Renee Richardson

Brainerd

Managing Editor at Brainerd Dispatch

Brainerd Dispatch managing editor, movie, tennis & kayak enthusiast, Tab addict, Skywarn member. Covering gov., business, weather, trends and breaking news.

Articles

Petition to split lakeside lot is denied with no vote

1 week ago | brainerddispatch.com | Renee Richardson

BRAINERD — An application for a variance and a preliminary plat to create two lots from one occupied by a former lodge and two cabins was stopped at the Crow Wing County Board when commissioners did not support one motion and never offered any other action. The original plat for Tip Top First Addition — which was Tip-Top Resort — was approved for one lot and the request was to divide it into two.
Commissioners volunteer to serve on election canvassing board

1 week ago | brainerddispatch.com | Renee Richardson

BRAINERD — Crow Wing County commissioners Jamie Lee and Steve Barrows will serve on the canvassing board for the primary election on Tuesday, April 15, and the general election is April 29 for the Senate District 6 special election . The commissioners volunteered for the canvassing board, which will handle any special election in 2025.
Crow Wing County plans $87M in road projects through 2029

1 week ago | brainerddispatch.com | Renee Richardson

BRAINERD — Crow Wing County’s Highway Improvement Plan calls for an investment of about $87 million during the next five years. That includes work on 156.6 miles of road and three more roundabouts. One of those roundabouts could be at State Highway 6 and County Highway 11 and appeared in jeopardy with a concern for a possible loss of federal funds. In 2028, the county expected to receive federal funds for highway improvement and there is now some uncertainty about that.
Biz Buzz: Big reveals in downtown Brainerd

1 week ago | brainerddispatch.com | Renee Richardson

BRAINERD — Redevelopment of the former bridal shop on Laurel Street in downtown Brainerd caught the eye of a number of residents as the facade was taken down revealing the city’s past. Beneath the Ivy Room facade, was a front that Brainerd residents likely saw a lot — back in the day.
Crow Wing County approves smaller land parcel in St. Mathias Township

1 week ago | brainerddispatch.com | Renee Richardson

BRAINERD — Over the objections of St. Mathias Township, Crow Wing County agreed to amend a land use map to allow smaller rural residential lots of 5 acres. The request put the issue of smaller parcel sizes in what has been agricultural areas, a recent continuing theme. The parcel involves 33.9 acres and the homeowner wanted to change the zoning to rural residential to split off and sell a smaller portion that was buildable. The issue was before the Crow Wing County Board Tuesday, April 8.
Highway engineer addresses concerns with Anderson Brothers

2 weeks ago | brainerddispatch.com | Renee Richardson

BRAINERD — With project contracts on the agenda ready to be awarded to Anderson Brothers, Crow Wing County commissioners and staff Tuesday, April 8, addressed the issue of the Brainerd-based company recently agreeing to pay nearly $1.3 million to resolve allegations.
Baxter hears potential for smaller lots to reduce assessments

2 weeks ago | brainerddispatch.com | Renee Richardson

BAXTER — Road projects still years away are prompting more Baxter City Council discussions on changes to what Baxter looks like for future residents. Costs for street improvements and adding city water and sewer to Baxter's last few remaining neighborhoods still on septic systems and wells continue to rise. Those costs have led to City Council discussions of shrinking city residential lots and street widths.
Baxter seeks delay for Mapleton Road project

2 weeks ago | brainerddispatch.com | Renee Richardson

BAXTER — The Baxter City Council authorized a request to Crow Wing County to delay the 2026 County Road 170/Mapleton Road project after Sourcewell purchased three properties along the project area. The county scheduled a mill and overlay project for County Road 170 and Mapleton Road, from Mountain Ash Drive to the Isle Drive roundabout. “This year, Sourcewell purchased three properties totaling 35 acres adjacent to the City owned land along Mapleton Road.
Crow Wing County Jail given green light to start new opioid addiction treatments

2 weeks ago | pineandlakes.com | Renee Richardson

BRAINERD — Once an inmate is undergoing opioid treatment in custody, is there a way to help them upon release? Crow Wing County officials believe so and credit a drug that is administered once a month and long lasting and can be given to individuals as they prepare to leave the Crow Wing County Jail. Lt. Ron Imgrund, assistant jail administrator at the Crow Wing County Jail, requested $50,000 from the county’s opioid settlement dollars for a Sublocade program in the jail.
‘Addiction is cunning, baffling and powerful’

2 weeks ago | pineandlakes.com | Renee Richardson

BRAINERD — The first time Kaylyn Collett overdosed on fentanyl was in January of 2014. By the time she was found outside a hospital, she no longer had a pulse. She was revived. Narcan, used to treat and rapidly reverse the effects of a life-threatening opioid emergency, was administered and she was placed in intensive care. “Thanks to the support, I found the Crow Wing County Drug Court program, local mental health and treatment agencies and the recovery community.