In what started as a potentially disturbing discovery, investigators were called to the Otter Tail River near Fergus Falls on Wednesday evening after a report of possible human remains. Around 6:30 p.m., the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office, Fergus Falls Police, and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension responded to the scene, just west of Fergus Falls city limits in Buse Township.
After careful examination, investigators determined the “remains” were old Halloween decorations that had been discarded in the river and had been there for some time.
Though it turned out to be a false alarm, authorities appreciated the vigilance of the caller. The case serves as a reminder to dispose of seasonal decorations responsibly to avoid confusion.