20 years ago (1992)

An unsigned notice mailed to the Dispatch last week calls for a human roadblock at some time during the holiday weekend to call attention to the lack of a stoplight on Hwy 371 at the Target store crossing. Baxter Police Chief Robbi Gallant hopes the note isn’t serious.

30 years ago (1982)

Thieves took $3,000 in cash and merchandise in a break-in last night at the Westside 76 Station. According to Brainerd Police the thieves got $1,500 in cash, a microwave, cigarettes, beer and other items. Police also noted a rash of outdoor house plant thefts.

40 years ago (1972)

Minnesota Military Academy training nearly completed, Cadet Tom Sullivan, Brainerd, with weapons and radio equipment in hand, goes through a final exercise. Sullivan is one of 63 men who will be commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant at Camp Ripley on Friday.

60 years ago (1952)

Merchants whose business places face west were busy with brooms cleaning their windows and walks of caterpillar moths this morning. The small, tan moths will come from the forest tent caterpillars that went into cocoons a month ago and now hatch.

80 years ago (1932)

Minnesota stood little chance of bringing back two men who terrorized and looted Pine River on December 29. Arkansas authorities are holding them in connection with killing a deputy sheriff, wounding four and kidnapping three. They were part of a gang of six.

100 years ago (1912)

“The roads to Dykeman are in admirable condition and no automobile need fear the trip,” said J. L. Davis. Great preparations are being made for the Fourth. The best road goes out Oak Street for 8 miles, then turns right, and right again at the Rosenkrans place.