News

Highway 34 between Detroit Lakes and Osage to reopen to all traffic by Sept. 29

From a September 28, 2023 Press Release:

DETROIT LAKES, Minn.—By Friday, Sept. 29, Highway 34 between County Road 29 near Detroit Lakes and County Road 26/47 near Osage will reopen to all traffic, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The road has been closed to thru-traffic since July for road construction.

Through next week, motorists should be prepared to encounter potential lane closures, pilot cars and flagging operations on Highway 34 while crews complete remaining work. Drivers should use extreme caution in the work zone and slow down.

This year, MnDOT completed a 21-mile resurfacing project on Highway 34, from County Road 29 (four corners) to County Road 26/47 (old Highway 225). The project also included culvert replacements and bridge replacement over the Shell River, west of Osage. For more information, visit the project website at mndot.gov/d4/projects/hwy34.

MnDOT wants to thank area businesses, residents and visitors for their patience, cooperation and commitment to safety during construction.

Free fall, spring CNA classes offered at M State

MEDIA RELEASE
Date: Tuesday, September 12, 2023
For Release: Immediately
Minnesota State Community and Technical College
Contact: Marie Johnson – 218.846.3722 – marie.johnson@minnesota.edu

Free fall, spring CNA classes offered at M State

Minnesota State Community and Technical College will again be hosting free Certified Nursing Assistant courses as part of the Next Generation Nursing Assistant – Train, Test, Work initiative.
M State has previously hosted free CNA courses multiple times as a part of the Next Generation initiative, which offers resources and support to Minnesotans pursuing a CNA certification to work in a long-term or senior care facility in Minnesota. The initiative covers costs for tuition, fees and materials.

Nearly 208 students have already completed their CNA classes at M State as part of the initiative, and the college has been approved by the state to offer more such classes this fall and upcoming spring. The classes are coordinated by M State’s Workforce Development Solutions division, which specializes in the skills and technology training needed to meet regional workforce demands.

M State’s Moorhead, Fergus Falls and Detroit Lakes campuses will host classes this fall, as follows:
• Moorhead, Sept. 26 – Oct. 26
• Fergus Falls, Sept. 26 – Oct. 26
• Detroit Lakes, Sept. 26 – Nov. 16

Dates are yet to be set for the spring classes. For more information, visit www.minnesota.edu/health or email BreAnna Tracy at Workforce Development Solutions, at breanna.tracy@minnesota.edu.

Hubbard County Food Shelf Annual Meeting

The Annual Meeting for Hubbard County Food Shelf, Inc., a private non-profit 501(c)3 organization, will be held 4:00 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14th at Calvary Lutheran Church, 112 Park Ave. S. Park Rapids. Business meeting includes Secretary, Treasurer, Director reports, and election of officers. The public is invited to attend.

Three people found dead at northern Minnesota resort; police say no threat to the public

BREEZY POINT, Minn. (AP) — Three people were found dead at a resort in northern Minnesota, police said Wednesday.

The bodies were discovered around 8:50 p.m. Tuesday at Whitebirch Resort in Breezy Point. Police have not disclosed names of the victims or how they died, but said in a statement there was “no indication of any ongoing threat to the public.”

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is assisting in the investigation, along with the Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office. Police from the nearby towns of Nisswa, Crosslake and Pequot Lakes also assisted at the scene, according to the statement.

The resort is in a popular vacation area in north-central Minnesota, about 150 miles (240 kilometers) northwest of Minneapolis.

“It’s a time-share resort that’s about a mile away from our property. We do manage it, but it’s a separate resort,” said David Spizzo, assistant general manager of Breezy Point Resort.

Spizzo added, “It’s an active investigation, and we’re just letting our local police department do the work. We’ll follow their lead when information comes out.”

Law enforcement were waiting for preliminary autopsy results and the investigation is ongoing, police said in another statement around noon Wednesday.

Highway 34 box culvert replacement complete, passable to local traffic

Thru-traffic detour remains; significant local traffic delays east of County Road 37 for reclaiming and paving

DETROIT LAKES, Minn.—The box culvert replacement at the Shell River on Highway 34 has been completed and is now passable to local traffic, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

Crews finished up the work at the box culvert over the weekend, two weeks ahead of schedule. The thru-traffic detour remains in place on County Road 47, Highway 87 and County Road 29, but Highway 34 residents and other local traffic can now access the work zone from the east.

Paving is nearly complete between County Road 37 and County Road 29. Upon completion in this area, motorists may still encounter flaggers and pilot cars as crews complete shouldering and other remaining work in the upcoming weeks.

Milling, reclaiming and paving are currently taking place between County Road 37 and County Road 26/47, with operations moving east toward Osage. Local traffic should expect to experience significant delays in this area through mid-September, including multiple pilot cars and flaggers, periodic stops and long waits. Please plan accordingly—these delays will extend travel time on Highway 34. If you do not have a destination on Highway 34, please follow the detour.

Business and residential access is being maintained at all times, but be aware of restrictions and major delays in the areas where crews are working.

All schedules and work plans are subject to change at any time based on weather, contractor schedules or other unforeseen circumstances or issues. For more information about the Highway 34 resurfacing project and to sign up for project email updates, visit the project website at mndot.gov/d4/projects/hwy34.

Minnesota DNR reminds waterfowl hunters to watch for wild ricers during early teal season

Shooting restrictions are in place near wild rice beds open to wild rice harvest on Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe reservation

Minnesota waterfowl hunters taking part in early teal hunting season in September need to be aware of and cautious of wild rice harvesters, because wild rice is ripening at the same time as this waterfowl hunting season.

Minnesota’s experimental early teal season runs from Saturday, Sept. 2, through Wednesday, Sept. 6, with shooting hours from sunrise to sunset.

Shooting restrictions on Leech Lake Reservation

During this year’s early teal season, there are special state regulations for hunters within the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe reservation. Specifically, hunters may not hunt within one-half mile of posted wild rice beds open to harvest within the boundaries of the reservation. In addition, White Earth Nation may have restrictions for hunters on the White Earth Reservation.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources advises all waterfowl hunters who plan to hunt within the boundaries of the Leech Lake or White Earth reservations to contact the appropriate natural resource department for more information:

Leech Lake Division of Resource Management: 218-335-7400
White Earth Division of Natural Resources: 218-935-2488

Safety considerations

Throughout Minnesota, the early teal season falls at a time when many people are engaged in a wide range of water-based activities. The Minnesota DNR urges all over-water waterfowl hunters to be aware of and cautious about people participating in other activities on the water, no matter where they hunt.

“A safety mindset and mutual courtesy will allow for successful early waterfowl hunting and other water-based activities,” said Leslie McInenly, Minnesota DNR wildlife populations and regulations manager. “Additionally, with water levels low in some areas, scouting ahead is critical for both waterfowl hunters and ricers so they know whether there will be enough water for boats.”

The US Fish and Wildlife Service allows states to hold an experimental early teal season for up to three years, and 2023 is the third year Minnesota has had this season. To help assess the experimental season, observers from the Minnesota DNR will be documenting which species hunters target and shoot. The statewide early goose season has occurred since 1996, with over-water hunting allowed through much of the state since 2003.

“As always, hunters must be careful to accurately identify waterfowl species before they shoot, and they must hunt safely,” McInenly said. “With others on the water at the same time, hunters should continue to follow the basic tenets of firearms safety, including knowing with certainty what’s beyond their blinds and decoys before shooting.”

Information to help hunters properly identify waterfowl is available in an illustrated guide on page 18 of the 2023 Minnesota Waterfowl Hunting Regulations (mndnr.gov/regulations/hunting). Access to complete information on Minnesota’s waterfowl hunting seasons is available from the Minnesota DNR’s waterfowl hunting webpage (mndnr.gov/hunting/waterfowl). The Minnesota DNR is also working on having the 2023 regulations translated into Hmong, Karen, Somali and Spanish and making them available for hunters this fall.

Heartland State Trail, Itasca State Park Extension project begins August 28

Motorists on Highway 71 will detour utilizing Hubbard County Roads 4 and 40

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources announced today the construction of the first phase of future extension of the Heartland State Trail between Park Rapids and the Itasca State Park. This project begins on August 28 and is expected to be complete September 23, weather permitting.

The tunnel project is under Highway 71 just south of Highway 200 near the Itasca State Park east entrance. Motorists traveling on Highway 71 will detour utilizing Hubbard County Roads 4 and 40.

The south entrance of Itasca State Park will remain open to motorists traveling on Highway 71 from the south. The east entrance of Itasca State Park will remain open to motorists traveling west on Highway 71/200 from Lake George.

Questions regarding the Heartland State Trail and the proposed construction can be directed to David Schotzko, MnDNR Parks and Trails Division, (218) 308-2367 or david.schotzko@state.mn.us .

Highway 34 in Akeley enters second stage of construction on August 22

8/16/2023- The Minnesota Department of Transportation announced today the Highway 34 project in Akeley will be moving to the second stage of construction on August 22. Highway 34 will be closed from Pleasant Avenue to Graceson Avenue during this stage.

Motorists will detour utilizing Pleasant Avenue, Fourth Street and Graceson Avenue. Crews expect Stage 2 to be complete late September, weather permitting.

The project on Highway 34 includes reconstructing the corridor to increase safety and mobility in the City of Akeley. Crews are currently finishing the final paving and pavement markings on the east end of the project this week, preparing to move to Stage 2 on August 22.

Stage 2:

Closed between Pleasant Ave and Graceson Ave
Detour: Fourth Street between Pleasant Ave and Graceson Ave

Stage 3:

Closed between Graceson Ave and Hillside Ave
Detour: Hwy 64 and CR 25

The project is expected to be complete in mid-October, weather permitting. For more information as well as staging and detour maps, visit the project website: www.mndot.gov/d2/projects/hwy34-akeley

Stay connected

View detour maps and traffic impacts on the project website www.mndot.gov/d2/projects/hwy34-akeley
Join project staff at weekly construction update meetings. They will take place Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. at Akeley City Hall
Sign up for construction update emails on the project website
Join the Northwest Minnesota Facebook group for news, events and updates
Follow us on Twitter @mndotnorthwest for news, events and updates
For real-time traffic and travel information in Minnesota, visit www.511mn.org or get the free smartphone app at Google Play or the App Store

Project benefits and cost

Benefits of the project include a safer road, smoother and longer lasting driving surface, as well as intersection and pedestrian improvements to enhance safety for all users.

Young Excavating is the contractor for the $3.6 million project. Construction is scheduled to be completed in mid-October. Completion date could change due to weather and other unforeseeable circumstances.

MnDOT invites and encourages participation by all. If you need an ASL, a foreign language interpreter or other reasonable accommodation, or need documents in an alternative format (such as braille or large print) for this email or event, please email your request to Janet Miller at ADArequest.dot@state.mn.us or call 651-366-4720.

Bemidji Police Investigating Murder

PRESS RELEASE:

On August 12 2023, The Bemidji Police Department responded to a request to check the welfare of a resident in the 1200 block of Minnesota Av NW. Upon arrival at a residence in that area, police officers discovered a male who was deceased. After extensive investigation, detectives believe that the male died of homicidal violence.

Detectives are asking residents to check home surveillance equipment for suspicious activity on August 10th 2023 from 8pm to midnight in an area from 11th St NW to 14th St NW from Irvine Av NW to Bemidji Av NW.

The Bemidji Police Department believes this is an isolated event, does not believe there is any danger to the public and does not believe this is a random incident.

Anyone with information or video should contact Detective Guy Schermerhorn at (218)333-8361.

The identity of the deceased will be released pending further investigation.

If you have information about this crime you can report it and stay anonymous by contacting Crime Stoppers of Minnesota at their website www.CrimeStoppersMn.org, by calling the toll free phone number 1-800-222-TIPS [8477]; or by using the P3 Tip Submit app installable on all smartphones. All contact with Crime Stoppers is anonymous and you may qualify for a reward of up to $1,000. The Bemidji Police Department encourages you to submit information to Crime Stoppers so you are free of retribution and remain safe while ‘doing the right thing’.

David LaZella, Captain

Bemidji Police Department

August 15 Update on City of Brainerd Water - Link to Distribution Map

UPDATE AUGUST 15, 2023 - BPU has completed the chlorination process of the water distribution system and has submitted the test samples to the lab. We anticipate test results late afternoon on Wednesday, August 16th. We will notify the public as soon as possible of these test results.

Therefore, the Boil Water Advisory continues to be in effect. The City of Brainerd Public Utilities (BPU) advises its customers to continue to follow the boil water advisory until further notice. This order will remain in effect until the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) confirms that there is no more total coliform bacteria in the water.

The City of Brainerd BPU takes the health and safety of its residents and customers very seriously and thanks you for your continued patience and understanding.

City of Brainerd Public Utilities Water Distribution map

Drug Seizure in Brainerd

On August 1st, 2023, the Lakes Area Drug Investigative Division conducted multiple search warrants in the City of Brainerd in reference to a large scale fentanyl investigation.

As a result, approximately 3.1 pounds (estimated between 13,000 – 15,000 individual pills) of suspected fentanyl (known as MBox 30's), 204.8 grams of suspected cocaine, and 6 firearms were seized.

Dazaughn Ellis West of Brainerd and Devaughn Ellis West of Detroit, Michigan were arrested by your local drug agents for 1st-degree controlled substance crimes and crimes involving the illegal possession of firearms.

Your local drug task force is committed to locating and arresting anyone involved in distributing of this highly deadly drug in our community. As a reminder, our jail is open 24/7.

Boat Hit and Run Incident Causes Property Damage

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date:Tuesday August 1st 2023

Contact:Bryan Welk, Sheriff

SUSPECT LOCATED AND IDENTIFIED

Cass County Sheriff Bryan Welk reports that on July 28th 2023 at 8:53 PM, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a boating incident on Leech Lake near the Chase on the Lake and the City of Walker pier and docks. Information from callers indicated that a pontoon had struck a section of the dock causing significant damage to two large sections of the dock and damaged a pontoon that was tied to the dock and not occupied.

The Walker Police Department arrived on the scene and learned that the suspect pontoon had left the area. Witnesses reported that a single male operator was on the watercraft and reported that he did not stop after the crash. Witnesses took several photos of the watercraft and operator and the images were circulated on social media. The pontoon and operator were not initially identified or located. There were no injuries reported from the incident.

On July 29th 2023, the Sheriff’s Office received an anonymous social media tip of the identify and location of the operator and suspect pontoon. Deputies responded to the location and interviewed the suspect about the incident. The suspect is now cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation. When the investigation is complete, the incident will be referred to the Cass County Attorney’s Office for formal charges.

The identity of the suspect will be withheld until formal charges are filed. The Cass County Sheriff’s Office thanks the public for their assistance with the investigation.

Beltrami County Press Release: Swimming Fatality

July 31st, 2023

Durand Township, Beltrami County, MN – At 5:02PM on Sunday, July 30th, 2023 the Beltrami County 911 Emergency Communications Center received a report of a missing 13 year old female that had been swimming in Lake Julia, approximately 10 miles north of Bemidji. Friends had attempted to locate the female who had been swimming off of a pontoon but were unsuccessful and requested assistance from emergency responders.

Upon arrival, law enforcement learned that the female had just removed her personal floatation device and was on the ladder of the pontoon. The female went under the water and did not resurface. Deputies were assisted by other bystander boaters until additional law enforcement and fire resources arrived equipped with under water detection equipment. The Lakes Area Dive Team was also requested and responded to the scene.

At 7:52PM the dive team located the female deceased in 23 feet of water. The body was recovered and transported to the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy. The female was from the Fargo/Moorhead area and was visiting friends in the area. No further information or the identity of the victim will be released.

The Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officers, Minnesota State Patrol, Bemidji Fire Department, Bemidji Ambulance Service, the Lakes Area Dive Team and several bystanders. The Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office extends our gratitude to the residents in the area that
allowed use of their personal boats until other resources arrived.

-Chief Deputy Jarrett Walton

3 Vehicle Accident in Crow Wing County

From a July 24, 2023 Press Release

On July 24th, 2024 at approximately 1359 hours, a 3-vehicle accident occurred on State Hwy 371 in the southbound lane just south of Barbeau Road.

One of the vehicles involved was a Crow Wing County Squad car. The squad car did start on fire and was a total loss. The deputy involved did have minor injuries and was transported to the St. Joseph Hospital.

There was a total of 3 occupants in the other vehicles involved. All 3 occupants were transported by North Ambulance to St. Joseph hospital with minor injuries.

The Minnesota State Patrol is investigating the accident.

Assisting at the scene was the Minnesota State Patrol, the Baxter Police Department, Brainerd Fire and North Ambulance.

Funeral Service and Procession Information for FPD Officer Jake Wallin

The Fargo Police Department is announcing information related to the funeral service and celebration of life for fallen FPD Officer Jake Wallin, who died in the line of duty on July 14, 2023.

FUNERAL SERVICE - The funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 22, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. in Pequot Lakes High School (30805 Olson Street in Pequot Lakes, Minnesota). Final law enforcement honors will be following the funeral service at the Pequot Lakes High School.

LAW ENFORCEMENT ESCORT - At 5:45 a.m. on July 22, The Fargo Police Department will escort Officer Wallin from Fargo to Pequot Lakes High School with arrival estimated around 9 a.m. Due to public safety concerns with the travel route through numerous smaller communities in Minnesota, the law enforcement escort will be limited to only Fargo PD vehicles and commercial buses transporting Fargo Police personnel.

FPD ESCORT ROUTE - The FPD will utilize the following route in its escort of Office Wallin to Pequot Lakes:

• It will depart the Fargo Police Substation on 13th Avenue and 25th Street South northbound on 25th Street South.

• A full memorial loop will be made around the FPD Headquarters at 105 25th Street North.

• The procession will then travel southbound on 25th Street South

• Next, it will go eastbound on I-94 from 25th Street South to I-94 Exit 6 (Highway 336) in Minnesota.

• The procession will travel northbound on Highway 336 to Highway 10.

• Next, it will be eastbound on Highway 10 to Motley, Minnesota.

• The procession will then travel eastbound on Highway 210 to Baxter, Minnesota.

• Then, it will be northbound on Highway 371 to Pequot Lakes, Minnesota.

WAYS TO SHOW SUPPORT – Other law enforcement agencies, first responders and the public are encouraged to be present along the route to show their support of FPD Officer Wallin and his family. FPD requests that no other law enforcement, first responder or the members of the public join the escort from Fargo to Pequot Lakes due to safety concerns associated with a potentially long escort line of vehicles. Rather, FPD is requesting the public’s support be shown along the route and at the celebration of life event.

CEMETERY SERVICE AND FINAL MILITARY HONORS – These will take place on Saturday, July 22, 2023, at approximately 12 noon at Greenwood Cemetery in Nisswa, Minnesota. Due to the small size of the cemetery, the Wallin Family has requested that only FPD and military personnel attend the graveside service.

PUBLIC CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE – The Wallin Family and the FPD will be hosting an event for the Fargo community to pay their respects to Officer Wallin on Wednesday, July 26 at 1 p.m. at Scheel’s Arena (5225 31st Avenue South in Fargo). Additional information on the logistics and program of this event will be released in the near future.

DEPARTMENTAL RESPONSE – FPD Chief Dave Zibolski has released a video discussing Officer Wallin’s services and important topics as part of his daily message to our community; it is available for viewing/media usage at https://youtu.be/aVhscDFdR-U.

MEDIA INFORMATION – The FPD is working closely with the Wallin Family to determine its wishes for media involvement with Officer Wallin’s funeral as well as the celebration of life event. As soon as those details are finalized, they will be communicated to the members of the media. The Fargo Police Department is the conduit from which this will be communicated in the near future. Members of the media are asked to avoid directly contacting the Wallin Family at this time.

Boil Water Notice Issued for the City of Akeley

July 18, 2023

The City of Akeley has issued a Boil Water Order for the entire city.

This order has been issued as a precautionary measure because of the possibility that contaminated water may have entered the distribution system because of a partial loss of system pressure. The loss of pressure was caused by a water main break.

Under a boil water notice, customers are advised that the water may be unsafe for human consumption, and that water used for drinking and food preparation must be brought to a rolling boil prior to use.

The order has been extended to Friday, July 21st at noon (it was originally July 20).

If you have any questions you can call Reid Watson at 218 252 2639 or City Hall at 218 652 2465.

National Night Out August 1

Here's a list of National Night Out/Community Night events in the area, if you have any to add, send them to news@delahuntmedia.com

Akeley - Live music, food, face painting, balloon artists, games

4:30 PM

Paul's Patio

Bemidji - Food, bounce houses, dunk tank, first responder vehicles/demos, resource fair etc...

5:30 - 7:30

Boys & Girls Club of the Bemidji Area

1600 Minnesota Avenue, Bemidji MN

Hackensack

5 - 7 PM

Hackensack Community Building

310 Lake Ave, Hackensack MN

Menahga

5 - 7 PM

Memorial Forest Park & Campground

825 Aspen Ave SW, Menahga MN

New York Mills - Meet a Police Officer, explore Public Works equipment, chat with Library staff, Roots & Wings Forest School, games and activities for all.

4 - 6 PM

Behind the Cultural Center & Library

Park Rapids - Night to Unite! Food, Refreshments, Bicycle Giveaway, 1st Responders, Canine Demo, EMS, HIP, North Memorial Helicopter etc... Meet your neighbors.

5 - 7 PM

Heartland Park, Park Rapids MN

Sebeka

5 - 8 PM

Sebeka City Park, Sebeka

Walker - Community Get Together, Bouncey house, food, music, first responder vehicles. Rain or shine event.

5:30 - 7 PM

Hope Lutheran Church

305 Tenth St, Walker MN

If you have an event to add to this list, please email us the information at news@delahuntmedia.com

Cass County Attorney Ben Lindstrom reports Guilty Plea

William Joseph Headbird appeared in Cass County District Court on July 12, 2023 having previously pleaded guilty to the charges of ineligible possession of a firearm and second-degree murder. Consistent with the request of the Cass County Attorney’s Office, the Honorable Jana Austad sentenced Headbird to serve 234 months in prison. This is at the high end of what is permitted by the controlling Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines.

According to the criminal complaint filed by the Cass County Attorney’s Office, on July 5, 2021, at approximately 2:45 a.m., law enforcement received a report of a male who was shot near a residence in Cass Lake, Minnesota. Deputies from the Cass County Sheriff’s Office arrived and found a male with two apparent gunshot wounds to the chest. During the course of the investigation, it was learned that witnesses observed a car pull up to the location shortly after a verbal altercation had taken place at a July 4th party. Several shots were fired from the vehicle, which then drove off. In August of 2021, a vehicle suspected to be connected to the incident was located in a partially dismantled state and covered with debris in what appeared to be an effort to camouflage it. Subsequent forensics connected Headbird to the vehicle.

In April of 2022, a witness came forward and indicated that they were present the night the victim was shot. The witness identified the vehicle as Headbird’s and stated Headbird was driving. The witness also saw a rifle barrel sticking out from the driver’s window when the car pulled up to the scene. Headbird was identified as the shooter who sped away after the shots were fired.

While this prosecution was made possible by the investigative efforts of the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and the Leech Lake Tribal Police Department, the Cass County Attorney’s Office would like to specifically thank lead investigators Ryan Fisher with the Cass County Sheriff’s Office and Special Agent Jake Hodapp from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. This crime was solved because of their persistence and dedication to the year-long investigation to identify the shooter.

Walker MN - Fisherman Recovered from Leech Lake

Cass County Sheriff Bryan Welk reports that on Monday July 10th 2023 at 5:49 PM the Cass County Sheriff’s Office received a report of an overdue fisherman that had been fishing on Leech Lake and did not return to his residence near Walker, MN.

Deputies began searching Leech Lake via land, boat, and air, locating the fisherman’s boat on the east shore of Sucker Bay around 8:18 PM.

A search of the area was conducted, and the fisherman was not located. The search began again on July 11th 2023 at 07:00 AM.

At 6:32 PM, the body of the fisherman, an adult male, age 71, of Walker, MN, was located in Leech Lake in the area of Sucker Bay. An autopsy is scheduled with the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Assisting with the search and recovery was the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lakes Area Dive Team.

Three Arrested and Charged for Burglary in Bemidji Township

Bemidji Township, MN - On June 30th, 2023 at approximately 9:47 PM the Beltrami County Emergency Communications Center received a report of a burglary in progress in the 1300 block of Little Norway Avenue in Bemidji Township. The caller/homeowner was monitoring two males breaking into the home by way of a security camera system. The caller was able to provide a clothing description which was broadcast to responding Beltrami County Deputies and Bemidji Police Officers.

Two Beltrami County Deputies arrived on scene within minutes and located a silver Chevrolet Impala leaving the immediate scene of the burglary. Beltrami County Deputies stopped this vehicle and encountered two male subjects in the backseat of the vehicle crouched down wearing the clothing described by the caller. The suspects were detained and admitted to forcing in the door of the residence to steal property. The driver was also arrested for aiding in the commission of a crime. The property taken from the victim in the burglary was recovered from the vehicle and returned to the owner.

Jon Eli Raisch – formally charged with 1st and 2nd degree burglary by the Beltrami County Attorney’s office on 07/03/2023

Devin Scott Proffit – formally charged with 2nd degree burglary by the Beltrami County Attorney’s Office on 07/03/2023

Jordan Lee Jones – formally charged with 2nd degree burglary and driving while impaired by the Beltrami County Attorney’s Office on 07/03/2023

The Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office was assisted on scene by the Bemidji Police Department

Beltrami County HHS Assisting Red Pine Estates Residents

BELTRAMI COUNTY, MN – On Friday, June 30th, 2023 Beltrami County received information that residents of Red Pine Estates, a large apartment complex in the City of Bemidji, had received notice from the City that they were being forced to vacate the facility due to structural integrity concerns. Beltrami County Health and Human Services (HHS) immediately began coordinating with Beltrami County Emergency Management (EM) and city staff to determine the anticipated needs of those who were being displaced.

The flow of information and dialogue has been challenging and the exact number of those needing assistance is unknown. Beltrami County HHS have been actively assisting clients who have case management with Beltrami County and assisting others by attempting to connect them with resources. On July 6th, 2023 Beltrami County HHS was on site to provide information and applications for assistance to those who need it. The lack of available housing in Bemidji is making relocation difficult for some. Those that have been displaced and would like to check their eligibility for public assistance can contact HHS at 218-333-8300.

“Being displaced is a tremendous burden, especially with less than a week’s notice,” said Anne Lindseth, Beltrami County HHS Director. Lindseth continued, “The county is equipped with very limited resources and funding in a situation like this, but we are doing our best to connect people with other resources and services.” Beltrami County EM Director Christopher Muller said, “This entire situation is unfortunate, making it worse is that it is unlike a tornado or natural disaster, this type of incident doesn’t open the door for assistance and resources through our programs. We are assisting to the capacity and within the authority we can with all of our partners.”

The County is not a housing agency. It provides limited housing services to qualified and eligible residents. Not all residents in Red Pine meet these requirements which is complicating the response. Nevertheless, County officials will remain onsite to try to find housing for eligible and non-eligible residents and educate residents on other available public programs.

Pillager, MN - Death Investigation

The Cass County Sheriff Bryan Welk reports that on Monday June 26th 2023 at 10:04 AM, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office received a request for a welfare check at a residence on Brook Ln SW, in Sylvan Township, rural Pillager, MN. Deputies arrived at the residence and, through their investigation, located an adult female, age 63, and an adult male, age 64, deceased inside the residence. Autopsies are scheduled with the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office and the incident remains under investigation. Identities and relationship of the deceased individuals are being withheld upon notification of family members. There is no threat to public safety at this time.

Assisting with the investigation is the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

Local Board of Appeals Meetings Extended

Park Rapids, MN, June 7, 2023:

Due to the number of appeals received by the Hubbard County Assessors Office, the Hubbard County Board of Commissioners has scheduled continuations of the County Board of Appeals meetings.

If you are planning to attend, you may attend any of the scheduled sessions. Meeting dates and

starting times are as follows:

▪ Monday – June 12 – 5:00 p.m.

▪ Tuesday – June 13 – 5:00 p.m.

ALL MEETINGS ARE BEING HELD IN THE HUBBARD COUNTY BOARD ROOM

301 COURT AVE., PARK RAPIDS

If you have already made an appeal in writing, you DO NOT need to appear in person.

Group Meets to Discuss Possibility of a Community Center

A group of approximately 25 people gathered at the Armory Arts Center to discuss the possibility of a Community/Wellness Center. The attendees broke up into groups and wrote down things they felt the community was doing well, things the community would like to see and 3rd things that are problems/barriers.

Several talked about forming a small group to visit with other community centers to understand the financial stability and identifying stakeholders in the community for funding support. Ideas thrown out included if individuals would be willing to set up endowments that could help with continue funding.

This is just the start of planning and more meetings will be scheduled said, facilitator Donna Anderson.

De La Hunt Media in the News: We Double Flipped!

If you tuned into KQ 101.9 FM this morning, you're not imagining things! We've switched to a Classic Hits format. A few weeks ago, we changed KAKK to a Fox Sports affiliate. Here's more info, as written in Radio Insight:

"De La Hunt Media has performed a double flip at its stations in Walker MN.

Classic Hits 1570 KAKK/93.7 K229DJ Walker has flipped to Sports utilizing Fox Sports Radio. KAKK is running the national lineup around the clock as well as carrying Minnesota Wild hockey.

Concurrently, Soft AC “KQ 102” 101.9 KQKK Walker has picked up the Classic Hits mantle as it is now branding as “101.9 The Arrow” positioned as “Leech Lakes’ Classic Hits”.

What do you think of our new sound? Love it? Hate it? Think we need to play more Foghat? We'd love to hear your thoughts at butch@delahuntmedia.com