by BECKY GOFF
Little Apple Post
GEARY COUNTY - Geary County Sheriff's Deputies responded to Milford Lake on December 22, 2022 at 9:42 a.m. on the report of an individual stranded on the water in a disabled jon boat.
Geary County Dispatch was contacted by Justin Howe of Fort Riley when the motor on the jon boat died while he was attempting to retrieve geese decoys off the lake.
After the motor died, the boat drifted away from where Howe had been hunting, and got stuck in ice, eventually becoming frozen in place.
When Howe contacted dispatch he advised them he had been in the boat, on the lake for approximately 40 minutes.
From the shore, Deputies located Howe in the jon boat around 10:20 am, the Geary County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit used the City of Milford boat ramp to access Milford Lake, after breaking ice at the ramp, and were able to launch into the lake at 11:09 a.m.
Junction City Fire/EMS also responded to the City of Milford boat ramp, ready to assist if medical attention was needed.
Dense fog made it difficult for the Marine unit to locate Howe and his jon boat.
The Marine Unit's engine experienced mechanical issues while searching for Howe and the engine went into limp mode.
Geary County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit was able to locate Hoe and his jon boat about 100 yards from them before they made the decision to figure out an alternative plan.
The Marine Unit had to break ice around Howe's jon boat to get close enough for him to board the Marine unit boat.
Howe and the Marine Unit members arrived at the City of Milford boat ramp at 11:55 a.m. where they were screened by the Junction City Fire Department EMT's before being released.
The Geary County Sheriff’s Office would like to say thank you and show our gratitude to the Junction City Fire Department for their assistance.
The Geary County Sheriff’s Office would also like to remind people to exercise extreme caution when experiencing any of the many great outdoors activities our community has to offer.