ÍáÍáÂþ»­

BEMIDJI — Hours after a State of Emergency was declared for Beltrami County, the city of Bemidji followed suit in proclaiming a local emergency after severe storms devastated the town early Saturday morning.

Contributed / Otter Tail Power via MPR News

According to a Saturday evening release, Bemidji Mayor Jorge Prince finds that the following situation exists:

"Dangerous conditions now exist and are likely to persist in and around the City of Bemidji due to severe storms, high winds, and heavy rain that hit the City the morning of June 21, 2025, creating an imminent danger to persons and property,

"Whereas, the mayor finds that the situation is sudden and unforeseen and could not have been anticipated; and whereas, the mayor finds that this situation threatens the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the community,

"Whereas, the mayor finds that the situation has resulted in catastrophic loss to property and the environment, including downed powerlines, impacts to utilities, and significant property and tree damage, requiring the immediate coordination and support of city and government partners to address the damage,

Jared Rubado / Bemdiji Pioneer

"Whereas, pursuant to Bemidji City Code, the city manager of the city of Bemidji has been in direct contact with the mayor regarding the emergency conditions within the City, and supports the declaration of an emergency under City Code Section 24-129,

"Whereas, the mayor finds that traditional sources of relief are not able to repair or prevent the injury or loss."

Jared Rubado / Bemdiji Pioneer

This declaration of a local emergency will invoke the city’s emergency plan and all powers granted to the mayor and city in accordance with state law, charter and city code, including but not limited to the exercise of the powers vested by Minn. Stat. 12.37 in the light of the exigencies of the disaster without compliance with time-consuming procedures and formalities prescribed by law, the release said.

This pertains to:

"The performance of public work; entering into contracts; incurring of obligations; employment of temporary workers; rental of equipment; purchase of supplies and materials; limitations upon tax levies; and the appropriation and expenditure of public funds," the release said.

"This declaration of a local emergency is authorized to continue for a period of 72 hours from the time and date of issuance herein, consistent with state law, unless authorized by further action of the city council."