Quinn Nystrom grew up knocking on her neighbors’ doors, asking for donations for Type 1 diabetes research after first her brother and later she was diagnosed with the chronic condition. She apparently liked door knocking so much, she did it again as a candidate for the Baxter City Council and once more as the DFL challenger to District 10A representative Josh Heintzeman. As Nystrom prepares to leave her post on the city council to focus more on her advocacy work, she sat down the DispatchCast to...
Jun 13, 2018•41 min•Ep. 54
How much does the quality of water in Minnesota's lakes, streams and rivers mean to you? And how do you think leaders should use the state's resources to keep the waters of the Brainerd lakes area healthy? Melissa Barrick of the Crow Wing Soil and Water Conservation District joins the DispatchCast to discuss the One Watershed, One Plan process underway in Crow Wing and Cass counties -- meant to take a comprehensive approach to conservation efforts in the Pine River Watershed. The federal governm...
May 01, 2018•19 min•Ep. 50
Kind-hearted and charming, Levi Siekas loved to catch frogs as a boy and do flips off the dock. Described as a boy in motion, he was active in sports, excelled in school and enjoyed many friends. He took his life on Nov. 7, 2017, at his home. He was 15. His family, his friends, his grandparents -- no one saw it coming. His grandparents, Sharon and Dave Siekas, said their emotions were on a rollercoaster, but time is a healer. Listen to an excerpt of their interview with Managing Editor Renee Ric...
Apr 05, 2018•17 min•Ep. 49
The ills of social media and smartphone use have been harped upon ad nauseum -- often in some kind of anecdote picturing a bunch of teens around a table, noses firmly pressed into their phones, ignoring each other and oblivious to the world around them. It can be a little disingenuous, but there is truth to the analogy -- even if the truth is more abstract than literal. While on the surface the use of technology may seem social and fulfilling, the long-term effects of constant smartphone (and by...
Apr 02, 2018•18 min•Ep. 48
Those dealing with depression or who have suicidal thoughts often feel alone, unhappy and hopeless, but Mary Marana wants them to know help is just a phone call away. Marana is the executive director of the Baxter-based Crisis Line and Referral Service, a 24-hour community lifeline allowing the depressed or suicidal to call for help anonymously. As part of its Stop Suicide series, the Brainerd Dispatch sat down with Marana to discuss the resource turning 30 years old this year. Host: Frank Lee P...
Mar 31, 2018•8 min•Ep. 47
"I think that God put Noah and I on this earth and he made us friends to impact as many lives as possible." - Noah Ebinger As part of its Stop Suicide series, the Brainerd Dispatch sat down with Brainerd High School juniors Noah Sundberg and Noah Ebinger to discuss their newly formed nonprofit, The Lighthouse Project. Created in memory of BHS student Jake Haapajoki, who took his own life last month, the ambitious undertaking seeks to change the culture among the pair's high school classmates and...
Mar 31, 2018•15 min•Ep. 46
It’s a topic no one wants to talk about until they are forced to. Perhaps now is the time to change that. The Brainerd lakes area has been no stranger to deaths by suicides recently. The victims are young children, teenagers, sons, daughters, husbands, fathers, neighbors. The deaths leave families asking, “Why?” In this series, the Brainerd Dispatch will explore the issue through stories with family members and friends who have lost loved ones, those suffering through depression who have contemp...
Mar 31, 2018•4 min•Ep. 45
Most Brainerd Dispatch readers are likely familiar with "Her Voice," the quarterly magazine accompanying the newspaper for 15 years. The magazine for women, by women, celebrates its anniversary with fresh vision and a brand new look in 2018. Formed in the wake of magazine editor Meg Douglas' retirement, the reigning content team -- Lisa Henry, Sarah Herron and DeLynn Howard -- shared what inspires them as they put together one of the Dispatch's most enduring publications. How will these women ma...
Feb 28, 2018•21 min•Ep. 44
In January, Brainerd High School basketball coach Scott Stanfield and his entire staff announced their intentions to resign at the end of the basketball season. The coach cited ongoing tension with some parents over play time and other coaching decisions as the reason he intended to leave the post. He told the Brainerd Dispatch these tense moments made his job as a high school basketball coach more difficult than his previous profession as a police officer. Stanfield's resignation resonated with...
Feb 22, 2018•27 min•Ep. 41
What makes a journalist ethical? How can journalists develop and maintain public trust? In today's political climate, these questions might be more important than ever. Just as in many newsrooms, the reporters and editors of the Brainerd Dispatch must regularly grapple with ethical decisions regarding news coverage. How we arrive at decisions and what principles guide that decision-making process is the subject of this week's DispatchCast episode. Have you ever wondered why we chose to include -...
Feb 19, 2018•41 min•Ep. 30
With New Year's Eve already a month behind us, now's the time to get inspired to keep moving on your resolutions -- or get them restarted. Who better to help with that than three women who managed to run every day for a year, or two others leading the charge in a community-wide health improvement initiative? Join the DispatchCast for an episode brimming with inspiration and practical ideas to attain the goals you want to accomplish in the new year. We're back from a mid-winter break and ready to...
Jan 30, 2018•36 min•Ep. 29
And then there were three. Three entrepreneurs remain in the Destination Downtown Business Challenge, each dreaming of a different business to add to downtown Brainerd. Meet the minds behind an artisan bath and body boutique with a crafty twist, an event center/microbrewery/cafe/might be missing something and a microdistillery preparing to offer local spirits. Who will win the $50,000 prize package and be named the winner of the challenge? Listen to this week's episode of the DispatchCast to pic...
Nov 13, 2017•36 min•Ep. 28
To find some of the premier prep athletes in the state, one need look no further than Brainerd and its neighbors. Four area football teams and two volleyball teams have earned their ways into this weekend and next weekend's state tournaments. Who better to talk their strengths, surprises and prowess than the Brainerd Dispatch's sports writers, who between the two of them have covered area athletics for about 60 years? Mike Bialka and Jeremy Millsop share their knowledge and insights into the hig...
Nov 09, 2017•17 min•Ep. 27
Winter is coming, and the cozy book nook is calling. But what should you read? Two local book nerds and Brainerd Public Library advocates Laurel Hall and Sheila DeChantal have you covered with all the best titles they've come across lately. Also learn about the hippest book club in town, Books, Burgers and Brews at Prairie Bay Grill in Baxter. Read the story about the book club here . Host/Producer: Chelsey Perkins Contributors: Laurel Hall, librarian at Brainerd Public Library, and Sheila DeCha...
Oct 25, 2017•31 min•Ep. 26
The life cycle of stuff: it's created, it's resold to others or it finds new life in a recycled product. In this Progress Edition episode of the DispatchCast, reporters Jennifer Stockinger and Spenser Bickett explore Brainerd lakes area businesses responsible for refreshing roadways, rehoming treasures and recycling discarded materials. Listen in as we hear from Bob Janzen Auction and Appraisal in Aitkin, Anderson Brothers Construction in Brainerd and Greenforest Recycling at the Brainerd Indust...
Oct 13, 2017•35 min•Ep. 25
Essential to the craft, interviewing can be one of the most difficult tasks a journalist and an interviewee must undergo. Sometimes emotional, sometimes prickly or stilted or effortless, interviews range from those acquiring basic information to delving deep into some of the more painful moments of a person's life. The pursuit of truth on behalf of citizens can result in uncomfortable exchanges with elected officials, or it can blossom into an intimate moment revealing life's truths in a way onl...
Oct 02, 2017•46 min•Ep. 24
One company's materials are new. The other relies on those created in centuries past. In another Progress Edition episode of the DispatchCast, reporters Spenser Bickett and Chelsey Perkins bring the stories of Big Wood Timber Frames near Brainerd and Esser Construction of Merrifield. Dave LePage of Big Wood shares his passion for antique lumber and reclaimed metal with Perkins, while the unassuming Esser gets talked up by those who've experienced his work firsthand. For more, read Time-honored t...
Sep 22, 2017•28 min•Ep. 23
The newcomer to the craft brewery scene in the Brainerd lakes area is 14 Lakes Craft Brewing Co., opening up shop in Crosslake. The company takes its name from the nearby Whitefish Chain of Lakes, which has -- you guessed it -- 14 lakes. Reporter Spenser Bickett learns more about the brewer and the suds they'll serve, while also providing an update on the activities of all the other area craft breweries. Take a seat, crack a cold one and enjoy this special Progress Edition episode of the Dispatc...
Sep 15, 2017•12 min•Ep. 22
Progress. Movement forward. Development. The Brainerd lakes area has undergone changes in the past year -- changes in the economy, the landscape, the business environment, the housing market and elected representation. In our once-a-year Progress Edition, released on Labor Day, the Brainerd Dispatch explores economic progress and takes a closer look at some of the small businesses and local entrepreneurs doing extraordinary things in the lakes area. In this special Progress Edition of the Dispat...
Sep 07, 2017•21 min•Ep. 21
Fantasy football draft coming up? Who better to help you make your team the best it can be than Brainerd Dispatch sports writers Mike Bialka and Jeremy Millsop, joined by former sports writer and fantasy sports enthusiast, publisher Pete Mohs? Listen in as these great minds of sports give up their drafting strategies, discuss who looks good this season and offer their Super Bowl predictions. Before you draft, listen to the DispatchCast! Host/Producer: Chelsey Perkins Contributors: Sports editor ...
Aug 31, 2017•27 min•Ep. 20
Every August, Brainerd, Minn., bursts into the national spotlight as some of the top drag racers in the United States descend on Brainerd International Raceway for the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals. Back in his reporter days, Brainerd Dispatch publisher Pete Mohs covered the event close up and personal, and staff photographer Steve Kohls has been documenting Nationals, road races and more out at the track for more than 40 years. In this episode of the DispatchCast, the two reminisce about the good ol...
Aug 17, 2017•21 min•Ep. 19
What would the world be like without local news? Readers of the Brainerd Dispatch received a newspaper with a blank front page Wednesday morning. The Dispatch was one of 220 newspapers across the state signing on to the Whiteout event, which sought to bring attention to the importance of local news. Publisher Pete Mohs and Editor Matt Erickson join DispatchCast host Chelsey Perkins to discuss the message the blank page is sending and why local news matters. Host/Producer: Chelsey Perkins Guests:...
Aug 16, 2017•9 min•Ep. 18
Fair time -- a time to admire best-in-show goats, view fantastic artistic creations, listen to music and watch trucks destroy things. There's really something for everyone. The same goes for the foods at the fair. For good measure, the DispatchCast thought it prudent to go on a culinary adventure at the fair, trying as many unique and interesting treats as possible. Dining correspondent Jeremy Millsop and food columnist and DispatchCast host Chelsey Perkins were up to the challenge. If you aren'...
Aug 04, 2017•36 min•Ep. 16
Amy Thielen, a Park Rapids native and progeny of the Thielen Meats of Pierz dynasty, made the transition from small-town girl to high-powered New York City line cook over the course of her career. But it was her love for Midwestern cooking that helped her really find her niche, leading to a successful and James Beard award-winning cookbook, “The New Midwestern Table,” and a Food Network cooking show, “Heartland Table.” Thielen spoke at the Brainerd Public Library earlier this month, sharing stor...
Jul 29, 2017•57 min•Ep. 15
Share your story. If Judi Laurence were to offer any advice to someone facing a cancer diagnosis, this would be it. As the honorary survivor at the Relay for Life in Crow Wing County this weekend, Laurence will share her story and encourage others to do the same, as a way to work through the emotional pain. Laurence and event organizer Mary Crenna, also a cancer survivor, stopped by the Brainerd Dispatch to share their passion for the fundraising event supporting the American Cancer Society. Vis...
Jul 21, 2017•13 min•Ep. 14
Likely the most recognizable Brainerd Dispatch ambassadors, staff photographers Steve Kohls and Kelly Humphrey capture images of the passions, tragedies, laughter and fun of the lakes area community. They are just as likely to appear at a community picnic as they are a house fire, and each day presents a new challenge for the dedicated pair. In this week's episode of the DispatchCast, Kohls and Humphrey reflect on their gusto for the art of photography, share inspiration and practical tips for a...
Jul 14, 2017•25 min•Ep. 13
What would you do with $50,000 worth of business support to make your dream happen? The winner of the Destination Downtown Business Challenge will find this out in the fall -- but you can find out now how to apply and what the contest intended to contribute to revitalizing downtown Brainerd is all about! Host Chelsey Perkins sits down with Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce President Matt Kilian and board member Matt Seymour to learn about the challenge and what its goals are. Host/Producer: Che...
Jul 06, 2017•50 min•Ep. 12
Radio journalism, public service and community theater -- these are just a few of the things that make up Brainerd City Administrator Jim Thoreen. Reporter Spenser Bickett, who covers the Brainerd city beat, sits down with Thoreen to learn more about the man, his philosophy and the knowledge and experience he brings to the table. Host/Contributing Editor: Chelsey Perkins Reporter/Producer: Spenser Bickett
Jun 30, 2017•43 min
Get ready to rock, it's Lakes Jam time! Reporter Jennifer Stockinger shares some of her interviews with the festival organizers and this year's artists in this episode of the DispatchCast. Featuring Chris Janson, Skillet, Buckcherry, Jake Owen, Trace Adkins and Montgomery Gentry. Visit https://open.spotify.com/user/lakesjamminnesota/playlist/5FN8Ro8FiWltl4TyrPjozl for the Lakes Jam 2017 Spotify playlist! Host/Producer: Chelsey Perkins Contributing Reporter: Jennifer Stockinger...
Jun 22, 2017•29 min
When you were a teen, did you envision a world of smartphones, self-driving cars and augmented reality? Reporter Spenser Bickett spoke with a group of Forestview Middle School students earlier this spring to hear their own future tech predictions, along with their opinions of the technology they've grown up with. Bickett and host Chelsey Perkins take a walk down memory lane -- to when computer memory was measured in the megabits -- and discuss current and future tech themselves. Host/Producer: C...
Jun 20, 2017•41 min
