cold with quieter weather.

Sunday
High 16 °F | Low 0 °F | ⛅ Partly sunny
Still cold with some sun.

Monday
High 5 °F | Low -4 °F | ⛅ Partly sunny
Continued cool and calmer conditions.

Cool 103.5 has made a substantial $5,000 donation to the Brainerd Baxter Baseball Association (BBBA), bringing an exciting boost to youth baseball facilities in the area.

This gift comes as the BBBA continues to upgrade its amenities for young athletes. The funds will help finalize key improvements, giving players access to enhanced training spaces.

New batting cages are being installed, allowing teams to maximize practice time and minimize past delays. These upgrades are set to give every player more chances to sharpen their skills and enjoy the game.

The generosity of Cool 103.5 shows how local businesses can make a meaningful difference in youth sports.

For Brainerd’s young athletes, it’s a clear sign that their community values their growth—on the field and beyond.

LAKES AREA KIDS BUZZ

Share with a child you know :)

In the serene town of Pine River, a little gray squirrel named Quigley discovers the joy of friendship with Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox on a snowy day. As they build a snow fort, Quigley showcases his unique talent for shaping snow into magical animal figures. Together, they create a whimsical snowy forest, learning that even the smallest among them can bring the greatest joy and magic to their winter adventures.

Kids learn to Include Others

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, January 13, 2026

10:00 AM -- Preschool Storytime -- Brainerd Public Library, Brainerd

12:00 PM -- Gardening Workshop with Master Gardeners -- Brainerd Public Library, Brainerd

5:00 PM -- Taco Tuesday -- Big Axe Brewing Company, Nisswa

6:30 PM -- Regular Legion Bingo -- American Legion Post 49, Pequot Lakes

7:00 PM -- Trivia Mafia -- Jack Pine Brewery, Baxter

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

4:00 PM -- Wing Wednesday -- Big Axe Brewing Company, Nisswa

6:00 PM -- MN Chefs' Choice Dinner -- Grand View Lodge, Nisswa

6:30 PM -- Sushi Rolling Class -- Northern Pacific Center, Brainerd

6:30 PM -- Trivia Mafia -- Yesterday’s Gone, Brainerd

6:30 PM -- Bar Bingo -- Nisswa American Legion, Nisswa

Thursday, January 15, 2026

10:00 AM -- Toddler Tunes -- Brainerd Public Library, Brainerd

5:00 PM -- Burger Night -- Brainerd Elks Lodge, Brainerd

6:00 PM -- Meat Raffle -- The North Star, Breezy Point

6:00 PM -- Packet Bingo -- Brainerd Eagles Club, Brainerd

6:30 PM -- Bar Bingo -- The Commander Bar, Pequot Lakes

Friday, January 16, 2026

1:00 PM -- Naturalist Walk and Talk -- Northland Arboretum, Baxter

4:30 PM -- Meat Raffle -- Nisswa American Legion, Nisswa

5:00 PM -- "Letters to the Void" Art Opening -- The Crossing Arts Alliance, Brainerd

5:30 PM -- Meat Raffle -- American Legion Post 255, Brainerd

5:30 PM -- Meat Raffle -- The Commander Bar, Pequot Lakes

Saturday, January 17, 2026

10:00 AM -- Goon Jam -- Mount Ski Gull, Nisswa

11:00 AM -- Bingo & Brunch -- Manhattan’s at Manhattan Beach Lodge, Crosslake

2:00 PM -- Bar Bingo -- JJ's Pub, Pequot Lakes

5:00 PM -- Healing w/ Sounds & Vibrations -- Coco Moon Coffee Bar, Brainerd

6:00 PM -- Date Night Game Night -- 14 Lakes Craft Brewing Co., Crosslake

Sunday, January 18, 2026

8:00 AM -- Third Sunday Breakfast -- VFW Post 1647, Brainerd

2:00 PM -- Meat Raffle -- American Legion, Crosslake

3:00 PM -- Meat Raffle -- Snarky Loon Brewing Co., Jenkins

3:30 PM -- Bar Bingo -- Nisswa American Legion, Nisswa

5:00 PM -- Live Music: Chris Holm -- Big Axe Brewing Company, Nisswa

Monday, January 19, 2026

9:00 AM -- Gentle Yoga -- Awakened Fusion, Nisswa

5:00 PM -- Burger Monday -- Big Axe Brewing Company, Nisswa

5:00 PM -- Margarita Mondays -- Sunshine’s Summerhouse, Lake Shore

6:00 PM -- Monday Night Trivia -- Gather on 3 (The Woods), Brainerd

7:00 PM -- Trivia Night -- Zorbaz on Gull Lake, Lake Shore

VIDEO OF THE WEEK

VIDEO CREDIT: Lakeland PBS

Manganese, Minnesota.

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.