A rare pair of the ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in the classic movie Wizard of Oz were stolen during the weekend in what appears to be a targeted burglary at the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minn. Insured for $1-million, the shoes are one of four pairs known to exist that were used in the 1939 movie, said their owner, Michael Shaw, a North Hollywood movie memorabilia collector.
The slippers were stolen sometime between 5:45 p.m. Saturday and 9:45 a.m. Sunday, when an employee discovered the break-in, said John Kelsch, Judy Garland Museum director. Grand Rapids police say an emergency exit door window was broken. A glass case that contained the ruby slippers was broken and the slippers removed. The 2-year-old building has the best alarm system available, Kelsch said. It should warn a security firm when doors or windows are opened, or if motion is detected. But International Dispatch, the private firm, received no signal, and the system was being tested Monday.
Honor for country stars
Country band Alabama, singer Glen Campbell and the late pioneering harmonica player DeFord Bailey, the Grand Ole Opry's first black star, are being inducted into the County Music Association Hall of Fame. Formal induction will be Nov. 15 at the CMA Awards in New York.
