Beltrami County Resources, Contacts and First Steps After Storm Damage

1. Immediate county action and overview

Beltrami County opened a temporary debris collection facility behind the Bemidji Target to give residents a nearby place to drop tree debris while recovery continues. Overview: This guide summarizes practical, locally relevant steps Beltrami County residents should take if their home or property is damaged by a storm, flooding, wind event, or other natural hazard. It consolidates county emergency‑management and public‑health contacts, immediate actions to preserv. The county says the temporary site (2115 23rd St NW) and the demolition landfill are operating extended hours this week; confirm hours before you travel because the published schedule applies only to “this week.”

2. First safety and preservation steps to take on your property

Check for immediate safety hazards (downed power lines, gas smell, structural collapse) before re-entering structures and prioritize life and health over property. Photograph and document visible damage from a safe location; Emergency Management collects damage data later for Preliminary Damage Assessments, so early documentation helps both insurance claims and any later municipal/state reimbursement processes. If you must relocate temporarily, secure medicine, IDs, insurance papers, and any receipts for emergency expenses.

3. If you’re a renter: rights, relocation and legal help

If a landlord requires relocation during repairs, first check your lease for relocation or repair clauses and then contact your renter’s insurance carrier about temporary housing coverage. For free legal advice on landlord obligations and tenant rights, call Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota at 1-800-450-8585, walk into any Legal Services office, or apply online; they can help you interpret lease language and next steps.

4. Vet contractors carefully before hiring

To confirm a contractor’s license call 651-284-5034 or use the state contractor-license lookup (select “check a license” on the state site). County guidance explicitly warns residents to “stay away from using unlicensed providers as they can leave the state without notice in the middle of a job and can be nearly impossible to hold accountable.” Keep written estimates, check references, and never pay the full contract amount up front.

5. Debris removal: demolition landfill and expanded operations

Beltrami County has expanded demolition-landfill operations and extended hours to handle storm waste; county officials credit the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and neighboring Hubbard County for assistance. Beltrami County Administrator Tom Barry said: “We have our demolition landfill that’s operating extensive hours at this point in time. We also opened up a new collection facility over at the old fairgrounds site, right behind Target, so people can take their debris there as well. And that we are grateful for the state for assistance on because the MPCA has helped stand that up. We also have assistance from Hubbard County, who has also brought up a grinder to help us process the materials. And we’re in the process of opening up a third and potentially fourth one around the county, which we’ll be announcing soon once we get the details more defined for everybody.” Expect further site announcements; verify addresses and accepted materials before hauling.

6. Temporary site behind Bemidji Target: address, materials and hours

The temporary collection facility is at the field behind the Bemidji Target, 2115 23rd St NW, and is currently equipped to accept tree debris only. Reported hours for both the temporary site and the permanent demolition landfill were Tuesday–Saturday, 7 a.m.–7 p.m. “this week”; because the source uses “this week,” treat those hours as provisional and confirm before you go.

7. Permanent demolition landfill: operating hours and verification needed

Beltrami’s permanent demolition landfill is accepting materials under expanded hours this week, but the supplied materials do not list a permanent-site address or ongoing schedule beyond the current-week note. If you need to use the permanent landfill, contact county emergency management or the county administrator’s office to get the latest address, hours and rules for accepted waste.

8. City of Bemidji curbside pickup and township responsibilities

The City of Bemidji contracted roadside pickup for tree leaves, branches and logs within city limits; this service does not extend countywide. Beltrami County “does not have funds to cover debris pickup” outside the city, so if you live beyond Bemidji city limits contact your local township about removal options and any township-sponsored collection plans.

9. Neighboring county drop-off: Hubbard County North Transfer Station

Hubbard County is accepting tree and construction debris at the North Transfer Station in Laporte; regular hours reported are Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 7 a.m.–5 p.m. If you are considering out-of-county drop-off, confirm hours and any fees with Hubbard County before hauling debris.

10. Short-term storage: U‑Haul disaster relief program

U‑Haul is offering free storage for storm victims for up to one month through its disaster relief program, providing an option for household goods that can’t stay at a damaged home. The research notes the program exists but does not list participating locations or registration steps, call your nearest U‑Haul or check locally before assuming availability.

12. Security/communication advisory on CodeRED and OnSolve (verbatim)

“If you receive any alerts or messages from CodeRED on behalf of Beltrami County, terminate the communication. Beltrami County accessed CodeRED by OnSolve through a web-based application and has not compromised other Beltrami County infrastructure. Beltrami County had used the platform for 12 years with alerts being sent by Emergency Management and the 911 Dispatch Center.” This advisory appears in county material as provided; the directive is ambiguous and residents should seek clarification from county communications about whether messages are legitimate or malicious.

13. How disaster assistance and reimbursement works (PDAs, mutual aid)

After an incident is stabilized, Emergency Management collects data and estimates response costs; if totals meet thresholds, the county can request a Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) to determine state or federal reimbursement eligibility. Mutual aid from neighboring jurisdictions is used first; when mutual aid is exhausted the county may request state resources and a state of emergency can expedite support, but federal funding via FEMA typically comes as reimbursement to local governments rather than immediate direct grants to individuals. The PDA and presidential-declaration process can take time, especially if thresholds are uncertain.

14. State-level veterans assistance: Executive Order 25-07 and eligibility

Governor Tim Walz authorized Executive Order 25-07 (press release timestamp 7/8/2025 11:52:02 AM) to allow the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs to provide direct financial relief to veterans and families for housing, utilities and other essential needs as determined by MDVA. “Beltrami County has faced incredible hardship in the wake of these storms, and we continue to stand alongside Minnesotans impacted, including our veterans and their families,” said Governor Walz. The governor’s initial peacetime emergency was declared June 27, 2025 and extended June 30, 2025; damage assessments continue.

15. Veterans grants and local contacts

Veterans and surviving spouses may be eligible for the MDVA disaster relief grant (up to $500). For help with the application and eligibility contact the Beltrami County Veterans Service Office at 218-333-4192; local contact Wendy Reierson is available at 218-751-2852 or nwmnar@gmail.com for application assistance.

16. Local funds and nonprofit resources

The Northwest Minnesota Association of Realtors has earmarked $50,000 for Beltrami County residents, with awards up to $1,000 per qualified household and “no 1099 will be sent (aka, not taxed).” United Way and Community Resource Connections are fielding calls through a Storm Resource Center to match needs with donations, questions or problems can be reported at 1-800-342-5354. Application details for the Realtors fund and some nonprofit programs are not listed publicly; verify application steps before you apply.

17. Mental-health screening and trauma services

Stellher Services is screening for storm-related trauma for adults and children and can bill insurance; they require an application and are handling needs as they arise. Call Stellher Services at 218-444-2847 to request screening and follow-up mental-health care.

18. Insurance documentation and legal help for claims

Document all damage thoroughly (photos, video, dated notes) and keep receipts for any emergency expenses, Emergency Management uses collected damage estimates for PDAs and reimbursements. Check your homeowner or renter insurance first; for legal help about landlord-tenant issues or insurance disputes call Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota at 1-800-450-8585.

20. What to verify next and the bottom line

Before acting, verify current landfill and temporary-site hours and addresses, confirm U‑Haul participating locations for free storage, and ask county communications to clarify the CodeRED/OnSolve advisory and any phone-notification alternatives. Recovery will be a mix of local direct aid (Realtors fund, MDVA for veterans up to $500, U‑Haul storage, nonprofit matching) and reimbursements routed to local governments after PDAs; plan for short-term needs with local nonprofits and use official county channels for updates. Expect the county to announce additional drop-off sites as Tom Barry indicated, and use the contacts above to move quickly and document everything for insurance and government assistance.