CLEAR LAKE – Folks were angry and horrified Thursday evening after they say a man allegedly used his vehicle to intentionally run over a gaggle of geese along Clear Lake, and police are involved.
A woman witnessed the incident, which Clear Lake Chief of Police Pete Roth confirmed took place at about 4:04 PM at the 10 block of Marflow Street.
“We were called to the location, yes,” Chief Roth told NIT Friday morning. “There was one reporting party, and pictures were taken and evidence collected.”
According to witness accounts and statements made via social media, Robin Wolfram called police after she witnessed Randy Rayhons drive his truck over the geese as they crossed the street.
“Watching it and hearing it… It was so disturbing and has somewhat traumatized me this evening,” Robin Wolfram said.
A relative, Bob Wolfram, also sounded off.
“You can’t imagine how pissed I am after witnessing a neighbor in our quiet cul-de-sac speed up his truck to intentionally plow through a gaggle of geese striking several – with one getting caught under his tire,” Bob Wolfram, known environmentalist, explained. “When witnessed and stopped by my sister Robin Wolfram asking why he intentionally plowed through the geese and killed one, he answered ‘They were in the road, weren’t they?'”
According to Mr. Wolfram, Robin tried to stop Mr. Rayhons from driving over the geese – but to no avail.
“The worst part is that Robin tried to stop him from hitting them and he did it anyway,” Bob Wolfram said.
There was allegedly a younger female in the truck with Mr. Rayhons.
NIT attempted to call Randy Rayhons to a listed phone number Friday morning after speaking with Chief Roth, but the call was not answered.
Robin Wolfram elaborated on the heart-wrenching scene of animals being killed for perhaps no reason. She said “Needless to say it was traumatizing to witness. Even more heartbreaking when another goose kept squawking out for it – even after it was removed from the road.
“We’re hoping law enforcement steps up to do the right thing. It was, without a doubt, a deliberate act. He intentionally sped up to mow into the gaggle. Many were hit but one was crushed under his tire and he just kept going. I even stood in front of his truck to confront him and he was quite proud of his actions. All, while a young woman (I think his daugther) was a witness to it from his passanger seat.”
As the knowledge of this incident spread via social media, many folks could not help contain their anger, as a number of them commented.
Local gun-carrier Todd Blodgett sounded off. He said “keep me apprised on this, and let me know if the law won’t do anything to this bastard. Lots of dudes owe me some major favors, and these guys make Tony Soprano look like Liberace. They’re superb at what they do, and even better at making a quiet, unnoticed exit. Bad seed like his needs to be retired from the gene pool.”
Another man, Fred Heinz, said “Very sad commentary on our society & the lack of respect for other living creatures…as a retired natural resource biologist it never ceases to amaze me how some humans can’t & won’t respect our natural world.”
Chief Roth says the case is being turned over to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the local officer is now investigating, and it appears no charges have been filed to this point.
It was said that other steps are being taken as law enforcement investigates, including calls to PETA and the National Humane Society.
NIT will report more when information is available.
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Note to readers: Mr. Blodgett is legally licensed to carry a weapon. He has also been granted a top-level security clearance by the FBI, which was a required for him to serve on the White House staff. Blodgett also worked for the FBI for nearly three years while his father, Dr. Gary B. Blodgett, served in the administration of President George W. Bush as a federal Administrative Judge.
– Matt Marquardt, Editor/Publisher of NorthIowaToday.com
What a dumb ass article you people and PETA are idiots. You need to get a life. People who make death threats of a goose getting run of by accident are the ones that shouldn’t be contaminating the gene pool with your exsistance. Just more proof on how there are a lot of dumb people making a a big deal over nothing and contribiting to the dumbing down of our society.
Pretty sure it was an intentional act. At the very least taking game with out a license or out of season. But you are correct that it is a lot of fuss and serious threats over a pretty small thing. The purpose of hunting and taking game should be for food and not thrill of killing and waste of food.
You tell them Chief.
I didn’t realize comments can be erased from this site
Anonymous posts, opinions, and words that are of no importance as he, she, or it lacks the courage to publish an actual name with the posts and hides in fear behind a screen name…
I don’t know about the others… But no way do I plan on posting my real name on here. I’ve read the death threats from Mr. Blodgett to Mr. Rayhons and don’t need him coming after me just because I have an opinion different from his.
They each growl like the bear and are actually more like the goose. I wouldn’t fear them or be afraid to post a differing opinion , that is what debate in a free society is all about.
Post using your real name and then report back to us just how well your free speech was honored and respected.
That is the real name I was given and I will not ever change it out of respect for my father and his father. Your given name should never make you feel inferior …
The driver apparently didn’t hear the geese “honking”
And North Iowa F’s up yet another good thing…driving Robin off with trollish behavior that Marquardt fails to police. When will you asstards ever learn? Armpit of Iowa right here.
Of course Marquardt isn’t going to change anything, it is the only way that he gets site hits.
There is nothing of value on this site, only the idiotic and ignorant comments by the dregs of NI and that includes you, Greek boy.
There a few decent people on here, but they are overwhelmed by the stupidity and mental instability of the dumb-asses that are on here everyday.
This site is the gathering place for the misfits and numb-nuts of North Iowa, NITwits if you will.
Your comment has little value since you wrote it in the shadows floating down the yellow river. Anonymous comes cheap these days. Besides, you must be too stupid or uninformed to know the true etiology and timeline for how events unfolded here. Water under the bridge now I suppose. Marquardt should spend a long time pondering alternative realities and what could have been had he not sided with these neocon bigoted trolls, of which I’m happy to include you.
Commentary by a complete failure in life like you, holds no merit and is as worthless as you are.
Get back with me when and if you ever actually accomplish something or anything.
Peter Lagios, a blowhard narcissist with a thesaurus and nothing else, just a drain on society.
Your ‘Society’ is suspect. I provide the critical review you’d rather not hear. I blow your Zen. Understandably that makes you unconfortable. Easier to attack the messenger.
And stop printing my name troll. Anonymous yellows haven’t the right.
Are you implying you’re not a drain on society?
“the right”? That’s funny.
Are you implying Native Americans wouldn’t be living in teepees had Europeans never invaded?
Peter L, the implication is that we may have been better off if we had turned the Europeans around at Plymouth rock and not allowed imigration. I doubt we would be living in teepees, but more importanly we would be able to look up to our leaders…
William Penn was a decent guy, but the Jamestown crew were pretty much scourge…reneging on treaties, faking native raids, pushing westward past the Ohio Valley. The lies and Indian trading of Capt. John Smith…
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However, none of that is relevant to why you were previously insulting me by your nuanced question.
Peter L, The nuanced question was directed to Anonymous regarding his comment about you being a drain on society, try rereading the thread the reply, ” and you aren’t a drain on society was under a reply to Anonymous…please try to keep up…
I heard today that the Ventura City Guy and DNA were down at the Grate/T area cleaning up the roadkill geese off the road. Just wondering Robin if you will be pressing charges and having them open investigations into those geese as well? At least down there you could pull photos off the speed camera and would have some hard evidence rather than your “He said/She said” Bullshit.
There is no speed camera in Ventura and if you are simple enough to believe that, I have some land in Florida you might want to develop…just needs a little drainage work…
Daniel, not sure if you are familiar with sarcasm or not, but that was what I was doing. Also I wanted to point out another waste of Ventura’s tax dollars at work as speed cameras where purchased and installed however were destroyed in the first rain storm.
That’s very easy, and very cowardly to call people names and say rude things while you hide behind a fake name. I noticed Robin posts on this site using her actual name. I hope all who read this judge your remarks as those of a gutless coward.
So Robin spends an illustrious career in Rochester as its brightest newscaster and returns to her home area to be affronted by this? C’mon North Iowa trolls…shape up. It’s pathetic. You are all PATHETIC. She saw some asshole run over geese on purpose and wanted to do something to help. WTF is wrong with you people? Don’t make her regret her decision to come back. How many of you are pathetic men who used to watch her on the news, dreaming of how you could never have her…and now are using this opportunity to show your emasculated frustration? Be honest now…you corn surrounded hillbillies.
From what I heard she was at the end of her driveway not in front of his truck.
She/I was coming out my front door and walking to the edge of the lawn as I saw the truck speed up towards the geese. I did walk out to the road to confront him and he admitted to it.
Enough said.
It is a fact that a person is inocent until proven guilty, or pleads guilty. In this case with such a compeling eye witness, Mr. Rayhons would be well advised to plead guilty and avoid a public trial. As his chance of being found inocient are slim to none, and I’m pretty sure Slim’s out of town
Your comment earlier, ” this long useless discussion” and yet here you are still discussing long and uselessly…
Why does nothing happen to people if they hit a deer in city limits. But you want to charge a person for a goose that got hit
How many people “intentionally,” hit a deer, in the city limits or otherwise.
Excellent answer to a really stupid question…
Ventura truly must be an unusual and interesting place to reside with all these characters and incidents to ponder…
Awful, also just as awful Todd Blodgett’s irrational response, no wonder the U.S. laws are worthless, the mindset of politicians, do not reflect the public.
Side note. Randy rathons dad charged bobby wolfram with assault about twelve years ago. Bobby wiped goose shit all over his face in about the same spot. Bobby spent a week in jail. Good to know all the back story
by far the most useful piece of information in this long useless discussion thread. thanks!
Your absolutely right, it has nothing to do with the original article. Just somebody trying to add their worthless 2 cents, like me.
Not true. Frank JR rayons swerved in nearly the same spot to try and strike my brothers dog Who had hip dysplasia Andy was sitting on the side of the road unable to move. It was witnessed, that Frank, intentionally swerved to the other side of the road to try and hit the dog. Bobby chased after him and had a few words. No goose dung was involved. Be mindful of stories you call facts.
Like father like son I suppose.
Regardless, two separate incidents two separate individuals.
Lol. “Be mindful of stories you call facts”. That’s rich coming from you. Maybe you should take your own advice.
Have another drink my friend for as what you say makes no sense at all.
I am anything but your friend, but since you seem to be confused let me try to explain. Lol means “laugh out loud”. And if anybody needs another drink it should be Bob Wolfram. I tried to read his comment below “just some truth to the back story…” Has he ever heard of proof reading or maybe he shouldn’t “have another drink”.
Just some truth to the back story.. I never ever wiped goose poop all over his dads head… His dad tried running over my dogs swerving way outr of his lane of travel to do so.. I chased him down and called him on it and he called the Sheridff and told them that I threatened to kill he and his wife… They wanted me to serve several years in jail. I refused to plea bargin and spent seven days in jail for their for telling the way it really happened Thanks for the back story if though it was fabricated. The family is full of hate.
Sounds like you CL swampers need to take this BEEF back to the trailer park.
Bobbie. Why would u spend time in jail for something u didn’t do. And was that before or after u on drugs decided to intentionally run your motorcycle into a train u saw coming
If you had to spend seven days in jail you should have jacked his jaw for satisfaction.
Last I knew it’s been a law for cats and dogs to be on a leash and not run freely in the city. But then again they can’t park on the right side of the road either
The utterly fatuous reactions here about what Mr. Blodgett allegedly said are similar to what one could expect from patients in a psych ward. Some of you seem to believe that Mr. Rayhons deserves to die for killing a goose. I am beginning to see the difference between Blodgett, who occasionally makes some provocative statements, and you people, who really are crazy.
BTW Todd B’s comments are criminal in nature and that of a buffoon.
@ JM – No threats were made, and nothing in the cited quote would ever stand up in any court. He knew what he was doing. I read Blodgett’s columns, and have spoken with him a few times over the years. We are not on the same side politically speaking, but Todd does not go off half-cocked. He does give that impression at times. He is very calculating. I do not say this to disparage him. In person, he is nothing like what we thought he would be. One of his friends is a neighbor of ours. She told us that Blodgett is writing a book. When this is taken into consideration, the manner in which Todd operates does begin to make sense.
There is an implied threat in his comments. If they were directed at me I would be concerned. I don’t think Mr. Rayhons deserves to be threatened for running over a goose.
@ JM: I deal with judges nearly every week. What you believe was implied is only based on what you inferred. The quote was cleverly termed, and could not be used to bring any charge which would stick. You’re not a lawyer, are you?
You’re correct, I’m not a lawyer. However, I can read and there is an implied threat and perhaps cleverly stated to evade criminal charges. Honestly, what do you think he’s saying? What I read is that he knows people (whether true or not I don’t know) who make Tony Soprano look like Liberace. Comparing a mobster to Liberace makes the leap that these are bad people. Further he says ” They’re superb at what they do, and even better at making a quiet, unnoticed exit” and later “bad seed like his needs t be retired from the gene pool.” Don’t you take that as a threat? It may not be a crime to make an implied threat but it doesn’t mean it isn’t there.
Guns don’t kill geese, trucks do. I say we get rid of all trucks.
I thought people in that area and cul-de-sac were tired of the geese always pooping on their docks and other properties. Seems they can’t decided if they love ’em or hate ’em…. There are a lot more important things in life to be worried about right now
Granted, the poop isn’t always welcome. but the geese are a glorious part of our park and cul-de-sac. If you don’t like the poop… Put on shoes. It’s a park after all… And abutting a lake for crying out loud. Regardless… There are ways to handle the situation far, far better than plowing into them with a truck. Sick and twisted.
Perhaps if you witnessed it personally, you would think differently.
What a great use of our law enforcement Robin! Thanks for spending my tax money to fuel your pathetic family feud over a stupid bird.
Like others I too am outraged by this malicious act. But since we are on topic, our well intended but counter productive feeding of geese has completely upset the ebb and flow of their migratory nature. They winter over and are becoming domesticated. Large flocks who linger in North Iowa for generations is not good for them or for us.
Right on R. C. Most pilgrims here haven’t had a yard full of stupid ass geese laying logs bigger than a small dog and the stench is awful! Now it’s time to mow, oh yeah!!
.More facts, you must be getting your nose very close to those goose logs to smell them. I walk the trails in east park every day and I never smell them. Maybe it’s your grass clippings that you smell, damn, is it time to mow already. If you had geese in your yard, you wouldn’t have to mow, as they would mow for you.
Homeless person nobody would care.
This can be handled without Nazis like Peta or National Humane Society being involved.
Canada geese are federal property. The IDNR needs to do something about this. This is the kind of person that will run over every animal that he sees in the street, family cat, dog, turtle, etc. Too bad nobody has an A1 Abrams, which they could use to run over his truck, if it was in the street. Oh yes, it will do a good job, as I witnessed it Iraq.
What kind of low life does this to an innocent animal!!!!!
Hey people this story is on the man that ran over a goose. Do you get that? It is like you think Mr. Blodgett will get him for real. Yeah right. Get a life. I mean who gives a rat’s about this rat that has wings? Some of you are crazy, I think. Jesus.
@ Joe W. Your a fool. I was at the bar that night. Blodgett did not shoot nobody, the gun he had on him was all legal. He was not drunk. Not even close. It was two carnies, not one you fool. They stole his bill fold, there was something like $500 in it. One of the carnies did get away. So Blodgett and the other one, they start to argue back and fourth. yes Blodgett did pull his gun, the damn thief he got all scared and starts talking. The lady at the bar that owns the place, she calls the cops. They take the kid away, I heard that the both of them did some time for this. Get your facts right fool or STFU.
You know what sucks? Geese.
Geese are the animal equivalent of Kanye West or Glenn Beck. They enjoy listening to themselves make sounds, as evidenced by their incessant honking. Have any of your experiences with geese been silent? Nope, didn’t think so. Geese do not shut up. Geese continue to generate noise under the impression that someone is listening to them. Geese believe that their noise is better than any other noise, and that everyone should hear them because their noise is awesome. Geese are self-satisfied pricks.
If you like geese, you probably also enjoy activities such as opening clamshell packaging and chopping large quantities of onions. Perhaps you also listen to dubstep, and maybe indulge in a little armchair literary criticism from time to time. You may be employed as a telemarketer, or a used-car salesman, or the CEO of a major company. You probably have no friends, or if you do, they’re all like you. I pity you.
tl;dr: geese are assholes and have no friends
there are places you can go to receive help, don’t even have to give your name
The Todd Blodgett part of this story was amazing.
Why amazing. It is just him. Is this something he said on Face book, or what. This Rayons, he should keep a eye open at night. Heard a couple years ago Blodgett, he shot at some college kid, that was working to pay for school. Worked for a carneval, Blodgett said you took my wallet. The money all turned up, the kid was not hurt Blodgett must of missed. So when the cops come they did not take Blodgetts gun away. Even tho he was stinky drunk. Must be nice to have a Republitard get out of a jail free card. This would of been me, they would of locked me up. I hear he is also on drugs. Crack and meth, pot yes. You name it Blodgett smokes it up.
About 25% of your story is correct. Amazing was the wrong word to use. Amusing is a better description, I’m sure these people he talks about like his discretion.
Damn you are stupid.
Your stupid
Why yes , keep me abreast of this situation as well . I was on the White House secret staff for the Clintons. I don’t need to carry a gun. I taught Judo and macrame’. P.S. we are all so effed up as a country when our cats and geese are valued more than a human life
Did anyone say a cat or gooses life is more important than humans? Did I miss something here?
Welcome to NIT Robin, where patrons check their I Q s at the door.
our courts deem an animal’s life more important , e.g. abortion
This is so bad, what kind of man could do that to them poor birds. I hope Mr. Blodgett goes after this bad man, he don’t deserve to live no more. I have been crying since I seen this, would of tried to stop him to if I could. I hope to read a obit on this bad man real soon.
This one is for you, Roxanne:
https://youtu.be/T-TljqEQ-tc
Well if anything happens to this person, law enforcement will know who to question first.
@ Anonymous, I see that you, too, have taken Blodgett’s bait. I do not know the man, but some friends of mine do. They all say he likes to provoke readers. It’s all a game for him, and he plays it very well. Note that the article makes no mention of NIT having contacted Mr. Blodgett. This was probably just a Facebook post. Not anyhing that he would ever tell a journalist, at least not for the record. If you think that Todd Blodgett will arrange for anything to happen to this guy, dream on. He manipulated you, and the rest of you wild-eyed dreamers. But dream on.
What he did was hunted geese out of season he should be fined 150 dollars for each goose and if he hunts should lose that privilege just like someone who poached them with a gun
There is nothing natural about these pests. We’ve exterminated most of the predators keping these flying rats in check, which is why their numbers are exploding. They are not wild but semi-domesticated. this is why they waddle out in front of cars and humans, hedging their bets that we will stop and wait for them to pass. Wanton killing is morally disturbing under all circumstances, but as far as the eco system goes, what he did was a good thing.
Here we have a callous bully stepping up to have his IP traced and identity revealed…turned over to Todd Blodgett. Anymore? Be nice to hit a few birds with one stone…so to speak.
You’re disappointing me Petey. The world is full of kind, well meaning imbeciles who care for the environment (as seen through their SUV window), loves wild animals (they’re so fun to feed!) and hate cruel hunters (enjoying yummy meat is fine, just not hunting the innocent wildlife for it) This mindset is pretty much mainstream and one grows used to it. You, however, is a vegan and environmentalist, and I expected a bit more from you.
Today, it is like a cold day in hell for me, I agree with something Todd Blodgett said. On this geese thing. Bad people like the man that run over them geese, we don’t need his kind. Good for Mr Blodgett, he said something I can agree with all the way.
@ Union, I hate to tell you this, but I know Todd, he won’t get anybody to rough up this guy. No way. Todd plays with words, he is real good at it. Probably he just threw this out on FaceBook to see what people’s reaction would be. Looks like he is getting some.
What a jerk. Unfortunately, I don’t think there is any law against it. I have seen other people go on the parking trying to hit ducks. Why would anyone do something like that is hard to understand.
Time to change that with new laws, new city council members, new Mayor. Here’s a quick thought that comes to mind. Robin Wolfram for At-Large and Bob Wolfram for Mayor of Clear Lake 2017… or flip it around. Sounds like a plan. Animal welfare activists have my vote any day of the week.
I cant believe anyone would do this, what a loser, people like this are disgusting human beings frankly.
trump 2016
I’m passing this on to my Vegan Anima Rights Warriors. Thanks to Robin and Bob for confronting this. I like Todd’s statements, as foreboding as they may seem. When the mob is working on the good side, you can’t help but smile.
“Vegan Anima Rights Warriors” Clear this up for me; was that supposed to read….Vegan ENIMA Rights Warriors?
This is disgusting. Not only is it cruel to chase down innocent animals but to subject bystanders to this cruel act. Think about how many families stop out with young children to visit the lake or to throw bread at the geese. Such a disgrace.
Always 2 interpretations last I knew a person is innocent until proven guilty. Wander what really happened
Do you really think Robin Wolfram, a KTTC news anchor would make up or lie about this story?
Yes. I know for a fact. Not all the story is true. She
Sounds to me like there are a whole lot of people out there who need to get a job! They have too much time on their hands! It was just a goose, not someone’s child. Good Lord!!!
If you know for a fact, then come out from behind being “Anonymous” and give authorities a report. I am close contact with the DNR and local authorities and I’m certain another witness would be appreciated.
I don’t think she works there anymore. I heard she was fired
Correct on one point, I don’t work at KTTC any longer as I resigned my position to become both my parents full time caregiver. Station management was gracious enough to let me out of my contract a year early so as to keep my parents from entering a nursing home.
This will be my last response here on the matter as caring for two elderly parents with serious health complications continues to be my priority. I have done all I can do on the matter and will leave it in the hands of the authorities.