The Lake Region Board of Health met in special session at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15 in the Armory Meeting Room of the Courthouse/Memorial Building Complex.
Presiding over the meeting was Blaine Volk (Ramsey County). Present at the meeting or remotely through TEAMSs, were the voting representatives of the counties that make up the Lake Region District Health Unit.
In the Thursday, April 9 issue of the Devils Lake Journal it was reported that “Denton Heisler was charged with two felonies and several misdemeanors in connection with an incident on or about Nov. 21, 2025, during which Heisler allegedly struck a parked, unattended vehicle while driving his own motor vehicle.”
“Drawn up on April 2 by Noah A. Korger with the State’s Attorney’s Office, the charging document included the following counts: fraudulent insurance act (a class C felony), tampering with physical evidence (a class C felony), duty upon striking an unattended vehicle (a class A misdemeanor), false information to law enforcement (a class A misdemeanor), and reckless driving (a class B misdemeanor).”
“Heisler is not in custody and will appear in court to answer the charges on April 27 at 9 a.m. As Heisler is a former North Dakota Highway Patrol Officer, sources indicate that the case will be referred to someone outside of Ramsey County for prosecution.”
Volk took care to explain that the issue they would be addressing here today was of a personal nature and involved someone in a trusted position of authority. He addressed the issue stating that “you are innocent until proven guilty” of the charges levied. What they were concerned about at this special meeting were any disciplinary actions they needed to take immediately.
“What would you like to do as a board?” Volk asked the members.
“I personally think we should put Denton on paid administrative leave for a period of time, like 10 or 14 days, so he can settle his affairs and name someone to step into his position in the meantime,” Volk added.
Discussion ensued regarding involving H.R. in the process. Questions were asked from board members, “Does the board need to retain legal counsel?” and “Who will step into Denton’s role as administrator while he is on leave?”
Sheri Bertsch has worked closely with Heisler and said she would be able to step in to help if she was needed. Then the discussion moved to how or if she should be compensated for stepping into the role of administration.
Board member, Elonda Nord (Ramsey County) asked if the State Board of Health needed to be brought into this process, as well.
After all the discussion, a motion was made by board member Joel Berg (Pierce County), seconded by Doris Griffin (Benson County), to place Heisler on Administrative Leave for 14 days, paid, and Sheri would work with Heisler to make sure all of the committments on the calendar are met, she would also receive compensation for her additional role, and they would make sure H.R. gets involved with all decisions before the next Board meeting, planned for April 28. Heisler will only have contact with Sheri and Volk will accompany him to his office to get his laptop as he leaves this evening.
It was also recommended that they contact the North Dakota Insurance Reserve Fund for assistance with this matter. States Attorney Daniel Howell recommended that, as well, reminding everyone that this is an on-going investigation and the board is going to need assistance with this situation because it has never happened before. There is nothing in the employee handbook or policy manual to help guide their actions.
Denton Heisler is the Administrator of the Lake Region District Health Unit. Board members also include Tammy Kuk (Benson County), James Allmaras (Eddy County), Glenda Collier (Eddy County), Terry Hoffart (Pierce County), and Dr. Derek Wayman is Health Officer.
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