Culvert Meeting for Three Culverts Rd NE (Co Rd 307)- Public Meeting NOTICE

A meeting will be held by the Beltrami County Highway Department to discuss a proposed culvert replacement project on County Road 307 (Three Culverts Road).  The proposed project is planned for 2012 and will replace the culverts located at the Turtle River crossing.  The meeting will include representatives from the County, design engineers from Karvakko Engineering, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and any local individuals with interest.  The meeting is being held to listen to concerns and gather input prior to starting the design work.

The meeting will be held at the Beltrami County Highway Department, 2491 Adams Ave, Bemidji MN.  The meeting date is January 5th, 2012 at 7 pm.

FROM THE BELTRAMI COUNTY HWY DEPT
Bruce Hasbargen, County Engineer

Please contact us at 333-8173 if you have any questions.

Missing Teenager Located

UPDATE-  Jessica Thompson, the missing juvenile from Bemidji,  voluntarily appeared at the Law Enforcement Center in Bemidji tonight at 8:34 PM along with her boyfriend, Jarvis Lussier and his father, Jason Lussier from Red Lake.    The investigation continues into the events surrounding the incident from Wednesday night.  Please cancel the news release we sent out earlier.

 

Thank you to all of our citizens as well as the media for doing a great job of getting the word out and keeping us informed of any information pertinent to the case.  

 

Mrs. Beryl Wernberg

  911 Supervisor/Emergency Management Director

  Beltrami County Sheriff's Office

  613 Minnesota Ave NW

  Bemidji MN  56601

  218-333-8320 (Office)  218-755-9322 (Fax)

  www.co.beltrami.mn.us

 

Assistance Requested In Locating Missing Young Woman

Jessica Jolie Thompson, 16, was taken from a residence in the City of Bemidji by her boyfriend, Jarvis Lussier, 15, at 4:55 PM on Wednesday, December 14, 2011 (she indicated to friends she did not want to leave with Lussier).  She was last seen being led by the arm headed south on foot with Lussier in Westwood Mobile Home Park located in northwest Bemidji.  Thompson and Lussier have been dating for approximately a year. No history of domestics exist although the mother says Lussier has been "mean" to Thompson on occasion.  She has not been in contact with her mother since this incident.  Her mother filed a missing person report on her today at 10:15 AM. Possible destination is the Red Lake Reservation, somewhere in Bemidji or the Lac De Flambeau Reservation in Wisconsin.  The Bemidji Police Department continues to investigate this case with possible assault charges pending.  

We are asking for assistance from the public in locating Thompson.   Please notify the Beltrami County Law Enforcement Center at 218-333-9111 if you have information on or contact with Jessica Thompson. 

THREE ARRESTED IN DRIVE-BY SHOOTING INVESTIGATION

At 4:09 AM, on December 10, 2011, Beltrami County Sheriff's Office responded to a shots fired call in the 3100 block of Mill St NE in Bemidji Township.  Two bullets were fired into a residence from a high-powered rifle. 

The investigation revealed the shots had come from a vehicle on the roadway which was seen leaving the area by a witness.  Investigators recovered two slugs from the residence, one which had struck a mattress in a bedroom within the home.   Fortunately none of the occupants in the residence were struck by the gunfire.

Beltrami County Deputies and Investigators following up on the investigation quickly identified a suspect who is believed to have fired the shots into the home.  Deputies determined the victims in the case were witnesses in a Bemidji Police investigation in which Edward Michael Halvorson had crashed his vehicle in June of 2011 at the Green Mill Parking lot and was subsequently arrested for drunk driving.  That case was set for trial in the next few weeks and Edward Halvorson had recently learned the victims were to testify in his trial. The suspect and his parents were taken into custody late in the day on December 12, 2011. 

·         Edward Michael Halvorson, 37, Bemidji, is being held on charges of Felony drive-by shooting, Witness Tampering, and transferring a weapon to a person ineligible to possess a firearm. 

·         Darwyn Michael Halvorson, 71, Edward's father, was arrested for Aiding an Offender (Accomplice after the fact), Felon in possession of a Firearm and investigation of Possession of stolen Property.

·         Gretchen Catherine Swenson 63, Edward's mother, was arrested for Aiding and Offender (Accomplice after the fact)

The three suspects are currently in custody at the Beltrami County Jail.  The investigation is still underway and reports are being forwarded to the County Attorney's Office for charging consideration.

Sheriff Phil Hodapp

 

 

 

TWO RESCUED FROM ICE

        On Friday, December 2, 2011, at 10:06 AM, the Beltrami County Sheriff's 911 Center received a 911 call from a subject who was stranded, along with his fishing partner, on a piece of ice that had broken free and was floating approximately 3/10 of a mile off the south shore of Upper Red Lake north of Carsella's Landing (Sandberg Rd NE- 47 miles north of Bemidji in Shotley Township).  The pair had been fishing on 6 inches of ice however a southern wind had developed changing the ice structure. 

        Responding to the scene, or assisting with logistical support, were the Kelliher Fire Department, Kelliher First Responders, Red Lake Fire Department, Ponemah Fire Department, Bemidji Fire Department, Blackduck Ambulance, Blackduck Fire Department, U.S. Border Patrol, Department of Natural Resources conservation officer and Beltrami County Sheriff's deputies.  Air support, which was deploying from Winnipeg,  was cancelled due to success in rescue efforts.

        Wind gusts up to 20 mph hampered efforts to deploy boats.  In addition the wave action continued to erode the ice floe.  

        At 11:25 AM the Bemidji Fire hovercraft was able to reach the fishermen who were safely rescued and brought to shore.  The fisherman were identified as Scott Wherley and Josh Arhart from rural Beltrami County. No one was injured in the rescue effort.

         The Beltrami County Sheriff's Office wishes to recognize the efforts, on an especially cold and windy day,  made by every responding agency to assist in any way possible. Thank you.

Snowplowing Across County Roads in Beltrami County

Snowplowing Across County Roads

County residents are reminded that it is unlawful under Minnesota Statutes 160.2715, subdivision 5 to plow snow from driveways onto or across County Roads or into the public right-of-way.  Piles of snow left on or near the road can freeze into a solid mass or cause drifting, creating a hazardous situation for vehicles and may also impede the County's snow and ice removal process.  Accidents and damages caused by snow piles placed in the roadway may result in liability to the property owner. 

The Beltrami County Highway Department is asking residents to be mindful of the law and not create unnecessary hazards in our county roadways.

Please contact us at 333-8173 if you have any questions.  Thank you for your cooperation.  Bruce Hasbargen, County Engineer

New Bemidji Chief of Police Sworn In

Captain Mike Mastin will be sworn in to his new position and promotion as Chief of Police of the Bemidji Police Department today (Thursday) at 1:30 PM at the City of Bemidji City Hall (317 4th Street Northwest  Bemidji, MN )- please come and join us to celebrate this milestone in his career. Thank you. 

 

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@co.beltrami.mn.us

"There is no path- follow your heart"

TWELVE HOUR MANHUNT RESULTS IN ARREST OF THREE

On November 28, 2011 at 11:58 PM, The Beltrami County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of gunfire in the downtown area of Turtle River.  Deputies responded to a location in Turtle River to investigate the complaint; however no one would answer the door.  Subsequently, a car sped from the scene resulting in a pursuit.  The pursuit ended with a total of 4 occupants fleeing on foot from the vehicle (abandoned on a short wooded trail) approximately 11 miles north of Bemidji on Irvine Ave N.  Arrested at the scene was Jessica Ann Johnson, 20, unknown address.  An AK-47 style assault rifle was found in the vehicle along with two 30 round magazines.  The search continued for the three other occupants.

Additional deputies, the Headwaters SWAT team, a Border Patrol officer, a Minnesota State Patrol trooper and Paul Bunyan Task Force members responded to the scene and conducted a sweep of the area.  The search was aided in the early morning hours by a Minnesota State Patrol helicopter using thermal imaging equipment. Officers searched residences and outbuildings in the area and spoke with several homeowners during this manhunt. Dispatchers also made telephone contact with residents to inform them of the law enforcement presence and the suspects who were loose in their neighborhood.  Officers remained in the area and the helicopter was released from duty at daylight. 

The Beltrami County Sheriff's Office received a phone call at 7:55 AM from a resident on Irvine Ave N, approximately a mile from where the vehicle was abandoned, advising that two males matching the description of two suspects in this case had approached a residence on Irvine Ave N. and asked to use the phone.  That request was denied and the suspects ran from the yard.  The search continued.

The United States Border Patrol responded with a helicopter, along with Beltrami County Deputies, Bemidji Police Officers, State Patrol troopers, BCA and the Paul Bunyan Task Force.    Citizen tips reporting dogs barking or other indicators of suspects in the area were investigated.  The search continued.

Information was developed indicating that Robert Wayne Parker, Jr. 23 of Bemidji, MN was one of the suspects who had fled the scene.  Follow-up investigation determined that Parker was able to successfully elude the search and get a ride away from the area at around 7:30 AM and is still being sought by authorities.  Red Lake Police Investigators aided the Sheriff's Office in this investigation.  The other two remained at large in the area near Buena Vista.

At 12:17 PM an observant citizen called the Sheriff's Office to report he had spotted two males walking northbound on Irvine Ave N, approximately 3 miles north of the original location.  The description matched the suspects. Officers responded to the scene and arrested Christopher Lee Rossbach, age 24, of Ponemah, MN and Winfield William White, 22, also of Ponemah at 12:21 PM.

The suspects were taken into custody and all three are being held at the Beltrami County Jail pending potential charges after review by the County Attorney's Office.  

The Beltrami County Sheriff's Office appreciates our alert citizens who assisted in any way possible along with the agencies who instantly responded over the 12 ½ hour period expended in the subsequent capture of these suspects.

Sheriff Phil Hodapp

 

Manhunt Underway in Beltrami County

The Beltrami County Sheriff's Office received a report of gunfire in the downtown area of Turtle River on Monday November 28, 2011 at 11:58 PM.  When responding deputies arrived at the residence no one would answer the door.  A short while later, a car sped away from the location and deputies followed the vehicle away from the residence and attempted to make a stop.  The vehicle pulled to the side of the road and when deputies got out of their vehicles and began giving commands to the occupants, the vehicle took off at a high rate of speed.  Deputies pursued the vehicle from Turtle River, across to Irvine Avenue and north.

The fleeing vehicle hit stop sticks which had been deployed by a state trooper on Irvine Avenue.  The suspects continued northbound on two tires and eventually stopped their vehicle south of Buena Vista Ski area and fled into the woods in a westerly direction.  Deputies reported one of the two suspects who fled on foot appeared to be armed with a pistol.  A third suspect was apprehended in the vehicle and arrested.  An AK-47 style assault rifle was found by deputies in the car along with two 30 round magazines.

Additional deputies, the Headwaters SWAT team, Border Patrol Officers and Paul Bunyan Task Force members responded to the scene and conducted a sweep of the area to attempt to locate the suspects.  The search was aided by a Minnesota State Patrol Helicopter using thermal imaging equipment.  Officers searched several residences and outbuildings in the area and spoke with several homeowners during the manhunt.

One of the suspects has been identified as ROBERT WAYNE PARKER, JR, 23 of Bemidji, MN.  The second suspect is yet to be identified by investigators.  Anyone with information about these suspects is asked to contact the Beltrami County Sheriff's Office at 218-333-9111.

Coroner Determines Gene Berthiaume’s Death Due to Natural Causes, Not a Fall

The Beltrami County Sheriff's Office responded to an emergency call on
November 5, 2011 at 11:09 AM for assistance from hunters in the Saum
area who found a member of their hunting party under his deer stand.
The victim, GENE ARTHUR BERTHIAUME, age 72, of St. Paul, MN, was
located by emergency responders in a wooded area off Pioneer Road NE,
in Woodrow Township (approximately 45 miles north of Bemidji),
Beltrami County.  First responders and EMT's from Blackduck
administered first aid to Mr. Berthiaume.

Mr. Berthiaume died at the scene.  He was transported to Bemidji by
Blackduck Ambulance personnel.  The investigation into Mr.
Berthiaume's death was concluded today with findings from the
Coroner's Office advising that his death was due to natural causes and
was not caused by a fall or injuries from a fall.

The Sheriff's Office was assisted by MN DNR Conservation Officers,
Blackduck Ambulance and Kelliher First Responders.

Mrs. Beryl Wernberg
911 Supervisor/Emergency Management Director
Beltrami County Sheriff's Office
Bemidji MN  56601

Enbridge Venting Pipeline on October 17

Enbridge Pipeline will be performing some routine maintenance at their and valve work on its 34 inch pipeine within the South Cass Lake pumping station located south of US Hwy 2 and west of State Highway 371 within the Leech Lake Reservation boundaries.

 

They will be venting the pipeline with nitrogen which will cause a loud hissing sound to emanate from the Pipeline station. There is no reason to be alarmed as this is all part of performance work.  This may last from 4-6 hours.

 

There will be contractors walking on site to monitor an internal tool that will be traveling through the pipeline.  No ground disturbance will occur.

 

This work is scheduled to happen around October 17 but may change depending on weather. There is no danger to the public invovled.

 

 

 

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@co.beltrami.mn.us

"There is no path- follow your heart"

NO burning today in southern Beltrami County per DNR

NO burning today in South Beltrami county due to the winds.

 

Mrs. Beryl Wernberg

  911 Supervisor/Emergency Management Director

  Beltrami County Sheriff's Office

  613 Minnesota Ave NW

  Bemidji MN  56601

  218-333-8320 (Office)  218-755-9322 (Fax)

  beryl.wernberg@co.beltrami.mn.us

  www.co.beltrami.mn.us

 

Incident at Blackduck High School results in arrest

On Wednesday, September 28, 2011, Blackduck Police and the Beltrami County Sheriff's Office responded to a call for assistance from the Blackduck High School regarding a threat made by a juvenile student.  The juvenile made statements to witnesses suggesting they shouldn't come to school because the juvenile planned to attack people at the school.  As soon as school authorities became aware of the threat they contacted law enforcement which triggered an investigation by police and school officials.  This investigation resulted in the immediate arrest of a juvenile student who had initiated the threats.

The Blackduck Police Department, Beltrami County Sheriff's Deputies and school officials believe the arrest resolved any potential threat or danger to any of the students in the school district from this threat.

Sheriff Phil Hodapp

Submitted by:
Mrs. Beryl Wernberg
911 Supervisor/Emergency Management Director
Beltrami County Sheriff's Office
Bemidji MN  56601
218-333-8320 (office)   218-755-9322 (fax)
beryl.wernberg@co.beltrami.mn.us<mailto:beryl.wernberg@co.beltrami.mn.us>
Pager 218-759-7560 or 218-333-9111

Road notices - State/City of Bemidji

City of Bemidji:

Starting on Monday, September 26, 2011 at 7 AM  through Friday, September 30, 2011 Birchmont Drive NE will be closed for underground utility work. Access to Diamond Point Park will be from the north or just to the south of 19th Street. Contact City Hall if any questions.

The Roosevelt Rd SE project will continue to be closed until completion (from Lake Ave SE to Hwy 197).  Weather is definitely a determining factor.

State of Minnesota:

If you are traveling south on Interstate 94-

Beginning at 8 a.m., on Sunday, September 25, motorists will encounter delays on westbound Interstate 94 just west of Highway 24 in Clearwater when Xcel Energy crews string wires across the Interstate as part of the CAPX2020 program.     State Patrol troopers will be on both eastbound and westbound lanes of I-94 to provide a rolling roadblock to assist travelers through the work zone.  Motorists should expect to slow down and take direction from troopers working in the area. Work is expected to take approximately four hours to complete, weather permitting.    

 
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@co.beltrami.mn.us

Burning Ban in Bemidji Area - Update

From the DNR Forestry division-

FYI -  Until further notice,  ALL burning has been shut down for Bemidji Area.    Heads up for windy conditions.

Just an update- and to clarify on the burning ban- campfires in specific campfire rings are still allowed but no other burning in all of Beltrami County. With the dry conditions and windy weather we encourage our citizens to refrain from any type of burning.

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@co.beltrami.mn.us

Gas leak causes evacuation of 2 block area in Bemidji

At 7:16 AM on Tuesday, September 6, 2011, a 6" natural gas pipe was struck during construction causing a 1" feed line to break loose, and subsequent leak,  at the intersection of 12th St NW and Park Ave NW.   In order to assure safety for all citizens and homeowners a 2 block area has been evacuated on Park Ave NW between 11th St NW and 14th St NW (there is no 1300 block on Park Ave) .  Officers from the Bemidji Police Department evacuated homes in that area.  Minnesota Energy is on scene and advises the repair should be complete in 1 1/2 to 2 hours.  Motorists should carefully observe barricades in place and stay away from the area until further notice.

 

Residents gave their contact information to the officers as they evacuated and will be contacted by us when it is safe to return. If you are a resident who had already left your home this morning be advised that questions regarding the status of your natural gas will be addressed by calling MN Energy at 1-800-889-9508.

 

On scene to assist was the City of Bemidji Public Works, Bemidji Police Department, Minnesota Energy, Beltrami County Sheriff's Office, Bemidji Ambulance, Bemidji Fire and Citizens Patrol.

 

Any new information and/or notice of repairs completed will be sent as soon as the situation is resolved.

Wrong Way Driver Causes Serious Accident Beltrami County

A wrong-way driver in a Chevrolet Tahoe SUV caused a head-on crash on Highway 2, just East of the Eckles Rd. intersection at approximately 8:40 PM.  Beltrami County Sheriff's Office began receiving 911 calls from citizens reporting the Tahoe driving southbound in the northbound lanes approximately 4 miles north of Bemidji.  The dispatch center received at least 15 calls reporting the driver as he progressed from 89 onto Highway 2, going east in the westbound lanes. 

The driver ran numerous vehicles off the road before striking a westbound vehicle and then crashing head-on into a second westbound vehicle.  A Beltrami County Deputy responding to the complaints also struck the vehicles which were blocking the westbound lanes of highway 2.  The driver and passenger in the second vehicle struck by the suspect were severely injured and transported to Sanford Health ER.  The passenger was Life Flighted to Fargo.  The Beltrami County Deputy was treated at the ER and released.

The suspect in this case was arrested and is being held at the Beltrami County Jail on Criminal Vehicular Operation Charges.  Names are being withheld pending notification of family members.

The investigation is being conducted by the Minnesota State Patrol with assistance from Beltrami County Sheriff's Office.  Questions should be directed to the State Patrol at 1-218-681-0942.

Submitted by:

 

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@co.beltrami.mn.us

There is no path- follow your heart

 

 

 

Beltrami County Fugitive Arrested

On Thursday morning, August 18, 2011, Lucas Wayne French, 29, was arrested by South Dakota DCI Special Agents and Brookings, SD, Police Officers on an Escape Charge from Beltrami County.  French was being held at the Beltrami County jail on assault charges and maltreatment of a child, stemming from an incident involving sword fighting on July 12, 2011 in rural Beltrami County. 

 

French had been given "Huber" (work release) privileges by the court and was working at a local business when he left on a break and didn't return to work.  It was discovered that French had also taken money from his employer before disappearing.   French's companion Carmen Faye Monroe, 31, of Bemidji, was arrested in South Dakota on Charges of Aiding and Abetting the escape.  French and Monroe left Bemidji with two children who they did not have legal custody of and these children were recovered unharmed by the police.

 

French was located by Beltrami County Sheriff's Investigators with assistance from several law enforcement agencies including the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Brookings, SD Police and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation.

 

Sheriff Phil Hodapp

Beltrami County Sheriff's Office

 

Submitted by:

 

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@co.beltrami.mn.us

There is no path- follow your heart

 

 

 

 

Change to signal lights at junction of Hwy 71 and Hwy 2 south of Bemidji starting today- and change to the roadway

            The construction continues from the junction of Hwy 2 and Hwy 71 south of Bemidji to the county line of Hubbard and Beltrami. 

Today, August 3, 2011, Wednesday there will be temporary stop signs set up in lieu of stoplights.   These will be in place while construction crews switch the driving lane from the old Hwy 71 to the new lane on Hwy 71.  As soon as the switch is accomplished temporary stoplights will be in place until such time as both lanes are up and running.

Use caution and drive slowly through this area.

 

 

 

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@co.beltrami.mn.us

There is no path- follow your heart

MISSING PERSON FOUND SAFE

MISSING PERSON HAS BEEN LOCATED

At JULY 9th, 2011 9:10AM emergency responders located the missing 76 year old male and he was found to be in good health.  At this time we are standing down all resources and the call for volunteers can be disregarded.  The subject who suffers from advanced dementia went missing in rural southeastern Beltrami County, a heavily wooded wetland area. 

We sincerely appreciate all the support and assistance volunteers, private citizens, and assisting agencies provided us during this search.

 

 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@co.beltrami.mn.us

There is no path- follow your heart

The following request for volunteer help had been issued earlier:

 

"The Beltrami County Sheriff's Office is requesting assistance from volunteers in a search for a missing 76 year old male who suffers from advanced dementia.  Volunteers that are able to assist must be at least 18 years old, dressed appropriately for weather conditions, and prepared to walk with appropriate shoes or boots.  Mosquito repellant may also be beneficial.  Volunteers should respond to the intersection of Wood Duck Rd and Birchmont Beach Rd, and they will be taken by bus to the scene.  That intersection is 15 miles east of Bemidji Rd or 4 miles west of Scenic Highway on Birchmont Beach Rd.  Numerous agencies are assisting in the search, additional volunteer resources are needed to cover the large wooded area.  Aerial support has also been dispatched.

 

A 76 year old white male with advanced dementia wandered away from a resort on the southeast side of Pimushe Lake (eastern end of Beltrami County off of the Scenic Highway) Friday, July 8, 2011.  He is described as 5' 10",  220 lbs with shorter grey hair parted on the right, thinning on top, receding hairline, no hat; no glasses, walks with a limp due to recent knee surgery on right leg; wearing navy blue dress pants, red short sleeved cotton shirt. Is in good health otherwise.  His name is Donald."

 

 

 

 

Beltrami County Roads have New Speed Limits

Beltrami County has received authorization from the Minnesota Department of Transportation to post new speed limits on four County roads.  The new speed limits are the result of recent speed studies completed by MnDOT at the County's request.   The Beltrami County Highway Department will be installing new speed limit signs within the next couple weeks.

The affected roads are County Road 402 ( Oak Hills Rd SE), Co Rd 46 (Oak Hills Rd SW), Co Rd 20 (Birchmont Beach Rd NE), and Co Rd 19 (Lake Ave NE and New Bass Rd NE).  Please watch for the newly posted speed limits along these sections of roadway.

The Beltrami County Highway Department would like to remind drivers that it is each person's duty to drive with due care.  No person shall drive a vehicle on a highway at a speed greater than what is reasonable and prudent under the conditions.  We are asking motorists to use caution on the newly assigned speed zones during the transition.

Please contact us at 333-8173 if you have any questions.  Thank you for your cooperation.

FROM THE BELTRAMI COUNTY HWY DEPT

Bruce Hasbargen, County Engineer

Press Release July 6, 2011

Speed Limit Changes on Some County Roads

 

Please post, broadcast, share and print. Thank you.

 

 

 

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@co.beltrami.mn.us

There is no path- follow your heart

 

 

Beltrami Co Sheriff: State Shutdown Information

Today, the state has shuttered many of their services, including state parks, DNR operations, etc.  Public Safety Operations at the state level have been deemed essential and will continue to operate.

 

The Beltrami County Sheriff's Office members and 911 Communications Center have been fielding many questions from citizens about matters regarding affected state services.  County Public Safety operations are not affected by the state shutdown.  The Beltrami County Sheriff's Office is continuing work as always. 

 

If you have questions about state services that no longer are available such as Driver License updates to suspensions or revocations, Fishing license purchases, or anything else; please contact your local State Representative, Senator or Governor.  Their contact information is listed below.

 

Sheriff Phil Hodapp

 

 

SUBMITTED BY:

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@co.beltrami.mn.us

There is no path- follow your heart

 

 

 

 

Kevin Ayotte missing person case

On September 30, 1982, a three year old child by the name of Kevin Jay Ayotte went missing from his family's residence in Sugarbush Township, in Beltrami County.  At that time (29 years ago) an exhaustive search and investigation was undertaken by then Sheriff Tom Tolman and members of the sheriff's office with assistance from other state and federal agencies.   That investigation did not succeed in finding Kevin or even determining the exact nature of his disappearance.  This case has continued to haunt the Ayotte family, retired law enforcement officials involved in the investigation and active members who have come on the sheriff's department, since.

A few weeks ago, Beltrami County Sheriff's Investigator Scott Hinners reexamined the Kevin Jay Ayotte Missing Person case from 1982 and began running names from the case file through investigative databases.  During this search, the investigator located an individual in Michigan using the same name, date of birth and social security number assigned to the missing Kevin Jay Ayotte from Beltrami County.  Additional assistance was sought by Investigator Hinners from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in Alexandria, VA.  As investigator Hinners continued his investigation he learned that Kevin's mother and father also were living in Michigan in a town in the same region as the person using Kevin Jay Ayotte's name.

Last week, Investigator Hinners , accompanied by a Special Agent  from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, travelled to Michigan and began searching for the subject.  With the help of local Michigan authorities, Beltrami County Investigators located an individual who had stolen and assumed the identity of Kevin Jay Ayotte and used this new identity for financial purposes.  

As it turned out, this suspect was known to local authorities in Michigan.  The suspect was interviewed by law enforcement authorities and admitted to the identity theft.  The Identity theft investigation was left in the hands of Michigan authorities and remains under investigation.  Beltrami investigators returned to Bemidji after they made contact with Kevin Ayotte's parents in Michigan to discuss these developments in the case.  Investigators determined it was a coincidence that Kevin's parents were living in such close proximity to the suspect in the case.

This Missing Person Case remains open and under investigation with ongoing assistance from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Sheriff Phil Hodapp

Crackdown on Impaired Boaters coming to Beltrami County

Field Sobriety Test Newly Validated for Use on the Water

Beginning June 24 and running through June 26, 2011,  the Beltrami County Sheriff's Office will participate in the Operation Dry Water program and will be out in force looking for boaters whose Blood Alcohol Content exceeds the state limit of .08%.  Operation Dry Water will include increased patrols and breathalyzer tests as well as boater education.  Impaired boaters can expect penalties to be severe.  In Minnesota they include fines, jail and loss of boating or even driving privileges.

"We intend to stop intoxicated boaters and to educate as many boaters as possible about the hazards of Boating Under the Influence (BUI)," says Deputy Brian Birt, spokesperson for Operation Dry Water.  

A boat operator or passenger with a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit runs a significantly increased risk of being involved in a boating accident. When impaired by alcohol, boating accidents are more likely and more deadly for both passengers and boat operators, many of whom capsize their vessel or simply fall overboard.  

BUI is a primary contributing factor in nearly 1 in 5 boating fatalities nationwide and Minnesota has gotten tougher in recent years in enforcing laws against this high-risk behavior.  Boaters found operating a recreational vessel with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 percent or higher will find their voyage terminated and may have their watercraft impounded.

Operation Dry Water (ODW), a multi-agency, education and enforcement initiative Operation Dry Water (ODW), a multi-agency, education and enforcement initiative launched by NASBLA in 2009 in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard, puts thousands of local, state and federal marine law enforcement officers on the water nationwide the last weekend in June to give BUI enforcement high visibility during the peak boating season.

"There will be arrests this weekend, and some boaters will face the consequences of boating under the influence," says Deputy Birt.  "We want recreational boaters to enjoy themselves, but there will be zero tolerance for BUI."

Operation Dry Water is a joint program of MN DNR, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, and the U.S. Coast Guard and.  For more information, visit www.operationdrywater.org.

Bemidji/Cass Lake Area Phone Service Outage

June 8th, 2011

The Beltrami County Sheriff's Office Communications Center has been notified of a phone service outage affecting some phone lines in the Bemidji and Cass Lake areas.  Phone technicians are looking into the problem that is affecting phone calls to and from some land-lines including long distance service and some land-line to cell phone service.  At this time there is no estimated time of repair.  Callers are hearing a busy signal when trying to make out going phone calls.  911 service is not impacted by this service outage, but callers attempting to dial the non-emergency number may not be able to get through.  If your call is an emergency or needs to be handled urgently please dial 911 to reach the Beltrami County Sheriff's Office or Bemidji Police Department.

Citizens with phone service should continue to use 218-333-9111 for non-emergency calls.

Christopher Muller

~Christopher Muller
Assistant Emergency Management Director /
911 Communications Team Leader /
Law Enforcement Center TAC

Beltrami County Sheriff's Office
613 Minnesota Ave NW
Bemidji, MN 56601
ph.218-333-8386
chris.muller@co.beltrami.mn.us<mailto:chris.muller@co.beltrami.mn.us>

Enbridge Pipeline maintenance Closes section of concerning N Lk Plantagenet Dr - May 31, 2011

CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE NOTICES:

FROM Enbridge Pipeline Company- Enbridge Pipelines (Lakehead) will be performing routine pipeline maintenance work on North Plantagenet Road SE (Co Rd 2)  and Beltrami Line Road SE (Co Rd 2).  A section of this road will be closed to traffic over the next few weeks.  Signage will be in place indicating the Detour Routes. We apologize for this inconvenience and thank you for your cooperation.

From the City of Bemidji Street Department-  due to the incessant rain construction on the intersection of 7th St NW and Mississippi Ave NW has necessitated closing the street for tonight, Tuesday, May 31, 2011.  Stay tuned for updates on how that project is progressing. 

 

 

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@co.beltrami.mn.us

"There is no path- follow your heart"

Burning Restrictions are lifted - Effective Immediately

The spring burning restrictions are lifted effective immediately for all counties in Minnesota.  

 

You may see a news release which states that the date is May 26.  We moved the date up to today due to the widespread rain we received over the weekend.

 

The following counties will return to normal burning permits at 6:00 PM today in the Bemidji Forestry Area: Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard, Cass, Polk, Red Lake, & Mahnomen.  Burning permits may be issued for hand piled debris and running grass less than one acre for up to three days; hours are 6:00 PM to 8:00 AM; permits must be activated each evening before burning.  Daytime burns, running fires, and large slash piles will require a variance permit approved by a Forester.  Campfires do not require a permit.

 

 

Greg Vollhaber

Assistant Area Forester

 

Beltrami County - More roads under caution status

     Due to large amounts of rain north of Bemidji, roads are once again experiencing washouts and excessive frost heaves. Please use caution in the following locations:

       TURTLE LAKE TOWNSHIP- 

           Campbell Lake Rd NW and intersection of Puposky Rd NW (Co Rd 301)

           Puposky Rd NW (Co Rd 301) - from Campbell Lake Rd NW going north 1 mile

           Old Long Lk Rd NW east of Puposky Rd NW between Puposky Rd and Lake Julia Dr NW

           Turgi Hill Rd NW from Pupsky Rd NW going west 1 mile

 

In addition, frost heaves have caused many problems on rural roads. Use caution.

 

      

      

            

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@co.beltrami.mn.us

"There is no path- follow your heart"

City of Bemidji road construction projects starting Tuesday at 3rd/Minnesota and 7th/Minnesota

The City of Bemidji will be starting two new intersection street maintenance projects on Tuesday May 24, 2011 at 7 AM.

The intersections are as follows:

 

            3^rd St NW and Minnesota Ave NW

            7^th St NW and Minnesota Ave NW

           

Removal and replacement of storm sewer utilities and bituminous surfaces in the intersections will take place. Work should be completed within two weeks depending
on the weather.

 

The intersections will be closed from 7AM – 7PM daily but open to traffic in the late afternoon and through the night. Questions should be directed to 333-1852.

 

From Beltrami County Sheriffs Office of Emergency Management - please remember to drive carefully and safely and look out for construction crews during this busy time of year.

 

 

 

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@co.beltrami.mn.us

There is no path- follow your heart

 

 

Red Lake Tribal Police Join in "Click It or Ticket" Campaign

PRESS RELEASE- RED LAKE TRIBAL POLICE DEPARTMENT - CLICK IT OR TICKET INITIATIVE

The Red Lake Tribal Police Department will join local and national law enforcement officers and highway safety advocates all across the country for the 2011 national Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement mobilization, May 23-June 5, 2011.
During this mobilization, officers will be cracking down on motorists who fail to wear their seat belt-
both day and night.
Because nighttime passenger vehicle occupants are among those least likely to buckle up and most likely to die in crashes when unrestrained, nighttime enforcement has become a priority of the Click It or Ticket mobilization.
Of those who died in nighttime crashes in 2009, nearly two thirds (62 percent) were not wearing seat belts at the time of their fatal crashes.
In 2009, 11,593 passenger vehicle occupants died in motor vehicle crashes nationwide between the nighttime hours of 6:00 PM and 5:59 AM, according to the National Highway Safety Administration.
"Many more nighttime traffic deaths can be prevented if more motorists simply started wearing their seat belts. That's why the Red Lake Tribal Police Department is strongly supporting enhanced nighttime enforcement of seat belt laws during the May 23-June 5, 2011 campaign,".  said Traffic Safety Officer Alexandra Dow, "We will be out in force to remind drivers and occupants to always wear their seat belts- both day and night."
High-visibility enforcement such as Click It or Ticket mobilization is credited with increasing the national belt usage rate from 58 percent in 1994 to an observed usage rate of 85 percent in 2010.  Belt use saves thousands of lives each year across America.  In 2009 alone, seat belts saved 12,713 lives nationwide.
"Law enforcement will be cracking down on Click It or Ticket violators around the clock.  Local motorists should be prepared to buckle up. If law enforcement finds you on the road unbuckled anytime or anywhere, you can expect to get a ticket-not a warning.  No excuses and no exceptions," said Traffic Safety Officer Alexandra Dow.
Remember this May 23 to June 5:  Buckle up and encourage your loved ones to do the same. You'll save the cost of a ticket and may even save a life.

Traffic Safety Officer Alexandra Dow
Red Lake Tribal Police Department  218-679-3313

Submitted on Red Lake Tribal Police Department's behalf by:
Mrs. Beryl Wernberg, 911 Supervisor/Emergency Mgmt Director
Beltrami County Sheriff's Office