Authorities are continuing to search for the body of Guy Miller, the Minto, N.D., farmer whose vehicle was swept off of a rural road by floodwaters early last week.
Firefighters, water rescue personnel and family members continue to search mornings and evenings every day in the area about three miles west of Minto, where his vehicle was discovered along a riverbank, according to Walsh County Sheriff Lauren Wild.
"It's going to take patience," the sheriff said of the search. "The scene has changed dramatically since the beginning. We're walking the riverbanks, watching for changes in the water, and keeping our fingers crossed."
While floodwaters receded quickly for a few days last week, much water remains in the Forest River and its tributary coulees and in adjacent fields, he said.
Miller's vehicle left the water-covered gravel road at about 7 p.m. April 30. It remains hung up on a bank, still partially submerged, where it was left by the floodwaters in a coulee here, about a quarter-mile from where it left the road.
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The coulee flows into the Forest River, which crested last week, another quarter-mile away.
An unmanned aircraft from the Grand Forks County Sheriff's Department was used Friday to check treetops and other areas that are inaccessible by boat or by foot, according to Wild, who added that drones might be used again.
The area is restricted, the sheriff said, with only authorized people allowed to assist.
"We have people volunteering to help, but it's dangerous along that river," Wild said.
Call Bonham at (701) 780-1110; (800) 477-6572, ext. 1110; or send email to kbonham@gfherald.com .
