Toxic algal blooms suspected in Blaine County

Blaine County has posted its first signs warning people to use extreme caution at Cow Creek Reservoir southwest of Chinook, where it has first reported possible toxic algal bloom leading to the death of a young dog.

Blaine County Sanitarian Ron Andersen said the Blaine County Health Department first posted warnings over the weekend after people reported blue-green algae at the reservoir, and the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office posted five warning signs, one at each access point.

Andersen said as soon as blooms are reported, the county will post warnings.

The blooms don’t always produce toxins,...