Paul Charles Volness, 64, of Cokato, sustained life-threatening injuries in a vehicle crash that took place at the intersection of Hwy. 15 and Meeker Cty. 18 in Collinwood  Township Tuesday at approximately 5:15 p.m., according to the Minnesota State Patrol (MSP).

MSP reported Volness was driving a 2007 Saturn Vue traveling westbound on Meeker Cty. 18 when he collided with a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Shane Donald Pitzl, 44, of Annandale who was driving northbound on Hwy 15.

Volness was not wearing a seatbelt, and was transported to Hennepin County Medical Center. The Meeker County Sheriff’s Office, Dassel Fire and Rescue, and Allina Ambulance responded to the scene.

• Prepare trunks with a winter survival car kit.
• Fill up fuel tank and make sure tires are fully inflated.
• Consider Emergency Roadside Assistance coverage if you don’t currently have it.

The Meeker County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a house fire Jan. 10, at 1:48 a.m., in the 65200 block of 225^th Street in Darwin Township. Meeker County deputies, Litchfield Fire, Dassel Fire, and Mayo Ambulance responded to the scene. The home sustained severe damage and may be a total loss. It was believed the fire started outside in a garbage can, and then spread to the house. No injuries were reported. The home is owned by Cooper Barrick, 35, of Litchfield.