By Tyler Trieglaff

Notes from the Chief

The first snow is here as I am typing this early Friday morning. At the farm like most people I’m sure, are not fully prepared for the snow.  We did get the major machinery put away but there are lots of little things to get inside. Hopefully the snow will melt so we can find anything that is covered or else we may have to wait until Spring.

Last Friday we have the wise old vet coming out to preg check the cows. The weather wasn’t looking too nice with a high of 28, but at least he will keep one arm toasty warm. I will have the vaccines and hopefully won’t struggle with any freezing of the needles or syringes. The cows all get their annual booster shots and the calves will get their first round with a booster in a month or so.  

We will also start the weaning process. Each calf is run into the headgate and a plastic nose tag is inserted into the nostrils. The calves are then turned back with mama for 4-7 days. During this time they won’t be able to nurse, which is actually a very stress-free way to wean calves.  After several days the calves are separated again and the tags are removed.  The calves now realize that mama doesn’t have any milk for them so they don’t miss mama. The thought is that the calves will focus on eating hay and grain and not bawling for mom.  

The cows will be madder than an old wet hen, making all kinds of noise, but they will soon be over it. The cows and calves will still be next to each other with a board fence in between.  This “fence line” weaning keeps the animals in contact to help with the stress also.  At this point in the calves lives, weaning can create a huge amount of stress for the calves which can weaken the immune system and lead to some respiratory diseases.  With the two-stage weaning process with the weaning tags, we have not had any issues as far as calves getting sick.  I will get you some updates on our calf weights next time.

Have a good week! 

Friday, Nov. 5

9:50 a.m. Female reporting that a male friend had left and taken some of her property. Under investigation.

3:59 p.m. School bus stop-arm violation on St Hwy 87.

5:38 pm    Vehicle lock out on St Hwy 87.

12:11 a.m. Assist with a domestic altercation on St Hwy 34. Male was given a ride to his mothers in DL.

Saturday Nov. 6

8:40 p.m. Assist in looking for a vehicle stolen from Detroit Lakes. Vehicle was found in Stearns County.

8:47 p.m. Assist with a medical.

Sunday, Nov. 7

10:40 p.m. Assist county deputy with traffic stop.  Driver was getting a little hinky.  

Tuesday, Nov. 9

12:52 p.m. Complaint about a large dump truck hauling machinery was blocking an intersection. Vehicle was gone upon officers arrival. 

12:57 p.m. Complaint of a loud party Friday night/Saturday morning. 

2:22 p.m. Business owner complaining of noise coming from neighbors. Adult male and female were day drinking and being loud. Both apologized and said they would keep it down.

5:08 p.m. Report of an aggressive dog near the elementary school. Under investigation.

9:12 p.m. Suspicious vehicle on W Main Ave. Two males in vehicle were waiting for a friend. Looks like the makings of another sausage party.

9:20 p.m. Traffic complaint with a pickup that made a U-turn onto someone’s lawn. Pickup had a bad transmission and could not use reverse.  Vehicle was towed out of town.

10:11 p.m. Assist Anoka County with locating a person in Frazee. No contact at residence.

Wednesday, Nov.10

10:57 a.m. Officer took prescription drugs and contraband to the Perham Incinerator.

1:57 p.m. Civil complaint with young adults, male and female, acting like 4-year- olds. One had the keys to the car and wouldn’t give back to the other. Officer and deputy babysat for a bit while the situation was calmed down.  

3:19 p.m. Disturbance with same couple from above. Officer again put on his babysitting uniform and stood by while one waited for a ride from relatives.

Thursday, Nov. 11

12:55 p.m. Female calling in to alert of a possible civil standby needed on Monday.

5 p.m. Assist with a driving complaint on St Hwy 34.

5:26 p.m. Complaint of a pickup parked on Frazee Road all day. Vehicle owners contacted and were told the vehicle needed to be moved or it would be towed as it was a hazard. Vehicle was gone when officer went back 3 hours later.

11:43 p.m. Caller reporting a vehicle off the road near St Hwy 87 and Co Hwy 29. Vehicle was gone prior to officers arrival.