Body of Todd County man found in pond

STAPLES -- The body of a 69-year-old Todd County man was found in a pond on his property located in Moran Township, three miles south of Staples.

William Russell Heldman was reported missing to the Todd County Sheriff's Department about 2:15 a.m. Friday after he failed to return home after checking his corn for moisture. Family members found Heldman's truck about a half-mile from his residence.

The sheriff's department, along with the Wadena and Todd county posse units, a State Patrol helicopter, Staples Fire Department, Central Lakes Search and Rescue Team, several K-9 units, friends and family members searched the area where Heldman's truck was found.

About 1:30 p.m. the Morrison County Sheriff's Department Dive Team arrived and began searching a small pond close to where Heldman's truck was located. An hour later Heldman's body was recovered form the pond.

The sheriff's department is investigating Heldman's death. An Autopsy has been scheduled with the Anoka County Coroner's Office to determine the cause of death.