Beltrami County UltraLight Crash claims the life of one, injures another

On Monday August 27, 2012 at approximately 7:15 PM- the Beltrami County Sheriff's Office was notified of the crash of an ultra-light airplane at the Moberg Seaplane Air Base, a grass landing strip located west of Bemidji off of 15^th St NW in Grant Valley Township.  Ultra-light plane pilot Jay Russell Davis, age 49 of Bemidji was pronounced dead at the scene.  A passenger on the aircraft, Paul Jerome Wannarka, age 56, of Bemidji was injured and transported by Bemidji Ambulance to Sanford Hospital in Bemidji and shortly afterward was" lifeflighted " to an undisclosed Fargo hospital.

According to witnesses, Davis is an experienced Ultra-light pilot who was giving rides to other ultralight enthusiasts yesterday evening.  There had been three or four uneventful flights by Mr. Davis with other passengers prior to the crash.  Witnesses said the plane was banking through a turn apparently preparing to land at the grass strip when the wing struck the ground causing the plane to crash.  This aircraft is described as a "tricycle" style plane with seating for the pilot and one passenger position behind the pilot.  Both the pilot and passenger were strapped into their seats at the time of the crash.

Bemidji Police, Minnesota State Patrol Troopers, Bemidji Fire Department, Bemidji Ambulance and Beltrami County First Responders assisted the Sheriff's Office at the scene and with the investigation.  The Federal Aviation Administration is also assisting with the investigation of this plane crash.

 

Sheriff Phil Hodapp

 

 

Road Updates: County Highway Warning Signs Removed, Grant Valley Road Upgrades, Bemidji Parking

County Highway Department Removal of Warning Signs

The County Highway Department has begun the process of removing optional Warning signs that have been found to be ineffective.  Warning signs (black on yellow colored signs) such as Intersection Warning signs, Deer Crossing signs and Children at Play signs will be removed.

The County Highway Department is committed to provide adequate roadway signage, however it is not financially feasible to provide all signs on all roadways.  Signs that are deemed to be required in accordance with the "Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices" will be placed and maintained.  Signs such as the Warning signs listed above are considered optional and will be removed.

These types of signs are ineffective because drivers do not change their behavior.  They warn drivers of hazardous conditions that are rarely encountered so they quickly lose credibility and become part of the background noise that drivers tune out.  There is no crash reduction associated with the use of these types of Warning signs.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact Bruce Hasbargen, Beltrami County Highway Engineer, at 218-333-8173.

FROM BRUCE HASBARGEN, Beltrami County Highway Engineer

 

GRANT VALLEY INVOLVED IN ROAD UPGRADES

    Grant Valley Township, located south and west and Bemidji has several road project upgrades taking place.  Today Stone Lake Rd SW  just north of Division St (Co Rd 14) is closed to traffic in order to upgrade a short piece of roadway that needs repair.  This should be completed by tonight. Signs are posted.

 

CITY OF BEMIDJI IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

    The new parking area for the Nymore Park is closed for striping and completion today. It is a great addition for people using the park.  Work will be completed later this week.

 

Beltrami Sheriff Seeks Emotional Distressed Missing Person

Missing person called 911 at 1:41 PM on August 14, 2012 indicating he was emotionally distressed. A large scale search in a wooded area ensued attempting to locate the missing person yesterday until 9:00 PM last night and resumed this AM.  Due to dangerous weather, the search has been cancelled.  Cell phone battery is dead so we are unable to get any other details on his location.  

Attempt to locate, do not approach, if seen please call the Beltrami County Sheriff's Office toll free at 218-333-9111, toll free if long distance at 1-888-449-9111 or 911 if there is an emergency present.  Subject does not have a vehicle but may be armed.

City of Bemidji road construction updates Wednesday August 15 2012

Starting at 11 AM today on Rako St SW approximately 5 blocks west of Washington Ave S, water main work will take place. Traffic will be down to one lane with signs posted earlier this AM.  That will be completed later today.

 

2012 Improvement projects, to include new pavement for roadways will commence this afternoon, weather permitting, and take affect the following areas:

      In Nymore, on 3rd St SE between Miles Ave SE and Roosevelt Rd SE, traffic will be limited to upgrade this section of roadway.

      On 19th St NW, between Norton and Delton Ave NW, signs will also indicate the same in that area.

As always, use caution and watch for construction vehicles and workers.  This pavement project will be in effect for the remainder of this week.