There were questions posed to Brainerd Dispatch Publisher Tim Bogenschutz, Echo Publisher Pete Mohs, Echo Editor Nancy Vogt and me as Dispatch vice president of audience development.

A debate that has been simmering for decades has finally pushed its way onto the national stage. Gay marriage, the joining together of two persons of the same sex, was an unthinkable notion 20 or 30 years ago in the minds of many Americans.

A year ago the idea of endorsing gay marriage wasn't anywhere on this writer's political radar.

A unanimous vote of the Brainerd City Council Monday night gives mobile food vendors the opportunity to sell food to workers at local businesses, tourists and other people on the go around the community.

It's difficult to think of volunteering for an event that's still nearly two months away.

An ongoing Brainerd Dispatch poll queries where people possessing a permit to carry a concealed weapon carry their gun. Three percent of the 36 responding to the online question carry a weapon at work. Twenty-two percent carry in their home.

Yesterday's Minnesota Twins' home opener was played in record cold at Target Field in downtown Minneapolis. Sunshine drenched the field, but sharp, cold winds from the Canadian north kept the wind chill at game-time around 20 degrees.

OK, it's just another April Fool's Day prank, but where did the foolishness begin? Why is it such a tradition of practical jokes, hoaxes and Tom foolery? There are many theories of its origin.

APRIL 1 20 years ago (1993) (Photo) Brainerd coaches and players on the Outstate squads for the Minnesota All-Star Basketball series include: Margit Rinke and Sarah Northway of the Warrior girls, and Bill Heitkamp and Jim Gogolin, coaches of the Warrior boys’ and girls’ teams. 30 years ago (198...

The smell of burning leaves in autumn. It's a nostalgic reminder of fall or it's an acrid and obnoxious affront to the eyes, ears and throats of innocent bystanders.