tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45736296882032054222024-02-21T02:57:39.143-06:00The Search for Brandon SwansonBrandon Swanson of Marshall MN, has been missing since Wed. May 14th, 2008.Prayerful For Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569485888747288769noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4573629688203205422.post-59719585868795158922011-05-19T10:52:00.001-05:002011-05-19T10:54:33.712-05:00May 12-15, 2011 Searches:The plan for the May 12-14 searches was to detail - search by HRD canine as many fields as possible in the area surrounding Mud Creek. This involves walking furrows in 15-20 foot increments which is quite energy intensive and time-consuming. Unfortunately, the rain in the area received the week prior to the search made the creek's water level high and the fields very muddy. Some progress was made, but not as much as hoped for.Prayerful For Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569485888747288769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4573629688203205422.post-88448701624448224312011-05-19T10:40:00.003-05:002011-05-19T10:51:59.472-05:00November 12 - 14, 2010 Searches:<br /><br />It became clear from previous searches that in order to effectively detail - search the creek bed, both the water and vegetation must be gone. To this end, we planned on damming up Mud Creek for a short distance to draw down the water and allow the dogs to search the creek bed. Permits were obtained and plans made.<br /><br />On the weekend of November 12 -14, 29 people met to carry out the plan. Unfortunately, the water level was much higher than anticipated and it took approximately 2,200 sandbags to effectively dam up the creek. Water was pumped around the dam to control the water level. While this proved to be an effective strategy and the dogs were able to work the stream bed some, there was still too much water in the creek to locate the source of the scent.<br /><br />I cooperation with the landowners and the Department of Natural Resources, we developed a plan to definitively kill off the vegetation, come back in late summer when the water is lowest, and again dam up the creek. Hopefully, this will allow us to find the source of the scent or definitvely rule out this troublesome portion of the creek.<br /><br />Follow - up Searchs in November of 2010<br />Several follow up searches were conducted in November of 2010 by two HRD (human remains detection) canine teams. In spite of frozen conditions, the dogs displayed behavior consistent with interest in human remains in several areas although no remains were found.Prayerful For Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569485888747288769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4573629688203205422.post-52977394259022005122011-05-19T10:38:00.001-05:002011-05-19T10:40:18.970-05:00<p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">October 16-17, 2010 Searches:<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></o:p></b></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">A team of 27 people and five HRD canines met to search the Mud Creek area over the weekend of October 16-17, 2010.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Three ground teams were formed to cut down the dense vegetation in the creek so that the dogs could work more effectively (with a permit from the DNR).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This proved to be very physically demanding work, but the teams rallied and they cleared nearly ½ mile of creek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The dogs again displayed behavior consistent with interest in the odor of human remains in Mud Creek, but no physical remains were found.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></o:p></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">The HRD canine teams also conducted some detailed searching of nearby fields.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It is possible that remains are scattered in nearby fields and the interest in the creek is from scent draining into it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The dogs displayed some interest in the fields but no remains were found.</span></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></o:p></b></p>Prayerful For Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569485888747288769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4573629688203205422.post-17905374722379988512011-05-19T10:35:00.001-05:002011-05-19T10:37:23.569-05:00FALL 2010 Search Summaries<p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">September 11, 2010 Searches:<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></o:p></b></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">A team of two HRD canines conducted follow-up searches of a stock pond that had previously been an area of interest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The canines gave alerts in the pond but no remains were found.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The pond may be a scent pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Further follow-up searches will be conducted at a later time.</span></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></p>Prayerful For Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569485888747288769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4573629688203205422.post-40926674963828069392011-05-02T08:43:00.004-05:002011-05-02T08:46:51.706-05:00Tentative<span style="font-family:lucida grande;color:#000099;">There is a tentative ground search scheduled for the weekend of May 14 & 15th, 2011....weather permitting and availablity of search dogs & team members. </span>Prayerful For Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569485888747288769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4573629688203205422.post-54149443786281183592011-03-10T21:21:00.004-06:002011-03-10T21:27:21.987-06:00Spring 2011<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Plans are underway to begin searching as soon as the weather allows. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Many people were able to watch the Nancy Grace episode </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">50 people in 50 days</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> that featured Brandon. If you were not able to watch the following is a link to the CNN website that will link you into a portion of the show. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/crime/2011/03/08/ng.americas.missing.swanson.hln?hpt=Mid</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">(You may need to copy and paste the link into your web browser.)</span></div>Prayerful For Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569485888747288769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4573629688203205422.post-86361541710783012422010-08-13T09:42:00.003-05:002010-08-13T09:49:41.540-05:00AUGUST 7 - 8 SEARCHES:A team of ten people and three HRD canines from six organizations met to search the weekend of August 7 - 8, 2010. We again focused on the portion of Mud Creek in question. As is typical in this case, we had a couple of things working in our favor and a couple of things working against us. The water level in Mud Creek was very low as we had hoped for, which eliminated scent movement by water transport. There was also little wind over the two days of the search, which minimized scent movement by air. However, the extreme heat and the very tall vegetation in the creek made searching very difficult. In spite of those difficulties, we were again able to obtain canine results that strongly suggest that Brandon's remains are in a portion of Mud Creek.<br /><br />With the heavy vegetation in the creek (the cattails are over eight feet tall), it is nearly impossible to spot disarticulated remains visually. The HRD dog still remain the most effective and efficient resource for completeing this search. However, to effectively utilize them, we need to knock down the vegetation to below head - level on a dog. We hope to return to the area in early October with a fairly large team to cut the vegetation in the creek so that the dogs can pinpoint the source of the scent.Prayerful For Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569485888747288769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4573629688203205422.post-13977203066437189792010-07-07T08:09:00.004-05:002010-08-09T13:56:17.320-05:00SUMMER UPDATE- The 2010 Search for BrandonMay 1-2 Searches:<br /><br />A team of thirteen people and four HRD canines searched on the weekend of May 1 - 2, 2010. We detail-searched one field and about 80 acres of CRP grassland. The dogs again had very strong interest in portions of Mud Creek and the surrounding grassland.<br /><br />May 15 - 16<br /><br />A team of eighteen people and seven HRD canines searched on the weekend of May 15 - 16, 2010. We principally focused our efforts on the area near Mud Creek that has shown so much promise. Again, we had areas of very strong interest in the area, but could not locate remains. The water was fairly high and there was quite a bit of vegetation in the creek, so it was difficult to locate remains underwater. At least four of the dogs gave formal final responses (indications) in the area, which is the strongest signal that a trained dog can give that there are remains in the area.<br /><br />June 12 - 13<br /><br />A team of eleven people and one HRD canine searched on the weekend of June 12 - 13, 2010. We focused exclusively on the portion of Mud Creek in question. We had hoped that the water would be significantly lower than the previous search so that we could narrow the search area. However, with the heavy rains the area received for a few days prior to the search, the water was over a foot higher than the previous search. While the dog did obtain some strong results, the high water allowed the scent to spread out and hampered our ability to narrow the search. Considerable effort was expended by the team searching in the creek itself but again, the heavy grasses and reeds are hindering us.<br /><br />We plan to watch the creek water level and come back when the water level is significantly lower. We are hoping that the combined effects of ageing remains producing less scent and low water levels and high grass inhibiting scent movement will allow to finally narrow in on Brandon's remains.Prayerful For Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569485888747288769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4573629688203205422.post-46245703201701188732010-05-01T08:41:00.002-05:002010-05-01T08:45:27.605-05:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3jbZI94ychDZ0KQxF8BYQeT1oBClv3TU9rRQJXTqwBagLBFzSOf9DVaJ4KFlo5PrVfjSZO3jSNbYP0c3OhTfi-IzR0OGHEaG74h5Clfbf-hX5_nXRb392V9Lo8jDaoCJVjRD0NniiArwq/s1600/Location+Corridor.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 294px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3jbZI94ychDZ0KQxF8BYQeT1oBClv3TU9rRQJXTqwBagLBFzSOf9DVaJ4KFlo5PrVfjSZO3jSNbYP0c3OhTfi-IzR0OGHEaG74h5Clfbf-hX5_nXRb392V9Lo8jDaoCJVjRD0NniiArwq/s320/Location+Corridor.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466297248283013874" /></a><br /><!--StartFragment--> <h3 align="center" style="margin-top:0in;text-align:center">The 2010 Search for Brandon</h3> <p class="MsoNormal"><b>March 20-21 Searches:<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The search for Brandon’s remains resumed the weekend of March 20-21, 2010 with fourteen individuals from eight different organizations involved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Four Human Remains Detection (HRD) dogs were used as the principal search sensors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We continued to follow up on the canine clues developed on prior searches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>After 22 months, we expected that there would be less scent available for the dogs to pick up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Therefore, if the dogs displayed behavior consistent with interest in human remains, we should have been closer to the source than in previous searches.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We were not disappointed.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The dogs again reliably picked up the scent of human remains to the northwest of Porter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We systematically eliminated several fields, even though they were wet and difficult to search.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>While there was still snow on the ground in some areas, search conditions were generally good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">March 27-28 Searches:</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The teams met again on March 27-28, 2010.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Involved were ten people from six organizations and four HRD dogs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Again, the dogs displayed behavior that suggests human remains are located to the northwest of Porter.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b>April 17-18 Searches:<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">A team of nine people and three HRD canines searched on the weekend of April 17-18, 2010.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We again obtained significant findings in Mud Creek.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This suggests that spring runoff is moving scent into the creek from the scent source.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This further reinforces our belief that Brandon’s remains are located somewhere in the Mud Creek Watershed.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b>Some General Thoughts:<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">This has been an exceptionally difficult and frustrating search.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>While there have been consistent and reliable indications that human remains are present in the area, we have yet to pinpoint the source (Brandon’s remains).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There are several possible explanations for this.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">One of the main reasons why this is such a difficult search lies in the fact that the region receives nearly constant winds which can come from any direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>These winds move scent from the source and deposit it into “scent pools” such as wind breaks around farmsteads, tall grass in CRP land, and along ditches and creeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>When the dogs alert on an area of “hot” scent, it is often very difficult to differentiate whether we are near the remains or searching yet another scent pool.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We also may be facing the difficulty of locating remains that have been moved and/or scattered over a wide area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It is possible that predators such as coyotes, raccoons, and the like have scattered the remains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It is also possible that they have been inadvertently scattered or moved by human activity such as farmers tilling their fields or baling hay or cornstalks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We also have some access issues.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We can’t search everywhere we would like to search.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We are very careful to protect landowner’s property and have generally avoided searching fields with crops in them even though there is a fair chance that Brandon ended up in a field.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This leaves spring and fall available to us to search the many fields in the area.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>With the wet weather we had last fall and our early start this spring, we ended up searching very wet fields.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is miserable work.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>To effectively search a single 160-acre field, the team must walk in excess of ten miles in difficult footing.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">In addition, we haven’t been able to search many pastures because of the cows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Even though the dogs are well trained to be around other animals, we avoid working around cows, especially during calving season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This leaves gaps in our search coverage and makes it difficult to eliminate an area from further consideration.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">It is also possible that Brandon attempted to seek shelter from the wind near the end of his journey and crawled into an outbuilding or under old machinery and perished there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Because we are trying to avoid disrupting landowner’s lives as little as possible, we have only searched a few farmsteads.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">These are only a few of the issues that make this a very difficult search.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b>We need help from local landowners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></b><span style="font-weight:normal">We respectfully request that landowners within a corridor between Porter and Canby keep their eyes open for anything unusual on their property.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>While Brandon’s remains are now fully skeletonized, there is still a decent chance that keen eyes would spot them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Brandon’s tennis shoes and hat especially should still be readily identifiable.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We also ask that anyone who feeds hay or uses cornstalk bedding from this area keep an eye out for human remains baled into the bales.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>If you find anything that might be related to this case, please contact your local Sheriff’s Office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>If you have any questions, you can contact us at the number below.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b>Regarding Searching on Your Property:<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We make every effort to contact each property owner and obtain permission prior to searching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This is sometimes a challenge, as the Plat book might not reflect who actually controls the land.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>If we have inadvertently trespassed on your property, please contact us at 612-708-2996 or 612-827-7141 so that we may offer our apology and resolve the issue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We will, of course, respect your wishes.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">Jeff Hasse</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Search Manager</p> <!--EndFragment-->Prayerful For Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569485888747288769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4573629688203205422.post-48814408973418446092010-01-10T08:59:00.001-06:002010-01-10T09:00:06.361-06:00A note about future search efforts:<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">The established search and rescue (SAR) community calls this type of search a <u>limited, continuous search</u>.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They are generally only successful when there is a good search plan in place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Last winter, the management team conducted an exhaustive deconstruction and reconstruction of previous search efforts and came up with a comprehensive search plan (requiring several hundred hours of work).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The plan was outlined in the public meeting held March 20,<sup> </sup>2008 and described in a previous posting.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This search plan is still in place and is consistently producing results each search.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>After each search, we conduct a debrief to review the results and explore every conceivable theory to explain them.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The next weekend’s search plan evolves from this critique process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>While we are all frustrated at how slowly this search has evolved, there has never been a time where we did not know what to do next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This is the strength of a good search plan.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We are confident that we will eventually find Brandon’s remains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We cannot predict when this will be, as searches seem to evolve on their own time schedule.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>However, with each search we narrow the search area some.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Eventually we will be able to bring Brandon home.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We will be back as soon as the majority of snow is out of the fields, hopefully in March of 2010.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Jeff Hasse</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Search Manager</p> <!--EndFragment-->Prayerful For Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569485888747288769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4573629688203205422.post-51252103959776346962010-01-10T08:57:00.001-06:002010-01-10T08:58:40.727-06:00December 12-13 Search:<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">The detailed search of the fields in question has proven very time-consuming and exhausting work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In an effort to extend the effective search time of the teams, we put out a request prior to this weekend for the use of side-by-side ATVs to shuttle teams about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We received three:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>two from the Swanson’s family and friends, and one from D & M Implement of Marshall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They proved to be quite useful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Thank you to those who generously loaned us the vehicles.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> A team of nine people and three HRD canines searched on the weekend of December 12-13, 2009.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Unfortunately, the area received a significant snowfall the week before and search conditions were not ideal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>However, we were able to detail-search about ¾ of a square mile of fields and grassland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Several additional fields were eliminated from further consideration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Again, multiple areas of very strong canine interest were developed but no remains were found.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The management team also wanted to extend a thank you to the Porter Fire Department for their continued patience with us “invading” their Fire Hall each search.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Without this important resource, we would have a very difficult time resolving this case.</p> <!--EndFragment-->Prayerful For Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569485888747288769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4573629688203205422.post-4941100879341751672010-01-10T08:56:00.001-06:002010-01-10T08:57:38.567-06:00November 28 - 29 Search:<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">This weekend’s team consisted of eight persons and two HRD canines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In addition, four members of Research and Recovery Experts (RARE) of Minnesota, a metal detecting club, joined the search to lend us their unique skills.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> We continued to detail-search fields and follow up on previous clues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We were able to rule out a couple of additional fields and came up with several areas of moderate to strong canine interest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The RARE team searched a corner of a field where the boots were contaminated the previous weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>While they did not find any items which were related to Brandon’s disappearance, they were able to find quite a few small metallic items in the field, demonstrating that this is a useful search technique for small areas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They were confident that Brandon’s remains were not in the portion of the field they searched.</p> <!--EndFragment-->Prayerful For Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569485888747288769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4573629688203205422.post-48171991817671914502010-01-10T08:55:00.001-06:002010-01-10T08:56:34.102-06:00November 14 - 15 Search:<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">A team of ten persons and three HRD canines met for the weekend of November 14-15<sup>th</sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Another square mile of fields and pasture was detail-searched.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Again, the dogs displayed strong interest in a number of areas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Additionally, we had two unusual incidents occur during this weekend that further our belief that we are closing in on the location of Brandon’s remains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">In the first case, the scent of human remains was transferred to a searcher’s boots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>All three dogs later showed interest in the boots during a “scent line-up.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>After considerable follow-up, we theorize that the scent was blown into the area and concentrated in the water that the searcher walked through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The fact that this is the first time we have seen this happen in this case is suggestive that the scent source is relatively close.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Secondly, two of the dogs gave a final response on a field cultivator that was parked alongside a field that we were searching, strongly indicating that the scent of human remains was present on it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There are a number of possible mechanisms for how the scent got there, most of which suggest that the source is relatively close by.</p> <!--EndFragment-->Prayerful For Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569485888747288769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4573629688203205422.post-4005254026000156912010-01-10T08:52:00.003-06:002010-01-10T08:55:19.051-06:00October 31 - November 1 Search:<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">On the weekend of October 31<sup>st</sup> to November 1<sup>st</sup>, a team of twenty persons and four HRD canines resumed the search for Brandon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We focused on systematically searching each tilled field in the 7.5-square-mile high-probability area to the northwest of Porter.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> This type of detailed searching is quite physically demanding on the search teams.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>For each 160 acres of field, the teams may have to walk 20 miles to cover the area to a sufficiently high Probability of Detection (POD).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In wet tilled fields, this is slow and exhausting work.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> During the weekend, the teams detail-searched approximately one square mile and effectively eliminated several fields.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Less detailed searches were conducted over about another square mile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Areas of strong canine interest were found.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>As is typical for this search, most areas of interest appeared to be scent blown-in from elsewhere.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; ">Accompanying the search teams was a documentary film crew led by Christina Fontana.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Christina and her team are working on a documentary about the plight of missing adults in the United States and efforts to promote model legislation throughout the country designed to improve report taking and the investigation of missing adults.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>More information about this project can be found at http://www.voiceforthemissing.com</span></p>Prayerful For Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569485888747288769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4573629688203205422.post-74264517679218352372009-10-31T12:19:00.001-05:002009-10-31T12:22:34.658-05:00SEARCH NOTES - October 26, 2009<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Osaka; font-size: medium; ">With the crops coming out of the fields and the cooler temperatures, the scent conditions have improved significantly for the search dogs.<span> </span>Therefore, the search for Brandon’s remains will resume this weekend. Search teams will focus on the fields in our high-priority area that we have not been able to get into thus far.<span> </span>We are attempting to contact each affected landowner this week.<span> </span>We appreciate your cooperation with this difficult search.<span> </span>As always, we hope to successfully conclude it soon.</span>Prayerful For Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569485888747288769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4573629688203205422.post-9421312426078545452009-07-20T08:45:00.004-05:002009-07-20T08:58:01.724-05:00June 27-28 Search:<span style="font-size:130%;color:#009900;">Thus far in the search, the teams have not been searching in cultivated fields for several reasons, princaipally because we wanted to avoid damaging crops and we felt there was a lower probability that Brandon was located in a field. However, while reviewing the results of the search developed so far, it was clear that there was little left to search in our high - priority area other than the fields. We could no longer ignore the fact that it is possible that Brandon's body was located in a field, especially if he wandered into a field that had already been planted. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#009900;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;"><span style="color:#009900;">The management team attempted to contact every landowner in the area in question to ask several pertinent questions and secure permission to search their fields.</span> </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="color:#993399;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>We want to thank all the landowners who allowed us on their property. We understand your concerns.</strong></span> </span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;">We first searched along the permimeter, we did not search ay further. This was the case on the majority of search missions. We ended up detail-searching only a few corn fields. Again, multiple areas of interest but no remains were found. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc6600;"><span style="color:#006600;">Unfortunately, several factors were working against us at this time in the search. We were unable to contact a few landowners and were therefore unable to search a few high-priority areas. Both the dogs and human team members tire quickly in the summer heat, so we had to start our search efforts very early in the morning. The constant winds make it difficult to pinpoint the source of the scent. And finally, the vegetation has grown to a point where it is over the dogs' (and sometimes the handlers') heads and this makes the team considerably less effective.</span> </span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:180%;color:#000000;">For these reasons, we have decided to temporarily suspend the search. We will resume again after the crops are out of the fields and the scent conditions improve. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Thank you again for your help and patience during this very difficult search.</span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;"></span>Prayerful For Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569485888747288769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4573629688203205422.post-61558852853236664722009-07-20T08:38:00.003-05:002009-07-20T08:44:49.422-05:00June 13-14th Search Notes<span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#993300;">Four HRD canine teams participated in this weekend's search efforts. We searched areas just northwest and west of Porter. Now that we believe we have finally narrowed the search area to under ten square miles, we are beginning to systematically detail -search these areas. Shelter-belts around farmsteads, creeks, ditches, and CRP land were all throroughly searched. We are now attempting to search areas in question throughly enough that we can eleminate them from further consideration. The canines again showed multiple areas of strong interest in the area.</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#993300;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#993300;">It is clear that the constant strong winds in the region are blowing scent around and continuing to make it difficult to quickly narrow the search area. We will continue to systematically detail -search the area in question.</span>Prayerful For Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569485888747288769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4573629688203205422.post-26230723568271902682009-06-11T22:48:00.002-05:002009-06-11T22:51:22.748-05:00June 6th Search:<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We had a single HRD canine team come down on Saturday for a search. The team followed up on the previous weekend's results. While it rained throughout the day, the team had a productive search and came up with additional areas of interest. These results support the belief that we are in the right area. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;"><br /></span></div>Prayerful For Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569485888747288769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4573629688203205422.post-37175975189930060362009-05-29T12:58:00.006-05:002009-06-11T22:48:11.027-05:00<span style="font-size:180%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="">S</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">earch Report for May 30th & 31st</span></span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">We had another strong search effort this weekend. 7 HRD canines and 28 people were involved in the search. The search plan included three areas: 1) The region to the north and east of the Last Know Position (his car) (Region B). The area had received very little searching to date. While we don't have any clues leading to this area, we searched it at the request of the Yellow Medicine County Sheriff to exclude it from further consideration. 2) Several sections along the norther border of Lincoln County to follow up on clues established May 16 - 18. 3) A detailed search of the area around Mud Creek where the canines showed so much interest previously.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Our results: Approximately 11 square miles of Region B was searched. There were no areas of significant interest in the region. There were no areas of interest in Lincoln County. We were able to effectively rule out the possibility that Brandon is located in Mud Creek in the area of question north of Porter. However, we obtained multiple areas of strong interest to the west and south of Mud Creek. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">The search conditions were good on Saturday. On Sunday, the strong south winds made interpreting the canines' results challenging. We believe we are narrowing down the search area. </span></span></span></div>Prayerful For Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569485888747288769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4573629688203205422.post-14933968453794646982009-05-29T12:20:00.003-05:002009-05-29T12:58:40.635-05:00A note from the Search ManagerIn most searches, especially large ones such as this, searchers need to physically search private property. We couldn't complete the search without doing so, since most of the land in the region is private property. While we operate under the jurisdiction of the local Sheriff, we have no more right to trespass on private property than the average citizen. We depend on the goodwill of local landowners to do our job. <br /><br />Most of the time, the Sheriff's Office assists us in notifying landowners and obtaining their permission prior to each search effort. However, that is not always possible to do ahead of time because search plans can change due to a number of variables such as resources available, weather conditions, and clueds developed. In these cases, the search teams are instructed to obtain permission just prior to their search mission. Sometimes this is difficult, because it is not always easy to find out who owns the land we want to search. But we try our best.<br /><br />I want to reassure the landowners in Lincoln, Lyon and Yellow Medicine Counties that we have been and will continue to do our best to obtain permission prior to searching and to protect their property. We use experienced teams that have been trained to protect property. They know to leave gates as they are found, how to cross fence lines without damaging them, and to avoid walking in planted fields. (If they absolutely must cross a short section of field, they know not to step on the plants.) While the dogs are usually worked off leash, they are always under the control of the handler, especially around livestock. The teams are also reminded of these practices at each morning briefing.<br /><br />We will continue these practices throughout the duration of the search. If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact me at 612-708-2996 or your local Sheriff's Office.<br /><br />Jeff Hasse<br />Search ManagerPrayerful For Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569485888747288769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4573629688203205422.post-46539503975637071802009-05-25T20:50:00.006-05:002009-05-26T12:59:06.416-05:00SCHWANS Truck Fundraiser<em>The Schwans Truck Sale Fundraiser is approaching this Saturday, May 30th. </em><div><em>Schwans' will have a truck in the Marshall MN Walmart parking lot and the Balaton MN Public School Parking lot from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. All you do is stop by the truck and purchase items directly from the sales / driver. But, if you can't make it to the truck you can call Schwan's directly and purchase gift certificates to be used at a later date or even sent as a gift. To order a gift certificate call 1-888-413-0003 and <u>select option 2</u> up to May 30th. Inform the Schwan's representative you would like to support the Brandon Swanson Fundraiser. Give them the Campaign ID of either 20863 or 20864. Gift Certificates are available in denominations of $5, $10 and $25. Girft Certificates will be mailed to the address of your choice with a message thanking you for supporting Brandon's search.</em></div><div><br /></div><div></div>Prayerful For Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569485888747288769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4573629688203205422.post-53961461529196382572009-05-25T20:42:00.007-05:002009-06-11T23:02:26.621-05:00SEARCH NOTES - May 16 - 18<span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);">We had a strong showing of canine teams this weekend. 25 people and 8 HRD canines participated in the search efforts, including four canine teams from Florida. The teams covered parts of 31 square miles during the weekend, so a lot of area was excluded. The canines displayed some interest in areas west of Porter, which appeared to be scent borne in on the wind. The strongest area of interest was north of Porter, which appears to be water borne scent. </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);"><br /></span></div><div><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);">We were also able to establish a band of area around the area of previous canine clues where no </span></span></div><div><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);">canine interest was present. The area of negative interest is an important development. Previously, every time we expanded the search, we came up with additional areas of interest. This made it difficult to determine the boundaries of scent (and consequently, the limits of our search area). We hope that this development will help us narrow our search efforts. </span></span></div>Prayerful For Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569485888747288769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4573629688203205422.post-91978264677924608622009-04-30T22:18:00.004-05:002009-04-30T22:24:36.929-05:00Search Reports:<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="">April 25th Search</span></span>:</div><div>A single canine team (four people) conducted several search missions on April 25th. The search plan was to cut for scent north and east of the previous areas of interest. The canine showed mild interest in a couple locations, but no remains were found. Rain prevented a search on April 26th.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">April 4th Search:</span></div><div>18 searchers from six SAR organizations met on the weekend of April 4th for another search. Three HRD canines were involved in the search. The teams conducted searches in areas north of Porter. Multiple areas of canine interest were found in the area, principally along Mud Creek. Two ground teams visually searched along Mud Creek. No remains were found. The teams were forced to go home on Saturday evening due to the snowstorm that moved into the area Saturday evening. </div>Prayerful For Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569485888747288769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4573629688203205422.post-18883448415819927402009-04-30T22:03:00.007-05:002009-04-30T22:18:17.185-05:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">A NOTE FROM THE SEARCH MANAGER</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">:</span> </span></span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">When a search goes on as long as the search for Brandon has, many people experience considerable frustration that he hasn't been found yet. This is natural. We all want this search to be concluded. I believe that part of this frustration lies in how search efforts are often reported in the media. We often see or hear; "A search was conducted today by.... and nothing was found." </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">This is an extremely misleading conclusion.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);"> Trained searchers think of our efforts differently.</span></span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">The statistical boundary for this search gives us a search area of nearly 100 square miles. This is a lot of terrain to cover. There is a standard set of methods we use to establish a list of search priorities (which I explained in detail at the community meeting in March). Once established, we systematically search those areas. Each time we search with canines, we either come up with areas of canine interest or we do not. In fact, on this search, we have always had some results from the canines. These are important clues and they continually guide the next search efforts. And when a canine doesn't show any interest, this is also an important clue, because it helps establish where Brandon is not. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">In every search, we obtain important data.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);"> This understanding keeps us from becoming too frustrated. I hope it helps you too. </span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">Jeff Hasse, Search Manager</span></span></span></span></div></div>Prayerful For Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569485888747288769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4573629688203205422.post-27235627753808920412009-04-15T10:24:00.004-05:002009-04-15T20:41:50.980-05:00Frequent Flyer Miles<div>To donate frequent flyer miles towards the search effort please visit<br /><a href="http://www.nwa.com/worldperks/buymiles.shtml">http://www.nwa.com/worldperks/buymiles.shtml</a> The program allows WorldPerks members to transfer their miles. Please visit the site for details regarding the procedures and guidelines. The site will prompt you to enter the WorldPerks account number and name of the individual you wish to transfer to.</div><br /><div> </div><br /><div> Northwest WorldPerks Account Number 100509138402</div><br /><div> Account Name: Brian Victor Swanson </div><br /><div> </div><br /><div>Air Transportation will solely be used for Search Efforts in the transportation of search team members and/or search dogs. </div>Prayerful For Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569485888747288769noreply@blogger.com