TODD COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

115 - 3RD AVENUE SOUTH LONG PRAIRIE, MN 56347 PHONE: (320)-732-2157 TOLL FREE: 1-800-794-5733 Sheriff’s News FAX: (320) 732-3867

E-MAIL: [email protected]

Issue 7 November 1, 2008 Inside this issue: Sheriff’s Newsletter

This time of the year is statistically known for a high number of motor vehicle crashes with Deer. During Sheriff’s Newsletter 1 the month of October, 2008, we handled 37 of these incidents. Everyone should use caution while travelling, especially early in the morning and just after sundown. If you see one deer, there’s a high probability that there is another one close by.

MN 1 It’s prime time for hunting and the Sheriff’s Office would like to remind everyone to use caution and Playing Cards practice good hunting safety. The Sheriff’s Office typically handles hunting accidents.

In the past four years, we’ve investigated three hunting incidents where individuals were injured or killed Sheriff’s Newsletter 2 by firearms. In that time period there were three non-hunting firearms related accidents and one incident Continued reported where a bullet went through a wall of a residence. Two individuals were injured by falls from their deer stands in that time period.

Here are some good tips to follow when enjoying this great resource: Sheriff’s Office 2 • Tell someone where you’ll be hunting. Secretaries • Avoid hunting alone. If you do go alone, be extra careful and hunt in familiar areas. • Dress properly and be prepared for the worst possible conditions. Protect against hypothermia. • Check the forecast before heading into the woods. • Check and maintain hunting equipment before and after each outing. • Always wear adequate blaze orange. • Do not consume alcoholic beverages while hunting. • Check the structural integrity of tree stands before using them. • Wear a safety harness when hunting from a stand. • Make sure of your target before you put your finger on the trigger. • Never cross a fence, ride an ATV or climb a tree with a loaded firearm. • Tell someone when you will be returning from your hunt and carry a cell phone, especially if hunting alone. MN Cold Case Playing Cards The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension recently released decks of the Minnesota Cold Case Playing Cards. These cards highlight fifty-two unsolved homicide, missing person, and unidentified remain cases that have occurred throughout the state in the past fifty years.

The cards have been distributed to the victim’s families, law enforcement agencies within the state and the Minnesota Department of Corrections adult facilities. The cards are also posted online at the BCA’s official Cold Case Unit website: www.bca.state.mn.us/coldcase/coldcase.asp

The distribution of the card decks to incarcerated individuals has the hope of gaining additional exposure for these cases in order to generate potential tips and leads that may aid in the solvability of Minnesota’s cold cases. Volume 1, Issue 6 Page 2

Sheriff’s Newsletter Continued

The winter driving season is also approaching and there are many precautions we can take to ensure safe travel.

• Have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic prior to the winter driving season. • Watch the forecast and avoid travelling if there is severe weather approaching. • Before taking a trip, inform someone at your destination of your expected arrival time. • Adjust your speed to the conditions and increase following distances • Be familiar with your brakes (ABS should never be pumped to stop). “ It’s prime time for • Stock your vehicle with winter driving equipment: a scraper and brush; small shovel; hunting and the jumper cables; tow chain; a bag of sand or cat litter for traction.\ • Carry an emergency survival kit in your vehicle containing matches, a candle, a brightly Sheriff’s Office colored piece of cloth, a basic first aid kit, a large plastic garbage bag (to insulate feet, would like to legs, torso) and high energy non-perishable foods. • Have a cell phone with you to use during emergencies. remind everyone to • If you do become stranded, stay with your vehicle and stay calm. Run your engine for heat at least once an hour but make sure your exhaust pipe is clear to prevent carbon use caution and monoxide. Leave one window slightly open. practice good

The weather has been beautiful and its hard to think of the cold and snow season hunting safety .“ approaching us. Be safe and stay warm.

Sheriff’s Office Secretaries Todd County Sheriff’s Office Secretaries have a combined total of 51 years experience with the Office and are they are vital in the successful operation of the Office. Pictured from left to right are Nancy Becker, Kim Wuollet and Nancy Duncan. The secretaries are responsible for many tasks including: transcribing reports and statements; financial responsibilities, Office Management, Civil Process, payroll, and many other tasks.