What local fundraiser pairs great food with safe ride options this week?

UPDATE 09/04/25: Nisswa Police confirm the individual has been identified, no confirmed information about arrests or charges yet.

Residents of Nisswa and Pequot Lakes are on alert after a series of graffiti incidents have defaced homes and businesses in recent weeks.

On August 25, a Nisswa homeowner and the Nisswa Motel were both targeted by vandals, prompting swift investigation by local police.

Similar damage was reported earlier in August on Government Drive, and again in June on County Road 11 in Pequot Lakes, marking a disturbing pattern of vandalism across both communities.

Authorities urge residents to stay vigilant, promptly report suspicious activity, and secure their properties with deterrents like cameras or motion lights.

The continued partnership between Nisswa and Pequot Lakes Police shows a strong commitment to protecting residents and restoring community pride.

If you have information about these incidents, contact the police—your help is crucial in keeping Nisswa and Pequot Lakes safe.

Wadena, Minnesota — At age 84, Lolita Myers has become a taekwondo grandmaster, defying age expectations with her remarkable achievement.

Myers first stepped onto the mats at 52, driven by a lifelong passion for martial arts.

Her steady dedication led her to create Mid-Minnesota Tae Kwon Do in 1996, where she’s taught countless students.

Reaching grandmaster required years of expert instruction and mastery of technical skills.

In July, she passed her Seventh Dan exam, impressing with advanced forms, weapon training, and self-defense.

Grandmaster Eric Greenquist, her mentor, calls her an inspiration—especially for women aspiring in a once male-dominated field.

Myers’ achievement celebrates the growing opportunities for all ages in Wadena's taekwondo scene.

Her journey proves that perseverance and learning have no expiration date.

The Bridge on 7th overnight shelter has reopened in Brainerd, offering adults facing homelessness a safe place to stay during the colder months.

Run by the Bridges of Hope nonprofit, the shelter welcomes guests nightly from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m., operating seasonally from September through April.

Since launching in December 2021, the Bridge on 7th has delivered over 11,400 nights of shelter for more than 480 people.

In March 2025, Bridges of Hope called for year-round access due to new city bans against unauthorized camping, but the Brainerd City Council opted in April to keep the shelter on its seasonal schedule.

This decision has raised concerns about support for the unhoused during summer.

Still, Bridges of Hope and Executive Director Jana Shogren remain dedicated to connecting guests with long-term housing solutions and assistance.

The community continues to seek lasting ways to protect its most vulnerable residents.

Weather Forecast

Tuesday (today)
72 °F 🌡️ 55 °F | ⛈️ Morning storm threat then variable clouds | PoP: ~30% | 💨 NW ~8 mph (~7 knots)
A stray thunderstorm is possible early, then skies mix through the day.

Wednesday
75 °F 🌡️ 54 °F | ☀️ Mostly sunny and pleasant | PoP: ~10% | 💨 S ~5 mph (~4 knots)
Dry and enjoyable day—perfect for outdoor plans.

Thursday
76 °F 🌡️ 60 °F | ⛅ Sunny with passing clouds | PoP: ~10% | 💨 SW ~5 mph (~4 knots)
Mostly sunny and warm—good lake-day weather.

Friday
78 °F 🌡️ 59 °F | ⛅–⛈ High clouds early, storms possible afternoon | PoP: ~40% | 💨 W ~10 mph (~9 knots) Storms may pop up later—ideal morning window to get out early.

Saturday
73 °F 🌡️ 53 °F | ⛅ Variable cloudiness | PoP: ~20% | 💨 NW ~8 mph (~7 knots)
Mild and mixed skies—comfortable day, just keep an eye on clouds.

Sunday
72 °F 🌡️ 50 °F | ⛅ Partly sunny & nice | PoP: ~10% | 💨 Light variable (~5 mph, ~4 knots)
Pleasant and calm—great for picnics or lakeside strolls.

Monday
73 °F 🌡️ 53 °F | ☀️ Sunny and less humid | PoP: ~5% | 💨 S ~5 mph (~4 knots)
Sunny and comfy—start the week on a bright note.

Upcoming Events

Celebrate the flavors of fall at the Cider Donut Festival on Saturday, September 13, hosted by North Star Donuts from 8 AM to 4 PM.

The festival will be located outside Fleet Farm Baxter at 14144 Dellwood Drive N, offering a festive local backdrop in Baxter, MN.

Savor autumn with apple cider mini donuts, cider slushies, iced coffee, and energizing cold brew.

Visitors can also enjoy orchard-fresh treats and frozen lemonades, making it a vibrant outing for every palate.

This family-friendly event is free to attend, with food and beverages available for purchase.

With North Star Donuts popular at over 1,195 events, early arrival is suggested to snag fan-favorite snacks before they’re gone.

Free parking is available in the Fleet Farm lot.

Enjoy a day of seasonal treats, fun, and community spirit this autumn.

Tuesday, September 9

8:00 am – The Center (daily programs), 803 Kingwood St.

5:30 pm – Sketchbook Club, Crossing Arts Alliance

6:00 pm – Bingo Night, Brainerd Eagles Aerie 287

6:30 pm – Initials Game Live, Roundhouse Brewery

6:30 pm – CLC Raiders Women’s Volleyball, Central Lakes College

Wednesday, September 10

12:30 PM — Bingo, The Center

5:30 PM — Wednesday Night Horse Races!, bmerri at The Woods

5:30 PM – 7:00 PM — September Sketchbook Club, The Crossing Arts Alliance

6:00 PM — Bingo, Brainerd Eagles Aerie 287

6:30 PM – 8:00 PM — Initials Game Live, Roundhouse Brewery

Thursday, September 11

8:30 am – Loon Research Tour, National Loon Center

11:00 am – Intro to Acrylic Painting, Crossing Arts Alliance (substituted)

12:00 pm – Tuscan Lunch Cruise, Gull Lake (Cragun’s)

3:00 pm – Farmer’s Market (Summer), downtown Brainerd

6:00 pm – Meat Raffle, Dunmire’s on the Lakes

Friday, September 12

6:00 pm – MN BBQ Dinner Cruise, Gull Lake (Cragun’s)

6:00 pm – Mark Petersen Band, Roundhouse Brewery

6:00 pm – “From the Heart” Live Music, B*Merri

6:30 pm – Maddie & Danny, Jack Pine Brewery, Baxter

7:00 pm – Ten November Auditions (Day 1), local theatre (Brainerd area)

Saturday, September 13

9:00 am – Loon Cruise, Cragun’s Resort

10:30 am – “Laughter is the Best Medicine” (AAUW), First Congregational Church

11:00 am – Painting an Acrylic Landscape, Crossing Arts Alliance

1:30 pm – CLC Raiders Football, Central Lakes College

1:30 pm – Bingo, Fifty Lakes American Legion

Sunday, September 14

9:00 am – Breakfast at Sunshine’s!, Lakeshore

11:30 am – Brunch Cruise, Cragun’s

12:00 pm – Fall Pottery Painting, Northland Arboretum

2:00 pm – Boomstick Bingo, Brainerd American Legion

3:00 pm (approx.) – Pup Pawtio Party, Roundhouse Brewery

Monday, September 14

8:00 am – The Center (daily programs), 803 Kingwood St.

10:00 am (estimate) – Breastfeeding Class, Essentia Health, Brainerd

6:00 pm – Free Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament, Yesterday's Gone

6:00 pm – Cruising for a Charity, Gull Lake (Cragun’s)

6:00 pm – Monday Night Trivia, B*Merri at The Woods

On Sunday, September 14, 2025, at noon, Jack Pine Brewery in Baxter welcomes locals and their pups for Barkyard Sunday with The Babinski Foundation.

This relaxed, pet-friendly patio event invites dog lovers to sip fresh craft brews while enjoying time with their canine companions.

The Babinski Foundation will be on-site hosting a special dog adoption drive, giving visitors a chance to meet and possibly take home a new furry family member.

Jack Pine’s spacious patio is designed for both people and pets to mingle comfortably.

While adults sample a variety of house beers, pups can indulge in free whipped-cream pup cups—a treat just for them.

This is the perfect opportunity to relax, connect with neighbors, and make a difference for animals in need.

For more details, check Jack Pine Brewery’s official channels closer to the date.

Boulder Tap House hosts the Give Back night benefiting Brainerd Lakes Safe Ride—Boulder Tap House