By Tyler Trieglaff

Notes from the Chief

Notes from the Farm…Calving has started on the farm with the first, first calf heifer having a baby boy on April 5 which was eight days before the due dates.  

It is normal for some mamas to go a few days to a week or so early. As of press time there are four babies on the ground. We did lose one calf from another first calf heifer.  By the time I realized she was struggling to have her baby, it was dark and the whole herd was still out on the winter pasture. We tried chasing her up to the corrals, but she wasn’t having it. By the time we found her in the morning, the calf was halfway out and had passed. We walked her up to the corral, got her in the chute, and with some slight pulling, the calf popped out.  

We bought a put-on calf from a local dairy farmer that we hope the new mama will adopt as her own. If anyone is following the cattle markets, they sure don’t give those babies away. The calf is an Angus/Brown Swiss cross.  

We did try a new trick with some vanilla extract on the cow and calf. I poured the extract on the calf’s back and on mama’s nose. The idea is that mama will have the smell in her nose and recognize the calf as her own. Of course, I used half a bottle of the potion, not knowing how expensive Watkins Brand Vanilla Extract is. Next time I will buy the cheaper store brand if the need arises.  

As of press time, the upcoming weekend is looking like a wonderful time to start the full blown cycle of new babies on the farm. The official calving start date will be when the third cow from the main herd calves, not counting the first calf heifers. I will keep you updated on the numbers and wish us and all farmers a successful calving season.

Have a good week!

Friday, April 4

5:28 p.m. Disturbance between neighbor over a loose dog in a trailer park. City citation to be issued to dog owner.

10:09 p.m. Suspicious vehicle behind elementary school. Driver was confused as to where to pick up their daughter from the school dance.

Saturday, April 5

6:54 p.m. Five residential properties identified with expired/inoperable vehicles. Each property owner sent a city administrative citation.

8:56 p.m. Warrant arrest of Nathan Watland, 44, Frazee for felony warrant out of Wadena County.  

Monday, April 7

7:42 a.m. Traffic stop with warning for speed.

9:14 p.m. Assist with a medical.

11:55 p.m. Assist with a medical.

Tuesday, April 8

2:53 p.m. Report that there is a contracting company going door to door doing roof inspections for roof replacement. Officer called contractors name given and asked that they contact city hall about getting a transient merchant permit.

3:02 p.m. Report from the evening before that a dog approached a pedestrian in the roadway.  

3:26 p.m. Report of an elderly driver that almost hit a light pole. Officer talked with the driver about safe driving. 

4:16 p.m. Report that some kids were throwing rock into the street and some rock had hit a neighbor’s car. Officer talked with the kids and parents about the issue.

5:19 p.m. Probation warrant arrest of Austin Collins, 21, Pine River.

8:32 p.m. Vehicle unlock.

Wednesday, April 9

2:33 p.m. Assist with a medical.

5:23 p.m. Report of a vehicle dumping a couch on Co Rd 118. Officer was able to find the suspect vehicle on the city cameras driving to the area. Deputies will issue a citation since the incident happened in the county.

9:33 p.m. Traffic stop for driving conduct and loud exhaust.

9:49 p.m. Officer found an open garage door on a storage building. Door was left open to help the floor drain thaw.

10:18 p.m. Vehicle in Wannigan park after hours. Officer talked with a female party who was waiting for her cousin and partner to come back from the troll.