Tim Speier
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As seen in:
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Duluth News Tribune,
Grand Forks Herald,
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Bemidji Pioneer
and
Covers:
Public safety and city council
Journalist, BBQ lover and beer drinker.
Public Safety for @brd_dispatch
Articles by Tim Speier
Long Prairie woman sentenced for theft from Brainerd business
BRAINERD — A 64-year-old Long Prairie woman with a history of theft charges in Minnesota was sentenced in September for stealing more than $1,000 of merchandise from a Brainerd business in February. Pennie Kay Dubbin was sentenced Sept. 30 in Crow Wing County District Court on one count of felony theft. Pennie Kay Dubbin. Dubbin was sentenced to 19 months' confinement, stayed for five years while on supervised probation.
Candlelight vigil brings awareness to domestic violence
BRAINERD — More than 50 people gathered Tuesday, Oct. 13, at Lyman P. White Park in Brainerd to remember those who lost their lives to domestic violence this past year. As the sun was setting over the nearby Mississippi River, 31 luminaries were lit to represent each of the 31 people who lost their lives in Minnesota. The Relationship Safety Alliance hosted the vigil.
klick! Photo Gallery: Domestic Violence Awareness Month candlelight vigil
More than 50 people gathered Tuesday, Oct. 13, at Lyman P. White Park in Brainerd to remember those who lost their lives to domestic violence this past year. As the sun was setting over the nearby Mississippi River, 31 luminaries were lit to represent each of the 31 people who lost their lives in Minnesota. Relationship Safety Alliance hosted the vigil. Brainerd Police Chief Tony Runde reads the cards during the candlelight vigil on Tuesday, Oct. 13, at Lyman P. White Park in Brainerd.
klick! Photo Gallery: 2026 Lakes Area United Way Chili Cook Off
The Lakes Area United Way celebrated its 26th chili contest fundraiser on Wednesday, Oct. 14, at the Northern Pacific Center. The Lakes Area United Way 2026 Chili Cook Off on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026, at the Northern Pacific Event Center in Brainerd. Tim Speier / Brainerd Dispatch The Lakes Area United Way 2026 Chili Cook Off on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026, at the Northern Pacific Event Center in Brainerd. Tim Speier / Brainerd Dispatch The Lakes Area United Way 2026 Chili Cook Off on Wednesday, Oct.
2nd annual Choose Kindness Event at Forestview
BAXTER — The community came together to create a feeling of togetherness at the second annual Choose Kindness event. The Choose Kindness event took place Thursday, Oct. 8, at Forestview Middle School. A free meal was provided, courtesy of Mickey’s and Schaefer’s. 1/26: The second annual Choose Kindness Event at Forestview Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026. Tim Speier / Brainerd Dispatch 2/26: The second annual Choose Kindness Event at Forestview Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026.
Onset of autumn
BRAINERD — Changing leaves are becoming more vivid and fallen leaves are stacking on the ground Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2026, in a wooded area south of Brainerd.
Armed Forces Veterans Tribute Event celebrates local veterans
BRAINERD — The community gathered Thursday, Oct. 8, at the All Veterans Memorial to recognize the sacrifices veterans have made for the country over the years. The fifth annual Armed Forces Tribute Event was organized by Tammy Ebertowski. The Central Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge Choir and the Brainerd High School Windfall Choir performed during the ceremony. If in a crisis or in need of help, call the Help Line at 218-828-HELP (4357) or 800-462-5525.
klick! Photo Gallery: Armed Forces Veterans Tribute Event 2026
Dozens gathered at the All Veterans Memorial Thursday, Oct. 8, outside the Crow Wing County Historic Courthouse as a way to honor veterans in the Brainerd lakes area. The fifth annual Armed Forces Tribute Event on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, at Brainerd’s All Veterans Memorial. Tim Speier / Brainerd Dispatch The fifth annual Armed Forces Tribute Event on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, at Brainerd’s All Veterans Memorial. Tim Speier / Brainerd Dispatch The fifth annual Armed Forces Tribute Event on Thursday, Oct.
klick! Photo Gallery: 2026 Choose Kindness Event at Forestview
The second annual Choose Kindness Event at Forestview Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026. The second annual Choose Kindness Event at Forestview Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026. Tim Speier / Brainerd Dispatch The second annual Choose Kindness Event at Forestview Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026. Tim Speier / Brainerd Dispatch The second annual Choose Kindness Event at Forestview Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026.
Hoop dancing at Central Lakes College
BRAINERD — The community came out to celebrate culture, connection and diversity at the Celebration of Nations event at Central Lakes College. The free community event was hosted by Central Lakes College’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee Wednesday, Oct. 7, at the college’s Brainerd campus. The event was sponsored by Sourcewell. The event was open to the public and featured a variety of activities designed to showcase and celebrate cultures from around the world.
U.S. Marshals arrest Brainerd man on weapons charges
BAXTER — A 24-year-old Brainerd man was arrested Monday, Oct. 5, after the U.S. Marshals Service served a federal warrant at an apartment in Baxter.
Minnesota State Patrol using AI to help curb serious crashes Original
BRAINERD — The Minnesota State Patrol has implemented a Crash Foresight tool to assist in deploying officers where accidents and crashes are most likely to occur. Capt. Adam Fulton, commander of the Brainerd State Patrol district, said the foresight tool uses AI to combine previous crash data with trooper patrols and traffic patterns to help predict where and when troopers need to patrol to make an impact.
State Patrol using AI to help curb serious crashes
BRAINERD — The Minnesota State Patrol has implemented a Crash Foresight tool to assist in deploying officers where accidents and crashes are most likely to occur. Capt. Adam Fulton, commander of the Brainerd State Patrol district, said the foresight tool uses AI to combine previous crash data with trooper patrols and traffic patterns to help predict where and when troopers need to patrol to make an impact.
Fresh fall color
Fall color is quickly coming alive across the Brainerd lakes area, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reported dry summer conditions are leading to a earlier than normal start to the change.
Maintaining the parks
A Brainerd Parks and Recreation worker levels the parking lot Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 at Rotary Riverside Park.
Brainerd man faces criminal charge for sexual assault
BRAINERD — A 21-year-old Brainerd man was arrested Sept. 23 after allegedly sexually assaulting a woman in Brainerd. Levy Jackson Vernell Rossina was charged Sept. 25 in Crow Wing County District Court with felony first-degree criminal sexual conduct. Levy Jackson Vernell Rossina. Rossina was assigned a public defender and is being held at the Crow Wing County Jail on $100,000 bail/bond with no conditions and $25,000 bail/bond with conditions. He is due back in court on Oct. 28.
Brainerd soldier who fought on Bataan finally laid to rest at veterans cemetery
BRAINERD — A Brainerd prisoner of war was brought home and buried with honors almost 83 years after dying in the Philippines during World War II. Surrounded by family, friends and fellow veterans, Pvt. Wallace F. Goodrich was laid to rest Friday, Sept. 18, at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery. His family was presented with a Congressional Gold Medal for his service in the Philippines during World War II. Pvt. Wallace F. Goodrich.
Breezy Point man sentenced for assault
BRAINERD — A 39-year-old Breezy Point man was sentenced Sept. 9 for threatening to kill a woman and officers in February. Ryan Andrew Frane entered a guilty plea in March and was sentenced in Crow Wing County District Court for misdemeanor assault. Ryan Andrew Frane Frane was sentenced to 90 days' confinement, stayed for one year while on supervised probation.
Brainerd preliminary levy set at 9.9%
BRAINERD — The preliminary 2027 levy for Brainerd was set at a maximum of 9.9%, though council members plan on lowering it before it is set at the end of the year. During a meeting Monday, Sept. 21, City Council members discussed concerns with setting the preliminary levy too high — even knowing they can lower it in December — because the preliminary number is what residents will see on their tax statements later this fall.
Brainerd man faces felony assault charges following incident at a bar
BRAINERD — A 39-year-old Brainerd man was arrested Sept. 9 after allegedly fighting at CC’s Bar in Brainerd. Jared Joseph Shaw was charged in Crow Wing County District Court with felony assault, domestic assault and threats of violence, along with gross misdemeanor obstructing the legal process and misdemeanor assault. Jared Joseph Shaw. Shaw was granted a public defender and was given a bond/bail with no conditions of $300,000 and $100,000 with conditions. As of Monday, Sept.
New weather radar system in Brainerd will fill in coverage gaps
BRAINERD — A new weather radar system was installed Tuesday, Sept. 15, to help fill the gaps in weather monitoring around the Brainerd lakes area. Climavision one day earlier hosted a preview event at the Brainerd Police Department to showcase their radar system and explain how there has been a gap in the Doppler radars servicing Minnesota since at least the early 1990s. A crane lifts a Climavision weather radar unit onto the Brainerd water tower on Tuesday, Sept. 15.
Minnesota soldier missing since WWII buried with honors
Pvt. Duane Payne is home. Payne was buried with honors on Sept. 11 at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, more than 80 years after he was listed as missing in action while serving in the U.S. Army during World War II. The Minnesota Patriot Guard escorted Payne to the cemetery in Morrison County, where he was surrounded by friends, family and fellow service members. “That was a blessing.
Minnesota soldier missing since WWII buried with honors Original
LITTLE FALLS, Minn. — Pvt. Duane Payne is home. Payne was buried with honors on Friday, Sept. 11, at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, more than 80 years after he was listed as missing in action while serving in the U.S. Army during World War II. The Minnesota Patriot Guard escorted Payne to the cemetery in Morrison County, where he was surrounded by friends, family and fellow service members. Duane Payne in uniform before deploying to the European theater during World War II.
New weather radar system in Brainerd will fill in coverage gaps
BRAINERD — A new weather radar system was installed Tuesday, Sept. 15, to help fill the gaps in weather monitoring around the Brainerd lakes area. On Monday, Climavision hosted a preview event at the Brainerd Police Department to showcase their radar system and explain how there has been a gap in the Doppler radars servicing Minnesota since at least the early 1990s. A crane lifting the Climavision radar unit onto the water tower on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026.
Motley soldier missing since WWII buried with honors
LITTLE FALLS — Pvt. Duane Payne is home. Payne was recently buried with honors at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, more than 80 years after he was listed as missing in action while serving in the U.S. Army during World War II. A small ceremony for Payne took place Friday, Sept. 11, at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery. The Minnesota Patriot Guard escorted Payne to the cemetery, where he was surrounded by friends, family and fellow service members.
Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum celebrates grand opening Original
LITTLE FALLS, Minn. — The Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum is now open. The museum hosted a ceremony on Friday, the 25th anniversary of 9/11, and a ribbon-cutting on Saturday morning marking its official opening. The museum is located at 21702 Haven Road in Little Falls, along Highway 371 at the Randall exit, near Camp Ripley. Guests exploring the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum during its opening weekend. “It's open,” said Randal Dietrich, executive director.
Brainerd man charged with sexual assault
BRAINERD — A 23-year-old Brainerd man was arrested Wednesday, Sept. 9, for allegedly sexually assaulting a relative in his Brainerd apartment. Rome Junior Sigafoos was charged in Crow Wing County District Court with two felony counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, with penetration and injury, through the use of coercion; and two felony counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, with penetration, through the use of force. Rome Junior Sigafoos.
Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum celebrates its grand opening in grand fashion
LITTLE FALLS — The Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum is now open. The Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum hosted its grand opening this past weekend with a ceremony on Friday remembering 9/11 on the 25th anniversary and a ribbon-cutting on Saturday morning marking its official opening. The museum is located at 21702 Haven Road in Little Falls, along Highway 371 at the Randall exit, near Camp Ripley. Guests exploring the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum during its opening weekend.
Brained's Pride in the Park
BRAINERD — Community members gathered for the annual Pride in the Park on Saturday, Sept. 12, in Gregory Park. The event was organized by The Sowing Room and took place from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 1/23: Community members gathered for the annual Pride in the Park on Saturday, Sept. 12, in Gregory Park. The event was organized by The Sowing Room and took place from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tim Speier / Brainerd Dispatch 2/23: Community members gathered for the annual Pride in the Park on Saturday, Sept.
klick! Photo Gallery: Pride in the Park 2026
Community members gathered for the annual Pride in the Park on Saturday, Sept. 12, in Gregory Park. The event was organized by The Sowing Room and took place from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Community members gathered for the annual Pride in the Park on Saturday, Sept. 12, in Gregory Park. The event was organized by The Sowing Room and took place from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tim Speier / Brainerd Dispatch Community members gathered for the annual Pride in the Park on Saturday, Sept. 12, in Gregory Park.
Brainerd Noon Sertoma Club honors Fran Thomas
BRAINERD — With steadfast service to the community and a heart of gold, Fran Thomas is the Brainerd Noon Sertoma Club’s 2026 Service to Mankind Award recipient. The Brainerd Noon Sertoma Club suprised Thomas with the award Wednesday, Sept. 9. The award recognizes someone in the community who goes above and beyond without expecting anything in return. Theresa Rardin, Brainerd Noon Sertoma Club board chair, said the Service to Mankind Award is the highest recognition Sertoma Club gives.
Firefighters pay tribute with 9/11 Stair Climb on 25th anniversary
BRAINERD — On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, area firefighters and community members participated in the annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. On Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, firefighters took to the stairs leading from one of the Brainerd High School parking lots up to East College Drive and South Fourth Street. The goal is to go up the steps 30 times, making it the equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center.
Man charged for alleged sexual assault of 14-year-old in Baxter
BRAINERD — A 20-year-old St. Cloud man was charged with criminal sexual conduct after allegedly giving a 14-year-old a sexually transmitted infection in Baxter in 2025. Sory Kourouma was charged in Crow Wing County District Court via summons on May 13, 2026, with felony criminal sexual conduct, nonconsensual penetration. Sory Kourouma. Kourouma failed to appear for his hearing on Aug. 20, 2026, and the court issued a warrant for his arrest.
Charges accuse Brainerd man of sexually assaulting 15-year-old
BRAINERD — A 20-year-old Brainerd man was charged with multiple counts of sexual assault after he allegedly gave a 15-year-old vodka and repeated lines of cocaine in Brainerd in 2025. Charlie Richard Smith was charged in Crow Wing County District Court via summons Sept.
Man charged for alleged sexual assault of 14-year-old in Baxter
BRAINERD — A 20-year-old St. Cloud man was charged with criminal sexual conduct after allegedly giving a 14-year-old a sexually transmitted infection in Baxter in 2025. Sory Kourouma was charged in Crow Wing County District Court via summons on May 13, 2026, with felony criminal sexual conduct, nonconsensual penetration. Sory Kourouma. Kourouma failed to appear for his hearing on Aug. 20, 2026, and the court issued a warrant for his arrest.
Camp Ripley: Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum opens this weekend
LITTLE FALLS, Minn. — 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 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.
New Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum gears up for grand opening Original
LITTLE FALLS, Minn. — 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 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.
Brainerd family will finally have a home of their own
BRAINERD — The community came out to bless a new home being built in the community through the efforts of Lakes Area Habitat for Humanity. Family, friends and donors came out to the site blessing for the new home Monday, Aug. 31, on South 10th Street in Brainerd.
Progress 2026: 6 decades in, racing still a mainstay at North Central Speedway
BRAINERD — For over half a century, the roar of engines firing on all cylinders can still be heard as fans cheer and cars rip around the old dirt track at North Central Speedway. North Central Speedway is a third-mile oval dirt track featuring 6,000 seats, 31 suites and 44 trackside parking spots located south of Brainerd at 9651 Business 371. It is run by four full-time employees and 37 part-time seasonal employees. In 2026, they are running IMCA and Wissota class races.
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