The man accused of stealing Dorothy's ruby slippers from the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids appears likely to plead guilty.
Court filings show a change of plea hearing is scheduled for later this month in the federal criminal case against Grand Rapids man Terry John Martin.
Martin is charged with one count of theft of major artwork and was indicted in May, 18 years after the 2005 theft.
The slippers were on loan from a private collection for a return visit to the Judy Garland Museum. The actress honored by the museum spent the first four years of her life in the city.
At the time of theft, the slippers were insured for $1 million, but the current fair market appraisal value of the slippers is $3.5 million. The slippers are one of the four remaining pairs left from The Wizard of Oz.
In 2018, the Grand Rapids Police Department and FBI announced they'd recovered the iconic footwear after they were missing for more than a decade.
Blastomycosis cases on the rise
Cases of a severe fungal infection called blastomycosis are increasing along the North Shore and areas of northern Minnesota.
Blastomycosis can infect humans and animals, and dogs are among the most commonly reported animals to contract the infection.
The Minnesota Department of Health reports the infection usually occurs by breathing in spores of the fungi found in moist soils, particularly in wooded areas, such as boreal forests and along waterways.
The median number of animal cases doubled from 100 to 200-plus since 2016, and Ireland estimated data from last year will show more than 400 cases.
The increase can be attributed to better overall reporting, Ireland said, but environmental conditions such as above-normal precipitation and flooding play a significant role.
Symptoms of the infection include loss of appetite, skin lesions, limping, cough, weight loss, respiratory problems, and blindness. Treatment is available, although it may be a lengthy process.
There are currently no methods to test soil for the fungus, but the Department of Health notes people might consider minimizing visits with their pets in areas with recent flooding, excavation, or regions with moist organic matter.
Gathering of community health workers puts spotlight on growing field
Demand for community health workers continues to rise, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 14 percent growth in the industry over the next ten years. Organizers in Bemidji hosted the sixth annual community health workers conference Friday, Sept. 29, at the Hampton Inn and Suites.
Classes begin in January for certification in Community Health Work at Northwest Technical College, and a grant from the Minnesota Community Health Workers Alliance has a scholarship round opening this month to cover the cost of tuition.
KAXE/KBXE Reporter Larissa Donovan has more.
Designs being accepted for new state flag, seal
Minnesotans can now officially submit their ideas for the next state flag and seal.
The State Emblems Redesign Commission is accepting public submissions on the Minnesota Historical Society website and by mail through Oct. 30.
The commission was established in this year's legislative session to adopt a new design for the state seal and flag by the beginning of 2024.
All entries must be original and follow the guidelines, and participants must be 18 or older, or have their submissions entered by a parent or legal guardian. Each eligible person can submit up to three designs each for the state flag and state seal.
Five submissions for the new state seal and state flag will be selected for final consideration by the commission.
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Volunteer Skywarn spotters help the agency deliver accurate and timely severe weather warnings. Training includes thunderstorm safety, the science of storms and cloud formation. -
Students from across Minnesota gathered at the Capitol to showcase their robotics skills and promote education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. -
Sweeney’s Saloon is offering a “Dine Across the Aisle” special to Minnesota lawmakers who grab a meal with a member of the other party. -
People of all backgrounds and ages visit the Minnesota State Capitol during the legislative session. -
Beltrami County and Bemidji are seeking a legislative fix to an “unintended loophole” that has local governments on the hook for $2.5 million in recovery costs from the June 2025 storm. -
Plus: Minnesota to select first youth poet laureate; Beltrami County seeks parks committee members; and Superior National Forest to begin prescribed fires. -
People who work with youth poets around the state want to give them a larger voice, as many are sharing their feelings through artistic expression. -
Kelly Lake made the announcement April 8, 2026. She's been with the sheriff's office for nearly four decades, two of those as sheriff. -
MnDOT is planning major road construction in Bemidji, Brainerd, Proctor, Ely, Warroad and Wadena, plus other projects across the Northland for summer 2026. -
Committee members will help develop a new plan for county parks over the next 18 months. Applications are open until April 10, 2026.
