150 years of Brainerd: Mayor unveils logo for anniversary celebration
With Brainerd s 150th anniversary approaching, Mayor Dave Badeaux talks about the sesquicentennial logo he created and why celebrating the city s history is so important. 6:00 am, Mar. 8, 2021 ×
Brainerd Mayor Dave Badeaux created a logo, incorporating several pieces of history, to celebrate the city s upcoming 150th anniversary in September.
September 2021 marks Brainerd’s sesquicentennial.
The city’s charter was signed 150 years ago, making Brainerd an official city. And Mayor Dave Badeaux plans to celebrate.
Using his marketing background, Badeaux created a logo to mark the event and celebrate the city’s varied history.
A bridge to Brainerd’s past: Kicking off the city’s sesquicentennial
With Brainerd s 150th anniversary approaching, Mayor Dave Badeaux drew attention to the Northern Pacific railroad bridge, which was completed March 8, 1871. 6:00 am, Mar. 7, 2021 ×
The Northern Pacific railroad bridge, seen here Friday, March 5, in Brainerd. The original wooden structure was built March 8, 1871. The anniversary will serve as a kickoff to the city s sesquicentennial celebration in 2021. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
It’s a bridge, both literally and figuratively.
Completed March 8, 1871, The railroad bridge across the Mississippi River in Brainerd connected the Great Lakes to the western portion of the U.S. 150 years ago and connects today’s residents to the city’s rich history.
The block-style crosswalks would likely be blue or green with white outlines. 8:23 pm, Mar. 3, 2021 ×
Brainerd city staff and council members talk about an initiative Monday, March 1, to paint downtown crosswalks with blue or green to help differentiate the downtown area from the rest of the city and promote walk ability. Theresa Bourke / Brainerd Dispatch
Colorful crosswalks are the latest initiative to highlight Brainerd’s downtown area and simultaneously help with parking woes.
Mayor Dave Badeaux told council members Monday, March 1, the idea came from the city’s parking commission, which was formed last year to help alleviate some of the parking issues downtown. The group talked about wayfinding, Badeaux said, and creating a more pleasant experience for people when getting out of their cars and walking.
The city will notify the public on how to submit names in the coming weeks. 5:00 am, Mar. 2, 2021 ×
Piles of snow in the middle of the street waiting to be plowed in November 2019. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
If naming Minnesota Department of Transportation snowplows wasn’t enough fun, Brainerd residents will get the chance to do the same in their city.
Brainerd City Council members agreed Monday, March 1, to let the public name eight pieces of snow removal equipment: four plow trucks, the loader and plower, the loader and snowblower, a road grader and a broom tractor.
Mike O’Day, chair of the council’s safety and public works committee, said Mayor Dave Badeaux brought the idea to him after seeing how successful MnDOT’s recent name-a-snowplow campaign was.
Mugs are available for $15 at Visit Brainerd on Laurel Street. 7:00 am, Jan. 23, 2021 ×
In honor of Valentine s Day, Brainerd water tower mugs are now on sale at Visit Brainerd on Laurel Street. Proceeds will go toward fixing the tower. Theresa Bourke / Brainerd Dispatch
After the custom-made Christmas ornaments sold out in a matter of weeks, Brainerd’s water tower committee decided to make another product: mugs.
Bright red mugs with a heart around the historic water tower are on sale for $15 at Visit Brainerd, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Those who want one might want to act quickly, as there were only 150 ordered. If all are sold, the committee will make just over $1,500.