“Until everyone can make plans on safe alternatives to driving impaired, our officers will continue to conduct dedicated patrols to arrest drunk drivers,” says Lieutenant J.D. Carlson. “We are at the point now where impaired driving cannot be tolerated. We’re calling on citizens to join us in this fight to keep roads safe.”

In addition to DWI enforcement during the campaign, Albert Lea Police Department also issued 44 seat belt citations under Minnesota’s primary seat belt law, which allows law enforcement to solely stop and cite unbelted drivers and passengers for not buckling up. Each year 75 percent of drinking drivers killed in crashes are also not belted. During the same period in 2009, there were 8 DWI arrests and 28 seatbelts citations from the combined Freeborn County law enforcement agencies.

Despite significant reductions in alcohol-related deaths in recent years — 2009 had the lowest alcohol-related death count on record (141) — impaired driving still accounts for one-third of all traffic deaths annually in Minnesota. During 2007–2009, there were 1,386 traffic deaths statewide of which 494 motorists alcohol-related. During that same time period 107,376 motorists were arrested for DWI — 32,759 last year. In Freeborn County during 2007–2009, there were 26 traffic deaths of which 5 were alcohol-related. Another 542 motorists were arrested for DWI — one in seven Minnesota drivers has a DWI on record. The local economic impact of alcohol-related fatalities was $6,160,000.

The enforcement and education effort is funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and is a component of the state’s Toward Zero Deaths traffic safety program. TZD is the state’s core traffic safety program that uses a multidisciplinary approach to address traffic issues regionally through enforcement, education, engineering and emergency trauma care. The goal of the TZD is fewer than 400 road deaths by 2010.

The effort is coordinated by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) Office of Traffic Safety. Around 400 Minnesota law enforcement agencies will participate in the effort aimed toward taking impaired drivers off the road and encouraging motorists to make safe decisions. Last year, alcohol-related crashes factored in 141 deaths of 421 total road fatalities.

Officers will combine DWI patrols with seat belt enforcement as each year 75 percent of drinking drivers killed are also not belted. Minnesota’s primary seat belt law requires drivers and passengers in all seating positions —including the back seat — to be buckled up or in the correct child restraint. Law enforcement will stop and ticket drivers and passengers solely for seat belt violations.

“If you don’t want to get arrested for DWI, if you don’t want to kill or injure yourself or others, if you don’t want your life turned upside down — get in the habit of planning for  a safe and sober ride,” says Lieutenant J.D. Carlson. “It’s that simple, the fight against drunk driving has gone on long enough. There’s no excuse for driving impaired.”

DPS reports enhanced DWI enforcement campaigns factored in the state tallying a record-low number of alcohol-related deaths in 2009. Last year, 141 motorists were killed in alcohol-related crashes — 3 in Freeborn County. Despite the drop in deaths, DPS reports alcohol-related crashes still accounted for more than one-third of all road deaths — matching historical trends.

During 2007–2009, there were 1,386 traffic deaths statewide of which 494 motorists alcohol-related.  During that same time period 107,376 motorists were arrested for DWI — 32,759 last year. In Freeborn County during 2007–2009, there were 26 traffic deaths of which 5 were alcohol-related. Another 542 motorists were arrested for DWI — one in seven Minnesota drivers has a DWI on record. The local economic impact of alcohol-related fatalities was $6,160,000.

Minnesota law states that motorists can be arrested for impaired driving even if their alcohol-concentration level is under 0.08 — the state’s legal limit — if they demonstrate impaired driving behavior. The consequences of a DWI can vary depending on many factors including alcohol-concentration, previous offenses and if there was an injury related to a crash. A first-time DWI offense will trigger an automatic driver’s license revocation for up to a year. The cost of a DWI can reach $20,000 when factoring legal, court and other administrative fees.

Those arrested for DWI now have an option to regain their driving privileges sooner by having an interlock device installed in their vehicle. Potential participants of the Minnesota Ignition Interlock Program can learn more at www.minnesotaignitioninterlock.org. Interlock devices are installed in vehicles and require a driver to provide a breath sample in order for the vehicle to start. Safety officials say interlocks ensure DWI offenders are driving legally and safely. Interlocks will be required by law beginning in July 1, 2011, for certain DWI offenders.

Lt. Carlson reminds Freeborn County motorists, especially young adults, to plan ahead for a safe ride home before celebrating. Young people continue to be the primary violators when it comes to impaired driving offenses. Statewide from 2007–2009, nearly 32,000 motorists 24 years of age and younger were arrested for DWI. In Freeborn County 180 motorists arrested for DWI were age 24 and younger — including 60 under the legal drinking age.

The enforcement and education effort is funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and is a component of the state’s Toward Zero Deaths(TZD) traffic safety program. TZD is the state’s core traffic safety program that uses a multidisciplinary approach to address traffic issues regionally through enforcement, education, engineering and emergency trauma care. The goal of the TZD is fewer than 400 road deaths by 2010.

The safety message comes as around 400 Minnesota law enforcement agencies ramp up DWI patrols through Labor Day. In addition to preventing illegal underage drinking, the effort intends to curb young people from drinking and driving.

“Young adults take plenty of risks, including drinking and driving,” says Lieutenant J.D. Carlson. “With parties going on during the start of the school year, we’re asking students to think twice about making dangerous decisions and encouraging parents to be our partners in this effort.”

The state’s “Not a Drop” law says driving minors cited for any amount of alcohol use will lose their license from 30 to 180 days, and face up to a $700 fine and 90 days in jail. Minors will lose their license until age 18 if they are arrested for DWI or involved in an impaired driving crash or crime. Trying to purchase alcohol with a fake ID can result in a loss of driving privileges for at least 90 days.

Adults who provide alcohol to underage drinkers will be held responsible and face serious criminal and legal consequences and are also subject to civil liability in cases of injury, property damage or death. Civil liability is not covered by most insurance.

“If an adult provides alcohol to an underage person and that person is killed or injured or if they kill or injure someone else, the adult can be charged with a felony and face time in prison,” says Lt. Carlson.

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER
221 EAST CLARK STREET
ALBERT LEA, MN 56007

In accordance with Section 3.01 of the Charter of the City of Albert Lea and with applicable State law, you are hereby notified that a special closed meeting for preliminary consideration of allegations or charges against an individual subject to its authority of the Albert Lea City Council has been called by Mayor Michael K. Murtaugh and will be conducted at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, August 9, 2010 in the City Center Council Chambers.

This notice is served as a requirement of Minnesota Statue 13D.05 subd.2(b)

___/s/________________________
Secretary to the City Council

“Every time you get behind the wheel put safety first — travel at the posted speed limit and reduce your risk for a crash,” says Lt. J.D. Carlson. “The posted speed is the speed limit.”

Speeding is the most commonly reported factor in fatal crashes. Each year in Minnesota, speed contributes to more than 100 traffic deaths and 300 life-altering, serious injuries. In the three-year period 2007–2009 in Minnesota, speed contributed to 9 traffic deaths in Freeborn County and 325 fatalities statewide — resulting in an economic impact of more than $390 million.

In Freeborn County, a typical 10 mph over the limit speeding ticket can cost $120. Among those cited for speed, those most in excess were an individual cited in Freeborn County for 71 mph in a 30 mph zone, and in Albert Lea for 59 mph in a 40 mph zone. The highest speed recorded was 87 mph in a 55 mph zone in Freeborn County. Freeborn County deputies cited 130 of the 158 total.

The speed enforcement and education effort is coordinated by the Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety. The campaign is a component of the state’s Toward Zero Death program (TZD). TZD is a multi-agency approach to address traffic issues regionally through enforcement, education, engineering, and emergency trauma care and response.

Obey the Sign. Or Pay the Fine.

The article, “A Town’s Health Makeover. How the Minnesota community of Albert Lea is going after a longer and fitter life span,” highlights 2009’s Blue Zones project and the work the National Vitality Center, Statewide Health Improvement Program and Pioneering Healthier Communities are doing now.

For more information about the National Vitality Center, SHIP and PHC go to www.healthyfreeborncounty.org or contact Pat Garbisch at coordinator@nationalvitalitycenter.org or 507-369-5545.

Driver distraction is a leading factor in crashes in Minnesota, accounting for at least 25 percent of all crashes annually, resulting in 70 deaths and 350 injuries. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety reports these numbers are vastly underreported due to the challenges of determining “distraction” as a contributing crash factor.

The campaign will have a comprehensive focus on all distractions behind the wheel, beyond cell phone use and texting, according to Lt. J.D. Carlson.

“Inattentive driving includes a range of distractions, from daydreaming to reaching for items to changing music,” says Lt. Carlson. “Our intent is to make contact with as many motorists as possible to educate them that when you’re behind the wheel, your absolute focus needs to be on the road.”

In Minnesota it is illegal for drivers to read or compose texts/emails, and access the Web on a wireless device while the vehicle is in motion or a part of traffic, such as at a stoplight. It is illegal for drivers under age 18 to use a cell phone at any time. Other laws address a driver’s “duty to drive with due care.”

There are four main types of driver distraction.

• Visual — looking away from the road.
• Mechanical/Physical — taking hands off the wheel: manipulation of controls, such as dialing a cell phone or adjusting radio or music device.
• Cognitive — being “lost in thought,” or focusing on a conversation, resulting in withdrawing from situational awareness.
• A combination of these — reading a map or texting while driving.

Distractions cause drivers to react more slowly to traffic conditions or events, such as a vehicle stopping or pulling out in traffic. To minimize distractions:

• Cell phones: turn off cell phones, or place them out of reach to avoid the urge to dial or answer. If a passenger is present, ask them to handle calls/texts.
• Music and other controls: Pre-program your favorite radio stations for easy access and arrange music (mp3 player/CDs/tapes) in an easy-to-access spot. Adjust mirrors and heat/AC before traveling, or ask a passenger to assist.
• Navigation: Designate a passenger to serve as a co-pilot to help with directions. If driving alone, map out destinations in advance, and pull over to a safe location to study a map.
• If you cannot avoid eating or drinking, at least avoid messy foods, and be sure food and drinks are secured.
• Teach children the importance of good behavior in the vehicle; do not underestimate how distracting it can be to tend to children in a vehicle.
• If you’re a passenger, speak up to stop drivers from distracted driving behaviors.

“No matter how routine driving may seem, the driving environment changes constantly and you need to be focused to be able to react,” says Lt. Carlson. “Take the task of driving seriously. When you’re driving, don’t use time in the driver’s seat to conduct other, less necessary business.”

The enforcement and education effort is a component of the state’s Toward Zero Deaths (TZD) traffic safety program. TZD is the state’s core traffic safety program that uses a multidisciplinary approach to address traffic issues regionally through enforcement, education, engineering and emergency trauma care. The goal of the TZD is 400 or fewer road deaths by 2010.

Get Your Thumbs on the Wheel and Eyes on the Road.

Boys and girls that are currently enrolled in 7th or 8th grade may register for one of the following sports: Football, Girl’s Tennis, Volleyball and X-Country. Practices are held Monday through Thursday, immediately after school, and generally run until 5:00 p.m. Football will begin practicing on Monday, August 30th, 2:30 p.m. and all other sports will begin practices on Wednesday, September 8th. There will be an informational meeting for fall sports on Tuesday, September 7, 5:30 p.m. in the Southwest Little Theatre. Parents are encouraged to attend this meeting. Games or contests are usually held right after school and do require some traveling. Registrations for the Youth First Athletic program will be taken at the Parks and Recreation Office, located at the City Arena. The fee for Youth First Sports is $65.00. Participants must have a current physical on file with the High School Athletic Office or obtain one before participating in any sport. Those forms are available at the Parks and Recreation Office and can be picked up at the time of registration. Registration deadline is Friday, September 3rd. Please note that due to gym space, playing time and availability of coaches, we only accept registrations after that date if there is room on the teams.

For more information, contact the Parks and Recreation Office at 377-4370.

Linda Tuttle-Olson was charged Monday with 12 additional counts of theft by swindle and one count of racketeering in Freeborn County District Court. The charges stem from ALPD allegations that Tuttle-Olson used the Albert Lea Abstract Company to divert money to her own bank accounts for personal use according to Albert Lea Police Chief Dwaine Winkels. The investigation has so far discovered over $1.1 million missing funds making this arguably the largest theft case ever in our immediate area.

The ALPD believes that other potential victims may still be unidentified. Very little money has been recovered from the business accounts. Anyone that may have done business with this company and had funds remaining in escrow is a potential victim. You are encouraged to file a report. Some of the escrow accounts may be many years old. A form is available through the Police Department and on the Albert Lea website for people to provide information about potentially missing funds.

The Minnesota Department of Commerce is working with the Albert Lea Police to help people affected by the closure of the business to complete transactions that were pending. The investigators have been assisting in getting copies of confiscated files to people and helping others get copies of Abstracts which may have been on file with the company. Abstracts that were being stored by Albert Lea Abstract are not affected by this investigation and remain at the business.

All of these charges follow the execution of search warrants on June 22 at the businesses and Tuttle-Olson home. The Minnesota Department of Commerce Insurance Fraud Division and Market Assurance Division assisted in developing this case and are continuing to investigate the case in conjunction with the Albert Lea Police Department.

Additional info:
The Steele County Attorney’s Office is the prosecuting agency. Teresa Dudley is the Victim Services Coordinator. Contact her for more information regarding restitution or other related questions you may have.

Teresa Dudley
Victim Services Coordinator
Steele Count y Attorney’s Office
303 S. Cedar
Owatonna, MN 55060
507-444-7780

Anyone with questions about an abstract or other documents being stored by Albert Lea Abstract may contact the legal representative for the business and set up a time to pick up your documents. Please send your written requests to:

Ken White
Attorney At Law
Suite 200
212 Madison Ave.
Mankato, MN 565001

Following the execution of search warrants on Tuesday, June 22, the Albert Lea Abstract Company and Strong Agency Inc. were closed. Both the Albert Lea Police Department (ALPD) and the Minnesota Department of Commerce are working to ensure that customers of either business will not be adversely affected, and will offer assistance to those who have questions.

For scheduled closings with Albert Lea Abstract:
If you have a closing scheduled with the Albert Lea Abstract Company, contact the ALPD. They will need your name, scheduled closing date, and any other relevant information (such as whether you were planning on using the federal home ownership tax credit). The ALPD is working with the Department of Commerce to ensure that scheduled closings occur as soon as is possible. Contact Chief of Police Dwaine Winkels at 507-377-5209. Please complete the following form and return to the Law Enforcement Center:

Albert Lea Abstract Form

For questions about insurance obtained through Strong Agency:
• If you know the name of the insurance company, contact the company directly.
• If the policy is on property on which you have a loan (such as a home or auto), your lender may have coverage information.
• If you are unsure about which company your policy is with and you believe you purchased it through the Strong Agency, contact the Department of Commerce at 1-800-657-3602 (651-296-2488 within the Twin Cities area) or email: market.assurance@state.mn.us

The ALPD believes that other potential victims may still be unidentified. Very little money has been recovered from the business accounts. Anyone that may have done business with this company and had funds remaining in escrow is a potential victim. You are encouraged to file a report. Some of the escrow accounts may be many years old. A form is available through the Police Department and on the Albert Lea website for people to provide information about potentially missing funds.

The Minnesota Department of Commerce is working with the Albert Lea Police to help people affected by the closure of the business to complete transactions that were pending. The investigators have been assisting in getting copies of confiscated files to people and helping others get copies of Abstracts which may have been on file with the company. Abstracts that were being stored by Albert Lea Abstract are not affected by this investigation and remain at the business.

All of these charges follow the execution of search warrants on June 22 at the businesses and Tuttle-Olson home. The Minnesota Department of Commerce Insurance Fraud Division and Market Assurance Division assisted in developing this case and are continuing to investigate the case in conjunction with the Albert Lea Police Department.

Additional info:
The Steele County Attorney’s Office is the prosecuting agency. Teresa Dudley is the Victim Services Coordinator. Contact her for more information regarding restitution or other related questions you may have.

Teresa Dudley
Victim Services Coordinator
Steele Count y Attorney’s Office
303 S. Cedar
Owatonna, MN 55060
507-444-7780

Anyone with questions about an abstract or other documents being stored by Albert Lea Abstract may contact the legal representative for the business and set up a time to pick up your documents. Please send your written requests to:

Ken White
Attorney At Law
Suite 200
212 Madison Ave.
Mankato, MN 565001