What Are The Rules For Serving Prison Time?
"Everyone who goes to federal prison, unless they screw up badly while they're in prison, they get 15 percent off their sentence for what's called good time."
Denny Hecker
Ex-Auto Dealer Denny Hecker Released From Re-Entry Center
The 66-year-old Hecker was released Tuesday. He was sentenced in 2011 after pleading guilty to bankruptcy and wire fraud.
Car Dealership Mogul Convicted Of Fraud Released To Halfway House
According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Denny Hecker has been released from prison to a halfway house.
Denny Hecker Moved To Minimum-Security Duluth Prison
A former car dealer and convicted con man is back in Minnesota. Online prison records show Denny Hecker is now at the federal prison in Duluth.
Fed. Prison Bureau: Denny Hecker Remains In Prison
A former, well-known Minnesota car dealer who pleaded guilty to conspiracy and fraud is out of prison.
Bankruptcy Filing Shows $34K Deposit In Former Auto Mogul's Prison Commissary
A new filing in bankruptcy court says a deposit of more than $34,000 was recorded in Denny Hecker's prison commissary account.
On Independence Day, Denny Hecker Could Go To Halfway House
Denny Hecker could be out of prison and transferred to a halfway house as early as Tuesday.
Denny Hecker May Move To Halfway House
A former well-known car dealer and convicted con man could get out of prison early.
Denny Hecker May Be Released 1 Year Early
It appears Denny Hecker's release date from prison has just been moved up a year, and he may be out by summer 2018.
Denny Hecker Moves To His 9th Prison
Though he's currently incarcerated, fallen auto mogul Denny Hecker remains a man on the move. Hecker has been moved to the Federal Correctional Institution Englewood in Littleton, Colo., according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
Wife Of Imprisoned Denny Hecker: 'He Was Made For Me'
Theirs may not be your typical love story. But in a WCCO exclusive, Denny Hecker's wife says she and the imprisoned former auto dealer were made for each other.
Good Question: Why Do They Keep Moving Denny Hecker?
Over the weekend, we learned that Denny Hecker was on the move again. Serving a ten-year sentence for fraud, Hecker's been in five different prisons over six months.
Denny Hecker Moved To SW Pennsylvania
Denny Hecker has found a new home behind bars. The one-time Minnesota auto giant who's serving a 10-year prison sentence for fraud is currently imprisoned in Loretto, Penn., located about 80 miles east of Pittsburgh.
Denny Hecker Moved To Pennsylvania Prison
For the fifth time in four months, fallen auto mogul Denny Hecker has been switched to another prison. Hecker, 59, was recently moved to the U.S. Penitentiary in Canaan, Pa.
Denny Hecker Moved To Oklahoma City
Denny Hecker is on the move again. The one-time Minnesota auto giant is serving a 10-year prison sentence for fraud.
Esme's Blog: Denny Hecker In Trouble Again
Federal prison officials are saying that Denny Hecker will be moving to yet another prison.
Denny Hecker Moved To Higher Security Prison
Former auto mogul Denny Hecker has been moved to a new higher security prison -- this time to Wisconsin.
Denny Hecker Moved To Federal Prison Camp
Former auto mogul Denny Hecker has been moved to a Federal Prison Camp in Duluth, Minn.
Denny Hecker's Wife Released From Prison
The wife of beleaguered auto mogul Denny Hecker has been released from federal prison and is back in Minneapolis, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
Behind Bars: Denny Hecker's Life In Prison
It has been more than two months since fallen auto mogul Denny Hecker went to live at what will be his home for at least the next eight years -- the Federal Prison Camp in Duluth, Minn.
Christi Rowan-Hecker Moved To Illinois Prison
The wife of beleaguered auto mogul Denny Hecker has been moved to a federal prison in southern Illinois.
Another Chance To Own A Piece Of Hecker
Even after five auctions there are still a lot of Denny Hecker's possessions to be auctioned off, according to Fred Radde and Sons auction house in New Germany.
Christi Rowan-Hecker Gets Maximum Prison Sentence
Christi Rowan, the wife of beleaguered auto mogul Denny Hecker, has been sentenced to 14 months in prison for stealing money that belonged to Hecker's creditors.
Esme's Blog: Hecker And Sheen -- You Can't Make This Up
As I sat in the newsroom this week fielding calls from Denny Hecker in jail, more than one person walking by my desk compared the latest from the Hecker/Rowan camp to the other Tsunami-sized train wreck of the week: that of actor Charlie Sheen.
No Charges Filed In Hecker's Jail Marriage
Hennepin County prosecutors finished their review of Denny Hecker's over-the-phone marriage to Christi Rowan-Hecker and have decided not to file charges, the Hennepin County Attorney's Office announced Friday.
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Latest News
Charges: Taylor Schulz fatally stabbed Minneapolis grocery worker with broken golf club
A 44-year-old Minneapolis man is accused of fatally impaling a grocery store employee with a golf club last week. He was charged Monday.
St. Paul police investigating fatal shooting in Hamline-Midway neighborhood
Police say a man fatally shot an alleged home invader in St. Paul early Monday morning.
Marvin Haynes' conviction overturned in 2004 Minneapolis flower shop murder
On Monday, a judge signed an order overturning Marvin Haynes' conviction for the murder of 55-year-old Randy Sherer. WCCO was there as Haynes was released from the Minnesota Correctional Facility in Stillwater.
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell "encouraged" by early news on Justin Jefferson's chest injury
Justin Jefferson's long-awaited return to the field on Sunday didn't last long.
Jerry Westrom's appeal in Jeanie Childs murder conviction goes before Minnesota Supreme Court Monday
A Minnesota man sentenced to life for stabbing a woman to death is back in court.
Twin Cities News
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Charges: Taylor Schulz fatally stabbed Minneapolis grocery worker with broken golf club
A 44-year-old Minneapolis man is accused of fatally impaling a grocery store employee with a golf club last week. He was charged Monday.
St. Paul police investigating fatal shooting in Hamline-Midway neighborhood
Police say a man fatally shot an alleged home invader in St. Paul early Monday morning.
Marvin Haynes' conviction overturned in 2004 Minneapolis flower shop murder
On Monday, a judge signed an order overturning Marvin Haynes' conviction for the murder of 55-year-old Randy Sherer. WCCO was there as Haynes was released from the Minnesota Correctional Facility in Stillwater.
Jerry Westrom's appeal in Jeanie Childs murder conviction goes before Minnesota Supreme Court Monday
A Minnesota man sentenced to life for stabbing a woman to death is back in court.
U of M community comes together for menorah lighting
University of Minnesota's Jewish community gathers for a menorah lighting amid the spread of antisemitism and Islamophobia on college campuses.
Greater Minnesota News
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20-year-old killed in crash in Itasca County
State patrol is saying a 20-year-old Hibbing man has been killed in a car crash.
Minnesota launches task force focused on problems facing rural EMS
See how a new task force deals with problems facing rural Minnesota EMS.
Two suspects arrested in Eveleth assault and kidnapping case
Two men were arrested and booked into the St. Louis County Jail in Duluth in connection with a kidnapping and assault in Eveleth.
University of Minnesota Medical School to expand program to St. Cloud
St. Cloud will soon be home to a new University of Minnesota Medical School campus.
Brandon Williams-Gillard found guilty in Duluth drive-by shooting that killed 1, injured another
A 25-year-old man was found guilty on Thursday for shooting a teenager and injuring another in Duluth this summer.
Wisconsin News
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Wisconsin university system reaches deal with Republicans to scale back diversity positions
The Universities of Wisconsin and Assembly Republican Speaker Robin Vos have reached a sweeping deal that would freeze hiring for diversity positions across the system in exchange for lawmakers approving employee pay raises and funding for a new engineering building at the flagship campus.
Gov. Evers vetoes Wisconsin bill banning gender-affirming care for kids
The veto was expected from Evers, who has vowed to strike down any proposals from the Republican-controlled Wisconsin Legislature that he deems harmful to LGBTQ+ youth.
Wisconsin judge reaffirms July ruling that state law permits consensual abortions
A Wisconsin judge has reaffirmed her ruling this summer that state law permits consensual medical abortions, handing abortion rights advocates a massive victory.
Wisconsin Gov. Evers signs off on $500M plan to fund repairs and upgrades at Brewers stadium
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers has signed a bill that spends half-a-billion in taxpayer dollars to help the Milwaukee Brewers cover stadium repairs over the next decade.
Limp Bizkit (and Corey Feldman) coming to Somerset Amphitheater next July
Limp Bizkit — under frontman Fred Durst — burned bright and fast during the waning years of the 1990s, most notoriously urging disgruntled crowds at the 1999 edition of Woodstock to "Break Stuff."
Community Journalism
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Lack of cold weather impacting cold weather businesses
A few cold weather business are starting to suffer from our unseasonable warm start to winter.
Snowy roads cause accidents, spinouts
Minnesota State Patrol says there were a number of crashes and spinouts on our roads.
Nordic skiers get a snowy start to the season opener
Nordic skiers rejoice at the opener in Elm Creek.
Beloved friend and community member killed, neighborhood devastated
Family, friends and community gather to honor a pillar of the Loring Park neighborhood who was killed Friday night.
Designer of new Minnesota state seal "honored" the commission chose his work
Ross Bruggink is a designer by trade. So, when the state commission tasked with choosing a new flag and seal solicited ideas, his vision came to him pretty quickly.
Politics
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Poll: Most Americans disapprove of Biden's handling of Israel-Hamas war
Rising numbers of Democrats say Biden is supporting Israel too much.
Minnesota launches task force focused on problems facing rural EMS
See how a new task force deals with problems facing rural Minnesota EMS.
Designer of new Minnesota state seal "honored" the commission chose his work
Ross Bruggink is a designer by trade. So, when the state commission tasked with choosing a new flag and seal solicited ideas, his vision came to him pretty quickly.
Wisconsin university system reaches deal with Republicans to scale back diversity positions
The Universities of Wisconsin and Assembly Republican Speaker Robin Vos have reached a sweeping deal that would freeze hiring for diversity positions across the system in exchange for lawmakers approving employee pay raises and funding for a new engineering building at the flagship campus.
Hunter Biden faces new federal charges
Late Thursday, prosecutors formally charged President Joe Biden's son with evading federal taxes.
Consumer News
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How to make your Christmas tree last the whole holiday season
How can you make your Christmas tree last the whole holiday season? Some experts weigh in.
St. Paul to use $1 million in federal funds to help residents with medical debt
People living in St. Paul with medical debt will see some relief in the new year thanks to the budget passed Wednesday.
Tipping etiquette: Your questions answered
When, who and how much to tip is becoming more of a question in consumers' minds.
Minnesota's one-time tax rebate will be federally taxed, Gov. Walz says he's "deeply disappointed"
More than 2 million Minnesotans received anywhere from $260 to $1,300 in tax rebate payments, as part of the $3 billion One Minnesota budget, signed into law by Gov. Tim Walz in May.
Metro Transit to enforce fare payment, issue $35 citations starting Monday
Starting Monday, Metro Transit will start issuing citations and fining people who have not paid their fare.
Crime News
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Charges: Taylor Schulz fatally stabbed Minneapolis grocery worker with broken golf club
A 44-year-old Minneapolis man is accused of fatally impaling a grocery store employee with a golf club last week. He was charged Monday.
St. Paul police investigating fatal shooting in Hamline-Midway neighborhood
Police say a man fatally shot an alleged home invader in St. Paul early Monday morning.
Marvin Haynes' conviction overturned in 2004 Minneapolis flower shop murder
On Monday, a judge signed an order overturning Marvin Haynes' conviction for the murder of 55-year-old Randy Sherer. WCCO was there as Haynes was released from the Minnesota Correctional Facility in Stillwater.
Jerry Westrom's appeal in Jeanie Childs murder conviction goes before Minnesota Supreme Court Monday
A Minnesota man sentenced to life for stabbing a woman to death is back in court.
Roseville teen found not guilty due to mental illness in attack on family
A Roseville teenager has been found not guilty by reason of mental illness or cognitive impairment in connection with an attack on his family that left his grandmother dead and multiple others injured.
Health News
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Las Vegas family moves to Minnesota for lifesaving care for baby girl
Before she was even born, Athena Omoto had the odds stacked against her.
1-year-old Minnesota boy dies after RSV infection
The Minnesota Department of Health reports RSV hospitalization rates have increased substantially in the past week. Most cases involve babies and toddlers ages four and under.
Minnesota launches task force focused on problems facing rural EMS
See how a new task force deals with problems facing rural Minnesota EMS.
University of Minnesota Medical School to expand program to St. Cloud
St. Cloud will soon be home to a new University of Minnesota Medical School campus.
FDA approves gene-editing treatment for sickle cell disease
Sickle cell disease affects approximately 100,000 people in the U.S., predominantly people of color.
Entertainment News
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Golden Globes announce 2024 nominations. See the full list here.
The Golden Globe nominations mark the official kickoff to Hollywood's 2024 awards season, and the announcement of the full list was livestreamed here.
Ryan O'Neal, star of "Love Story," is dead at 82
Ryan O'Neal, the Oscar-nominated star of films including "Love Story" and "Paper Moon," has died at 82.
CBS presents 'Grammy® Salute to 50 Years of Hip Hop'
A star-studded lineup of hip hop legends and GRAMMY-winning artists will grace the stage at this special tribute concert, airing Sunday, Dec. 10 (8:30-10:30 PM, ET/8:00-10:00 PM, PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+.
Target Field trifecta: Def Leppard, Journey and Steve Miller Band to play ballpark next year
Three staples of the classic rock genre are heading to Minneapolis next summer.
Daddy Yankee says he's retiring from music to focus on his faith
Daddy Yankee, the iconic reggaeton superstar, announced his plans to focus on his faith during his final musical performance Sunday in Puerto Rico.
Sports News
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Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell "encouraged" by early news on Justin Jefferson's chest injury
Justin Jefferson's long-awaited return to the field on Sunday didn't last long.
Vikings beat Raiders 3-0 in lowest-scoring NFL game in 16 years
Minnesota and Las Vegas played the lowest-scoring NFL game in 16 years, with Greg Joseph's 36-yard field goal with 1:57 left giving the Vikings a 3-0 victory over the Raiders.
Gustavsson gets 2nd shutout of the season as Wild hand Kraken 8th straight loss with 3-0 win
Filip Gustavsson stopped 24 shots for his second shutout of the season, and the Minnesota Wild beat Seattle 3-0 to hand the Kraken their eighth straight loss.
St. Thomas Academy's Crack Drill Squad celebrates 87 years
A tradition of precision and performance: 87 years of the STA Crack Drill Squad.
Vikings beat Raiders 3-0 in lowest-scoring NFL game in 16 years
Minnesota and Las Vegas played the lowest-scoring NFL game in 16 years, with Greg Joseph's 36-yard field goal with 1:57 left giving the Vikings a 3-0 victory over the Raiders on Sunday.
Talking Points
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Talking Points: Climate change is altering what farming zone Minnesota falls into
Minnesota's warming winters are impacting what you can grow. That change is reflected in the latest U.S. Department of Agriculture's 2023 plant hardiness zone map. Compared to 2012, there has been a significant change for much of Minnesota.
Minnesota’s agricultural zones are changing with climate
For years, the Twin Cities and the area surrounding it was in growing zone 4. Now new maps from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows us in Zone 5A.
Talking Points: Climate change is altering what farming zone Minnesota falls into (part 3)
Minnesota's warming winters are impacting what you can grow. That change is reflected in the latest U.S. Department of Agriculture's 2023 plant hardiness zone map. The impact is enormous on the state's $21 billion farm economy. Soybeans have now eclipsed corn, wheat and alfalfa as Minnesota's number one cash crop. Click here to see the full story.
Talking Points: Climate change is altering what farming zone Minnesota falls into (part 2)
Minnesota's warming winters are impacting what you can grow. That change is reflected in the latest U.S. Department of Agriculture's 2023 plant hardiness zone map. Compared to 2012, there has been a significant change for much of Minnesota. But what does this mean for you? According to Julie Weisenhorn, an extension educator of horticulture at the University of Minnesota, this hardiness change opens the possibilities for metro gardeners. Click here to see the full story.
Talking Points: Climate change is altering what farming zone Minnesota falls into (part 1)
Minnesota's warming winters are impacting what you can grow. That change is reflected in the latest U.S. Department of Agriculture's 2023 plant hardiness zone map. Compared to 2012, there has been a significant change for much of Minnesota. WCCO's Director of Meteorology and NEXT Weather Meteorologist Mike Augustyniak said these changes are happening faster in Northern areas like ours. Click here for the full story.
Finding Minnesota
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Montevideo company makes custom-made fish houses fit for royalty
A Montevideo company's fish houses have become a popular sight in the "Land of 10,000 frozen lakes."
This Nordic drive-thru in western Minnesota is a popular spot for lefse
We've all been through the coffee and fast-food drive-thrus, but they have nothing on this Evansville business. In this week's Finding Minnesota, John Lauritsen takes us to a drive-through that's as Nordic as it gets.
"The Mary Tyler Moore Show" continues to leave its mark on Minneapolis half a century later
In this week's Finding Minnesota, John Lauritsen shows us how an iconic show from the 70s put Minneapolis on the map, and why this year marks a special anniversary in the show's history.
Finding Minnesota: For 4 decades, Dennis Foy has painted commemorative Vikings game footballs
For nearly 40 years, Dennis Foy has been on the receiving end of footballs from the Vikings. They send him dozens each season along with emails about whose name they want on the game ball, and what they want it to say.
Jasper man's old-school windmill collection draws visitors from across the country
In 1999, Terry Rodman built a windmill for his wife, from scratch. Then, to balance things out, he put up a farm windmill — and people around Jasper, took notice.
Good Question
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How to make your Christmas tree last the whole holiday season
How can you make your Christmas tree last the whole holiday season? Some experts weigh in.
Why do stores keep extending their holiday sales? Good question.
Some shoppers enjoy taking advantage of the extended sales, while others say it's just holiday noise.
What does the appendix do and why are we fine without it?
Stephen Colbert is away from late-night TV following emergency surgery last week — the comedian's appendix burst. That made us wonder: What does the appendix do for our body? And why are we fine without it? Good Question. Jeff Wagner explains the mystery behind the tiny organ.
Is a dessert bar a cookie?
Heather Brown confers with some culinary experts to find the definitive answer!
Could November's minimal snow total impact December's output? Good Question.
The fluffy four-tenths of an inch that fell last Saturday kept the Twin Cities from notching a record of a snowless November.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2023
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Northern Lights in Minnesota: Dec. 1, 2023
For two nights in a row, the northern lights danced overhead in Minnesota and western Wisconsin, and WCCO viewers sent in their best photos.
Northern Lights over Minnesota and Wisconsin: Nov. 30, 2023
Some WCCO viewers shared marvelous photos of Thursday night's northern lights.
Items sold at "The Fashion of Prince" auction
Here's a look at some of the hot items on auction at "The Fashion of Prince."
Minnesota state flag and seal submissions: The good, the bad, and the loony
Minnesota leaders tasked the state's residents with helping to reimagine the state's flag and emblem. The citizenry has delivered, with designs running the gamut of reverent to just plain ridiculous.
Weather
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Weather
NEXT Weather: Noon report from Dec. 11, 2023
We're looking at mainly dry weather conditions with up-and-down temperatures this week.
What is Next Weather?
In Minnesota, weather can be all over the place. Here at WCCO, we want to give you what you need to prepare for what's happening next.
NEXT Weather: 9:30 a.m. report from Dec. 11, 2023
We've got a roller coaster of temperatures this week, and an extended stretch of dry weather ahead.
NEXT Weather: 6:30 a.m. report from Dec. 11, 2023
Monday will bring some sunshine and highs slightly above average, but a weak cold front will arrive in the afternoon, dropping temps back below freezing.
NEXT Weather: After above average Monday, temps will yo-yo throughout week
Monday will bring some sunshine and highs slightly above average, but a weak cold front will arrive in the afternoon, dropping temps back below freezing.
Latest Videos
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Latest Videos
Vikings @ Raiders recap: Minnesota's defense shuts out Las Vegas
Minnesota and Las Vegas played the lowest-scoring NFL game in 16 years, with Greg Joseph's 36-yard field goal with 1:57 left giving the Vikings a 3-0 victory over the Raiders on Sunday.
WATCH: Hennepin County Attorney's Office, Marvin Haynes' family speak after release from prison
Marvin Haynes' conviction for a 2004 murder was overturned Monday. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty and Haynes' family held a press conference following his release from prison.
NEXT Weather: Noon report from Dec. 11, 2023
We're looking at mainly dry weather conditions with up-and-down temperatures this week.
After 19 years in prison, Marvin Haynes’ conviction for flower shop murder overturned
Haynes was convicted of the 2004 killing of Randy Sherer when he was 17 years old. He’s now out of prison.
Minnesota's Somali community calls attention to flooding crisis
Monday morning, members of Minnesota's Somali community shared concerns over the recent catastrophic flooding in Somalia.