Jennifer Kraus

A big part of my day is chasing down tips on a variety of breaking news stories, relating to vehicle crashes, fires, police incidents and court cases. I’m always thankful when people call in tips to alert me on an incident so I can follow up and see if the tip is actually something that occurred or is a rumor. It’s a big scope to keep track of as we not only cover Brainerd and Crow Wing County incidents, but we also cover the surrounding counties and cities. I also gather information on the entertainment scene, so if you are hosting a band or choir concert, an art exhibit, a play or other theater production -- I want to hear about it. If you know of a story on any of these beats, give me a shout! To help support local journalism, click here to sign up to receive a Dispatch digital subscription to our e-edition or to receive the printed paper at your door, or to get both.

JENNIFER KRAUS may be reached at jennifer.kraus@brainerddispatch.com or 218-855-5851. Follow me at www.twitter.com/jennewsgirl on Twitter.

A woman was found dead in a cabin at Cozy Bay Resort on Lake Edward; and a man is in custody.
While searching the property near where the earlier shooting complaint was reported, the Crow Wing County Tactical Response Team located a woman in a cabin deceased from an apparent gunshot wound.
“The call comes in for a structure fire which gets everybody’s adrenaline going and they said there was smoke in the building. And we know that this place is occupied so we all mobilized right away.” ~ Pequot Lakes Fire Chief Tom Nelson
For the Armacosts of Oakland, California, this would be their first trip in getting back out into the world since the COVID-19 pandemic started. Because COVID-19 had so greatly impacted so many people, the duo decided to use the trip to commemorate the victims of COVID-19. Folks who lost someone to COVID-19 share the names of their loved ones to the Armacosts and then Scott, a Navy veteran and trumpet player, plays military taps to honor them each night at sunset.
“The one thing that I really liked with this project is I feel it is a symbol of healing, love and new growth. It’s definitely something we need at this time. I want people to look at the Ox and just feel the warmth from it and smile and see the beauty in that.” ~ 15-year-old artist Aiyana Beaulieu.
A Ford Focus was traveling west on Highway 200 when it went into the north ditch, glancing off two trees before hitting a tree head-on.
The Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office was called to the crash at 4:50 p.m.
Boats or bikes prove to be strong revenue streams for rec companies.
“We don’t hand patty, we scoop and smash, we do the smash burger. So it gets a good caramelization on the bottom and it doesn’t get dry.” ~ Tomasenalyn Lingenfelter, the kitchen manager at Beck's Burger Co.
Victim tells police he can take care of himself, as to why he reported the crime days later.