SERIOUS ACCIDENTS- BELTRAMI COUNTY
Irvine Avenue and Highway 71
September 22, 2012
At approximately 11:41 PM, on Saturday September 22, 2012, the Beltrami County Sheriff's Office was notified of an accident involving a 1992 Mercury Grand Marquis and a 2008 Jeep Wrangler on the Irvine Avenue Bridge over Highway 71 north of Bemidji in Northern Township, approximately 5 miles north of Bemidji.
Deputies arrived at the scene to find the Jeep Wrangler on its side on the Bridge with the driver still trapped inside. Deputies immediately assisted in removing the driver who was still trapped in the Jeep, by tearing off the Jeeps roof and releasing him from his seat belt. He was identified as Eric Nelson, age 48 of Redby, and he was suffering from several injuries sustained in the crash. He was transported to Sanford Hospital ER where he was treated for his injuries.
The driver and sole occupant of the other vehicle was identified as Michael Douglas Perry, age 44, of Bemidji. He was also transported to the ER in Bemidji but was later released after receiving treatment. Investigators learned that Nelson was on his way home from work and had pulled north onto Irvine from the Highway 71 Ramp on the south side of the bridge and began driving north when he was struck in the rear by Perry's vehicle causing his vehicle to skid onto its side and come to rest against the bridge rail. Perry was driving northbound on Irvine when he struck Nelson's Jeep from behind. Perry was found to exhibit indications of alcohol impairment and was taken into custody for Criminal Vehicular Operation once he was released from the ER.
First Responders, Bemidji Fire and Bemidji Ambulance responded to the scene. The Beltrami County Sheriff's Office was assisted by Bemidji Police Department and Minnesota State Patrol.
Becida Road and Fern Lake Road
September 23, 2012
At approximately 7:04 PM, on Sunday September 23rd, 2012, the Beltrami County Sheriff's Office was notified of a n accident involving a 1999 Toyota Camry Sedan and a 2002 Honda Motorcycle at the intersection of Becida Road SW and Fern Lake Road SW, in Grant Valley Township, approximately 2 miles west and south of Bemidji.
Deputies arrived at the scene to find two individuals lying in the roadway suffering from extreme injuries who had been on the motorcycle. Both victims were being tended to by citizens who had come upon the crash scene. First aid was given to the victims until the arrival of Bemidji Fire and Bemidji Ambulance EMS. The victims were transported to Sanford Hospital ER in Bemidji and subsequently transferred via Sanford Air-Care to the Sanford Hospital Trauma Center in Fargo. The driver of the motorcycle is identified as Bradley Mordini age 42 and Michelle Sugar Age 38, both of Bemidji. Both victims are in critical condition in Fargo.
The driver of the car, Steven Greenwood, age 26, of Bemidji and his passenger Melissa Sue Beyer, age 27, of Hopkins were interviewed at the scene. Officers determined Greenwood was turning south onto Fern Lake Road from the Becida Rd and failed to yield right of way turning left in front of the motorcycle travelling the opposite direction on the Becida Road. Neither of the occupants of the car was injured.
Greenwood was found to be in possession of a small amount of Marijuana and admitted to officers that he had been using marijuana prior to the collision. Greenwood was issued a citation for Criminal Vehicular Operation pending the outcome of chemical tests ordered by law enforcement officers
First Responders, Bemidji Fire and Bemidji Ambulance EMS responded to the scene. The Beltrami County Sheriff's Office was assisted by Bemidji Police and Minnesota State Patrol.
Fern Lake Road
September 25, 2012
At approximately 7:03 AM, the Beltrami County Sheriff's Office was notified of a single vehicle accident in the 1600 block of Fern Lake Road SW, about ¼ mile south of the Becida Road, located in Grant Valley Township south and west of Bemidji. Deputies arrived at the scene to find a 1997 Chevrolet Pick-up truck in the trees on the west side of the road. The vehicle had come to rest on its side against a tree with the cab crushed by the tree. The driver and sole occupant was pinned inside the vehicle and was rescued from the vehicle using the "jaws of life", by Bemidji Firemen with assistance from Beltrami Industrial wreckers.
The driver, a juvenile female from Bemidji, was driving northbound on Fern Lake Road SW enroute to her classes at Bemidji High School when the crash occurred. The driver was "life-flighted" from the scene by Sanford Air Care. At this time the Sheriff's Office has had no updates from Sanford Hospital in Fargo on the driver's condition.
The identity of the victim is being withheld until family members are notified. First Responders, Bemidji Fire and Bemidji Ambulance EMS responded to the scene and a Sanford Life Flight Helicopter was also dispatched to transport the victim. The Beltrami County Sheriff's Office was assisted by Bemidji Police and Minnesota State Patrol.
Sheriff Phil Hodapp
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
SERIOUS ACCIDENTS in BELTRAMI COUNTY
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Industrial Accident near Kelliher MN
INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT UPDATE
September 19, 2012
At approximately 2:08 PM on Tuesday, September 18, 2012, the Beltrami County Sheriff's Office was notified of an industrial accident involving a worker at the Helblad Saw Mill located at 42501 Pioneer Road NE, Kelliher, MN, in Battle Township approximately 55 miles north of Bemidji, who was stuck in an auger. Deputies responded to the scene and found an individual who had since been freed from the auger receiving first aid for serious injuries to his extremities and torso.
Scott Olson, age 21, of Blackduck, MN, was airlifted to an unknown hospital by North Memorial Air Care. Kelliher First Responders, Kelliher Fire Department, Blackduck Ambulance, a Minnesota DNR Conservation Officer and Beltrami County Deputies all were on scene and provided care to the victim, stabilizing him for the air ambulance transport.
Sheriff Phil Hodapp
People’s Church offers Saturday School for families
| People's Church offers Saturday School for families 12-2 p.m. Children and their families are invited to Saturday School for families, Saturdays noon to 2 p.m. at the People's Church on Ninth and America in Bemidji. Lunch will be offered at noon followed by circle time with Bible stories and songs, and stations for peaceful play, artwork and crafts. The People's Church is a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America – Northwest Minnesota Synod. |
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
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 15th 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
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
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.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Beltrami Sheriff Seeks Emotional Distressed Missing Person
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.