Sheriff Pat Heinert said he is hoping people refrain from dying until the county can hire a new coroner, because according to state law, he is the acting Burleigh County coroner following the resignation of Dr. Kelly Supple.

Heinert approached the county commission at Monday's meeting for some direction in finding a replacement for Supple, whose resignation became effective March 29.

"I am your county coroner, so please don't die,"Heinert said half jokingly. "Actually, there are three positions we will need to fill - the coroner, Burleigh County physician and the medical position at the detention center."

The sheriff said that unless there is an attending physician at a person's death willing to sign the death certificate, the sheriff has to order an autopsy since he cannot make an official determination of cause of death, not being a medical doctor. The autopsies will add significant cost to the sheriff's budget until a coroner can be found.

Discussions are under way with UND Family Practice, which is interested in providing services for the detention center, but not the other two positions. Heinert told commissioners he has spoken to a former coroner who wasn't interested nor knew of anyone who is. The sheriff also spoke to the Morton County coroner, who might be interested in a part-time appointment but has yet to confirm that.

Burleigh pays significantly less for coroner duties than the state's two other major counties, said Heinert. Commissioner Doug Schonert said that Burleigh may have to consider providing higher compensation.

The county hasn't done any advertising for the positions, auditor/treasurer Kevin Glatt said it is premature to determine there is no interest in the position. Glatt did add that the county has had difficulties in the past filling the county coroner job.

The three positions do not have to be filled by one person, States Attorney Richard Riha said. He advised that Heinert bring back any possible contract negotiations to the county commission before entering into an agreement.

It was the consensus of the commission that the sheriff begin advertising the positions.

(Reach reporter Gordon Weixel at 250-8255 or gordon.weixel@;bismarcktribune.com.)