Tim Speier
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Journalist, BBQ lover and beer drinker.
Public Safety for @brd_dispatch
Articles by Tim Speier
New Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum gears up for grand opening
LITTLE FALLS — The new Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum is gearing up for its grand opening weekend Sept. 11 to 13. The Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum, 21702 Haven Road, Little Falls, is located along Highway 371 at the Randall exit, near Camp Ripley. Tickets can be purchased at mnvetmuseum.org/planyourvisit . The museum will officially open the 40,000-square-foot facility during a three-day celebration featuring the 25th anniversary of Sept.
Missing for 82 years, Motley soldier finally comes home Original
BRAINERD — More than 80 years after he was listed as missing in action while serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, Pvt. Duane Payne’s remains are coming home from Europe and will be buried with honors on Sept. 11 at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery. An obituary for Payne noted he was born on March 4, 1917, in Motley. On Oct. 24, 1940, he married Lorna A. Hagen in Todd County. With World War II underway, Payne answered the nation's call and enlisted in the Army on Feb. 11, 1944, in Brainerd.
Missing for 82 years, Motley soldier finally comes home
BRAINERD — More than 80 years after he was listed as missing in action while serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, Pvt. Duane Payne’s remains are coming home from Europe and will be buried with honors at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery. An obituary for Payne noted he was born on March 4, 1917, in Motley. On Oct. 24, 1940, he married Lorna A. Hagen in Todd County. With World War II underway, Payne answered the nation's call and enlisted in the Army on Feb. 11, 1944, in Brainerd.
Brainerd WWII heroes receive Extraordinary Service to Humanity honors
BRAINERD — The Brainerd Public Schools Archives hosted a Service to Humanity ceremony Aug. 19 for two former students who were killed in one of the first land battles of World War II. On Dec. 26, 1941, deep in the Bataan Peninsula in the Philippines, two men volunteered to hold a bridge and provide covering fire for a retreat. They were never heard from or seen alive again. Their names were Pfc. Gerald J. Bell and Pvt. August “Jeff” Bender, members of Company A, 194th Tank Battalion.
Jack Pine to host Pintwood Derby
BAXTER — Start your engines — a Pinewood Derby is coming to Jack Pine Brewery on Oct. 10 to raise funds for Scouting in central Minnesota. The Pintwood Derby — an adult pinewood derby — takes place at 3 p.m. Oct. 10 in the taproom of Jack Pine Brewery, 15593 Edgewood Drive N., for $40 per person or $110 per team of three. They also have a limited number of cars available to rent for $20. Each entry gets a car kit, a drink token, a pint glass and food at the event.
Fans enjoy NHRA Nationals at BIR
The Brainerd Nationals of the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series took place Aug. 21-23 at Brainerd International Raceway in Brainerd. A little girl reacts in surprise as the cars launch during the NHRA Brainerd Nationals on Friday, Aug. 21, 2026, at Brainerd International Raceway. Spectators watching a pass during NHRA Brainerd Nationals on Friday, Aug. 21, 2026, at Brainerd International Raceway. Two boys play with cars in the bleachers during the NHRA Brainerd Nationals on Friday, Aug.
Lighting causes northeast Brainerd house fire
BRAINERD — The Brainerd Fire Department responded to a house fire at 2:29 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20, on the 1000 block of Third Avenue Northeast. Brainerd Fire Chief Tim Holmes said crews responded to a report of smoke coming from the home. When fire crews broke down the door on the north side of the home, they were met with a wall of smoke as they entered while dragging the hose behind them.
Reading between the bargains
BRAINERD — The first shopping day at the new Friends of the Brainerd Public Library book sale site on Tuesday, Aug. 18. The new site is at 215 Washington St. The store was full as people line up on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026, for the first shopping day at the new Friends of the Brainerd Public Library book sale site on Washington Street.
Brainerd firefighters respond to house fire on 3rd Avenue Northeast
BRAINERD — The Brainerd Fire Department responded to a house fire at 2:28 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20, on the 1000 block of Third Avenue Northeast. When fire crews broke down the door on the north side of the home, they were met with a wall of smoke as they entered while dragging the water hose behind them. A short time later, Deputy Chief Dave Cox handed a crew member a thermal imaging device to look for hot spots before they entered the home.
Brazen bears prompt cues for precautions in Cass County Original
WALKER, Minn. — Bear activity — at least as far as their interaction with humans — is on the rise in Cass County. The Cass County Sheriff’s Office is reminding residents and visitors to take precautions following an increase in bear activity and human-bear interactions throughout the area. Recently, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office and local law enforcement have responded to a number of incidents involving bears, including: Three separate incidents involving bears entering occupied homes.
Dry conditions keep fire danger elevated in lakes area
BRAINERD — The Brainerd Fire Department is warning residents to use caution given the extremely dry conditions present in the Brainerd area. After a few weeks of multiple calls for service for vegetation fires, Brainerd Fire Chief Tim Holmes said residents should be very careful when working with flames or outdoor equipment as conditions remain dry. “I think people have a bit of a misconception that when we get a little bit of rain, that everyone's all good,” Holmes said.
Brainerd Night Out brings community together
BRAINERD — Hundreds gathered Tuesday, Aug. 11, at Gregory Park in North Brainerd for the annual Brainerd Night Out. The event brought together the community with music by Bruce Archer and free hot dogs, chips and pop. The event was followed by a Teen Challenge concert sponsored by St. Francis of the Lakes Catholic Church. Brainerd residents got to meet area law enforcement, while hanging out with friends and neighbors.
klick! Photo Gallery: Brainerd Night Out 2026
Brainerd Night Out went from 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 11, in Gregory Park, on Juniper Street. The community came out to Gregory Park on Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2026, for Brainerd's annual Night Out and enjoyed free hot dogs, music and games while meeting their friends, neighbors and area emergency services. Tim Speier / Brainerd Dispatch The community came out to Gregory Park on Wednesday, Aug.
Nice evening on the water
BRAINERD — Though rain has been scarce, temperatures in the Brainerd area have moderated into high 70s and low 80s, making it perfect weather for boaters to get our and enjoy area lakes. Tim Speier joined the Brainerd Dispatch in October 2021, covering Public Safety. He can be reached via email at tim.speier@brainerddispatch.com or calling 218-855-5859.
Gull Lake Yacht Club hosts 66th annual Fun Regatta
BRAINERD — The Gull Lake Yacht Club hosted its 66th annual Fun Regatta Saturday, Aug. 1, on Gull Lake. There were 21 boats registered for the event, which included food from Sunshine Summerhouse, races throughout the day and an awards ceremony. The regatta is open to all sailboats regardless of membership in the club. “It's been held every year on Gull Lake and is open to any class of sailboats.
Kids take center stage at Crow Wing County Fair
BRAINERD — Dozens of kids descended on the Crow Wing County Fair for Daycare Day on Wednesday, Aug. 5. Hosted in the Brainerd Lakes Curling Club, mothers, grandmothers and daycare workers brought in their little ones by the carload as they gathered to play games at the county fair. 1/14: Kids play games and have fun on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026, during Daycare Day at the Crow Wing County Fair. Tim Speier / Brainerd Dispatch 2/14: Kids play games and have fun on Wednesday, Aug.
The Crow Wing County Fair is here
The Crow Wing County Fair began in 1872 with an event called the “annual fair” that took place in town and grew to be Minnesota’s third-largest county fair, according to County Fair Guide .
Fishing under the bridge
BRAINERD — Despite a heat advisory from the National Weather Service in Duluth, an angler tries their luck in the Mississippi River under the Mill Avenue bridge in northeast Brainerd.
Breezy Point woman sentenced for stalking her children Original
BRAINERD — A 41-year-old Breezy Point woman was sentenced July 6 after Crow Wing County Child Protection Services found she abused her children after she attempted to commit suicide in 2024. Briana Katherine Jordan entered a plea agreement April 16 in Crow Wing County District Court to two felony counts of stalking. All other charges were dismissed as part of the plea agreement. Briana Katherine Jordan.
Drug court celebrates 20 years of helping community members
BRAINERD — Helping people get their lives back for two decades, Crow Wing County Drug Court celebrated its 20th anniversary on Thursday, July 23, outside the Crow Wing County Jail. Over 160 people attended the celebration, eating pulled pork sandwiches while live music played, followed by a short presentation of thanks for Drug Court and those involved with running it and being part of the community for the past 20 years.
Invasive buckthorn meets its match in Brainerd goat herd Original
BRAINERD — Eating all day and loving it, the goats are back at Rotary Riverside Park in Brainerd this summer to help mitigate invasive buckthorn. Melissa Barrick, district manager for the Crow Wing Soil and Water Conservation District, said the project is part of the Lessard Sams Outdoor Heritage Grant Restoration project with Great River Greening and the City of Brainerd. Goats in Rotary Riverside Park on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, eat buckthorn to help restore the park.
Brainerd police, firefighters face off in softball showdown
BRAINERD — The 3rd annual Brainerd Police vs Fire Softball Showdown on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at Mills Stadium in Brainerd’s Memorial Park. 1/17: The 3rd annual Brainerd Police vs Fire Softball Showdown on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at Mills Stadium in Brainerd’s Memorial Park. The event was hosted by Brainerd Community Action and Brainerd Parks and Recreation.
klick! Photo Gallery: 3rd annual Brainerd Police vs Fire Softball Showdown
The 3rd annual Brainerd Police vs Fire Softball Showdown on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at Mills Stadium in Brainerd’s Memorial Park. The event was hosted by Brainerd Community Action and Brainerd Parks and Recreation. The 3rd annual Brainerd Police vs Fire Softball Showdown on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at Mills Stadium in Brainerd’s Memorial Park. The event was hosted by Brainerd Community Action and Brainerd Parks and Recreation.
Invasive buckthorn meets its match in local goat herd
BRAINERD — Eating all day and loving it, the goats are back at Rotary Riverside Park this summer to help mitigate invasive buckthorn. Melissa Barrick, district manager for the Crow Wing Soil and Water Conservation District, said the project is part of the Lessard Sams Outdoor Heritage Grant Restoration project with Great River Greening and the City of Brainerd. Goats in Rotary Riverside Park on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, eat buckthorn to help restore the park.
Valerie Jones is the 2026 Crow Wing County Outstanding Senior Citizen
BRAINERD — Valerie Jones was awarded the 2026 Crow Wing County Outstanding Senior Citizen Tuesday, July 21, at The Center in Brainerd. “Today we have the privilege of recognizing a remarkable individual whose dedication, compassion, and steady leadership have strengthened the health and wellbeing of older adults across Crow Wing County,” said Darcy Walkowiak, director of The Center.
Election season is here
BRAINERD — Crow Wing County Elections is conducting public testing of election equipment on Monday, July 20, Tuesday and Wednesday in preparation for the upcoming election season. Public testing allows election officials to verify that voting equipment is functioning properly and accurately records and tabulates votes before it is used in an election. Members of the public are welcome to attend and observe the testing process.
Pillager man accused of stalking, assaulting woman
BRAINERD — A 33-year-old Pillager man was arrested Friday, July 10, after he allegedly stalked and assaulted a woman in Brainerd. Tyler Joe McDonald was charged Monday in Crow Wing County District Court with felony stalking, third-degree assault causing substantial bodily harm and domestic assault. Tyler Joe McDonald. On Tuesday, McDonald posted a $50,000 bond with conditions and is no longer in custody. He is next scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 5.
2 sentenced for receiving delivery of 10 pounds of meth
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.
Aitkin man sentenced to probation for solicitation of a child
AITKIN — A 43-year-old Aitkin man was sentenced after a 2024 search warrant in Aitkin County led to charges in connection with a child exploitation investigation. Jason Robert Groen entered into a plea agreement in November 2025 to three felony counts of engaging in the solicitation of a child to engage in sexual conduct.
When life gives you lemons -- sell lemonade
Tim Speier joined the Brainerd Dispatch in October 2021, covering Public Safety. He can be reached via email at tim.speier@brainerddispatch.com or calling 218-855-5859. Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. When life gives you lemons -- sell lemonade Entrepreneurial brother and sister sell lemonade during recent streak of hot weather. We see that you have javascript disabled.
Keeping cool at the beach
BAXTER — In the Brainerd lakes area, high temperatures are expected to remain in the 90s through Friday, though a slight reprieve is possible by midweek.
Construction continues at Brainerd Fire Hall
BRAINERD — Work continues on a remodel project at the Brainerd Fire Department. The project includes upgrades to the heating, cooling and ventilation system; providing specific decontamination areas and proper equipment storage space; separating the clean and dirty areas of the building; and building a 4,200-square-foot addition. The addition will provide space for apparatus, storage for turnout gear, office space and a fitness area.
Former BHS student sentenced for role in 2025 high school break-in
BRAINERD — A 21-year-old Brainerd man was sentenced for his role in a 2025 burglary at Brainerd High School. Logan Shane Miller entered a guilty plea Aug. 21, 2025, in Crow Wing County District Court to one count of second-degree burglary of a school building. All other charges were dismissed as part of the plea agreement. Logan Shane Miller Miller received a stay of adjudication and was sentenced July 1, 2026, to five years' supervised probation.
A day patrolling on the water with the DNR
BRAINERD — Operating in the Brainerd lakes area and with the DNR for the past 22 years, Jim Guida was out on North Long Lake on July 3 as part of the DNR’s Operation Dry Water campaign. Operation Dry Water ran July 3-5 and is an annual nationwide campaign that highlights the dangers of boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, according to a DNR news release. Boating while intoxicated is the leading contributing factor to boating accidents and fatalities.
Brainerd man sentenced to 42 years for sexual assault of siblings
BRAINERD — A 24-year-old Brainerd man was sentenced to 42 years for sexually assaulting multiple family members. Rutger Raymond Roehner was sentenced in Crow Wing County District Court Wednesday, July 8, on four counts of felony first-degree criminal sexual conduct. All other charges were dropped as part of the plea agreement accepted by the court in April. Rutger Raymond Roehner.
Chaska man faces charges for ATV theft at Lakes Jam
BRAINERD — A 22-year-old Chaska man was charged June 30 in Crow Wing County District Court after allegedly stealing an ATV and fleeing deputies at Lakes Jam music festival. Connor Wilker McMahon was charged with felony theft of a motor vehicle and fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle. He was also charged with gross misdemeanor driving while intoxicated and misdemeanor fleeing a peace officer. Connor Wilker McMahon.
Storm brings strong winds, tree damage to Brainerd area
BRAINERD — A severe thunderstorm late Monday, July 6, swept across the Brainerd lakes area with high winds, leaving behind downtrees, scattered branches and power outages. On Tuesday morning, tree branches and other debris were visibly scattered along South Sixth Street south of Willow Street. There were reports of trees blocking the roadways in several Brainerd neighborhoods and power outages in several areas of the city.
Brainerd/Baxter celebrates America 250
BRAINERD — With smiles, cheers and flags as far as one could see, the community came together to celebrate the founding of the United States of America at the Brainerd-Baxter America 250 Fourth of July parade. 1/56: The Brainerd-Baxter America 250 Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Downtown Brainerd. Tim Speier / Brainerd Dispatch 2/56: The Brainerd-Baxter America 250 Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Downtown Brainerd.
Brainerd man faces charges of assault, fleeing police
BRAINERD — A 47-year-old Brainerd man was charged June 30 in Crow Wing County District Court after allegedly assaulting a man and fleeing from deputies in a vehicle. Nicholas Ryan Hines was charged with multiple felonies, including driving while intoxicated, threats of violence, assault on a peace officer and fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle.
Powerful late-night storm downs trees, power lines Original
BRAINERD — A strong storm damaged numerous trees and knocked power out to thousands of people late Monday, June 29, in Crow Wing County. A tornado warning was issued shortly before 11 p.m. Monday noting a storm capable of producing 70 mph wind gusts, golf-ball sized hail and tornadoes was moving toward Crow Wing County.
4-H looks to grow leaders through Beyond Ready to Serve cohort
BRAINERD — A group of 4-Hers from across central Minnesota worked together to create a campaign on bullying, mental health and caring for the older generation. Starting in October 2025, 12 4-Hers from Wadena, East Otter Tail, West Otter Tail, Crow Wing, and Morrison counties worked for nine months on a project called Beyond Ready to Serve. The project was funded by a family in Wadena.
Veterans honored with Dream Flight
LITTLE FALLS — A group of veterans took to the skies Friday, June 26, with Dream Flights at the Little Falls/Morrison County Airport. Dream Flights is dedicated to honoring military veterans and seniors with the adventure of a lifetime: a flight in a 1942 Boeing-Stearman biplane. Leroy Pusc, an Army veteran serving from 1958 to 1961, takes flight with Dream Flights on Friday, June 26, 2026, at the Little Falls/Morrison County Airport.
4-H looks to grow leaders through Beyond Ready to Serve cohort
BRAINERD — A group of 4-Hers from across central Minnesota worked together to create a campaign on bullying, mental health and caring for the older generation. Starting in October 2025, 12 4-Hers from Wadena, East Otter Tail, West Otter Tail, Crow Wing, and Morrison counties worked for nine months on a project called Beyond Ready to Serve. The project was funded by a family in Wadena.
4-H looks to grow leaders through Beyond Ready to Serve cohort
BRAINERD — A group of 4-Hers from across central Minnesota worked together to create a campaign on bullying, mental health and caring for the older generation. Starting in October 2025, 12 4-Hers from Wadena, East Otter Tail, West Otter Tail, Crow Wing, and Morrison counties worked for nine months on a project called Beyond Ready to Serve. The project was funded by a family in Wadena.
Celebrating Dairy Days in Crow Wing County
The Crow Wing County Dairy Days Cattle Show took place on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at the Crow Wing County Fairgrounds. Kayla Fleischhacker, of Crow Wing County, prepares her cow for showing at the Crow Wing County Dairy Days Cattle Show on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at the Crow Wing County Fairgrounds. 1/12: The Crow Wing County Dairy Days Cattle Show on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at the Crow Wing County Fairgrounds.
Man arrested after trying to meet with an underage girl in Garrison
BRAINERD — A 47-year-old Princeton man was arrested Wednesday, June 3, after he allegedly went to meet someone posing as a child in Crow Wing County. Robert Scott Anderson was charged June 5 in Crow Wing County District Court with six counts of felony possession of child sexual abuse material. Robert Scott Anderson. During his initial appearance, Anderson was assigned a public defender and given an unconditional bail/bond of $300,000 and $150,000 with conditions.
Brainerd man crashes vehicle while being chased by police
BRAINERD — A 47-year-old Brainerd man was arrested Saturday, June 13, after he assaulted another man and fled from officers in Crow Wing County. The Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office responded at 10:17 p.m. to North Central Speedway, 9651 Business 371, for a report of an assault. When deputies arrived, they learned a 47-year-old Brainerd man had allegedly assaulted a 45-year-old Brainerd man and fled the scene.
Brisket on the Farm brings out the community
BRAINERD — Good weather brought out the masses Tuesday, June 16, as the Malloy Farm hosted its third annual Brisket on the Farm. The Crow Wing County Farm Bureau created Brisket on the Farm in 2024 to promote agriculture awareness and education, and with its success the event returned for a third year. Malloy Farms, located south of Brainerd, hosted the event in conjunction with Crow Wing County Farm Bureau.
Brainerd firefighters respond to fire on Washington Street
BRAINERD — The Brainerd Fire Department responded to a fire at 5:06 p.m. Sunday, June 14, along Washington Street in Brainerd. Fire Chief Tim Holmes said crews responded and found a 100-by-50-foot section of a straw erosion blanket had caught fire near 10th Avenue Northeast. Crews extinguished the fire while the Brainerd Police Department controlled traffic on Washington Street while crews were responding. Crews were on scene for about half an hour with no injuries reported.
County employs Flock license plate readers
BRAINERD — Over the past year, the Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office installed 10 license plate readers in the county, with plans for more. They are using Flock camera systems. A Flock camera is a specialized AI-powered automatic license plate reader that sends alerts to the department or agency utilizing it. Craig Katzenberger, operations lieutenant with the Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office, said Tuesday the cameras are not there to record speed or people's faces.
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