Theresa Bourke

Brainerd

Staff Writer at Brainerd Dispatch

Newspaper reporter, cat mom, coffee aficionado, book hoarder, proud Cheesehead

Articles

Brainerd public can weigh in on several issues July 7

2 weeks ago | brainerddispatch.com | Theresa Bourke

BRAINERD — A whole host of public hearings will take place at the Brainerd City Council’s meeting on July 7. Council members approved several measures at its last meeting that call for public hearings.The public will get to weigh in on street vacations. The first is the proposed vacation of the portion of William Street east of Northwest Sixth Street. The second is the north Brainerd alley between Holly and Grove streets and North Seventh and Eighth streets.
Federal funding cut could slash support for local manufacturers

2 weeks ago | brainerddispatch.com | Theresa Bourke

BRAINERD — A funding decision from the U.S. Department of Commerce could negatively impact manufacturers in the Brainerd lakes area and across the state. Enterprise Minnesota was notified on April 1 of the decision not to renew the federal Manufacturing Extensions Partnership program. The program is a major funding source for Enterprise Minnesota, a nonprofit that supports manufacturing businesses throughout the state.
Principal resignations lead to admin changes at Brainerd schools

3 weeks ago | brainerddispatch.com | Theresa Bourke

BRAINERD — New principals will be in place in three buildings at Brainerd Public Schools next year. Brainerd High School Principal Andrea Rusk and Forestview Principal Jon Anderson resigned their posts. Tammy Stellmach, who has served as principal at Baxter Elementary School for the past seven years, will take over the middle school position, creating a vacancy in Baxter.
Concerns linger for St. Francis construction project

3 weeks ago | brainerddispatch.com | Theresa Bourke

BRAINERD â A construction project at St. Francis of the Lakes Catholic Church is slowly inching forward, but not all city officials are on board. The Brainerd City Council gave unanimous approval on Monday, June 2, for the first reading of an ordinance that would rezone land at the school and church to make way for future expansion, though there are still steps before final approval.
Brainerd council pauses on hiring public utilities director

3 weeks ago | brainerddispatch.com | Theresa Bourke

BRAINERD — The Brainerd City Council will put a pause on hiring a new public utilities director for the time being. Council members voted 4-2 on Monday, June 2, to cease searching for an interim and continue working “toward the best circumstances for public utilities in the city of Brainerd.” The decision is a departure from a recommendation from the Brainerd Public Utilities Commission.
Brainerd looks to prohibit feeding wild, stray animals

3 weeks ago | brainerddispatch.com | Theresa Bourke

BRAINERD — The Brainerd City Council will explore the idea of prohibiting feeding wild and stray animals in the city. Council members voted unanimously on Monday, June 2, to direct staff to draft an ordinance on the topic. Community Development Director James Kramvik told the council of a recent complaint received from a northeast Brainerd resident stating stray animals are creating a significant nuisance and damaging their property.
Another colorful Kinderfriend Day

3 weeks ago | brainerddispatch.com | Theresa Bourke

BRAINERD — This year’s kindergartners were busy. They covered everything from reading, math and handwriting to sharing, being kind and safe and being good learners. Highlights ranged from gym class and playing tag with friends to music class and time in the library, going to the zoo and mini golfing. The Class of 2037 came out in full color for the 38th annual Kinderfriend Day on Monday, June 2, at Brainerd High School’s Adamson Field.
Minnesota mother, daughter publish children’s books

3 weeks ago | inforum.com | Theresa Bourke

BRAINERD — Jill Bauer’s daily drives past a horse farm with her daughter Lexi turned into a storytelling adventure that would result in a series of children’s books. The two horses they saw inside a fence near the road were typically either standing peacefully in their pasture or perhaps eating a meal. “So we decided that these horses needed to have a little more fun than just eating or standing,” Bauer said during an interview May 19. “...
Go, Warrior Class of 2025

4 weeks ago | brainerddispatch.com | Theresa Bourke

BRAINERD — Tassels flipped, caps flew and selfies captured each and every moment as the Brainerd High School Class of 2025 celebrated their latest milestone. The traditional sea of blue flooded Adamson Field on Friday, May 30, marking the graduation of another class of Warriors, ready to take on the world.
Bourke's Bookshelf: ‘The Library holds power’

4 weeks ago | brainerddispatch.com | Theresa Bourke

BRAINERD — My favorite event of the year is approaching. Wine and Words is the biggest annual fundraiser for the Friends of the Brainerd Public Library, bringing authors from all across the country to the Brainerd lakes area for two days of literary festivities. Six authors will descend on Grand View Lodge in Nisswa to talk about their latest works, meet with book lovers and personally sign copies of their books.