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Chelsey Perkins

Community Editor

I grew up in the Brainerd lakes area, and it's an honor for me to share the stories of my neighbors.
As Brainerd Dispatch community editor, I help to ensure the accuracy and clarity of the information we collect and publish. I continue to write as well, covering a wide range of topics including Crow Wing County government, regional news, watchdog reporting, features and personality profiles. I'm also the producer and primary host of the "Brainerd Dispatch Minute," our weekday news podcast.
In 2021, I was named a member of the FCC Editorial Advisory Board, which works to build trust with readers and viewers by inviting dialogue, soliciting and supporting diverse opinions and explaining editorial decisions.
I began my career at the Dispatch in August 2014 as the county government beat reporter and was promoted to community editor in July 2017.
I'm always on the hunt for untold stories and interesting characters. Email me at chelsey.perkins@brainerddispatch.com or give me a call at 218-855-5874 to share your feedback or news tip.
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After learning of a potential connection between the 2012 death investigation and Jorden Nicole Borders, the Dispatch submitted a request to the police department to inspect the investigative file.
Jorden Nicole Borders, 32, of Crosslake, Minnesota, is expected to agree to the termination of her parental rights in a Friday court hearing.
Bussman is the endorsed Republican for the seat, besting State Sen. Paul Utke and earning the honor before Dale A. P. Anderson entered the race. And this, despite never before seeking office, save as a member of the board of directors for the Sylvan Shores Property Owners Association.
With the retirement of state Sen. Paul Gazelka this year, Utke is the only incumbent in the newly redrawn district headed toward the Aug. 9 primary and faces two Republican challengers.
Anderson said his deep local roots stand in contrast to his opponents seeking to be the sole Republican on the Senate District 5 ballot in November.
With the potential for more heavy rain Friday night, the mayor said emergency personnel were in the process of recommending others in the city to consider leaving their at-risk homes. The sheriff’s office also advised those who’ve left their homes to avoid returning to them until it is safe to do so, and the public was also asked to stay away from the Randall area so emergency personnel could do their jobs effectively.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and Cass County Sheriff’s Office said the cigarettes and malt liquor made up the last transaction of the night on Feb. 27, 2001, at Ultimate Liquors on Barclay Avenue in Pine River, Minnesota.
From his hospital bed, Mark Feierabend vowed to make lifestyle changes and influence others to become vaccinated for COVID-19.
Dr. Greg Davis said five of the 10 ICU beds at the Brainerd hospital were occupied Friday by people suffering from acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by COVID-19, one of whom was approximately 30 days into their stay. None were vaccinated.
The latest requests from the state come as part of an ongoing civil lawsuit against Iron Waffle first initiated in December 2020. The lawsuit was the next step at the time after months of inspections, fines and other administrative actions failed to prevent the business from disobeying executive orders concerning mask usage and takeout requirements while continuing operation.