This Was Brainerd - Dec. 21 A look through the Brainerd Dispatch archives with Terry McCollough combing the microfilm for tidbits of history through the decades going back to 1920. Written By: Terry McCollough | × Tom Feierabend at first thought snowmobile racing was “a bunch of foolishness.” But watching sons Craig and Brad compete made something click. Now the three Feierabends race together, and their next challenge is the Winnipeg to St. Paul 500, the sports toughest race, which they'll tackle for the third time. DECEMBER 21 20 years ago (2000) (Photo) Entries from Merrifield were the runaway winners in both the residential and commercial categories in this year's annual Dispatch Christmas Lighting Contest. Dan and Virgie Heath got the most votes for their home on County Road 3. The Pier 25 Restaurant was top vote-getter in the commercial division.