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.