Two rescued from deep snow after three days; one arrested

GRANT COUNTY – Sheriff Todd McKinley has issued a press release regarding Search and Rescue missions recently that involved the same wood cutter getting stuck in the woods. In the most recent incident, one subject was arrested and legal action may be taken against another. Find the Sheriff’s release below:

(Press Release from Grant County Sheriff Todd McKinley)

For the third time in three months, Grant County Deputies were requested to locate a missing Mt. Vernon man.

Michael Gibbs 38, a self-employed wood cutter, was reported on Saturday the 4th as having been missing since Thursday the second, when he allegedly went to the Magone Lake area of Grant County to cut firewood.

Family and friends went and looked for him on the third and were unable to locate him. Gibbs was supposed to be in the company of Karlie Farr 27, of Mt. Vernon as well.

Farr was located at 1050 am on the fourth, walking down forest road 3618 in about three feet of snow. The pair had tried to drive the loop around Magone Lake and had become mired in the deep snow on the roadway.

After spending the majority of two days trying to free the truck, Farr decided to walk for help on the third day of being stranded. She was located about a half mile from the entrapped pickup.

Gibbs and Farr were transported from the scene, and Farr was taken into custody on an outstanding probation detainer.

Gibbs was recovered from the Laycock Creek area of Mt. Vernon in December, after becoming stuck in that area, and then again days later when he went back to recover his stuck vehicle.

The Sheriff’s Office is looking at pursuing legal action with regards to Mr. Gibbs.

As a reminder to the public, the snow in the upper elevations is fairly deep and quite soft currently. If you plan on venturing out, be prepared for a few days stay should you become stuck, or just turn around before it gets that bad.

Todd McKinley
Sheriff

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Elkhorn Media Group