Brainerd Dispatch

BRAINERD — A new work of art sits on the south lawn at Central Lakes College in Brainerd. “Metamorphosis” is a 4,200-pound steel acorn sculpture measuring 8 feet tall, 20 feet long and 12 feet wide. According to a CLC Facebook post, the sculpture symbolizes growth and transformation — a reminder that small beginnings can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Artists are James Lundberg and Rebekah Glasman. The piece was commissioned by the state of Minnesota through the Minnesota Percent for Art Act.

EAST GULL LAKE — Carol Vogt, Ali Timmons and Marcella Timmons were the winning team at Madden’s Ladies League Tuesday, July 14, at Pine Beach West. Danelle Rymsza won longest drive and closest to the pin. Ali Timmons won the longest putt.

ST CLOUD, Minn. — It all came down to one strand of hair. The sample of hair recovered from the scene of the 1974 slayings of Mary Reker, 15, and Susie Reker, 12, could have brought long-awaited answers in a cold case that has haunted Minnesota for decades. Mary Reker and Susie Reker were last seen in the summer of 1974 after leaving their home on foot to visit a nearby store. Twenty-six days later, their bodies were discovered at a quarry just outside of St. Cloud.

ALBANY — Joey Castle ripped two doubles and drove in six runs for Brainerd VFW in a doubleheader sweep of Albany Wednesday, July 15, to advance to the district playoffs. In Game One, Castle went 3-4 with a double, two runs and two RBIs as Brainerd VFW won 7-2. Eli Kossan pitched 6.1 innings and struck out five. He allowed two runs on 10 hits and two walks. Hakon Haapajoki added two hits and a run. In Game Two, Haapajoki finished 3-4 with two runs and two RBIs as Brainerd VFW won 10-0.

MORTON — Former Pequot Lakes golfer Tyler Seeling qualified for the US Amateur Final with a 2-under, 70 in the US Amateur Final Qualifying Monday, July 13, at Dacotah Ridge Golf Club. Seeling birdied the final two holes to get himself in a playoff for the final two qualifying spots. On the second playoff hole, he made a birdie to earn the fifth and final qualifying spot into the 2026 US Amateur. The 2026 US Amateur Golf Championship will be held Aug. 10-16 at Merion Golf Club in Pennsylvania.

BRAINERD — A peaceful assembly aimed at putting a stop to bullying is scheduled for 3-4 p.m. Sunday, July 19, on Washington Street in Brainerd. A flyer for the event, circulated on Facebook, includes images of 11-year-old Ava Starr and 13-year-old Alexis Thornton, both students at Forestview Middle School who died in the last month after their families said they were bullied. The flyer for the event reads “Stop Bullying,” “Save Lives” and “Be Kind. Be Strong.

BRAINERD — Two men were sentenced recently in Crow Wing County District Court on criminal charges related to the delivery of 10 pounds of methamphetamine to them through the mail to a Brainerd residence. Jacob William Vandenberg, 37, of Brainerd, entered a plea agreement April 16 to felony first degree sale of methamphetamine. All other charges were dismissed as part of the plea agreement.

FARGO—I’ve often been captivated by historical photos of sports teams. I wonder what the lives of the athletes were like and what it would be like to step into their world for a few minutes. I especially enjoy pondering those questions when the photos show a football team from the eras of leather helmets. I wonder about the lives of the guys brave enough to play when the pads were more a suggestion of protection - the trailblazers of what’s undoubtedly now our most popular sport.

Here is your Brainerd Dispatch Minute podcast for DAY, DATE, YEAR. Jason Robert Groen entered a plea agreement in November 2025 to three felony counts of engaging in the solicitation of a child to engage in sexual conduct. Superintendent Chip Rankin proposed a new policy to School Board members on Monday, July 13, addressing how the board receives public comments.

DULUTH — As exceedingly dangerous air quality levels spread across much of Minnesota, health experts are urging individuals to exercise caution when going outdoors. As of 10 a.m. Thursday, July 16, air quality index levels have reached well into the hazardous range. AQI values in Duluth were measured at 802, far exceeding hazardous status. Higher AQI values indicate greater pollution and health concern, ranging from good (50 or below) to hazardous (over 300).