AITKIN — A 32-year-old Mora man and a 42-year-old Hinckley woman face third-degree murder charges in Aitkin County following an investigation into an overdose death in June.
Authorities responded to a call of an unresponsive man in Malmo Township and administered Narcan, but the life-saving attempts were unsuccessful.
The Aitkin-Itasca-Mille Lacs Violent Crimes Enforcement Team started an investigation into the death and through that investigation, two suspected fentanyl dealers were identified.
Both are in the Aitkin County Jail.
Fentanyl is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine, and any amount of fentanyl is considered deadly.
The Aitkin-Itasca-Mille Lacs Violent Crimes Enforcement Team was created in January 2022 and received state grant funding to investigate, identify, and disrupt illegal drug activity.
Itasca County responds to criticism of Lakeview Behavioral Health contract cancellation
As community members continue to express concern about the planned contract termination between IMCare and Lakeview Behavioral Health, IMCare Director Sarah Anderson addressed the Itasca County Board Tuesday, Sept. 26.
KAXE/KBXE Reporter Larissa Donovan has more.
Grant boosts planned 61-mile ATV trail
Plans are in motion for a new all-terrain vehicle trail system in northern Itasca County after a big financial boost from Yamaha.
Wilderness Wheelers ATV Club in Bigfork was recently chosen as one of only 18 national recipients of the highly competitive Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative Grant.
This $25,000 grant will further the club’s efforts to expand ATV trail access in Northern Minnesota through construction of the new 61-mile Wilderness Trail.
Projected to be completed by fall 2024, the Wilderness Trail will feature an internal loop affording two-way travel to established ATV trail systems to the east and west.
It also will see expanded access to Minnesota’s Edge of Wilderness businesses that offer lodging, food and other amenities, according to the club.
Grant funds will be used to provide a trail connection through the town of Marcell, Minnesota, which will facilitate a 40-mile loop for riders to experience the Chippewa National Forest.
Old-growth forests added to national network
Two renowned Northern Minnesota old-growth forests will be the first in the state to join the national Old-Growth Forest Network.
The forests are the Lost 40 Scientific and Natural Area in Itasca County and the Itasca Wilderness Sanctuary SNA in Clearwater County.
The network recognizes existing old-growth forests across the nation and highlights the importance of preserving these areas.
Events in October will celebrate the additions and kick off a series of public hikes over the next several years in publicly accessible old-growth forests in Minnesota.
A short interpretive hike in the Lost 40 will be Oct. 12, while a full day of fun and educational activities will take place at the Itasca Wilderness Sanctuary Oct. 13.
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Whether in search of supplies, groceries or even a hot meal, Bemidjians flocked to the location as the first day of operations began for the new center. -
Itasca County celebrated Pride Month with a festival at the Old Central School grounds in Grand Rapids on Sunday, June 22, 2025. -
Minnesota DNR foresters have begun taking stock of the conditions of the forests and the nearby waters after the Brimson Complex fires burned thousands of acres. -
The law allocates $848,000 to support accredited residential environmental learning centers in offering multi-day, overnight experiences focused on outdoor-based learning. -
Out of all the Legislature did this year, getting this funding will make the most impact around the state, said Bradley Peterson of Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities. -
Plus: Minnesotans will honor the Hortmans at the Capitol; and forests begin recovery after the Brimson Complex wildfires. -
One person died in a house fire in Fosston on Wednesday morning, June 25, 2025, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office. -
The Judy Garland Museum and Mobility Mania in Grand Rapids attempted to set the world record for most people in wheelchairs dancing in one place at one time. -
Plus: Bois Forte seeks input on date change for state of the band address; Park Rapids brings home victory in final MSHSL spring tourney; and Fourth of July celebrations are upon us.
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The Bois Forte Tribal Council said band members would prefer to meet in March instead of January.
