UND Forensic Investigator and Medical Examiner to fill the void left by retiring coroner
Wed, 05/29/2019 - 12:21pm
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By:
Karen Edelbach
Edward Bina, Chief Investigator for the Department of Pathology for the University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences, and Dr. Rhome Hughes, Assistant Medical Examiner gave a presentation to the Clearwater County Board of Commissioners at their May 21st meeting.
The presentation was to bring awareness of their services that are available during forensic investigations, questionable deaths.
“Some of the strength of the facility are that we belong to a National Association of Medical Examiners which take our work very seriously, and do at a high calibre,” said Dr. Hughes.
They do around 400 autopsies a year and in addition to North Dakota, they serve eight counties in Minnesota.
“Investigators and forensic pathologists are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, along with autopsy technicians within 24 hours,” said Mr. Bina. Their contract with the County will include toxicology screenings, hospice registrations, and legalities regarding homicides.
Attorney Al Rogalla, Sheriff Darin Halverson, Al Paulson, Kelly Cease Bowman, and Mike Cudmore were also at the meeting. Mike Cudmore has been the Deputy Coroner for 43 years.
“They have been very professional whenever their services have been needed,” Mike said, who is very familiar with the services from the School of Medicine.
Attorney Rogalla asked a number of questions to clarify that they would be available for pre-trial meetings and for testimonies if needed as part of their contract. He also asked about training which was confirmed to be available.
Sheriff Halverson said law enforcement has worked with the Cease staff in the past who have provided most of the services, including transport, which has been very effective, which can continue to be done in many cases. Law enforcement does notifications of death.
When investigations are needed, or other services, then the School of Medicine staff would be called in. They would provide paper work listing everything needed.
“We'd take over many of the coroner services for Cease, and typically work with the Sheriff. We will come to the field when necessary,” Mr. Bina stated. “It is best to call when you are still on the scene. With the needed form filled out completely, we'll have everything that we need.”
The Sheriff and Attorney were very supportive to have training done soon for county sheriffs, and city law enforcement personnel from Bagley, Clearbrook and Gonvick, as well as funeral home personnel. Dr. Kemp from the School of Medicine would likely come to do the training.
Al Paulson stated that for the last several years the average annual cost for needed services has been between $20-25,000.
A motion was passed to enter into an Agreement with the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences for one year for a fee of $21,041 with an automatic renewal, effective June 1, 2019. The annual fee is to be billed and paid quarterly.
Land Commissioner, Bruce Cox received authorization to proceed with procedure for selling the Leonard Railroad Grade by parcel with lump sum value as minimum bid based on $375 per acre. Proceeds will go to the County Park Fund.
“I want to go on record that this county is not trail friendly,” Commissioner Cox stated. “We don't encourage public trails. Trails would be a liability.”
No one has come forward with that interest to use the property as recreational trails.
“If that were like snowmobile trails where a group manages them other than the County, that might be ok,” Commissioner Neal Illies said.
Environmental Services Director, Dan Hecht received Board approval to set pay rates for part-time seasonal workers. Employee Al Spring, who has been with the department for 10 years will receive $15 per hour; seasonal employee Kari Shamp, beginning her third year at the demolition landfill will be at step 3, grade 8 (Clearwater County pay scale of $14.83); and one additional seasonal to work primarily at the landfill and possibly other solid waste related duties at $13.92 based on step one on the scale.
He is following the example of the Park and Highway Departments which hire seasonal personnel in determining wages. The duties at the land fill are maximum of 14 hours per week and not more than $2,500 per year for three months.
Auger-compactor repair is proceeding; and spraying is ongoing. Fencing was approved by the Board, not to exceed $3,000.
Director of Nursing Marissa Hetlund was delegated by the Board to administer the Clearwater County Nursing Service Quality Improvement Programs including: Outcome Based Quality Improvement, Quality Assurance Performance Improvement, and Infection Control Program for CCNS home care and hospice programs. The committee is to meet four times a year.
Terri Nelson is promoted to Home Health Aid/Homemaker coordinator position at Step 8 and will work more than 1040 hours per year.
County Auditor-Treasurer Allen Paulson was authorized to pay the submitted invoices of $50,271 for the County Revenue Fund and $12,019 for the Nursing Service Fund.
A motion by the Board encourages the county employees to take five consecutive days of vacation each year, and to utilize their vacation time each year.
All Commissioners were present at the meeting: John Nelson, Neal Illies, Dean Newland, Mark Titera, and Mark Larson.