DispatchCast

Tim Speier joins the Dispatch staff after a windy path on his way here, including two tours in Iraq with the Marines, work in a factory, the oil fields, as a mechanic and then an accidental journalist. Join us for a conversation to get to know Tim.

The Dispatch reporters discuss the stories about area businesses they covered in this year's Progress Edition. The DispatchCast is a product of Forum Communications Co. and is brought to you by reporters at the Brainerd Dispatch. Find more news throughout the day at BrainerdDispatch.com.

On Thursday, Aug. 12, 2021, Brainerd Dispatch Editor Matt Erickson and Community Editor Chelsey Perkins hosted an "Ask The Editor" Facebook Live forum. This is the audio of that conversation. The DispatchCast is a product of Forum Communications Co. and is brought to you by reporters at the Brainerd Dispatch. Find more news throughout the day at BrainerdDispatch.com.

For months of relative calm, area hospitals worked to develop complex and ever-adapting plans for how to handle what may lie ahead in the coronavirus pandemic.  Now facing more COVID-19 patients than ever before, an influx of people who’ve delayed care for chronic conditions, and reduced staff due to illness or quarantine, the difficult days that were once hypothetical are becoming more and more frequent. The "DispatchCast" shares the interviews and process behind the weekend story featuring health care leaders, who shared the hospitals' surge plans and pleaded with residents to comply with public health directives surrounding the pandemic. Producer/Host: Chelsey Perkins Guests: Dr. Jon Pryor, Essentia Health; Jessica Herron, Essentia Health; Kyle Bauer, Cuyuna Regional Medical Center; and Joel Beiswenger, Tri-County Health Care.

The Last Turn Saloon is one of Brainerd’s oldest and most iconic businesses, dating back to the early pioneer and railroad days of the city that grew from the banks of the Mississippi River. Its current location on South Eighth Street is not the original — the first Last Turn was located at the corner of Fourth Street South and Front Street. The original saloon was the site of one of Brainerd’s darkest moments, as was recently recounted in the pages of the Dispatch by contributor Jeremy Jackson. A public lynching of two brothers of mixed Native American and European heritage accused of murdering a white woman named Ellen McArthur took place outside. That was July 1872. The brothers pleaded not guilty, were never tried and no verdict was ever brought in the case.  With a morbid history like that, it would be understandable if a creepy feeling persisted with the place. But it’s actually the second location on Eighth Street that appears to be haunted by any number of apparitions. At least, that’s what many former employees would swear by. The DispatchCast speaks with one of those employees to hear the haunted tales of the Last Turn Saloon. Host/Producer: Chelsey Perkins Guests: Jennifer Karas, Ed Mattson

It was 1918 in Brainerd, Minnesota, and residents were focused on the sacrifices they were making for the war effort abroad. Little did they know they would soon face an enemy much closer to home as the Spanish flu made its way to the rural northern reaches of the state. Join former Brainerd Dispatch publisher Terry McCollough as he takes us back a century to a time when faced with numerous other challenges, lakes area residents were forced to grapple with an unusually deadly pandemic as well. Host: Chelsey Perkins, community editor. Guest: Terry McCollough, former publisher, "This Was Brainerd" columnist.

Deborah Erickson is not only the elections head in Crow Wing County. She also serves as chair of the elections committee for the Minnesota Association of County Officers, as the Minnesota-designated local representative on the national Elections Assistance Commission Standards Board and on the federal Government Coordinating Council for elections critical infrastructure. She joins Community Editor Chelsey Perkins to discuss the impending changes to how residents vote, as more voting precincts shift to mail balloting for the 2020 election due to the coronavirus. Host/Producer: Chelsey Perkins Guest: Deborah Erickson

With this week's epic misinformation on social media, we thought it would be a good time to revisit this 2018 conversation on journalistic ethics. What makes a journalist ethical? How can journalists develop and maintain public trust? 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 -- or not include -- certain information in a story? This just might be the episode for you. Producer/Host: Chelsey Perkins Contributors: Jennifer Kraus, Frank Lee and Gabe Lagarde

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, we look back at a July 2017 conversation when Kohls and Humphrey reflected on their gusto for the art of photography, shared inspiration and practical tips for aspiring photographers and revealed the personalities behind the photographs of north-central Minnesota's only daily newspaper. Host/Producer: Chelsey Perkins Guests: Steve Kohls and Kelly Humphrey, Brainerd Dispatch photographers

Many unknowns still surround COVID-19, including its potential effects on household pets. With the lingering uncertainty, pet owners should be prepared to take special precautions to protect their furry family members in the event they themselves get sick, local animal experts told Brainerd Dispatch reporter Theresa Bourke. Catch her story along with the week's top lakes area headlines. Host/Co-Producer: Chelsey Perkins Contributor/Co-Producer: Theresa Bourke

We all could use a break from the reality we currently face, right? Here's your chance. We're bringing you a rebroadcast of our most popular DispatchCast episode ever. Ironton native John Henry Seadlund was the central figure in a captivating series of crimes 80 years ago -- crimes that led FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover himself to visit the Brainerd lakes area. The story of small-town boy turned brash criminal made headlines across the country, and a close look at the Brainerd Dispatch archives adds some local flavor. Listen to Seadlund’s story, as told by former Brainerd Dispatch publisher and "This Was Brainerd" columnist Terry McCollough, on this episode of the DispatchCast.  Host/Producer: Chelsey Perkins Guest: Terry McCollough

Nick Anderson is one of the nine rising Major League Baseball stars who should be a household name, according to MLB.com's Richard Justice. The 2008 Brainerd High School graduate had his breakout season in 2019, ending it with the AL Wild Card game-winning Tampa Bay Rays. Anderson talked with Brainerd Dispatch sports reporter Conrad Engstrom about what it's like to not be playing baseball right now, along with what his experience was like as a rookie in the majors last year. Plus, the Brainerd Dispatch's top headlines of the week. Host/Co-Producer: Community Editor Chelsey Perkins Contributor/Co-Producer: Sports Writer Conrad Engstrom

Brainerd City Council members have a big decision ahead of them with choosing a new mayor, students and teachers weigh in on the first week of distance learning amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and we catch up on this week's news in the Brainerd lakes area Host/Producer: Theresa Bourke

Leaders in the Brainerd lakes area business development community join Community Editor Chelsey Perkins to talk developments in federal and state aid to businesses over the week, ways they've seen small business leaders adapt and what makes them proud to be involved in this community. Host/Producer: Chelsey Perkins Guests: Greg Bergman, regional director of Small Business Development Center at Central Lakes College; Tyler Glynn, executive director of Brainerd Lakes Area Economic Development Corp.; and Matt Kilian, president of Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce.

"Something like this happens and the cynics might say, 'Oh, it takes a crisis for us to actually come together.' And I guess the optimist might look at is as, 'Yeah, in a crisis, we can still come together.' Maybe that’s the good way to look at it," said Brainerd Dispatch Editor Matt Erickson. "Something big comes up, we still have the ability to put everything else aside and work for the common good." On this week's episode of the "DispatchCast," Managing Editor Renee Richardson, Community Editor Chelsey Perkins and Erickson discuss how our newsroom is covering the COVID-19 crisis, what we're seeing emerge in our community and where we're finding hope to hold onto. Host/Producer: Chelsey Perkins Contributors: Matt Erickson and Renee Richardson

Coronavirus concerns are sweeping across the state, a large fire hit Brainerd, new inductees made it into Brainerd Public Schools' Legendary Women Hall of Fame, Second Amendment rights activists want county officials to take action, and new data sheds light on the county's housing situation. Host: Chelsey Perkins Producer/Contributing Reporter: Theresa Bourke Contributing Reporters: Jennifer Kraus, Gabe Lagarde and Frank Lee

Catch up on all the top Brainerd area headlines of the week, plus step inside to Brainerd High School for a rundown on the Tech Warriors program, connecting students and technology in a new way. Host/Producer: Chelsey Perkins Reporter: Theresa Bourke

Who killed Rachel Anthony? On the 19th anniversary of her disappearance, we take a look back at the case. Plus, Dispatch reporters Gabe Lagarde and Theresa Bourke take us inside the grassroots action at the DFL and GOP caucuses this week, and the Brainerd Dispatch's top headlines. Host/Producer: Chelsey Perkins Contributing Reporters: Theresa Bourke, Gabe Lagarde, Conrad Engstrom

We hear from young voters about their reasons for political activism, get the scoop on the latest in virtual reality technology and catch up on the his week's news in the Brainerd lakes area. Host/Producer: Theresa Bourke Contributing Reporter: Gabe Lagarde

A children's museum is headed to Brainerd, plus the Dispatch newsroom talks school updates, the upcoming presidential primary, a rape allegation against a former Baxter youth pastor that came to light recently, plus the week's top news and sports headlines. Host/Producer: Chelsey Perkins Contributing Reporters: Theresa Bourke, Conrad Engstrom, Jennifer Kraus and Gabe Lagarde.

We talk light pollution in Brainerd, vandalism at Milford Mine Memorial Park and two upcoming theatrical productions you won't want to miss -- plus, catch up on the week's news in the Brainerd lakes area. Host/Producer: Chelsey Perkins Contributing Reporters: Theresa Bourke and Jennifer Kraus

Around 5 p.m. on Aug. 6, 1969, a tornado that had intensified to a powerful category F4 with winds of more than 200 mph, barreled toward the northern Minnesota community of Outing. It was one of a series of tornadoes that cut across northern Minnesota and killed a total of 15 people, including 11 in the Outing area. Most of the Outing deaths were visitors staying at cabins located along the east shore of Roosevelt Lake and owned by Bethany Fellowship of Bloomington. One of the survivors from those cabins was Sue Moline, who was 17 years old at the time. Seven of her family members and friends died in the storm, and for decades Sue's family didn't talk about the tornado that changed their lives. But in the past year, Sue has led efforts to gather more information from survivors, rescue workers and the weather service to find out details of what happened that summer day. Sue and her aunt, Priscilla Dugan, recently met with veteran scuba diver Bill Matthies of Brainerd, who recovered the bodies of two of the Outing storm victims who were tossed into Lake Roosevelt. Listen to there story of that tragic day, which took place exactly 50 years ago this week. The Outing tornado still ranks as one of the top five most deadly tornadoes in Minnesota history.  Host/Producer: Chelsey Perkins Reporter/Guest: Pete Mohs Featuring: Bill Matthies, Sue Moline and Priscilla Dugan

What are Brainerd residents doing to try to save the city's historic water tower, a landmark towering over the landscape for a century? And how can others help? In this episode of the DispatchCast, reporter Theresa Bourke sits down with water tower committee members Carissa Meyer and Dave Badeaux to learn about fundraising initiatives and how to get involved in saving the tower from destruction. Producer/Reporter: Theresa Bourke Guests: Carissa Meyer, Dave Badeaux

DispatchCast presents "This Week," a dive into Brainerd lakes area headlines and newsmakers. Feb. 22, 2019 A look at a bill on charitable gambling taxes, by Gabe Lagarde (5:34) Get to know newly elected Aitkin County Sheriff Dan Guida with Jennifer Kraus (8:29) Hear from Brainerd Community Development Director David Chanski on his vision for the city with Theresa Bourke (12:05) Learn more about Brainerd Family YMCA CEO Shane Riffle from Frank Lee Straight out of Brainerd's past, a posse chasing rabid dogs in the streets, from Terry McCollough and Chelsey Perkins Producer/Host: Chelsey Perkins Co-producers/Reporters: Theresa Bourke, Jennifer Kraus, Gabe Lagarde, Frank Lee  

Robbery. Kidnapping. Ransom. Murder. Ironton native John Henry Seadlund was the central figure in a captivating series of crimes 80 years ago -- crimes that led FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover himself to visit the Brainerd lakes area. The story of small-town boy turned brash criminal made headlines across the country, and a close look at the Brainerd Dispatch archives adds some local flavor. Listen to Seadlund’s story, as told by former Brainerd Dispatch publisher and "This Was Brainerd" columnist Terry McCollough, on this episode of the DispatchCast.  Host/Producer: Chelsey Perkins Guest: Terry McCollough

On DispatchCast Episode 038, Melissa Barrick talks about the upcoming native tree and plant sale hosted by the Crow Wing Soil and Water Conservation District, and Frank Lee shares some of his recent interview with Bob Nelson, who plans to retire from the Crow Wing County Veterans Service Office this May. Visit https://tinyurl.com/bobnelsonVSO to read Frank's full story on Nelson and his experience as veterans service officer. For more information on the SWCD's annual tree and plant sale, visit https://crowwingswcd.org/annual-tree-plant-sale/.  Host/Producer: Chelsey Perkins Reporter: Frank Lee Guests: Bob Nelson, Melissa Barrick

Mike Bialka spent the last four decades covering high school sports in the Brainerd lakes area. The retiring sports editor sat down recently to reflect on his career -- and those who’ve been impacted by Bialka’s dedication to the craft shared some memories, too. Listen in as one of the longest-tenured sports editors in the state, a constant presence at Brainerd Warriors athletics events for multiple generations, recalls some of his favorite moments on the job. Special thanks to all those who shared their favorite memories of the man we call "Bert" and offered him well wishes as he sails off into the sunset. Host/Producer: Chelsey Perkins Guest: Mike Bialka

The holidays are fast approaching, and with them comes elevated stress levels. But it doesn't have to be that way! Local naturopath and author of "The Blue Sheep Movement," Cynthia Ransom, shares her tips for alleviating stress naturally in this week's episode of the DispatchCast. Ransom recently shared her calming wisdom in a column in the winter 2018 edition of "Her Voice" magazine -- just in time to center ourselves for the approaching holiday season. Host/Producer: Chelsey Perkins Guest: Cynthia Ransom

"In The Dark" lead reporter Madeleine Baran and senior producer Samara Freemark offered a behind-the-scenes look at their investigative journalism at an event Thursday night at Arrowwood Lodge at Brainerd Lakes in Baxter. Before the event, they sat down with me and talked about the cases they’ve investigated and their thoughts on their work’s impact. There are some spoilers in here, so if you’d like to maintain the suspense of the podcast, listen to “In The Dark” first -- then come back and listen to my interview. Host/Producer: Chelsey Perkins Guests: Madeleine Baran, Samara Freemark

One of the Brainerd Dispatch's most ambitious annual projects, the Progress Edition, recently hit the stands. It tells the stories of people and businesses undertaking interesting and inspiring pursuits in the Brainerd lakes area. In this episode of the DispatchCast, Dispatch reporters share their experiences in pursuing some of the 20 stories filling 56 pages of the 2018 Progress Edition -- the things they learned, the interviews that captured their attention and the reasons they're excited to share the stories with readers. Plus, meet the Dispatch's newest reporter, Theresa Bourke, who takes over on the city of Brainerd and area education beats. Visit https://issuu.com/brainerd_dispatch/docs/2018-progress-edition to read the stories mentioned in this episode. Host/Producer: Chelsey Perkins Contributors: Theresa Bourke, Jennifer Kraus, Gabriel Lagarde, Frank Lee - Brainerd Dispatch reporters

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 share her passion for diabetes education, her experiences as a woman running for office and her hopes to get more young people involved in the political process. Host/Producer: Chelsey Perkins Guest: Quinn Nystrom

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 government considers the Pine one of the most important watersheds from the Mississippi River to the Atlantic Ocean, and it contains more than 500 miles of rivers and streams and more than 400 lakes of 10 acres or larger. Within its boundaries are the Whitefish Chain of Lakes, Pelican Lake and the Pine River, a tributary of the Mississippi River. Listen in as Barrick explains the importance of watershed planning to protect one of the area's most precious and economically important resources. For more information and to take part in the watershed planning discussion, visit crowwingswcd.org or call 218-828-6197. Host/Producer: Chelsey Perkins Guest: Melissa Barrick

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 Richardson. Host: Renee Richardson Producer: Chelsey Perkins Guests: Sharon and Dave Siekas #BDReachesOut

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 virtue of that, social media) use are little understood, said Jack Hinrichs, a licensed therapist based out of New Brighton and the director of education and training for Nystrom & Associates LTD. Though, he noted, the initial prognosis is bleak. As part of our Stop Suicide Series, listen as Brainerd Dispatch reporter Gabe Lagarde interviews Hinrichs on adolescent mental health and how social media and smartphone use plays a role. Host: Gabe Lagarde Producer: Chelsey Perkins Guest: Jack Hinrichs #BDReachesOut

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 Producer: Chelsey Perkins Guest: Mary Marana #BDReachesOut

"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 the community at large. Host/Producer: Chelsey Perkins Guests: Noah Sundberg, Noah Ebinger  #BDReachesOut  

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 contemplated suicide, what leads some down such a desperate road and how community members live with the aftermath of such tragedy. #BDReachesOut

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 make their mark? And what's in it for Brainerd lakes area women and those who love them as the magazine looks toward its future? Find out on this episode of the DispatchCast! Producer/Host: Chelsey Perkins Guests: Lisa Henry, Sarah Herron and DeLynn Howard of "Her Voice"

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 many people across high school athletics and beyond, making the story go viral. But as the dust settles, what will the Brainerd School District do to prevent these types of issues for its new coaching staff, and for other coaches who are feeling the same kinds of pressures? What can be done to improve the atmosphere for the kids involved in high school sports? Dispatch sports guys Mike Bialka and Jeremy Millsop sit down with Charlie Campbell, activities director for the Brainerd School District, to learn more about the district's reaction to the situation and its plan moving forward. Producer: Chelsey Perkins Hosts: Mike Bialka and Jeremy Millsop Guest: Charlie Campbell

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 -- or not include -- certain information in a story? This just might be the episode for you. Plus, meet our newest reporter, Gabe Lagarde. Producer/Host: Chelsey Perkins Contributors: Jennifer Stockinger, Frank Lee and Gabe Lagarde

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 share more stories and interviews that will reel you in! Host/Producer: Chelsey Perkins Guests: Cassie Carey and Jackie Thurlow of Crow Wing Energized; and Kari Whitlock, Sheila Miller and Jessica Waytashek, accomplished run streakers.

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 pick your favorite! Host/Producer: Chelsey Perkins Guests: Brenda Billman-Arndt, Ed Mattson and Lisa Desrocher

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 high school teams headed into the playoffs with high-powered stars and venerable coaching staffs on this week's episode of the DispatchCast. Host/Producer: Chelsey Perkins Contributors: Mike Bialka, sports editor, and Jeremy Millsop, sports writer

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 DeChantal, president of the Friends of the Brainerd Public Library   Book recommendations: The Kind Worth Killing - Peter Swanson Turtles All The Way Down - John Green Will Grayson, Will Grayson - David Levithan and John Green The Marriage Pact - Michelle Richmond The Identicals - Elin Hilderbrand From Here to Eternity - Caitlyn Doty Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood  - Trevor Noah The Last Mrs. Parrish - Liv Constantine It Devours - Jeffrey Cranor and Joseph Fink The Round House - Louise Erdrich The Girl with Seven Names - Hyeonseo Lee Big Little Lies - Liane Moriarty The Nightingale - Kristin Hannah The Hate U Give - Angie Thomas The Good Lord Bird - James McBride Before the Fall - Noah Hawley   Recommended audio books: Beartown - Fredrik Backman Never Let You Go - Chevy Stevens Ready Player One - Ernest Cline Will Grayson, Will Grayson - David Levithan and John Green Missoula: Rape and the Justice System in a College Town - Jon Krakauer You - Caroline Kepnes Hidden Bodies - Caroline Kepnes Welcome to Night Vale (podcast)

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 Industrial Center. Host/Editing: Spenser Bickett Producer: Chelsey Perkins Contributor: Jennifer Stockinger

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 only human connection can. In this episode of the DispatchCast, Brainerd Dispatch staffers share what they've learned about interviewing, some of the defining interview moments they've experienced and how those moments have changed how they report. Plus, catch up on some newsroom changes, including an introduction to the newest reporter on staff, Frank Lee. Host/Producer: Chelsey Perkins Contributors: Spenser Bickett, Zach Kayser, Frank Lee

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 timber: Antique lumber finds new life at Big Wood and From the ground up: Esser Construction excels at homebuilding. Host/Co-producer: Chelsey Perkins Contributor/Co-producer: Spenser Bickett

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 DispatchCast. To read more, visit www.brainerddispatch.com/news/business/4323657-progress-six-pack-brainerd-lakes-breweries and www.brainerddispatch.com/news/business/4323664-progress-craft-brewing-craze-comes-crosslake for Bickett's stories. Host/Producer: Spenser Bickett Production Assistant: Chelsey Perkins

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 DispatchCast -- the first in a series commemorating the section -- we explore some of the broader themes of progress emerging in the lakes area: a retail building boom in Baxter unlike the city's seen in a decade, renewed optimism and investment in downtown Brainerd and the tenacious spirit of the people who call north-central Minnesota home. Host/Producer: Chelsey Perkins Contributors: Editor Matt Erickson, managing editor Renee Richardson

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 Mike Bialka, sports writer Jeremy Millsop, publisher Pete Mohs

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 old days at BIR, share some favorite memories and give a sneak peek into their favorites for this year's races. A Paul Newman story or two might even make an appearance. Start your engines, Brainerd, it's race weekend! Host/Producer: Chelsey Perkins Guests: Publisher Pete Mohs, staff photographer Steve Kohls