Tim Speier
Verified
(He/Him)
As seen in:
Brainerd Dispatch,
Flipboard,
Pioneer Press,
The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead,
Duluth News Tribune,
Post-Bulletin,
West Central Tribune,
Grand Forks Herald,
Dickinson Press,
KNBN-TV (Rapid City, SD),
Bemidji Pioneer
and
Covers:
Public safety and city council
Journalist, BBQ lover and beer drinker.
Public Safety for @brd_dispatch
Articles by Tim Speier
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.
Fun at the beach
BAXTER — With school out and hot and humid conditions, Whipple Beach was a popular spot to cool off earlier in the week. Levi Anthony playing catch and beating the heat on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at Whipple Beach in Baxter.
Aitkin man allegedly solicits Brainerd child
BRAINERD — A 21-year-old Aitkin man was arrested Friday, June 5, for allegedly soliciting a minor in Brainerd. Chase Michael Alexander Partridge was charged Monday, June 8, in Crow Wing County District Court with felony solicitation of a child. Chase Michael Alexander Partridge. During his initial hearing, Partridge was given a bail/bond with no conditions of $250,000. He also applied for a public defender. As of Wednesday, Partridge remains in custody in the Crow Wing County Jail.
Beating the heat
BRAINERD — Conditions were hot and humid Tuesday, June 9, in the Brainerd lakes area. Temperatures reached the 80s Tuesday with a heat index of 85 as the National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for the area. After warm conditions, expect an about face as temperatures may not reach 70 degrees for highs this coming weekend and lows could drop into the mid 40s after recent warm nights with lows in the 60s.
Brainerd man sentenced to probation for 2025 shotgun incident
BRAINERD — A 58-year-old Brainerd man was sentenced in March for a 2025 incident with another man. David Carl Thiel entered a plea agreement Jan. 15 to felony threats of violence. All other charges were dismissed as part of the plea agreement. David Carl Thiel. He was sentenced in Crow Wing County District Court March 26 to a stay of imposition. A successful completion of probation will result in the charge being reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor.
Deerwood man sentenced for beating a man with a golf club
BRAINERD — A 30-year-old Deerwood man was sentenced in February for assaults in 2024 and 2025. Alexander Paul Russell submitted a guilty plea Feb. 4, 2026, in Crow Wing County District Court to a 2025 charge of felony second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon and a 2024 charge of misdemeanor domestic assault. All other charges were dismissed as part of the plea agreement.
Going boating? Take these 15 tips with you
BRAINERD, Minn. — Sunny skies and temperatures in the low to mid-80s are perfect weather for Minnesota visitors and residents alike to safely get out on the lake and have some fun. But when they do, they are advised to use caution as water temperatures are still quite cool at this time of year and to make sure everything on the board is in working order.
Going boating? Take these 15 tips with you
BRAINERD, Minn. — Sunny skies and temperatures in the low to mid-80s are perfect weather for Minnesota visitors and residents alike to safely get out on the lake and have some fun. But when they do, they are advised to use caution as water temperatures are still quite cool at this time of year and to make sure everything on the board is in working order.
Going boating? Take these 15 tips with you
BRAINERD, Minn. — Sunny skies and temperatures in the low to mid-80s are perfect weather for Minnesota visitors and residents alike to safely get out on the lake and have some fun. But when they do, they are advised to use caution as water temperatures are still quite cool at this time of year and to make sure everything on the board is in working order.
Going boating? Take these 15 tips with you
BRAINERD, Minn. — Sunny skies and temperatures in the low to mid-80s are perfect weather for Minnesota visitors and residents alike to safely get out on the lake and have some fun. But when they do, they are advised to use caution as water temperatures are still quite cool at this time of year and to make sure everything on the board is in working order.
Going boating? Take these 15 tips with you
BRAINERD, Minn. — Sunny skies and temperatures in the low to mid-80s are perfect weather for Minnesota visitors and residents alike to safely get out on the lake and have some fun. But when they do, they are advised to use caution as water temperatures are still quite cool at this time of year and to make sure everything on the board is in working order.
Going boating? Take these 15 tips with you
BRAINERD, Minn. — Sunny skies and temperatures in the low to mid-80s are perfect weather for Minnesota visitors and residents alike to safely get out on the lake and have some fun. But when they do, they are advised to use caution as water temperatures are still quite cool at this time of year and to make sure everything on the board is in working order.
Going boating? Take these 15 tips with you
BRAINERD, Minn. — Sunny skies and temperatures in the low to mid-80s are perfect weather for Minnesota visitors and residents alike to safely get out on the lake and have some fun. But when they do, they are advised to use caution as water temperatures are still quite cool at this time of year and to make sure everything on the board is in working order.
Going boating? Take these 15 tips with you
BRAINERD, Minn. — Sunny skies and temperatures in the low to mid-80s are perfect weather for Minnesota visitors and residents alike to safely get out on the lake and have some fun. But when they do, they are advised to use caution as water temperatures are still quite cool at this time of year and to make sure everything on the board is in working order.
Going boating? Take these 15 tips with you
BRAINERD, Minn. — Sunny skies and temperatures in the low to mid-80s are perfect weather for Minnesota visitors and residents alike to safely get out on the lake and have some fun. But when they do, they are advised to use caution as water temperatures are still quite cool at this time of year and to make sure everything on the board is in working order.
Going boating? Take these 15 tips with you
BRAINERD, Minn. — Sunny skies and temperatures in the low to mid-80s are perfect weather for Minnesota visitors and residents alike to safely get out on the lake and have some fun. But when they do, they are advised to use caution as water temperatures are still quite cool at this time of year and to make sure everything on the board is in working order.
Going boating? Take these 15 tips with you
BRAINERD, Minn. — Sunny skies and temperatures in the low to mid-80s are perfect weather for Minnesota visitors and residents alike to safely get out on the lake and have some fun. But when they do, they are advised to use caution as water temperatures are still quite cool at this time of year and to make sure everything on the board is in working order.
Going boating? Take these 15 tips with you
BRAINERD, Minn. — Sunny skies and temperatures in the low to mid-80s are perfect weather for Minnesota visitors and residents alike to safely get out on the lake and have some fun. But when they do, they are advised to use caution as water temperatures are still quite cool at this time of year and to make sure everything on the board is in working order.
Going boating? Take these 15 tips with you
BRAINERD, Minn. — Sunny skies and temperatures in the low to mid-80s are perfect weather for Minnesota visitors and residents alike to safely get out on the lake and have some fun. But when they do, they are advised to use caution as water temperatures are still quite cool at this time of year and to make sure everything on the board is in working order.
Going boating? Take these 15 tips with you
BRAINERD, Minn. — Sunny skies and temperatures in the low to mid-80s are perfect weather for Minnesota visitors and residents alike to safely get out on the lake and have some fun. But when they do, they are advised to use caution as water temperatures are still quite cool at this time of year and to make sure everything on the board is in working order.
Going boating? Take these 15 tips with you
BRAINERD, Minn. — Sunny skies and temperatures in the low to mid-80s are perfect weather for Minnesota visitors and residents alike to safely get out on the lake and have some fun. But when they do, they are advised to use caution as water temperatures are still quite cool at this time of year and to make sure everything on the board is in working order.
Going boating? Take these 15 tips with you
BRAINERD, Minn. — Sunny skies and temperatures in the low to mid-80s are perfect weather for Minnesota visitors and residents alike to safely get out on the lake and have some fun. But when they do, they are advised to use caution as water temperatures are still quite cool at this time of year and to make sure everything on the board is in working order.
Going boating? Take these 15 tips with you
BRAINERD, Minn. — Sunny skies and temperatures in the low to mid-80s are perfect weather for Minnesota visitors and residents alike to safely get out on the lake and have some fun. But when they do, they are advised to use caution as water temperatures are still quite cool at this time of year and to make sure everything on the board is in working order.
Going boating? Take these 15 tips with you
BRAINERD, Minn. — Sunny skies and temperatures in the low to mid-80s are perfect weather for Minnesota visitors and residents alike to safely get out on the lake and have some fun. But when they do, they are advised to use caution as water temperatures are still quite cool at this time of year and to make sure everything on the board is in working order.
Boating safety starts on the shore
BRAINERD — Sunny skies and temperatures in the low to mid 80s are perfect weather for Brainerd area visitors and residents alike to safely get out on the lake and have some fun. But when they do, they are advised to use caution as water temperatures are still quite cool at this time of year and to make sure everything on the board is in working order.
Getting Lum Park ready for summer
Two employees with Brainerd Parks and Recreation Department working to put up a sun shade on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at Lum Park in northeast Brainerd.
Last day of school
BRAINERD — Teachers and faculty lined up to congratulate students on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, as they headed out for summer break at Riverside Elementary in Brainerd. Teachers and faculty lined up to congratulate students on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, as they headed out for summer break at Riverside Elementary in Brainerd. Teachers and faculty lined up to congratulate students on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, as they headed out for summer break at Riverside Elementary in Brainerd.
Brainerd man charged with crimes against a child
BRAINERD — A 34-year-old Brainerd man was charged May 28 with malicious punishment of a child. Alexander James Meese was charged in Crow Wing County District Court with felony malicious punishment of a child causing substantial bodily harm, felony domestic assault by strangulation and gross misdemeanor malicious punishment of a child. Alexander James Meese.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Tim
Contact Tim, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack