BELTRAMI COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT MONITORING FLOODING

 

Several heavy rain producing storm systems have affected the northland over the last several weeks.  The recent rainfall on June 11^th resulted in several areas receiving in excess of four inches of rain.  Already saturated ground from earlier heavy rainfalls has resulted in runoff in some areas.

 

There have been roadways that have been impacted by flooding in low lying areas:

 

Hornet Rd NE is closed north of US Highway 71.

Willow Creek Rd NE approximately 2.5 miles north of MN Highway 1 is closed due to water washing out the road.

Hornet Rd NE is cautioned for water encroaching the roadway at Three Mile Rd NW.

Hwy 72 six miles north of Blackduck near Lanet Rd NE is cautioned for water encroaching the roadway.

 

If you encounter flooded roadways, "Turn Around… Don't Drown."  Roadways may be compromised with flowing water and the road may not actually be there.  Do not assume you know how deep the water is.  As little as six inches of flowing water can knock you off your feet and a foot of flowing water will float most vehicles.  Report flooded roadways to the Beltrami County Emergency Management Office through the Beltrami County Communications Center at 218-333-9111.  Communications Officers will take your report and advise emergency services.

 

Townships and County Highway Departments are encouraged to document with photos any damages, needed repairs, and any impacts due to flooding.

 

The Beltrami County Emergency Management Office will provide updates as needed.  Additional weekend rainfall and early next week rainfall will prolong or exacerbate flooding in Beltrami County.  The forecast for the next week includes several chances of rain and thunderstorms.

Four Arrested in Beltrami County Methamphetamine Trafficking

PAUL BUNYAN DRUG TASK FORCE AND FBI SAFE TRAILS TASK FORCE MAKE METHAMPHETAMINE ARRESTS

 

 

On Tuesday, June 10, 2014, four suspects in a large-scale methamphetamine trafficking organization were arrested in Beltrami County.  Philip Eugene Gurzi 54, of Puposky, Tamara Sue Halverson 44, of Puposky, Shawn Elston Jackson, 46, of Bemidji and Raymond Jesse Nibbe Jr 56 of Bemidji were arrested and lodged at the Beltrami County jail.  Narcotics agents conducted several search warrants and seized a large amount of cash, vehicles and other evidence associated with the criminal enterprise.

 

During the past year investigators collected evidence of a sophisticated drug smuggling and distribution enterprise established in the Bemidji area involving several other states and large quantities of methamphetamine sold in Northwest Minnesota.  The investigation has been forwarded to the Beltrami County Attorney's office for review for charges.

 

The following agencies participated in this investigation: FBI Headwaters Safe Trails Task Force, Paul Bunyan Task Force, MN Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, ATF, Beltrami County SWAT team, Pine to Prairie Drug Task Force, Beltrami County Sheriff's office and Bemidji Police Department.