Pine River Police Department

03/25/2026

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Pine River police officer and his wife help their son reach early milestone.

02/17/2026

FYI Pine River and surrounding community members. Someone called the city office to report that they had received a scam call from what appeared to be from the "City of Pine River" on their caller ID, however, the number did not match the city office. The reporting party stated that the caller was silent initially but then sounded like a robo caller and was trying to talk to her about insurance. I'd like the community to be aware that this has happened and the city office does not deal with insurance. If you receive a call that you suspect is not genuine, make sure to verify the information with the city clerk's office at 218-587-2440.

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01/24/2026

I would like to remind everyone that the dam park and city property is closed at dusk. If you have questions about this matter, feel free to call the Pine River Police Department office and I can explain it further. 218-587-3333

Ben Sabas
Chief of Police

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12/31/2025

It's New Year's Eve and the roads are still slippery out there. Mario was just cited for dropping banana peels in the roadway. Drive safe and sober, everyone!

11/14/2025

While law enforcement presence is vital to a sense of security, the job starts with nurturing good relationships and behaviors.

09/22/2025

If you know a friend or family member from North Branch, MN who is missing a purse like this, please have them contact the PD to retrieve it. The credentials and phone for the owner are inside so I’m unable to contact them. 218-587-3333

08/28/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: August 28, 2025
Contact: Bryan Welk, Sheriff

PINE RIVER, MN – FULL-SCALE EMERGENCY EXERCISE

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management will be hosting a large Full-Scale Emergency Exercise at the Pine River fairgrounds on Wednesday, Sept 10th beginning at 9am and lasting until approximately 3pm. The exercise is being held to test training and response actions to a simulated, but real-world incident involving victims, hazardous materials release, vehicle extrication, and other coordination activities. The exercise will involve local fire departments, law enforcement, county public health, local volunteers, along with other county, regional and state partner agencies. Over 75 responders are expected to participate in the exercise including first responders, partners, actors, evaluators and other exercise staff.

Important notes for residents living near the simulated incident, this is only an exercise. There is no real emergency. Homeowners will not be asked to evacuate. All evacuations will be simulated using trained actors. No actual chemicals are to be released; there is no public safety threat.

The Sheriff’s Office is asking travelers to be cautious when travelling through town and to avoid the area if possible that day, please be understanding and cautious on the day of the exercise.

These exercises help test our training and equipment in a controlled way. Bringing multiple agencies together to coordinate response activities in an efficient and effective manner is paramount to identifying potential gaps in planning and training.

Results of the exercise will be captured in an After-Action Report and Improvement Plan for all agencies that will help guide future activities to help prepare for and respond to emergency events.

08/16/2025

Pine River Picklefest 2025—dill-icious food, games, and fun for the whole family! TOMORROW, August 16, 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

08/13/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: August 13th 2025
Contact: Bryan Welk, Sheriff

BACKUS, MN – FATAL MOTORCYCLE CRASH INVESTIGATED

UPDATED: 8-14-2025 – The Cass County Sheriff’s Office has identified the victim of the fatal motorcycle crash as Christopher Alexander, age 54, of Pine River, MN.

Cass County Sheriff Bryan Welk reports that on August 13th 2025 at 7:23 AM the Cass County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call with the caller reporting a motorcycle that had crashed on the Pine Mountain Lake Road, in Deerfield Township, rural Backus MN.

Responders arrived on scene and learned that a 1999 Harley Davidson motorcycle had left the roadway, crashing into the ditch, sometime during the overnight hours. A male, age 54, of Pine River MN, was located deceased at the scene. An autopsy is scheduled with the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office and the crash remains under investigation. The name of the victim is being withheld pending notification of family members.

Assisting at the scene was Backus Fire and First Response, and North Memorial Ambulance.

06/10/2025

Heads up, Pine River! There are speed limit changes on MN Hwy 371. The state of MN has decided to raise the speed limit on the highway through the city. If you haven't already noticed, MNDOT has been installing the new signs today. The new speed limit will be 45mph on the north and south ends of town and 35mph through the city. PLEASE be aware of these new changes if you are traveling on foot or by bicycle. Vehicles will be traveling at a higher rate of speed on MN 371 (more than they already were!). This applies to vehicles turning into traffic on the hwy. Oncoming vehicles will approach you much quicker than they have in the past. Everyone be careful out there! We do not want this transition to result in any traffic accidents.

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