GRANITE FALLS, Minn. -- The search continues for an Xcel Energy contract worker who apparently fell from a dam into the Minnesota River near Granite Falls.
Relatives say 50-year-old Tom Stich, of Rush City, was working for Xcel at the Minnesota Falls dam when he most likely fell into the churning water below Wednesday. Stich was removing debris that plugged a gate on the 17-foot dam. A fellow worker operating a back hoe says he turned his machine away to drop a load and when he turned back Stich was gone.
The West Central Tribune says a life jacket was found about 100 yards downstream. Stich's brother, John, says the family is preparing for the worst.
