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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Planning for natural disasters minimizes the impact of events that can cause vast economic loss and personal hardship, and plan updates make the county eligible for FEMA funding. -
As a board member, Audrey Thayer will help guide efforts to inform state legislators on issues such as local government aid, economic development, transportation and environmental policy. -
Dr. Joseph Corser, a medical director at Sanford Bemidji, and Nicole Kiesow, physician assistant from the Headwaters Health Clinic in Fosston, were recognized for their contributions to rural health. -
The two teen boys, ages 13 and 14, were reportedly trying to ice fish Nov. 18, 2025, when their sled fell into the water on Straight Lake near Osage. -
And: PotlatchDeltic lumber mills lose Forest Stewardship Council certification over Bemidji workplace harassment; and Nashwauk-Keewatin is hosting liquidation sales for its old schools. -
Two lawsuits filed Nov. 14, 2025, against PotlatchDeltic and a Bemidji supervisor come after the Forest Stewardship Council terminated the certification for all the company's mills. -
The Nashwauk-Keewatin school district said the one-day, cash-only sales are a chance to explore the old schools one last time. -
The Cass County Sheriff's Office said a 20-year-old man faces pending charges of reckless discharge of a firearm, second-degree assault and domestic assault. -
The United Way of Bemidji Area is coordinating toy drives to serve low-income families in Beltrami, Clearwater and Hubbard counties. -
A 911 caller reported the incident the evening of Nov. 18, 2025, near Snellman. No injuries were reported, but law enforcement is asking for help identifying a suspect.
