By Tom Hintgen

Otter Tail County Correspondent 

Sheriff deputies, on June 5, reported that fire destroyed a shop with several items inside. The blaze, reported at 10:46 p.m., took place west of Star Lake in central Otter Tail County.

Lost in the fire were two older Chevrolet Suburbans, power tools, a snowblower and other items. There was smoke damage to a nearby residence and a person living there was later treated for smoke inhalation. 

Trash had been burned in a steel drum and discarded aerosol cans near the shop are a likely cause of the fire at the shop.

Summer driving safety tips

Sheriff deputies urge county residents and visitors to keep safety in mind when driving during the summer months. For longer trips, they urge people to stop and stretch and change drivers if you as a driver feel drowsy.

It’s illegal to text while driving, and a person can text or make a phone call at a rest stop. Always look out for pedestrians and bicyclists. Obey speed limits and drive sober.

“Drive with good judgment and perception,” said one deputy.