Hunters Locate Human Remains in Northern Dunn County

On October 16, 2016 at 8:57 a.m. the Dunn County Communications Center received a call reporting that some hunters located what may be human remains in northern Dunn County. Deputies from the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to meet with the caller at the location given. Dunn County Investigators and Dunn County Medical Examiner Chris Kruse were also called to responded to the scene.

When deputies and the medical examiner arrived, they found that the remains were human remains. They searched the area and processed the scene.

Based on where the remains were found and what they found at the scene they decided to review a report of a missing person from a 2006 case. Based on what they found at the scene and after reviewing the report, they feel it is very likely to be the remains of that missing person.

The remains were transported to the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy. The remains were in such a condition that it will require a DNA sample to positively identify the person.

Based on the information know at this time, it is believed that the remains found, are the remains of Douglas L. Poach who was last seen on January 3, 2006. It is unlikely that a positive identification can be made for approximately 30 days when the DNA sample has been processed at the Wisconsin State Crime Lab.

Fatal Crash - Town of Menomonie

On September 24, 2016 at 10:30 AM the Dunn County Communications Center received a 911 call reporting a single vehicle crash in the 5700 block of 510th Avenue in the Township of Menomonie.

Dunn County Deputies and the Menomonie Fire Department were dispatched to the scene. A rescue helicopter was also called to the scene but later redirected to Mayo Hospital in Menomonie.

One of the occupants was pronounced dead at the scene. Three other occupants were transported to the hospital for injuries.

The name of the deceased subject will be withheld pending family notification.

Based on the investigation it appears that speed was a factor in the crash.

Also assisting at the scene was the Wisconsin State Patrol. The incident remains under investigation by the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office and the Dunn County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Chippewa River Rescue - Southern Dunn County

On Saturday, September 3, 2016 at 9:55 p.m. the Dunn County Communications Center received a report of four adult individuals who were stranded on an island located in the Chippewa River. The caller was reporting that she and three others were tubing down the Chippewa River and that the sun set before they reached their destination. The caller did not know their exact location, but did know they were on an island downstream from the CTH H bridge.

Dunn County Deputies, the Menomonie Fire Department and Durand Fire Department were dispatched to the Chippewa River. The four stranded individuals were located after approximately one hour and were transported to safety by the fire department boats. Deputies then transported them to the Holte boat landing where they had started their trip.

I want to thank the Menomonie and Durand Fire Departments for their quick response and their assistance. The deputies and the fire fighters worked cooperatively to rescue these four individuals.

Many resources were used in this operation and these four individual could have used better judgement regarding the time they left on their trip. Many times river conditions can increase or decrease the speed of the current and effect the time the trip takes. They were very appreciative of the assistance given and we were all happy that everyone was safe.