Minnesota-Wisconsin K9 Search and Rescue

06/01/2026

What a wonderful training day! Extra thanks to Jane Servais of Mid-Atlantic DOGS Search & Rescue who set up some hides for us so we could practice for our certification evaluation which is coming up in a couple weeks!

05/28/2026

A truly remarkable search effort by the whole community. Thankful that Elijah was located safe.

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Missing Person Elijah McCumber Located Safe

On May 28, 2026, at 10:29 a.m., the Winona County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by a homeowner on Rose Creek Drive who reported seeing a subject matching Elijah “Eli” McCumber’s description.

Deputies responded to the location. K-9 assistance was requested from the Winona Police Department, Houston County Sheriff’s Office, and MN-WI K-9 Search and Rescue. A helicopter was also requested from the Minnesota State Patrol. Houston County deputies and the La Crescent Police Department also responded to assist.

Once on scene, Eli was located inside the residence. Eli was hungry and tired, but safe, after spending more than five days in the woods. Eli was evaluated on scene by Nodine and Dakota First Responders and Tri-State Ambulance, and was then transported to the hospital for treatment.

We would like to thank the following agencies and organizations for assisting in the search: Winona County SOAR Team, Winona County Dive Rescue, Minnesota-Wisconsin K9 Search and Rescue, Mid-Minnesota K9, Houston County Sheriff's Posse, Nodine Fire & Rescue, Dakota Fire & Rescue Department, Pickwick Fire and Rescue, La Crescent Fire & Rescue Department, Winona Fire Department, St. Charles Police Department Police Reserves, La Crescent Police Reserve Unit, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota State Patrol, Houston County Sheriff's Office, La Crescent Police Department, City of La Crosse Police Department, Winona County Dispatch, and Winona County Emergency Management.

Many other agencies had also offered assistance or were planning to help with future search efforts.

A special thank you is extended to area residents for searching, providing food, water, and other resources for searchers.

We are grateful for all of the community support and especially grateful that Eli was located safe.

05/26/2026

Congratulations to Jodi Silvernail and K9 Quigley in passing their human remains detection certification with Law Enforcement Training Specialists

05/23/2026

Well, it is that time of year again when we are looking for hiders for MNWI's annual recertification tests. Do you have some time to give? I know the middle of the week is tough, but that is when the park is just a little quieter. Please consider.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED https://forms.gle/PMD7VTwnt6avEu5MA
MNWIK9 SAR is seeking individuals who are willing to lay some tracks for our search dogs.
Your participation plays a critical role in our training.
Walk up to 1-mile, 4 to 6 hr time commitment. Your assistance is much appreciated.

June 16, 17, 18
8:30am – 4:00pm (approx.)
Chester Woods Cty Park
Eyota, MN

https://forms.gle/PMD7VTwnt6avEu5MA

05/23/2026

Well, it is that time of year again when we are looking for hiders for MNWI's annual recertification tests. Do you have some time to give? I know the middle of the week is tough, but that is when the park is just a little quieter. Please consider.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED https://forms.gle/PMD7VTwnt6avEu5MA
MNWIK9 SAR is seeking individuals who are willing to lay some tracks for our search dogs.
Your participation plays a critical role in our training.
Walk up to 1-mile, 4 to 6 hr time commitment. Your assistance is much appreciated.

June 16, 17, 18
8:30am – 5:00pm (approx.)
Chester Woods Cty Park
Eyota, MN

https://forms.gle/PMD7VTwnt6avEu5MA

05/22/2026

Great evening with the Cub Scout Pack 613-Winona, MN at Michael LaCanne Memorial Park. Gave a short presentation on SAR including a couple of dog demos. Then joined the Cub Scouts for some hotdogs and hamburgers!

05/10/2026

05/10/2026

Wow, what a beautiful Mother’s Day!  We had a wonderful opportunity to train at the Living Waters Bible Camp—they have gorgeous facilities and property! We send them our thanks! We cannot be successful in our mission without the support of our community.