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.

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 man was traveling south on Harvest Road when his vehicle left the roadway and hit a tree. The man was ejected from the vehicle, the sheriff's office reported.
Thursday's drowning is the third in the Brainerd lakes area in the last two weeks.
The man had been swimming from a nearby pontoon when he became distressed. Attempts were made to get flotation devices to the victim, the sheriff's office reported.
The man lost control and ejected off the ATV. He was pronounced dead at the scene, the sheriff’s office reported.
What's it like to be a real-life crime reporter?
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, a Chevy Tahoe was traveling north on Highway 6 when it crossed over into the southbound lane and struck a Ford Escape near Cass County Highway 7 in Remer Township.
The man apparently jumped off the pontoon boat and immediately began struggling in the water, the sheriff's office reported.
The Buick was struck in the passenger side by the front end of the Lincoln along Highway 10 in Little Falls Township, the crash report stated.
Police reported the vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree.