Beltrami County offices, transfers close for MLK Day observance

Beltrami County announced that county offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 19, in observance of Civil Rights Day and Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The Sheriff’s Office Records and Court Divisions will also be closed that day. The county said essential 24/7 services will remain operational.

The notice, issued Jan. 15, also said Beltrami County Solid Waste facilities will close Saturday, Jan. 17, and Monday, Jan. 19. Residents who normally visit transfer stations or need solid waste services over the holiday weekend are advised to plan accordingly to avoid disruptions.

Closures of records and court divisions can affect anyone with time-sensitive filings, records requests or scheduled court business. Individuals with pending court dates, outstanding document requests or deadlines should confirm their status with the relevant office before the holiday to prevent missed deadlines or delays. Emergency law enforcement responses and other essential public safety functions will continue uninterrupted.

Solid waste closures on both Saturday and the holiday Monday compress available days for large-item drop-offs and transfer station use. For households doing seasonal cleanups or clearing properties ahead of winter, the limited schedule increases the likelihood of heavier traffic on available days and could lead to longer waits or postponed disposal. Residents who rely on municipal or private curbside pickup should also check local collection schedules, as many haulers adjust routes around county holiday closures.

The county’s advisory did not list alternate drop-off locations or extended hours outside the closure dates. That leaves residents to juggle limited weekend options or delay nonurgent disposal until after Jan. 19. For those needing official records, consider submitting digital requests where available or scheduling in-person visits for dates outside the closure.

This brief staff advisory underscores the routine balancing act between honoring federal and state observances and maintaining uninterrupted public services. For the public, the immediate impact is logistical: verify court and records appointments, adjust plans for transfer station visits, and expect normal emergency services to respond as usual.

As the holiday approaches, residents should check Beltrami County channels for any updates or clarifications and confirm court or records deadlines directly with the office involved. Planning trips to transfer stations for nonurgent waste now will help avoid last-minute congestion and keep county services functioning smoothly for everyone after the holiday.