Seven cattle reported missing in eastern part of Otter Tail County

By Tom Hintgen

Otter Tail County Correspondent 

Sheriff deputies reported that two fishermen were rescued May 4 after their boat capsized on Mike Lake, west of Vergas, shortly before 6 p.m.

The two attempted to hold onto the boat after falling into the water but were separated. One person drifted to shore with the boat and was able to walk to a nearby residence where the owner called 911.

Both victims were wearing personal flotation devices. The other party was rescued by first responders in the middle of the lake.

The two individuals were taken to the Perham Hospital and were checked out for possible hypothermia. They had been in the water for an estimated 45 minutes.

Assisting sheriff deputies were members of the county Boat and Water Patrol, Vergas Fire and Rescue, Perham Fire Department and Perham Health and Life Link.

Thefts reported

Incidents of theft were reported the weekend of April 30 to the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office.

On April 30 a resident of 545th Avenue, in the eastern section of the county, reported that seven of his cattle were missing. He had counted 83 head at 9 p.m. the previous evening and only 76 were on the property the following morning.

The owner said the gate was locked the previous evening and the following morning when he came to feed the cattle. He suspects the seven cattle were stolen but planned to take another head count later in the day.

Another theft was reported to sheriff deputies on May 1, from a person who lives near Highway 119, southeast of Underwood. Missing were two snowblowers, a handheld ice auger, power washer, portable ice houses, wood chipper and Polaris snowmobile.

An investigation was continuing as of May 3.