>>More Boundary Waters Areas Reopening as Wildfire Containment Grows
(Ely, MN) — More areas of the Boundary Waters are reopening as crews continue making progress on northeastern Minnesota wildfires. The Fall Lake-Newton-Pipestone Bay entry point reopens for day use today(Sat). Little Vermilion Lake, Lake Jeanette and Nels Lake recreation areas will reopen on Tuesday. Fire restrictions have also been lifted across the Superior National Forest and Boundary Waters. The three remaining July Lightning fires total more than 71,000 acres, with containment ranging from 58% on the Thumb Fire to 79% on the Sioux Fire.
>>Fundraiser Today for BWCA and Northern Minnesota Businesses
(Duluth, MN) – Today’s your chance to have lots of fun and help support the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and northern Minnesota businesses impacted by this summer’s wildfires. Bent Paddle Brewing Co. in Duluth is hosting the “Paddlin’ For the Boundary Waters.” The benefit will feature live music, food trucks, raffles, and a silent auction with proceeds benefiting the United Way of Northeastern Minnesota and Sportsmen for the Boundary Waters. The event runs from 2 to 9 p.m.
>>Central Minnesota Bar Owner, Girlfriend Charged in Alleged Arson Scheme
(Remer, MN) — A central Minnesota bar owner and his girlfriend are accused of intentionally setting fire to the business to collect insurance money. Fifty-two-year-old Kory Wagner and 36-year-old Heather Pero are charged with first- and second-degree aiding and abetting arson in connection with an April fire at The Pub in Remer. Wagner also faces an attempted insurance fraud charge. According to the criminal complaint, investigators determined the fire was intentionally set in at least two locations inside the bar. Authorities say employees also reported hearing the couple talk about wanting the struggling business to burn down. The Cass County Sheriff’s Office says Wagner and Pero were arrested and booked into the Itasca County Detention Center.
>>Minnesota State Patrol Marks 50 Years of Women Troopers
(Falcon Heights, MN) — The Minnesota State Patrol is celebrating 50 years since women first joined its ranks. Former Chief Anne Beers was one of three women who made history in 1976 as the agency’s first female troopers. Beers, speaking with MNN at the Minnesota State Fair, recalled the pride and nerves of earning her badge. Beers went on to rise through the ranks and eventually became State Patrol chief. She says seeing more women serving as troopers today “makes my heart happy.”
>>Hotel Security Guard Charged with Felony Assault in Rochester
(Rochester, MN) — A Stewartville man who worked security at a downtown Rochester hotel is accused of assaulting a man with a gun. Twenty-seven-year-old Jarred Clement is charged with second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon. Prosecutors say Clement pointed a gun at the man and pressed it against his jaw during a confrontation on St. Patrick’s Day. Clement initially denied having a gun but later admitted brandishing the weapon and using it to push the man. He told police the man had threatened to kill him.
>>Highlights of Day 3 at Minnesota State Fair
(St. Paul, MN) – Today is day three of the Minnesota State Fair. The theme for the day is 4-H Day, with many activities planned around the farm animals. The DNR Building is hosting a K9 demonstration at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tonight, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis will take over the Grandstand Stage. The fair is open until 11 p.m. tonight.
>>DWI Enforcers Honored at Minnesota Twins Game
(Minneapolis) – The top DWI enforcers in the state will be honored during a pregame ceremony before tomorrow’s (Sun)Twins game at Target Field. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety will recognize nearly 60 law enforcement officers and one prosecutor from across the state. They represent the DWI Enforcer All-Stars for their outstanding efforts to stop impaired driving in 2025. These law enforcers made more than 16 percent of 26,000 DWI arrests last year.
