CHARGES FILED ON FABIAN ENGLISH in BELTRAMI COUNTY

 November 29, 2010

The Beltrami County Sheriff's Office advises that Fabian Wayne English, 24, of Red Lake, MN, appeared in Beltrami County Court today on felony charges of burglary, arson, and fleeing police.  Additional charges relating to the other Beltrami County victims from English's crime spree on Thursday, November 24, 2010 are pending.   Bail was set at $175,000.00 with a second appearance in Beltrami County District Court is scheduled for December 6, 2010.  

Additional charges are pending with the U.S. Attorney's office in relation to an ongoing FBI/ Red Lake Tribal Police investigation on English's subsequent actions on the Red Lake Reservation before he was apprehended.

On November 24, 2010, English was arrested, after a lengthy pursuit involving several agencies, which began in Turtle Lake Township and ended west of Red Lake on Highway 1.  English was driving a stolen vehicle and was in possession of stolen firearms and other items.

Agencies involved included the Beltrami County Sheriff's Office, Bemidji Police Department, Red Lake Tribal Police Department, U.S. Border Patrol, Minnesota State Patrol, and the FBI.

Sheriff Phil Hodapp
Beltrami County Sheriff's Office

Mrs. Beryl Wernberg
911 Communications Supervisor/ Emergency Management Director
Beltrami County Sheriffs Office
613 Minnesota Ave NW
Bemidji, MN 56601
218-333-8320 or fax 218-755-9322
Pager:  218-759-7560
beryl.wernberg(at)co.beltrami.mn.us
There is no path- follow your heart

Sheriff calls on Citizens to Slow Down

PRESS RELEASE- from Sheriff Phil Hodapp

      Be advised that the highways are very slippery this morning.  We have had several calls of cars in ditches west and north of Bemidji, especially on Hwy 2 and Hwy 89.  These accidents included rollovers and serious crashes. The daytime high temperature today is near freezing and the rain we received earlier this morning has turned to ice.  Please slow down and especially watch intersections and curves.  Our emergency responders are recommending speeds under 30 miles per hour at maximum due to conditions. 

 

Thank you - Sheriff Phil Hodapp, Beltrami County Sheriff's Office

"Smoke smell" in Bemidji area from leaf burning

There have been a lot of questions directed to Bemidji Fire and the Beltrami County Sheriff's Dispatch Center regarding the "smoke smell" in and around Bemidji.  This is coming from the annual "Burn the Leaves" event at the Waste Management Inc. Demolition Pit located at 2331 N Plantagenet Dr SE, located south and east of Bemidji. There is NO garbage being burned, just vegetative matter. This should last for 2-3 weeks per the Waste Management company. 

Give Locally - Over $1.8M in Matching Funds Available on Give to the Max Day - November 16

GiveMNians, Give to the Max Day returns as a day to inspire unprecedented levels of charitable giving in the state of Minnesota! Our goal is to beat our own record and get 40,000 people to give to their favorite Minnesota charity on November 16. Hundreds of nonprofits will offer the opportunity to double your dollars throughout the 24 hours. Every donation you make gives your favorite organization the chance to win even more money. Click on the video for a special Give to the Max Day message. Please mark your calendars for November 16 - donate to your favorite organizations who help contribute to the quality of life in our state.  Whether you care about children, the arts, clean water or education - you can connect with a cause and an organization that needs your support. Then share your donations with your friends and family using the easy share links on GiveMN. So click on GiveMN.org November 16th and contribute all you can. Help us reach 40,000 donors strong. You have one day to be part of history. One incredible day to Give to the Max to make our state a better place. Will you give? Sincerely, Dana Nelson GiveMN.org How to Give to the Max - Plan Your Giving! Double Your Dollars Look for the "2x" icon on select nonprofit pages. This icon means there is a dollar for dollar match available when you donate on that page. You can also search all the organizations offering matching grants using the green "2x Your Gift" button on the Give to the Max Day homepage. Win a Golden Ticket One donor will be randomly chosen every hour to have $1,000 added to their donation. This could be you! See the list of winners on the Give to the Max Day homepage. Help Your Favorite Organization Win the Grand Prize A $20,000 and $10,000 prize grant will be awarded to the top two nonprofits in the Twin Cities and the top two nonprofits in Greater Minnesota that attract the largest number of individual donors on Give to the Max Day. Happy First Birthday GiveMN! Last November, the virtual switch was flipped and GiveMN was created.  Thanks to you - and 58,000 other generous people who have made donations on GiveMN -  we have become one of the largest giving portals in the country. Minnesota has always been a  leader in philanthropy and now we are leading the way in e-philanthropy! Click here to read our one-page Happy Birthday GiveMN Annual Report.

You can find local organizations to give to by clicking the GiveMN link on your local community internet site. You can find a link to your local community internet site at http://givemn.com/story/Community-Internet-Sites.  You can donate to support the Northern Community Internet sites themselves. 

Shooting Death at Red Lake

On Wednesday, Nov3, 2010 at 3:12 PM, the Red Lake Department of Public Safety responded to a shooting incident in the community of Redbyon the Red Lake Indian Reservation. Upon arrival, officers discovered three victims suffering from gunshot wounds. The three victims were identified as JerrickDemarrias, age 19, Julian Demarrias, age 22 and Orlando Spears, age 19. Julian Demarrias died as a result of his wounds. The other two victims are in critical condition in area hospitals.

The incident involved a Dodge Durango and a black 1998 GMC Yukon bearing Red Lake license plate 19287. The vehicle is believed to have a cream colored stripe on the side. Witnesses heard 8 to 10 gun shots and saw the black Yukon speed away from the scene. The alleged shooter is identified as Donald Lee Clark Jr., AKA Don Juan. Clark is a Native American male, 5'11", 230 lbs., brown eyes and black hair. His DOB is 07/26/1988. Clark and the vehicle have not been located. Clark should be considered armed and dangerous. It is believed that Clark may be in the possession of a 12 gauge shotgun and an assault rifle. Beltrami County currently holds an active felony probation warrant on Donald Lee Clark for fleeing a peace officer. No bail was set.

The Red Lake Department of Public Safety and the FBI is also seeking information on location of Cruz White, a person of interest in this case (no furtherinformation at this time). Please contact the Red Lake DPS or the Bemidji FBI if you have contact with White.

Bemidji Resident, Leon Jenkauski, Killed in Industrial Accident

An industrial accident occurred at approximately 11:12 AM on Thursday, October 14, 2010 at Bemidji Iron and Recycling, located in the 9000 block of Bemidji Rd N, approximately 6 miles north of Bemidji. A private contractor had been hired to excavate and repair a water line that was buried very deep. Unfortunately, in the process of that excavation the trench collapsed. A friend of the private contractor was helping with the project and was pinned in the excavation. Immediate rescue attempts were taken. Found deceased at the scene was Leon Jenkauski, age 59, of Bemidji.

Responding to the scene were the Beltrami County Sheriff's Office, Bemidji Ambulance, North Country First Responders and the Bemidji Fire Department. The Bemidji Fire Department spent several hours at the scene assisting the Sheriff's Office.

Per Mr. Jenkauski's family, funeral arrangements are being handled by the Olson-Schwartz Funeral Home.

The investigation into the accident continues.

Mrs. Beryl Wernberg

911 Communications Supervisor/

Emergency Management Director

Beltrami County Sheriff's Office

613 Minnesota Ave NW

Bemidji, MN 56601

218-333-8320 or fax 218-755-9322

Pager: 218-759-7560

beryl.wernberg@co.beltrami.mn.us

DNR News: Three news releases for immediate release

Editors…please see the three attached releases…

 

 

DNR NEWS – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                            SEPTEMBER 17, 2010

Media contacts: Colleen Coyne, DNR communications director, 651-259-5023; Gary Barnard, Bemidji area fisheries supervisor, 218-308-2339.

Northern pike regulation change for Upper Red Lake to be discussed

A special regulation that requires anglers to release all northern pike 26- to 40-inches long from Upper Red Lake has been in place since 2006. A proposal is being considered to modify this regulation to protect larger northern pike from 26- to 44-inches long.

 

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) fisheries staff will hold a local public meeting to provide information on the proposal and to accept public comments about whether to proceed with the modification. The meeting will be Thursday, Oct. 7, at 7 p.m., at the North Beltrami Community Center, on Gould Avenue and Main Street in Kelliher.

 

For those unable to attend the local meeting, an open house will be held at the DNR Headquarters, 500 Lafayette Road in St. Paul, on Sept. 29 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Staff will be available to take comments on the proposal.

 

Written comments may also be submitted until Monday, Oct. 18, by e-mail to gary.barnard@state.mn.us, or by mail to DNR Area Fisheries, 2114 Bemidji Ave., Bemidji, MN 56601. Those who wish to provide comments by phone may call 218-308-2339.

 

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DNR NEWS – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                            sEPTEMBER 17, 2010

Media contacts: Colleen Coyne, communications director, 651-259-5023; Dean Beck, Glenwood area fisheries supervisor, 320-634-4573.

Minimum walleye length on Osakis,
Little Osakis to be discussed Sept. 30

The minimum walleye length on Osakis and Little Osakis lakes will be the focus of a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) public meeting from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 30, at the Pollard Community Center, 18 Nokomis Street, in Osakis.

 

DNR fisheries staff will explain the existing 15-inch minimum length limit regulation and solicit public comments on whether the regulation should remain in place, be modified or dropped.

 

For those unable to attend the local meeting, there also will be an open house from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 29, at the DNR Headquarters, 500 Lafayette Road, in St. Paul.  Staff will be available to take comments on the regulation.

 

Written comments also may be submitted until Monday, Oct. 11, by e-mail to dean.beck@state.mn.us or by mail to DNR Area Fisheries Office, 23070 North Lakeshore Drive, Glenwood, MN 56334. Those who wish to provide comments by phone may call

320-634-4573.

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DNR NEWS – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                            september 17, 2010

Media contacts: Colleen Coyne, communications director, 651-259-5023; Harlan Fierstine, Walker area fisheries supervisor, 218-547-1683.

DNR seeks public input on proposals for Leech Lake walleye slot limit

Those interested in walleye regulations on Leech Lake can learn more about the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) proposals to maintain or modify existing regulations at an upcoming public meeting. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 13, from 6-9 p.m. at the Walker/Hackensack/Akeley school commons in Walker.

 

DNR fisheries staff will explain why the department is considering maintaining regulations adopted in 2005, which require Leech Lake anglers to immediately release all walleye 18-to

26-inches in length. Anglers are allowed to keep up to four walleye, only one of which can be longer than 26 inches.

 

A second proposal would require anglers to immediately release all walleye 20-to 26-inches in length. The bag limit would remain at four fish, with one of those walleye allowed to be longer than 26 inches. If DNR population surveys determine that female walleye density was negatively impacted by the reduced slot limit, DNR could revert back to the 18-to 26-inch slot limit.

 

“The ability to revert back to a more protective slot limit gives us flexibility,” said Harlan Fierstine, the DNR’s Walker area fisheries supervisor. “It allows anglers to keep larger fish while providing a useful management tool that allows us to protect younger year classes of walleye. if necessary, to meet population objectives established by Leech Lake’s citizen input committee.”

 

Those unable to attend the meeting in Walker can discuss the proposals with DNR staff from

8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 29, at DNR headquarters, 500 Lafayette Road, in St. Paul.

 

Written comments may be submitted until Monday, Oct. 25, via e-mail to harlan.fierstine@state.mn.us, or via postal mail to DNR Area Fisheries, 07316 State 371 NW, Walker, MN 56484. Telephone comments can be made by calling the Walker area fisheries office at 218-547-1683.

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Louise Like

Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources

1201 E. Hwy 2

Grand Rapids, MN  55744

 

Email:  "louise.like@state.mn.us"

Phone:  218-327-4455

FAX:  218-327-4263

 

Bemidji's Babe City Rollers Start Season

Babe City Rollers, BabeCityRollers.com, begins the season at home on September 18th with Team Babe vs. Team Paul. This is a family oriented event. John Glas Fieldhouse. $8 adults. Students FREE! Doors open at 6pm. Sponsored by the Bemidji State University Women's Flat Track Roller Derby. 

The Babe City Rollers (BCR) is a grassroots, skater-run roller derby league affiliated with Bemidji State University\'s Women\'s Flat Track Roller Derby Club. BCR strives to provide strong, positive role models in the community through a commitment to teamwork, empowerment, athleticism, and service. As a league seeking to further the sport of roller derby, BCR adheres to the rules and regulations, and aspires to exemplify the principles of the Women's Flat Track Derby Associatio

Sheriff: SCAM involving phony emergency messages

      

Beltrami County Sheriff Phil Hodapp advises residents need to be aware of the latest scam making the rounds of communities.  According to information received from a daily debriefing sponsored by Homeland Security, senior citizens in central Minnesota have been targeted in a burglarizing scam.  Police report that victims receive a phone call to respond immediately to the local hospital emergency room where someone has allegedly been taken for serious injuries. Authorities believe that the callers are trying to lure the citizens from their homes in order to burglarize them after they have left.  Our citizens are advised to call the hospital, if they receive such a call, prior to rushing to the scene in order to assure such phone calls are real and to notify local law enforcement of any such incidents.    Information gathered from caller ID, if available, would be especially helpful to officers in tracing such calls.  Call 218-333-9111 or toll free, 1-888-449-9111 if you receive such a call. 

Sheriff Phil Hodapp  

Road Construction on Main Park Drive/Wilderness Drive in Itasca State Park.

As traffic has increased, so has the need for improved roads in Itasca State Park. Starting the week of August 9, 2010, road construction will begin on Main Park Drive within Itasca State Park. Phase I will include Main Park Drive along the east side of Lake Itasca from the North Entrance and going south to the Clearwater/Hubbard County Line (near the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center). Phase II, which includes work along Wilderness Drive, will occur after the Main Park Drive section is completed and will be weather dependent.

Public access to certain sections of the park will be carefully controlled along the construction routes. Some areas will be closed to access and portions of the road will be closed as construction work is underway. Visitors will be rerouted through and around the park as the different phases of the project get underway.  Please observe road closure signs and detour routes during the construction. Please be patient with the minor delays as the culverts are replaced and the road is resurfaced.

Although the construction will be inconvenient during the various stages of construction, we hope the improved condition of the road will make future visits more enjoyable while maintaining the scenic nature of this road.

Additional updates will be posted as the project progresses. Visitors in the park can stop at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center or Douglas Lodge for updated postings.


Connie Cox, Lead Park Naturalist
Itasca State Park
36750 Main Park Drive
Park Rapids, MN 56470
Constance.Cox@state.mn.us
218-699-7259

ARREST MADE IN BELTRAMI COUNTY STABBING INVESTIGATION

June 13, 2010

 

Sheriff Phil Hodapp reports an arrest was made on Saturday, June 12, 2010 in an assault investigation conducted by the Beltrami County Sheriff's Office in the 1100 block of Augusta Drive NE. 

 

Deputies responded to a 911 call reporting the stabbing of a 22 year old female at the Augusta Drive location.  The victim was being transported by friends to the hospital in a private vehicle which was spotted by responding deputies and stopped near First and Lake Streets.  Bemidji Ambulance Service arrived and began treating the victim who was subsequently transported to North Country Regional Hospital in Bemidji.

 

Deputies and Investigators secured the crime scene and discovered the suspect still located at the scene.  The 22 year old female suspect was taken into custody without further incident by officers.  The victim is reported to be in good condition.  The suspect is in custody at the Beltrami County Jail awaiting review of formal charges by the Beltrami County Attorney's Office.

 

 

Sheriff Phil Hodapp

NMF Offering Legal Issues Workshop for Boards of Directors June 29th

NMF Offering Legal Issues Workshop for Boards of Directors June 29^th

 

 

Northwest Minnesota Foundation is offering Legal, Fiduciary and Risk Management Considerations for Board Members, one of a series of workshops for grassroots, faith-based and nonprofit governing boards and administrators.

 Participants will gain clarity and information regarding the full scope of their responsibilities as board members. The instructor will use case studies, small groups and discussion to address the primary duties of nonprofit board members.

 The class will be held on June 29, 2010 at the Hampton Inn in Bemidji from 3:00 pm – 7:30 pm. Materials for the class and a light meal is provided. Cost for the workshop is $5.00. Pre-registration by June 22 is required by emailing Barb Lien (barbl@nwmf.org) and Jane McKelvy (janem@nwmf.org).

 The workshop will cover:

·         financial management, including Form 990 issues

·          oversight of the key administrator

·         conflicts of interest

·          compensation and private benefit issues

·         adherence to mission, filing deadlines and other regulatory requirements

·         working with volunteers

·         collaboration with other organizations

Instructor for the workshop is Ellen McVeigh, a partner in Borenstein and McVeigh Law Office LLC, a firm providing corporate, employment and tax advice to a national client base of tax-exempt nonprofit organizations. McVeigh practices in the areas of corporate and employment law. She is a graduate of the University of Minnesota Law School and served as a law clerk at the Minnesota Supreme Court. She became a partner at Gray Plant Mooty law firm, then organized her own firm in 1992. She is a frequent public speaker on nonprofit topics, teaches in the MBA Program for Nonprofit Management at the University of St. Thomas, is a certified Minnesota charter school Board trainer, and regularly conducts training sessions for nonprofit Boards on legal and management issues.

The workshop is made possible through the Compassion Capital Fund Grant awarded to the Northwest Minnesota Foundation by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The Northwest Minnesota Foundation is a public community foundation serving Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard, Kittson, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau Counties. NMF invests resources, creates opportunities and promotes philanthropy to make the region a better place to live and work.

 

Media Contact: Lisa Peterson, Communications Director

4225 Technology Drive NW ~ Bemidji, MN 56601

Phone: 218-759-2057 ~ FAX: 218-759-2328 ~ e-mail: lisap@nwmf.org

 

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Jane McKelvy, 218-759-2057, janem@nwmf.org

 

------------------------------------

4225 Technology Drive NW

Bemidji, MN  56601

218-759-2057

or in MN 800-659-7859

FAX 218-759-2328

www.nwmf.org      

 

 

 

 

Thru-Hikes on North Country National Scenic Trail

A series of 16 hikes are now underway to celebrate the completion of the North Country National Scenic Trail between the Chippewa National Forest and Itasca State Park, The 16 hikes will result in a Thru-Hike of the entire distance from the Chip to Itasca plus an additional 20 miles of hiking within the Chip.

Thru-Hike # 2 is scheduled for Saturday, May 22, a 3.5 mile hike commencing at 9:15 AM.  Starting point:  Drive south of the "Y" on HWY 371 for 4 miles; turn left (east) onto the Woodtick Trail and drive east for 4.9 miles to Chippewa National Forest RD 3790: turn left (north) and drive 1.3 miles to the NCT trailhead.  Bring water to carry and a snack.  Call 218-675-5448 if questions.

North Country Trail Association, Itasca Moraine Chapter
http://www.northcountrytrail.org/itm/index.htm

PRESS RELEASE                           CONTACT:
May 20, 2010                                      Jerry Trout, Publicity Itasca Moraine Chapter, North Country Trail Assoc.
Hackensack, MN
218-675-5448
jbtrout@tds.net<mailto:jbtrout@tds.net>

Blackduck Fire Sunday

On Sunday, May 16, 2010, at approximately 5:10 p.m. a Beltrami County Deputy Sheriff responded to the report of a fire at a residence in Blackduck, MN.  The Deputy, along with a Blackduck Police Officer entered the residence to ensure all occupants were outside of the house.  

The Deputy began to fight the fire with his fire extinguisher and was overcome by smoke inhalation.  The Deputy was transported by Blackduck Ambulance to the North Country Regional Hospital ER where he was treated and released.  The Blackduck Fire Department responded and extinguished the flames from the fire. 

Sheriff Phil Hodapp

Northwest Minnesota Foundation awards grant for multi-county health improvement project

NMF AWARDS GRANT FOR MULTI-COUNTY HEALTH IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

Bemidji, MN – May 13, 2010 -- The Northwest Minnesota Foundation recently awarded a grant for $25,000 to Polk County Public Health for the Northwest Minnesota Health Improvement Project.

The NMF Community Connections grant will supplement the work of three community health boards -- Polk County Public Health, Quin Community Health Services and Norman/Mahnomen Public Health -- that together applied and received funding for the Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP) designed by the Minnesota Department of Health to help communities address tobacco use, physical inactivity and poor nutrition.

The project will involve eight counties: Kittson, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau. Comprehensive, evidence-based interventions have been selected which address obesity and tobacco prevention in the school, worksite, healthcare and community settings.

The partners believe that the Health Improvement Project will provide a platform for instituting changes that will be long-term, sustainable, and will eventually result in better health for the residents of northwest Minnesota.

Sheri Altepeter, grant coordinator, explained that the groups are working together to make the healthy choice the easy choice.   "This means having access to physical activity, nutritious foods and avoiding exposure to tobacco," she said.  "It will take time and effort to decrease costly chronic health conditions associated with obesity, inactivity and tobacco use.  The Statewide Health Improvement Program will result in longer and healthier lives and lower health care costs."

A Community Leadership Team and County Steering Committees represent the eight-county project area. They are comprised of representatives who are the key people and organizations needed to promote broader community buy-in and sustainability.  The Community Connection Program funding will be used to build new coalitions, strengthen networks, and change organizational practices and policies. Proposed outcomes include improved efficiencies, reduced duplication of services and lower costs.

According to Jim Steenerson, NMF Senior Program Officer – Grants, the project will support specific activities within this large collaborative to help it achieve overall success. "Although real change is a slow process," Steenerson said, "the capacity of all the collaborative partners to address social and behavior issues and other emerging public health concerns will be improved by this project. An immediate benefit is seeing the community health partners develop new relationships with people not normally involved with the public health network."

Visit the NMF website www.nwmf.org for more information about grants and other programs.

The Northwest Minnesota Foundation is a public community foundation serving Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard, Kittson, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau Counties. NMF invests resources, creates opportunities and promotes philanthropy to make the region a better place to live and work.

Media Contact: Lisa Peterson, Communications Director

4225 Technology Drive NW ~ Bemidji, MN 56601

Phone: 218-759-2057 ~ FAX: 218-759-2328 ~ e-mail: lisap@nwmf.org

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Jim Steenerson, 218-759-2057, jims@nwmf.org

 

R2AC Awards $110,000 in Arts and Cultural Heritage Grants!

The R2AC recently awarded $110,000 in Arts and Cultural Heritage grants to artists, arts organizations, and non-profits in Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard, Lake of the Woods, and Mahnomen counties These new grant programs are available as a result of Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund as appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.

Terri Widman (far left), Executive Director of R2AC, and Representative John Persell (back row, far left) stand with the first Arts and Cultural Heritage grant recipients.

The monies were given in two grant categories: Arts and Cultural Heritage Grants ($66,000) and Community Arts Support Grants ($44,000).

The Arts and Cultural Heritage Grants are available for individual artists and non-profit organizations. . Recipients of the Arts and Cultural Heritage Grants will use the funds to create opportunities for arts access, arts education, and build bridges between Minnesotans through arts and cultural heritage in the five-county region. Grantees were awarded a total of $66,000 for their community-based projects.

Artists and organizations benefiting from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Grants are as follows.

Representative John Persell (far left, back row) and R2AC Executive Director Terri Widman (far right) stand with Arts and Cultural Heritage Grant recipients.

Beltrami County:

Rose Heim: $3,000 to complete a photo exhibit that is a "portrait"of Kelliher, Waskish and the surrounding area.

Bemidji State University Music Department: $4,089 to commission and

Deb Steinbar, BSU Adjunct Music Instructor and Project Director, and Terri Widman, R2AC Executive Director

premier a multi-harpsichord concerto by MN composer Asako Hirabayashi written for and performed by La Musique Nomade.

Headwaters School of Music & Arts: $4,088 to purchase four potter wheels to facilitate pottery workshops for adults and children.

Headwaters School of Music & Arts: $4,820 to host a water-color workshop with internationally known artist, Paul Jackson.

Kelliher School: $1,938 to take the Holocaust Literature and English 11

Holocaust Literature and Literature 11 Classes at Kelliher School

classes to the "The Diary of Anne Frank" at the Park Square Theatre in St. Paul, MN.

Kristin Majkrzak: $1,990 to attend an international fiber arts conference to learn new tapestry weaving skills. She will provide classes in the art form to northern Minnesotans in late 2010.

Paula J. Swenson: $2,245 to paint a mural acknowledging the beauty and wildlife of Bemidji and northern Minnesota.

Marion Reil and Grace Garland: $3,000 to host 10 watercolor workshops at assisted living facilities in Clearwater and Beltrami counties.

Boys & Girls Club of Bemidji Area Teen members: $6,000 for visual and theater arts programming. Teens will create six painted and batiked screens and six dyed screens for the teen center stage and participate in 12 weeks of theater arts classes.

Bemidji Community Theater: $4,200 for a collaborative production with the Paul Bunyan Playhouse of Disney's musical, Aladdin, Jr.

Clearwater County:

Vanessa Pulkabrek (far left) took students for a weekend of arts and culture in Minnepolis. R2AC Executive Director Terri Widman is on the far right.

Clearbrook-Gonvick High School: $4,120 for students to visit museums and theaters in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area.

Northern Exposure to Lifelong Learning: $4,500 to sponsor a one-day festival of ethnic music.

Hubbard County:

Eric C. Bervig: $2,520 to provide professional quality modal jazz performances to Minnesotans in the Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard, Lake of the Woods, and Mahnomen counties.

Headwaters Center for Lifelong Learning: $4,945 to offer a series of sessions about cultural and folk art traditions and ethnic heritage, culminating with a multi-ethnic festival.

Lake of the Woods County:

Terri Widman (right) of the R2AC and Joanne Kellner of the Depot Preservation Alliance in Baudette.

The Depot Preservation Alliance: $2,000 to bring in art and design consultants to guide the development of the exhibit celebrating the cultural heritage of the Baudette area.

Lake of the Woods School : $4,545 to hire mosaic artist, Marsha Wolff, for a two week Artist in Residence program to teach students how to design and make mosaic art.

Lake of the Woods School: $2,000 to take the class of 2010 to see "Footloose" at the Chanhassen Dinner Theater as a supplement to their usual Senior Class Trip.

Representative John Persell (left), Darby Miller from the Center of Human Environment, and Terri Widman of the R2AC

Mahnomen County:

The Center of Human Environment: $6,000 to provide opportunities for

artistic expression that will enrich residents' lives at this group home.

Community Arts Support Grants provide some measure of funding stability for non-profit arts organizations so that their energy can be better focused on increasing the quality and availability of the arts to their communities. The Community Arts Support Program granted $44,000 to nonprofits in the five county region.

R2Ac Executive Director, Terri Widman (second from left) and Representative John Persell( third from right) stand with Community Arts Support Grant recipients.

Non-profit arts organizations that benefited from the Community Arts Support Grants are as follows:

Bemidji Chorale: $3,000 to apply for 501(c)3 designation, purchase music folders, purchase music for a special concert with the Bemidji Symphony Orchestra and compensation for the conductor, accompanist and guest musicians.

Bemidji Community Arts Center: $6,000 to hire staff to assist in the implementation of existing programs.

Bemidji Community Theater: $3,000 to support rental of permanent costume storage and costume construction space as well as funds to expand our technical capabilities in order to add to the artistic quality of our productions.

Bemidji Symphony Orchestra: $6,000 to support the costs of producing the 2010-2011 Orchestra Concert season.

Terri Widman, R2AC, and Bill Zigmant, Treasurue of the Heartland Concert Association

Heartland Concert Association, Park Rapids: $4,000 to help provide necessary revenue to bring musical concerts, entertainments and programs to Hubbard County and surrounding area.

Minnesota Folklore Theater, Akeley: $3,000 to apply for 501(c)3 designation and for staffing and audience development.

Northern Artist Association, Bemidji: $4,070 to support the the marketing arm of the Northern Artist Association by assisting with monthly expenses and outreach.

North Country Museum of Arts, Park Rapids: $2,930 for operating expenses.

Northern Light Opera Company, Park Rapids: $6,000 for operating expenses and to hire a stage director and a technical director for the annual summer production.

Park Rapids Lakes Area Council: $3,000 to support projects in the Park Rapids area.

Terri Widman (left) presents representatives from the Pequana Playhouse board of Directors with their Community Arts Support Grant.

Pequana Playhouse, Baudette: $3,000 to implement arts programming in Lake of the Woods county and to repair the lighting and lightboard in the Lake of the Woods school auditorium where Pequana Playhouse productions are held.

The Region 2 Arts Council is one of eleven regional art councils in the State of Minnesota with the purpose of supporting and promoting art appreciation throughout Region 2. For more information about grant opportunities and other services provided by the R2AC stop by their offices at 426 Bemidji Avenue N in Bemidji, visit http://www.r2arts.org or call 218-751-5447 or toll-free at 1-800-275-5447.

Reward Offered for Mailbox Damage

Since the last week in April 2010 through the first week in May, the Beltrami County Sheriff's Office has been inundated with numerous complaints about individuals damaging mailboxes in Beltrami County in the area south and east of the City of Bemidji.  Some of the primary roads that have been targeted are the Power Dam Road, Carr Lake Road and the Mission Road to name a few.  The individuals responsible for this activity have damaged the property of several hundred citizens in Beltrami County with a damage estimated to be at approximately $5,000.00.   

The Beltrami County Sheriff's Office is offering a financial reward to anyone who has information leading to those responsible for this criminal damage to property.  Any information that leads to the arrest of these individuals would be greatly appreciated.  If you have information or questions concerning the recent damage to property complaints please contact the Beltrami County Sheriff's Office at 333-9111.

Beltrami Sheriffs Investigator Danelle Haugen Receives Award

The Beltrami County Sheriff's Office is proud to announce that on Wednesday, April 28, 2010 at 7:00 p.m., Investigator Danelle Haugen of the Beltrami County Sheriff's Office was presented with the Excellence in Performance Award by the MN Association of Women Police. This award was presented to Investigator Danelle Haugen by the MN Association of Women Police at their 2010 award dinner located in Roseville, MN. The awards ceremony was attended by Chief Deputy Mike Bakke, Sheriff Phil Hodapp and Investigator Haugen's husband Todd Haugen. The Excellence Performance Award is awarded on a yearly basis by the MN Association of Women Police to a law enforcement officer who encompasses demonstrable excellent skills related to day to day police assignments including, but not limited to, investigative work, street activity, supervision or leadership special assignments, decoy sting operations, and/or any other day to day performance that is considered excellent. Investigator Haugen was nominated for the award by Chief Deputy Mike Bakke of the Beltrami County Sheriff's Office. Haugen was nominated for this award because she exemplifies everything that is stated in the description of a peace officer who is qualified to receive this award. She demonstrates excellence and leadership on a daily basis and produces results that promote the cause of justice and public safety in Beltrami County.

Investigator Haugen began her career in law enforcement in the Beltrami County Sheriff's Office in the spring of 2000 where she was assigned to the Beltrami County Boat and Water Division. She then went on to work as a uniformed patrol deputy, D.A.R.E. Officer, Civil Process Deputy and was ultimately promoted to Auto Theft Investigator in October of 2006. During every stage of her career, Investigator Haugen has demonstrated the utmost professionalism, competence and willingness to learn new skills in order to grow professionally. She has developed a gift for interview and interrogation and is perhaps one of the most skilled interviewers that currently work for the Beltrami County Sheriff's Office. Investigator Haugen demonstrates a tough minded, determined approach in seeing to it that the cases assigned to her are resolved successfully. Investigator Haugen requires very little supervision and has always demonstrated a selfless attitude by being available for case work whenever necessary and working to fulfill the mission of the Beltrami County Sheriff's Office. Over the course of her career Investigator Haugen has brought numerous felony cases to a successful end working both independently and as part of the team. These cases include burglaries, thefts, auto thefts, sex crimes, child abuse/neglect, assaults, and homicides. The Beltrami County Sheriff's Office congratulates Investigator Haugen on this award and is thankful to the MN Association of Women Police for recognizing her professional accomplishments in the field of law enforcement.

Chief Deputy Mike Bakke

Beltrami County Sheriff's Office

NMF Awards Capacity Development Initiative Program Grants

 

 

BEMIDJI, MN – April 20, 2010 -- The Northwest Minnesota Foundation's Capacity Development Initiative, made possible by an award from the Compassion Capital Fund of the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, recently awarded 11 sub-grants.

                This funding will help nonprofit and faith-based organizations strengthen their delivery of programs to the region's unemployed, homeless, low-income and at-risk youth and adults.

The goals of the project are to support regional strategies to reduce homelessness, enhance welfare-to-work transition programming and improve employability by increasing capacity, sustainability, effectiveness and collaboration among the region's human service providers. In addition, the project is working to enhance the ability of faith-based organizations and community-based organizations to sustain the delivery of social services by developing supportive and culturally diverse training, combining and sharing existing resources and volunteer energies, and promoting multi-level strategies that maximize local and regional resources.

A total of $103,603 was awarded to faith-based and community-based organizations located in Mahnomen, Crookston, Erskine, Park Rapids, Naytahwaush, Warren, and Bemidji, which collectively serve all twelve counties in the NMF service area.

Mahnomen County Development Activities Center $2,500

The Mahnomen County DAC is a public entity that provides adult day training and habitation services to special needs, low income adults across Becker, Mahnomen, and Kittson Counties. The organization will implement systems to keep records of service recipients' satisfaction and/or service recipients' outcomes to increase the capacity of the organization in tracking client progress and documenting outcomes. In addition, they will obtain program related technology / equipment and train staff to work more effectively with clients on new technology.

 

Care and Share, Inc.  $8,885

Care and Share is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, non denominational corporation serving those who suffer from economic hardship,  providing a food shelf, soup kitchen, clothing, emergency and transitional shelter. The organization will implement a multi-level evaluation of the current food shelf operation to identify ways to better and safely serve growing community needs by analysis of current data and evaluation of current services. They will also strengthen multiple partnerships and identify additional partnerships with other community agencies by creating or improving processes for collaborating with partners and strengthening partnerships.

 

Grace Lutheran Food Shelf  $2,354

Grace Lutheran Church Food Shelf is a faith-based, 501 (c)(3) providing emergency food services to the unemployed, underemployed and homeless in the communities of Erskine, McIntosh, Winger and Mentor. 

The organization will purchase an upright freezer and reorganize the food shelf space to better serve the clients and increase efficiency and safety of operation while increasing the effectiveness of services to clients.

 

Human Achievement Performance Academy (HAPA) $14,957

HAPA is a 501(c)(3) delivering financial counseling and employment education services to underemployed, unemployed adults, financial and credit counseling, life-skills to at-risk, homeless and transitional youth and adults.  HAPA serves Hubbard, Becker, Mahnomen and Beltrami Counties and one American Indian reservation. The organization will create marketing materials to increase the number of clients served; create a revenue development plan using a consultant to increase the ability to identify funding streams and obtain funds; create and implement a client database system for improved client record keeping system and data sorting system; upgrade current technology in computers, software and communication systems to increased efficiency with daily operations, report generation, and communications.

 

White Earth Reservation Constituency Service Program  $13,500

White Earth Constituency Program is a public agency providing financial assistance to White Earth families whose income is 135% of the Poverty Index:  Homeless persons, elders in need, Native Americans, families in transition, in a three county area. The organization will create a data collection, sharing, reporting system for the White Earth Constituency Program to increase the capacity of departments across a three county area to generate reports, conduct data collection, and provide services to clients.

 

Peacemaker Resources  $13,210

Peacemaker Resources is a 501 (c)(3) serving schools (including three reservation schools), at risk youth, Native Americans, and families in transition by providing social emotional skills training to reduce violence, high risk behavior, and improve communications.  The organization will develop a new strategic plan to increase the ability of Peacemaker to define direction and innovate; establish new strategic partnerships through increased referrals and requests for service delivery; and, expand program services to include non-violent communications to increase the scope of existing services.

 

Warren Living at Home Block Nursing Program  $4,800

Warren Living at Home Block Nursing Program (WLH/BNS) is a public entity that assists the elderly in living in their homes as long as possible by providing in-home nursing services, assistance with personal care and light housekeeping, referrals to social services, and transportation to meals and activities.  The organization will purchase new technology and software to increase the effectiveness of client recordkeeping and reporting, which will increase staff ability to access and maintain client records and generate reports. In addition, they will create new marketing materials to increase client referrals and participation in program and activities.

 

Bemidji Community Food Shelf $13,825

Bemidji Community Food Shelf is a 501(c)(3) interdenominational faith-based organization serving elders in need, families in transition, and low income individuals seeking to gain greater access to state and federal benefits. The organization will purchase database software and supporting technology to increase the ability of staff to access and maintain client records as well as develop plans for service expansion. In addition, they will develop a strategic plan to explore and implement a co-location with partner services.

 

Evergreen House, Inc.  $14,364

Evergreen House, Inc.  is a 501(c)(3) community- based organization providing services to a four-county area for homeless youth, high-risk youth, transitional services for families and youth through:  youth crisis center, alcohol and drug recovery house, suicide prevention education, transitional housing, mentoring program, youth and family counseling, youth drop-in center for homeless youth. The organization will purchase a variety of technologies to improve cross program communication, report sharing, and client records across three program locations including: phone system, server system, and upgrade their copier in order to increase capacity to communicate, access client records, plan for transitional move and improve existing services to better serve their growing client base.

 

Servant Hearts $4,651

Servant Hearts is a 501 (c)(3) community- based organization serving lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, two-spirited , questioning, ally, marginalized at-risk youth and adults with programs, support, education, and referral services.  The organization will create a website of services and available resources and attend grant writing and strategic planning training. They will also purchase technology to support program development and website development.

 

Northwoods Habitat for Humanity $10,587

Northwoods Habitat for Humanity is a 501(c)(3) faith-based organization dedicated to building affordable homes for people in need throughout Beltrami and Clearwater Counties.  They provide, through the Re-Store operation, access to affordable building supplies, home furnishings and accessories. The organization will purchase a new electronic cash register compatible with the QuickBooks accounting system to improve financial recordkeeping and will provide cash register training to staff and volunteers for improved customer service at the Re-Store. In addition, they will install a handicap access door to increase access for a new customer base.

 

A second round of grants will be announced in May.

The Capacity Development Initiative is also providing training and technical assistance for area faith-based organizations and community-based organizations in leadership, organization and program development and community engagement. Workshops are now underway and open for registration. Learn more at www.nwmf.org. 

For more information, contact Jane McKelvy, NMF program officer for training, at 218-759-2057 or email janem@nwmf.org.

The Northwest Minnesota Foundation is a charitable foundation committed to investing resources, creating opportunities and promoting philanthropy to make the region

 a better place to live and work.

Defensive Driving Classes--Bemidji Community Education

MN law requires your insurance agent to give you 10% discount on your
vehicle insurance if you are 55 or older and complete this course. Taught
by licensed instructor, Dave Free, the class is interesting, informative
and very worthwhile. Classes are held in Bemidji at Paul Bunyan Center
with plenty of parking close by and a classroom that is completely
accessible and close to parking area. Refreshments are provided.
Discount is given for all your vehicles, including most recreational
vehicles. This program is run by Bemidji Public Schools and is certified
by the MN Dept. of Public Safety.

Class schedule:
Refresher class: For those who have had the class before
Tuesday, April 20 at 5:30 PM
Wednesday, May 17 at 5:30 PM
Tuesday, June 22 at 5:30 PM
Thursday, July 29 at 1:00 PM **note this is an afternoon class
Monday, September 20 at 5:30 PM

Initial class: For those taking the course for the first time
Monday & Wednesday, May 17 & 19 at 5:30 PM
Tuesday & Thursday, August 24 & 26 at 5:30 PM

To register or for more information contact Bemidji Community Education at
333-3100 x 301 or go online to [ http://www.bemidjicommunityed.com
]www.bemidjicommunityed.com.
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Scenic Hwy road construction starts Monday April 19 2010.pdf - Adobe Acrobat Professional

SCENIC HWY CONSTRUCTION starts April 19, 2010

Beltrami County Highway announces that road construction will begin on Monday, April 19, 2010
on the Scenic Highway (Co Rd 39) from the south Beltrami County line to the junction of Birchmont Beach Rd SE
(Co Rd 20). The road will be open to local traffic only. Bituminous pavement will be removed in various locations.

Please use caution and remember to drive safely and slowly.

Mrs. Beryl Wernberg
911 Communications Supervisor/
Emergency Management Director
Beltrami County Sheriff's Office
613 Minnesota Ave NW
Bemidji, MN 56601

Ann Bancroft to Present “No Horizon Is So Far” at NMF Regional Summit

Ann Bancroft to Present "No Horizon Is So Far" at NMF Regional Summit

BEMIDJI, MN – April 14, 2010 – Internationally known polar explorer Ann Bancroft will present a keynote address at the NMF Regional Summit -- Leadership GPS: Pathways for Great Leaders, taking place April 27th from 9:00 am – 4:30 pm at the Hungry Bear Event & Conference Center in Bemidji.
Other keynotes will be delivered at the summit by Andy Wells, president and CEO of Wells Technology and Kristine Paranica, the executive director of the University of North Dakota Conflict Resolution Center. Dr. Kathleen Annette, deputy director of field operations for Indian Health Service will be honored with the NMF Quality of Place Award for her role as an outstanding, unique and valued partner who has worked to improve the health and well being of the people in the region.
Five different leadership programs available to residents of the region will be presented in two panel discussions. These include NMF LeaderImpact, the Red River Valley Emerging Leadership program, the Blandin Community Leadership and Blandin Reservation Community Leadership programs, and the Center for Community Stewardship.
Ann Bancroft is one of the world's preeminent polar explorers and an internationally recognized leader who is dedicated to inspiring women and girls around the world to unleash the power of their dreams. Through her various roles as an explorer, educator, sought-after speaker and philanthropist, Bancroft believes that by sharing stories related to her dreams of outdoor adventure, she can help inspire a global audience to pursue their individual dreams.

Bancroft's teamwork and leadership skills have undergone severe tests during her polar expeditions and provided her with opportunities to shatter female stereotypes. The tenacity and courage that define her character have earned Bancroft worldwide recognition as one of today's most influential role models for women and girls. She has been named among Glamour magazine's "Women of the Year" (2001); featured in the book Remarkable Women of the Twentieth Century (1998); inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame (1995); named Ms. magazine's "Woman of the Year" (1987); and honored with numerous other awards for her accomplishments.
Major Accomplishments

 *   February 2001 - Bancroft and Norwegian polar explorer Liv Arnesen become the first women in history to sail and ski across Antarctica's landmass - completing a 94 -day, 1,717-mile (2,747 km trek).
·      1993 - Bancroft leads the American Women's Expedition to the South Pole, a 67-day expedition of 660 miles (1,060 km) on skis by four women, earning the distinction of being the first known woman in history to cross the ice to both the North and South Poles.

 *   1992 - Bancroft leads the first American women's east to west crossing of Greenland.
 *   1986 - Bancroft dogsleds 1,000 miles (1,600 km) from the Northwest Territories in Canada to the North Pole as the only female member of the Steger International Polar Expedition, earning the distinction of being the first known woman in history to cross the ice to the North Pole.
Bancroft's other achievements include founding and leading the Ann Bancroft Foundation, a non-profit organization that celebrates the existing and potential achievements of women and girls.
Bancroft is a spokesperson for the Learning Disabilities Association, Wilderness Inquiry and Girl Scouts of the USA. She serves on the board of Youth Frontiers, co-chairs the Wilderness Inquiry capital campaign and is a judge for the Nuclear-Free awards and the National Women's Hall of Fame inductions. Bancroft serves on the advisory board of the Melpomene Institute and Medica.
Other keynotes will be given that day by Andy Wells, president and CEO of Wells Technology and Kristine Paranica, the executive director of the University of North Dakota Conflict Resolution Center. Dr. Kathleen Annette, deputy director of field operations for Indian Health Service will be honored with the NMF Quality of Place Award for her role as an outstanding, unique and valued partner who has worked to improve the health and well being of the people in the region.

Five different leadership programs available to residents of the region will be presented in two panel discussions. These include NMF LeaderImpact, the Red River Valley Emerging Leadership program, the Blandin Community Leadership and Blandin Reservation Community Leadership programs, and the Center for Community Stewardship.
For more information on the NMF Regional Summit or to register, go to www.nwmf.org/summit.
The Northwest Minnesota Foundation is a public community foundation serving Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard, Kittson, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau Counties. NMF invests resources, creates opportunities and promotes philanthropy to make the region a better place to live and work.