Theresa Bourke

Brainerd

Staff Writer at Brainerd Dispatch

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

Articles

Brainerd Learning Center graduates write their next future

1 week ago | brainerddispatch.com | Theresa Bourke

BRAINERD — Future teachers, electricians, tattoo artists, nurses, psychologists and military personnel comprise the Brainerd Learning Center Class of 2025. Sixty-two seniors graduated from the alternative school this year, 38 of whom celebrated the accomplishment with a ceremony Wednesday, May 28, at the Gichi-ziibi Center for the Arts. “This is an alternative high school,” BLC Principal Jessica Haapajoki said during the ceremony.
Bourke's Bookshelf: Don’t cry over split cheesecake

1 week ago | brainerddispatch.com | Theresa Bourke

BRAINERD — Anyone who’s a fan of “Golden Girls” must read this book. Rachel Ekstrom Courage clearly did her research before kicking off her cozy “Golden Girls” mystery series with the new release “Murder by Cheesecake.” I can tell she’s a longtime fan of the show and has no doubt spent countless hours laughing at the antics of Blanche, Rose, Dorothy and Sophia. I was beyond excited for this book to come out, and I’m happy to say it exceeded my expectations.
My Neighbor To Love breaks ground on next housing phase

1 week ago | brainerddispatch.com | Theresa Bourke

BRAINERD â The next phase of housing at Creekside Community is underway. The supportive housing development created by My Neighbor To Love Coalition will see a second 12-plex building and small boarding house in west Brainerd by the end of the year. Vicky Kinney, executive director of the nonprofit, along with a crew from Nor-Son Construction and other volunteers, celebrated a groundbreaking ceremony at the site on Tuesday, May 27. âWe are so grateful,â Kinney said.
Nisswa owner, cat reunited after 9 months

1 week ago | brainerddispatch.com | Theresa Bourke

NISSWA — Sara Beach wasn’t sure she’d ever see her beloved cat Pandora again. The mostly black tuxedo cat slipped out of the Nisswa neighborhood in September and didn’t return home. Her sister Annastasia followed suit in November. They’re both indoor/outdoor cats who love exploring the big, wide world but have always come back to the safety of home by nightfall. When the frigidly cold winter temperatures set in, Beach had to hope they were somewhere safe.
Never forget the cost of freedom

1 week ago | brainerddispatch.com | Theresa Bourke

BRAINERD — Rows of flags waving gently in the wind represented humility, courage, strength, sacrifice, honor, unity and compassion as they lined the path along Evergreen Cemetery on Monday, May 26. Air Force veteran and chaplain, the Rev. Eusebia “Chappy” Rios spoke of the flags’ symbolism and other reminders of the men and women who gave their lives to serve their country during the annual Memorial Day ceremony in Brainerd.
Council votes down aim to regulate street performers

1 week ago | brainerddispatch.com | Theresa Bourke

BRAINERD — How much — if any — regulation do street performers need in Brainerd? Right now, the answer is none. Brainerd City Council members declined to move forward with an ordinance Monday, May 19, that would regulate buskers or street performers in the city.
Community Action proposes downtown beautification projects

2 weeks ago | brainerddispatch.com | Theresa Bourke

BRAINERD — Brainerd Community Action has plans to beautify the downtown area and recognize local veterans and service members while doing so. Dave Badeaux, executive director of Community Action and mayor of Brainerd, presented two beautification ideas to the City Council on Monday, May 19. The first is a Hometown Heroes project that would see personalized banners with names and photos of veterans and active duty service members hanging from light poles in downtown Brainerd.
Bourke's Bookshelf: ‘How much is left for us to lose?’

2 weeks ago | brainerddispatch.com | Theresa Bourke

BRAINERD — As a bookworm, there’s no feeling quite like finishing a book you absolutely loved and then realizing there’s a sequel. I had a definite book hangover after reading “Firekeeper’s Daughter” by Angeline Boulley last November, but I was over the moon to learn her other book was a sequel of sorts, set in the same world, just 10 years later with a different main character.
YMCA looks to fund new building, partner with city on pool

2 weeks ago | brainerddispatch.com | Theresa Bourke

BRAINERD — The Brainerd Family YMCA has its sights set on $30-$35 million for a new facility, which could include a city-funded aquatic center. CEO Shane Riffle shared plans for the YMCA’s capital campaign with the Brainerd City Council on Monday, May 19, after council members agreed to help.
Bonnie LeDoux

2 weeks ago | brainerddispatch.com | Jon Anderson |Terry McCollough |Theresa Bourke

Bonnie Lois LeDoux, 95, of Brainerd, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2025, surrounded by her family. Bonnie was born to Herbert and Alice Haugland on January 22, 1930, in Litchfield, Minnesota. She lived a life defined by resilience and unwavering love for her family. As a devoted single mother to five, Bonnie's greatest joy came from spending time with her children, and grandchildren. Her warm smile could light up the room, and her laugh was contagious.