A good news story this afternoon: a Grand Forks Fire/Rescue team and Conservation Officer Dave Webster were successful in their attempt to rescue a deer trapped in the ice near the 68th Avenue bridge.
After a posting on Facebook drew the attention of many residents, the Conservation Office and firefighters undertook an operation to rescue the deer, which was stuck in the middle of the river. It was estimated the deer had been trapped for nearly an hour. Its front legs, as well as head, were above water and the deer remained alert.
While attempting the rescue, Webster took a fall into the ice, however was quickly pulled out by a lifeline and his life jacket. Webster was seen on scene by an ambulance, and continued to participate in the rescue effort.
After nearly an hour, including a failed attempt to reach a boat out onto the ice, two firefighters were successful in pushing the deer up and out of the ice, where it promptly shook itself off and scampered away.