Bitter cold is causing problems with farm equipment, cattle

By Tyler Trieglaff

Notes from the Chief

I caught some guff on Thursday while in Perham about my column lacking content lately. I was at a repair shop, and it was just like Floyd’s Barber Shop from Mayberry. Several locals in the office sitting back and chatting like the good ol’ days and the proprietor tending to business.  

I told the main complainant, let’s call him Les, that I would try to do better. We chatted a bit about the ongoings in town; I made my purchases and off I went.  

I also missed wishing the Rochert Stalker a happy 40th birthday. I remember when she was born, as I was in second grade with her brother who was in my class. We had Miss Lanners who soon changed her name to Mrs. Carlson.  

The bitter cold weather has finally hit and it’s wreaking havoc on the farm equipment and cattle waterers. As I was typing this Friday morning, we still have one waterer in the barn to figure out.  The water for the 80 calves is open as well as the water for the cow herd. We have one heifer we are fattening that is in the barn. If we have to carry water for a day or two for one critter, we can handle that. 

This morning, all the cows had their snow coat on, which is a layer of snow on their backs. This shows us that the cows are well insulated and not losing body heat. We did up the corn silage from 1,000 to 1,500 pounds per day during the extra cold spell. They are eating between 3-5 round bales a day as well.

Merry Christmas from the Chief!

Friday, Dec. 16

7:22 p.m. Report of a disorderly male at the VFW. Officer found intoxicated male outside and gave him a ride home after he puked in the back of the squad car. That should stay somewhat frozen until spring, I hope.

8:41 p.m. Report of a vehicle in the ditch on W. Juniper Ave and male driver was possibly impaired. Officer arrived and vehicle had left the area.

Monday, Dec. 19

9 a.m. Report of motor vehicle being tampered with on E. Maple. May be connected to other tampering.

2:18 p.m. Officer saw a couple people throwing ice chunks at an apartment window on N. Lake St. They said they were trying to get the attention of their friend who lived in the apartment. No apparent damage.

Tuesday, Dec. 20

9:43 a.m. Assist with a medical on St Hwy 87.

Wednesday, Dec. 21

9:57 a.m. Complaint of a dog outside in the weather. Dog was brought inside after officer talked with owner.

10:04 a.m. Report of damage to a new light pole on S. Lake St.

10:52 a.m. Report of vehicle lug nuts being loosened on W Maple. Most likely an ex-boyfriend trying to cause drama. Under investigation.

11:50 a.m. Background checks for local landlord.

1:10 p.m. Parking complaint on W Maple Ave. with vehicles parked in the no parking area. 

5:30 p.m. Welfare check on an elderly male requested by his daughter. Officer made phone contact and he was A-OK!!

6:19 p.m. Parking complaint on S. Lake St with a pickup parked across the new walkway.

6:25 p.m. Welfare check requested on a male who came to town to have vehicle looked at and left his phone at home. Officer tracked down male and he had just left business for home.

8:23 p.m. Female reporting being harassed by an ex-boyfriend. Officer gave advice to seek a restraining order.

12:52 a.m. Male party reporting being harassed by ex-girlfriend. Advised to seek a restraining order.

Thursday, Dec. 22

9:04 a.m. Complaint from public works that vehicles continued to be parked on W. Maple Ave and are in the way for snow removal. Vehicles were moved.  

12:58 p.m. Background check for landlord.