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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Plus: Itasca County reuses flag poles to fly new and old state flags; Crow Wing County adds 10 license plate readers to Flock Safety network; and Red Lake County takes 2nd in state baseball tourney. -
The county avoided buying new flag poles by flying the current and former Minnesota flags on poles that were previously used for a memorial. -
The formal move on June 8, 2026, follows discussion on the perpetual vacancies and rising costs of operating a rural police force. -
The Rebels entered the tournament as the No. 2 seed and defending champions. South Ridge, Grand Rapids and Aitkin also competed in the tournament. -
The St. Louis County Sheriff's Office identified William Helgemoe, 56, as the rider killed on Industrial Road on June 12, 2026. -
And: COVID learning woes still haunt MN kids' well-being.
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And: A McGregor gas station was fined by the state Pollution Control Agency; the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission was given a transportation award; and Red Lake County will defend its baseball title Monday.
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The state abruptly paused payment to thousands of care providers in May in a rush to meet a federal deadline. -
Almost 90 Northland students competed at the state golf tournament June 9-10, 2026, around the Twin Cities. -
The number of detainees has not been confirmed. Bemidji police and Beltrami sheriff's deputies did not take part, leaders say. Some community members gathered to protest.
