Posted: 6/27/06
Rustlers strike two local farms
By David Heiller
Argus News Editor
A colt and bull were stolen from two different Caledonia area farmers recently.
The horse, a four-month-old strawberry blonde Belgian stud colt, was taken from a corral located near the home of its owner, Greg Guillien. The theft occurred just before noon on Sunday, June 4.
Also during that same week, gates were opened at a rural Caledonia farm that would have allowed access to a herd of Simmental heifers. None were reported missing. ìThe gate had definitely been opened and tampered with,î Houston County Sheriffís Department chief deputy Ken Frank said on June 22. He thinks either something scared off the rustlers or they couldnít round up the cattle, which weigh about 1,000 pounds each.
At about this same time a two-year-old black Angus bull weighing about 1,800 pounds was taken from a corral.
A suspect vehicle was spotted at one of the sites. It is a dark colored extended cab pickup pulling an aluminum trailer. Two men were inside, one heavyset and thought to be in his 50s, the other in his mid-20s.
Frank said the theft of the horse threw him for a loop. It has very limited value and canít be used for breeding, he said. It would be difficult to sell without forgery because of its registration and paper, Frank said.
The same is true for the bull, which is registered and has tattoos and ear tags, Frank added. ìIt seems like it would have limited value for breed stock or anything like that.î
Cattle theft is not unheard of around here. A few years ago someone took calves from calf hutches, Frank said, and Winona County had some cattle thefts last year.
Rewards offered
Lyndsi Dunkin, Greg and Lola Guillienís daughter-in-law, sent the following email to The Argus about the theft of the colt.
ìWe are doing everything that we can to try and find this colt so that he can be returned to his mother and loving family. He is a 2 month old blonde sorrel Belgian draft colt that stands around 6+ hands tall and weighs over 450 pounds. There is a large reward being offered to anyone that has information that will lead to his safe return.ÝThis colt is the result of 25 years of meticulous breeding, his owners are heartbroken, he is priceless to them. Please, if there isÝanyway that you can help us in our search it would be greatly apperciated. We are trying to alert the public through all avenues. My husband and I can be reached at any time: Lyndsi Dunkin and Nick Guillien (641)780-1133 or (641)780-6776, or email ldunkin38@students.mchs.edu or Nick__trouble@hotmail.com.î
Joe Hammell, who used to own the bull that was stolen, said he was offering a $1,000 reward for its recovery. He had sold the bull for $2,200.
ìIím just very surprised,î Hammell said of the theft. It has never happened to him before, and is an unusual occurrence.
ìIt just appears that they knew what they were doing,î he added.
Anyone with information about these crimes is asked to call the tip line at 507-725-5122. Callers can remain anonymous.
Caledonia Argus
314 West Lincoln St.
P.O. Box 227
Caledonia, MN 55921-0227
507/724-3475
E-Mail: editor.argus@ecm-inc.com