Death in Beltrami County House Fire

On Friday, November 2, 2012, at approximately 2:43 AM the Beltrami County Sheriff's Office 911 Dispatch Center received a report of a residential structure fire in the 1000 block of Tyler Ave NW in Bemidji Township, located just east of Bemidji in Beltrami County.   

When Deputies and Bemidji Fire Department personnel arrived on scene they found the home entirely engulfed in flames.  After the fire was extinguished, investigators discovered a victim of the fire inside the home.  Beltrami County Sheriff's Office Investigators and the MN State Fire marshal are investigating the cause of the fire.  An autopsy is pending with the Midwest Medical Examiner's Office in Ramsey, MN.  The identification of the victim is pending notification of family members.

Beltrami County Sheriff's Office, Bemidji Fire Department, MN State Fire Marshal's Office, Bemidji Ambulance Service, Bemidji Police Department and Beltrami Electric Cooperative assisted at the scene.

BEMIDJI POLICE SEEK HELP FINDING MISSING PERSON - MATTHEW PULIS

Matthew Charles Pulis, age 31 was last seen and heard from during the early morning hours of Saturday, October 20, 2012 in the downtown area of Bemidji. Since that time the Bemidji Police Department has been investigating all leads and information in an attempt to locate Mr. Pulis. Additionally, the Bemidji Police Department has completed a 200 block, door to door search of the area between the last point Matt Pulis was seen and his residence. The shore line of Lake Bemidji and Lake Irvine has been checked by boat and side scan sonar. An aerial search will be conducted over the 500 acre low land area west of the city on Thursday afternoon, November 1, 2012.  The Police Department was assisted in these searches by the Beltrami County Sheriff's Office, Minnesota BCA, United States Border Patrol, Bemidji Citizens Patrol, and the Minnesota State Patrol.

 

The Bemidji Police Department continues to request the public's help in locating

Matthew Charles Pulis. Residents are asked to check their properties and any out buildings, campers, or structures on their property.  Mr. Pulis is described as a white male, 5'7", 165lbs with brown hair and blue eyes. He was wearing a dark blue zip up hooded sweatshirt.

 

Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact the Bemidji Police Department at 218-333-9111.

 

 

Culvert Replacement-Scenic Hwy NE (Co Rd 29) Nears Completion

The culvert replacement that has been taking place on Scenic Hwy Rd NE
(Co Rd 39) is expected to be completed on Friday, November 2nd. The
culvert is located on Scenic Hwy NE (Co Rd 39) just south of the
junction of the Turtle River Lake Rd NE (Co Rd 22).

This area should be open to local traffic and emergency vehicles at
approximately 3:00 pm on November 2nd. There is still ongoing
construction however, on the Scenic Highway (Co Rd 39) starting at the
junction of Birchmont Beach Rd NE (Co Rd 20). The detour for that
area will remain in place for the rest of the 2012 construction
season.

For more information regarding this closure please contact the
Beltrami County Highway Department at 333-8173.

Only seasonal deer stands allowed in Three Island County Park and Movil Maze Recreation Area

· Only seasonal deer stands will be allowed within Three Island
County Park and Movil Maze Recreation Area

· Seasonal deer stands are allowed within Three Island County
Park and Movil Maze Recreation Area between September 1 and November
30. Seasonal deer stands must be removed by November 30. Hunters
should minimize damage to trees and vegetation. Licensed muzzle
loader and bow hunters may leave a seasonal stand in place until the
end of their respective season.

· Minnesota Department of Natural Resources hunting and trapping
rules and regulations will apply within Three Island County Park and
Movil Maze Recreation Area. ATVs/Snowmobiles may be used on trails
during the firearms deer season under the current Minnesota DNR
Regulations.

PHOTOS FROM HUNTER'S RESCUE

DUCK HUNTERS RESCUED AFTER BOAT CAPSIZES

At approximately 6:39 PM, on Monday, October 22, 2012, the Beltrami County Sheriff's Office was notified that a boat carrying four duck hunters had capsized about 200 yards from shore near Woodhaven Resort on Three Island Lake in Port Hope Township.  Immediate efforts by resort owner Bernie Fennell and bystander Michael Steele were made to launch a boat and go to the aid of the hunters.  Beltrami County Deputies, Bemidji Fire personnel, Minnesota State Patrol, First responders and Bemidji Ambulance Service responded to the scene.

The four duck hunters identified as Mitchell James Kohler, 19 of Wyoming, MN; Collin Kerry Johnson, 19, of Forest Lake, MN; Chase Daniel Chamberlain, 19, of Forest Lake, MN; Hunter William Smith, 18, of Stacy, MN were floundering in the water near their boat in 10 to 12 feet of water.  

According to witnesses at the scene, the hunters had PFDs but were not wearing them at the time of the accident.  Rescue crews made their way out to the hunters and plucked them from the frigid water and safely brought them to shore.  EMS personnel treated the four hunters for exposure.  All are expected to fully recover.


Sheriff Phil Hodapp

CITIZENS HONORED BY BEMIDJI POLICE DEPARTMENT October 8 2012.doc

On October 4^th,2012, The Bemidji Police Department proudly recognized two of its citizens for helping a fellow citizen in need. On September 20^th, 2012, Whitney Honstead and Michael Lemke were near Library Park when they heard a woman yelling for help. Honstead and Lemke witnessed a male assaulting the woman and telephoned police. Honstead and Lemke went to the aid of the female and the male suspect left on foot. Honstead and Lemke stayed with the female until officers arrived.

 

Their actions prevented further assault on the female and helped lead to the quick arrest of the suspect. For their actions, Bemidji Police Department Officer Tabitha Carrigan and Captain James Marcotte, have awarded Honstead and Lemke with Certificates of Commendation for assisting a fellow citizen in need.