Isanti County Deputy Struck By Vehicle
12/13/08
From the ECM Post Review

An Isanti County deputy was injured while directing traffic at an accident scene on Hwy. 95 west of North Branch Saturday evening.

Chad Meyer, 24, of the Isanti County Sheriff’s Department, was struck  by a 2000 Cadillac Deville, driven by Elizabeth Richards, 79, of Harris. Meyer was struck while while outside of his vehicle directing traffic at an accident located at Hwy. 95 and Julliard Street, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.

The accident occurred around 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13.

Meyer is reported to have non-life threatening injuries, while Richards was treated and released. The road conditions were reported wet at the time, and traffic was detoured due to the accident.

As of Monday morning, deputy Chad M. Meyer, 24, was awake, conscious and “doing well” from his hospital bed, affirmed Isanti County Sheriff Mike Ammend.

Fire Safe Cigarettes
12/1/08

In May, 2007, Minnesota lawmakers approved a bill that would make Fire Safe Cigarettes mandatory effective December 1, 2008.

So, what are Fire Safe Cigarettes?  Simply, these are cigarettes that will burn out if left unattended.  Manufacturers have placed a few small "bands" of less-pourus paper, in several layers around the cigarette.  As the cigarette slowly burns, if the smoker doesn't take a drag
off the cigarette, the burn with come to one of these "bands" and will extinguish itself.

Why is this important?  Fire!  Here are some facts:
  1.  According to the American Red Cross, smoking is the 2nd leading cause of fire deaths. 
       In an average year, nearly 1000 people (smokers and non-smokers) will die due to a
       cigarette-related house fire. 
  2.  In 2005, more than 80,000 smoking related structure fires occured in the U.S.
  3.  34% of all fatalities are the CHILDREN of the smokers.
  4.  The three most common items that are first ignited by smoking-related fires are:
       mattresses, furniture, and garbage.

This won't prevent all fires caused by cigarettes, and it won't change the behavior and habits
of smokers, but it is a step in the right direction.

Statute Requires Carbon Monoxide Detectors
12/1/08

Earlier in this year, Minnesota Statute 299F.51 went into effect.  It requries approved carbon monoxide detectors in all single family homes and multifamily apartment units.  Click here for a link to the State of Minnesota and the complete statute.