UPDATE: Driver is charged in this crash.

MIDDLEVILLE TOWNSHIP, MN – The Wright County Sheriff’s Office received a report yesterday at 11:09 a.m. that a passing motorist observed a vehicle in the west side of the ditch on Wright County Road 7, about one-fourth mile south of Wright County Road 35 in Middleville Township, according to a report from the sheriff’s office.

Upon arrival, deputies located a 1984 Chevrolet Corvette. The driver of the vehicle, Stephen Dooher, 22, of Waverly was transported to St. Cloud Hospital via ground ambulance for his injuries. Further investigation led to the discovery of three deceased persons who appeared to have been ejected from the vehicle. Those people are Andrea Northern, 23, of South Haven; Michael Demars, 22, of Maple Lake; and Derek Kammerer, 22, of Maple Lake, according to the report.

The initial investigation indicates the vehicle was southbound prior to leaving the roadway. Investigators believe the accident occurred sometime during the evening hours of October 27 or early morning hours of October 28, and went undiscovered until late Tuesday morning, according to the report.

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Howard Lake Fire Department, Howard Lake Ambulance, Maple Lake Fire Department and Allina Ambulance. The incident remains under investigation by the Wright County Medical Examiner and the Wright County Sheriff’s Office, according to the report.

Sheri Lumley, who had two children participating in the course, said her family has had experience with similar programs in Stearns and Sherburne Counties, and was very pleased with the course and instruction offered by Rockford Firearm Safety.  Her husband, Mark Lumley, is an avid hunter and believes all responsible gun owners and hunters want not only their children but everyone to attend firearms safety training.
Lumley’s son, Joel, completed the course but plans to concentrate on bow hunting.  Lumley’s daughter, Sarah, has no plans to hunt but was encouraged to take the class in order to be aware of gun safety while living in a home with guns and a family of hunters.
The course provides training in the safe storage, handling and carrying of guns, as well as awareness of others and one’s surroundings while hunting.
For more information on a DNR safety training program, call 800-366-8917.

and
WHEREAS, Howard Lake’s First Responders are dedicated to reducing the occurrence of home fires and home fire injuries through prevention and protection education; and
WHEREAS, Howard Lake’s residents are responsive to public education measures and are able to take personal steps to increase their safety from fire, especially in their homes; and
WHEREAS, Residents who have planned and practiced a home fire escape plan are more prepared and will therefore be more likely to survive a fire; and
WHEREAS, the 2008 Fire Prevention Week theme is “It’s Fire Prevention Week – Prevent Home Fires!” effectively serves to remind us all of the simple actions we can take to stay safer from fire during Fire Prevention Week and year-round.
Therefore, I, Richard Lammers, Mayor of Howard Lake, do hereby proclaim October 5 – 11, 2008 as Fire Prevention Week throughout this city, and I urge all the people of Howard Lake to protect their homes and families by heeding the important safety messages of Fire Prevention Week 2008, and to support the many public safety activities and efforts of Howard Lake’s fire and emergency services.

One of our auxiliary members will pick up the essays at the school office that day for judging. The auxiliary submits one winner for each 15 students to the district level.
District winners compete at state level. The first place winners at the state level is then advanced to national competition. The winners from each state then compete for the national prize. The top 45 national winners receive  a $1,000 savings bond minimum. The first place award is currently a $10,000 savings bond plus an all-expense paid trip to Washington DC for the winner and a parent or guardian.
The following awards will be given to the local Patriot Pen winners – first place, $250 and a plaque; second place, $150 and a plaque; third place, $100; and fourth place, $75.
The winners are invited to the VFW Post 2 and auxiliary meeting and meal Saturday, Jan. 3 in Belle Plaine. The winners will be notified in advance and sent a personal invitation.
The post and auxiliary will pay for the meals of the essay winners, their parents’ meals, and also the meal of the first place winner’s teacher.

Entrants must also submit a typed copy of the essay and a completed entry form for judging. Deadline is Saturday, Nov. 1. An auxiliary member will pick up the entries at the high school office that day.
The auxiliary submits one winner for each 15 students to the district level. District winners compete at state level. State winners receive an all-expense paid trip to Washington DC to compete at the VFW national level. All winners must begin at the post level. At national level, the first-place winner receives a $30,000 scholarship.
Money and other prizes will be given by our auxiliary, the 2nd District, Department of Minnesota and Nationals.

Proceeds will be used for Heaver’s medical bills due to surgery.