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"Olympic Gold, Mining Controversy, and Computer Woes: This Week's Must-Read Newsletter!"
"Olympic Gold, Mining Controversy, and Computer Woes: This Week's Must-Read Newsletter!"
"Olympic Gold, Mining Controversy, and Computer Woes: This Week's Must-Read Newsletter!"
Don't miss out on the latest news on iron ore mining, the weather forecast, men's ice hockey Olympic victory, tech troubles, and upcoming events! Watch our thrilling VIDEO OF THE WEEK now!
Joshua McElmurray
Feb 24, 2026
Trivia Question❓Before Brainerd was founded in 1870, what nearby trading post at the confluence of the Mississippi and Crow Wing Rivers was the primary settlement in the region? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
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Cuyler Adams, a determined surveyor, first sensed hidden riches beneath Minnesota’s dense forests when his compass spun mysteriously between Deerwood and Brainerd.
Accompanied by his St. Bernard, Una, Adams uncovered the Cuyuna Range, the name blending parts of their own.
This iron-rich region, stretching 68 miles from Brainerd to Aitkin, blossomed into a major mining hub after operations began in 1911.
Towns such as Crosby, Ironton, and Cuyuna quickly developed as mining boomed, especially with manganese-rich ore fueling steel production during World War I.
The legacy took a tragic turn with the Milford Mine disaster of 1924, Minnesota’s deadliest mining accident, claiming 41 lives.
By 1984, as mining faded, the water-filled pits became the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, now beloved for its mountain biking, kayaking, and fishing—preserving the range’s remarkable story for new generations. Read More... |
Weather Forecast |
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The United States men’s ice hockey team captured Olympic gold for the first time in 46 years with a heart-stopping 2-1 overtime win over Canada in Milan.
Jack Hughes netted the game-winner just 1:41 into OT, shrugging off an earlier high-stick injury to deliver a moment of pure drama.
Set up by Zach Werenski, Hughes pushed the puck through Canadian goalie Jordan Binnington, sparking wild celebrations among his teammates.
Matt Boldy struck first for Team USA, but Canada’s Cale Makar equalized late in the second period, setting up a tense finish.
Goalie Connor Hellebuyck’s 41 saves proved crucial, especially with Canada missing their injured captain, Sidney Crosby.
This golden moment marks the first time the U.S. has won both men’s and women’s ice hockey gold at the same Games, with President Trump sending swift congratulations.
The electric rivalry thrilled fans and cemented a legacy for this determined American squad. Read More... |
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... |
Upcoming Events |
Tuesday, February 24
Business After Hours — Central Lakes College 📍 Central Lakes College, Brainerd | 🕓 4:30 – 6:00 PM | 💰 Free for chamber members A popular networking event hosted by the Brainerd Lakes Chamber — great food, drinks, and community connections.
Pickleball Open Play 📍 Pequot Lakes High School, Pequot Lakes | 🕕 6:00 PM | 💰 Free No partner needed — everyone rotates and plays everyone else. Fun for all skill levels.
Packet Bingo 📍 Brainerd Eagles – Aerie 287, Brainerd | 🕕 6:00 PM | 💰 Varies per packet A weekly Tuesday evening bingo session — a beloved local tradition. Wednesday, February 25
⭐ Premium Series Old Fashioned Wednesdays 📍 Sunshine's Summerhouse, Lake Shore | 🕓 4:00 – 9:00 PM | 💰 Priced per cocktail The most anticipated cocktail series of the year is back with a rotating lineup of top-shelf, rare, and premium whiskies crafted into elevated Old Fashioneds.
Meat Raffle at Lucky's Tavern 📍 Lucky's Tavern, Pequot Lakes | 🕕 6:00 – 8:00 PM | 💰 Raffle ticket prices vary A fun, community-driven evening with chances to win quality cuts of meat.
Karaoke Night at 14 Lakes Pub & Brewery 📍 14 Lakes Pub & Brewery, Crosslake | 🕖 7:00 – 10:00 PM | 💰 Free Blue Eyes Karaoke hosts every Wednesday — grab the mic and sing your heart out at one of the area's favorite brewpubs. Thursday, February 26
⭐ Rib Night at b*merri Gastropub 📍 b*merri Gastropub, Brainerd | 🕓 4:00 – 9:00 PM | 💰 Menu pricing House-smoked BBQ ribs — half or full rack with delicious sides. A weekly Thursday tradition that draws a crowd.
Meat Raffle, Horse Races & Bingo 📍 Fifty Lakes Fire Department, Fifty Lakes | 🕓 4:00 – 8:00 PM | 💰 Raffle ticket prices vary A family-friendly evening supporting the Fifty Lakes Fire Department with bingo, horse races, and a meat raffle all in one.
Game Night & Dirty Soda Bar 📍 UpNorth Social | 🕠 5:30 – 8:00 PM | 💰 Free A relaxed, come-as-you-are Thursday game night built around community and connection. Pull up a table, grab a game, and enjoy the unique dirty soda bar. Friday, February 27
⭐ Craft Camp at Campfire Bay Resort 📍 Campfire Bay Resort (Feb 27 – Mar 1) | 💰 Registration required (check Campfire Bay for pricing) An annual multi-day creativity retreat — grab your friends, a cabin if you'd like to stay over, and enjoy crafting workshops all weekend long.
Meat Raffle at Barajas 📍 Barajas, Pequot Lakes | 🕠 5:30 – 7:00 PM | 💰 Raffle ticket prices vary Weekly Friday meat raffle with proceeds benefiting Community Action of Pequot Lakes.
American Legion Meat Raffle 📍 Pequot Lakes American Legion, Pequot Lakes | 🕠 5:30 PM | 💰 Raffle ticket prices vary A weekly Friday tradition supporting local non-profit groups — a fun evening with the chance to win great cuts of meat. Saturday, February 28
⭐ Gull Lake Frozen Fore — The Ultimate Winter Party 📍 Participating bars & restaurants around Gull Lake | 🕙 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM | 💰 Check event page for registration/pricing A one-day winter pub crawl featuring golf-inspired games, food and drink specials, live music, and after-parties at bars and restaurants around Gull Lake. THE signature winter event of the week!
⭐ de'Vine Grand Tasting at Grand View Lodge 📍 Grand View Lodge, Nisswa | 🕔 5:00 – 8:00 PM | 💰 Check Grand View Lodge for ticket pricing One of the most anticipated culinary and wine events of the year — the resort transforms into a lively tasting experience you don't want to miss.
Andy Fischer LIVE at 14 Lakes Pub & Brewery 📍 14 Lakes Pub & Brewery, Crosslake | 🕓 4:00 – 7:00 PM | 💰 Free Live music from Andy Fischer — a great way to kick off Saturday evening at one of Crosslake's favorite spots.
Also on Saturday:
Sunday, March 1
⭐ LAMF: Thalea Plays Ravel 📍 Lakes Area Music Festival venue (check LAMF for location) | 🕐 1:00 – 3:00 PM | 💰 Check LAMF website for ticket pricing A special classical music performance and a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon. A cultural highlight for the week.
Sunday Funday Snowmobile Racing 📍 Check X Racing for location and details | 💰 Entry fees vary The family-friendly grassroots snowmobile race series continues — riders of all ages and sleds are welcome. Great spectator fun even if you don't race!
Meat Raffle at Merrifield 📍 Merrifield | 🕑 Raffle sales at 2:00 PM, drawing at 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM | 💰 Raffle ticket prices vary Two rounds of meat raffle with meat provided by Emily Meats — proceeds benefit the Merrifield Marathoners.
Monday, March 2
Jingo at Jack Pine Brewery 📍 Jack Pine Brewery, Baxter | 🕕 6:00 – 8:00 PM | 💰 Free A fun weekly game combining Jenga-style play with bingo — a unique and entertaining way to start the week.
Commander Bar Bingo 📍 The Commander Bar, Pequot Lakes | 🕡 6:30 – 8:30 PM | 💰 Varies Weekly bar bingo with prizes — a relaxed Monday evening out.
Trivia Night at Sunshine's Summerhouse 📍 Sunshine's Summerhouse, Lake Shore | 🕖 7:00 – 9:00 PM | 💰 Free Test your knowledge with team trivia — a great social outing for groups of friends or couples. All events are within 30 miles of Brainerd, MN. Event details may change — always confirm times, dates, and pricing with the hosting venue before attending. |
VIDEO OF THE WEEK |
VIDEO CREDIT: Lakeland PBS |
💡 Answer to Trivia Question: Crow Wing Village (or Old Crow Wing). |
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. |