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   Cass County Sheriff Bryan Welk reports that, through the ongoing fire investigation being conducted by multiple agencies, arrest warrants have been issued for Kory Alvin Wagner, 52, of Hill City, and Heather Pero, 36, of Grand Rapids. Both individuals were arrested in Itasca County and transported to the Itasca County Detention Center.

   Wagner is charged with aid and abet first-degree arson, aid and abet second-degree arson, and attempted insurance fraud.

   Pero is charged with aid and abet first-degree arson and aid and abet second-degree arson.

   The charges stem from a structure fire reported at 5:30 a.m. Sunday, April 27, 2025, at 6691 State Hwy. 200 NE in Remer Township, Remer. The Cass County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call reporting the fire. Deputies and responders arrived on scene and located a commercial building, “The Pub,” a bar establishment, engulfed in fire.

   Fire departments from Remer and Longville worked to control the fire, which resulted in significant loss. The fire and its cause remained under investigation with the assistance of the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office.

   Sheriff Welk would like to thank the dedicated investigators and all of the agencies involved for their diligence, professionalism and hard work throughout the investigation. Their commitment to following the evidence and conducting a thorough investigation has been instrumental in bringing these charges forward.

   Formal court appearances are pending in Cass County District Court.

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