(Green Lake WI ) -- An underground coal mine that was stolen from eastern Kentucky has been found submerged in Green Lake in south-central Wisconsin, authorities announced today.
The coal mine had been missing since November 18, when miners reporting for work discovered that the mine entrance and cage elevator were gone. A handwritten message nailed to a nearby tree read “The mine is MINE.” Further investigation showed that the main mineshaft and smaller offshoots had also been taken.
According to Green Lake Sheriff George Stickle, the lake’s 237-foot depth makes it an ideal depository for stolen goods. In this case, ice fishermen discovered the mine after netting walleye and perch suffering from black-lung disease.
The coal mine had been missing since November 18, when miners reporting for work discovered that the mine entrance and cage elevator were gone. A handwritten message nailed to a nearby tree read “The mine is MINE.” Further investigation showed that the main mineshaft and smaller offshoots had also been taken.
According to Green Lake Sheriff George Stickle, the lake’s 237-foot depth makes it an ideal depository for stolen goods. In this case, ice fishermen discovered the mine after netting walleye and perch suffering from black-lung disease.