Four people — two adults and two children — were rescued early Saturday morning after their duck hunting boat capsized on Bird Lake in Osakis Township.

According to a news release from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office , Travis Hendrickson, 39, and Jessica Brewer, 35, along with the two children, were duck hunting when their boat capsized. Brewer called 911 shortly after 6 a.m.

All four hunters were able to maintain hold of the capsized boat as rescue units were responding, including a Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Water Patrol boat and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team air boat.

As units were responding, it was reported that the four occupants of the boat were having a difficult time staying afloat because their waders had filled with water, according to the news release. But after deputies arrived on scene, they were able to rescue all four hunters.

According to the sheriff’s office, no one was wearing a life jacket and there were not enough life jackets for all of the occupants on the boat.

“Hopefully, this call will serve as a reminder for all watercraft users to wear life jackets, or have them immediately accessible, have all children wear life jackets and to have a life jacket for each occupant,” Deputy Bryan Ziegler said in the news release. “Please do not sacrifice safety when participating in outdoor activities such as waterfowl hunting. Drowning is the leading cause of death for waterfowl hunters.”

— Forum news service

Man cited for vandalizing Trump-themed store

A 31-year-old Red Wing man has been cited for vandalizing a Donald Trump-themed store in the southern Minnesota city.

On Tuesday, Red Wing Police received a complaint about a man “screaming, swearing, yelling at staff, acting irate and damaging property” at the store, which is located at 1320 Old West Main St. The man allegedly damaged a red Trump flag, tossed a piece of metal from the flag into the parking lot and verbally abused staff.

The man was cited for misdemeanor property damage and was issued a formal trespass order from the store.

“There is no place for political violence of any kind in Red Wing or any community, and we condemn all of it,” Rep. Pam Altendorf, R-Red Wing, said in a statement.

Red Wing’s police chief, Nick Sather, urged all Minnesotans to respect people with opposing political beliefs.

“It is unfortunate that when the national election comes every four years, there is so much division that results from it,” he said, in a statement. “Many people display signs legally to show support of a candidate or sell merchandise. Every citizen should respect each other regardless of which candidate or person they support, as we are all American citizens and our country is built on democracy.”

— MPR News

National park to move 200 bison, 15 horses

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is set to begin a significant wildlife management operation, rounding up approximately 200 bison and 15 horses for transfer to tribes and other homes. The move, part of an effort to maintain ecological balance and ensure the health of the park’s herds, will use helicopters to gather the animals and ensure their safe relocation.

Starting Saturday, the National Park Service will use helicopters to round up roughly 400 bison into corrals in the park’s North Unit.

From this group, about 200 bison will be transferred to tribes, while the remainder will be relocated to other designated homes. This is part of an ongoing effort to maintain a healthy and manageable bison population within the fenced boundaries of the park.

Bison population management is critical due to the enclosed nature of the park, which requires regular monitoring and transfers to prevent overpopulation. These efforts, according to park officials, are designed to ensure that the herd remains healthy and that the ecosystem remains balanced.

Following the bison roundup, helicopter operations will continue in the park’s South Unit through Oct. 18 to corral about 200 horses. The horses will be evaluated for health, genetics and demographics, and some will be fitted with GPS collars to help the park better understand their range and environmental impact.

The roundup of horses is part of a broader strategy to develop sustainable management practices for the herd.

A small number of horses — up to 15, including mares that did not respond to previous contraceptive efforts and their offspring — will be offered for donation to tribes and nonprofit organizations, or put up for auction.

— MPR News