Plan for a safe Halloween

From: Lieut. Dan Anselment, Wright Co. Sheriff’s Office

Halloween has become one of the biggest party nights of the year.

During Minnesota Halloween party weekends 2006-2008, seven of the 15 traffic deaths were alcohol-related. Another 40 people were seriously injured in crashes, with 15 of those being alcohol-related. During this period, 1,487 motorists were arrested for DWI.

This year the holiday is a serious concern as Halloween falls on a Saturday – which will likely cause in influx of revelers.

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office, along with safe communities of Wright County is urging Halloween partiers to have a plan for a safe and sober ride to keep Wright County roads safe. Make plans before going out to designate a sober driver, know your limit, or stay the night at the location of the celebration.

In addition, pedestrian safety is extremely important on Halloween. Motorists should reduce speeds and remain alert at all times. Trick-or-treaters and parents should review basic pedestrian rules – only cross at intersections or marked crosswalks, use flashlights and reflective wear, and never dart in front of traffic.

Stay safe and have a happy Halloween.

Anselment is a board member of Safe Communities of Wright County.

Astonishing museum in Dassel

From: Leslie Bergquist, Granite Falls

The 24th Bergquist family reunion took place Sunday, Oct. 11 in Dassel, a biennial event that first started in 1964.

Seventy-six descendents of Swedish settlers Gustaf and Anna Louisa Bergquist gathered to once again become better acquainted and to honor those pioneers who immigrated to the United States with hopes of fulfilling the American dream.

This year the Bergquist family had the privilege of utilizing the new Dassel Area Historical Society community room.

The reunion committee would like to extend congratulations to all Dassel area community members who were engaged, over the past several years, organizing, developing and bringing the museum and community facility to fruition.

Recently, I have had the opportunity to visit well-known museums including the Minnesota History Center in Saint Paul, and the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC.

The size of the Dassel Area Historical Society may not be as large as museums of state and national fame, but the quality and professionalism of each Dassel Area Historical Society exhibit share that of the large metropolitan museums.

Congratulations are also extended to the Dassel Area Historical Society for procuring a piece of the Smithsonian Institute, Between the Fences, a traveling exhibit that will be on display that started Sunday, Oct. 25.

Apparently, it is somewhat human nature to assume great attractions can only be found in other places, and only after traveling long distances to arrive at such destinations.

If you have not done so already, please take the time to visit this astonishing museum located right there in Dassel. You will not be disappointed.