Posted by InterestedReader (anonymous) on August 6, 2008 at 10:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

And the truth starts to come out! Alcohol was a factor!!! Will be interesting to see the information from the vehcile!

Posted by blayzer (anonymous) on August 6, 2008 at 12:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

this accident would not have happened in the first place if someone else had not moved the barricades. Alcohol had nothing to do with why they crashed so before you make persumptions maybe you should wait to hear the other side of the story instead of what the county wants you to believe!!!!!

Posted by blayzer (anonymous) on August 6, 2008 at 1:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

all i am saying is everyone has there opinion as to what happened even the sherriffs office but people still need to hear the other side because that has not been told.

Posted by hipocryt (anonymous) on August 6, 2008 at 1:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

On the other hand, the County Sheriff's office is sure is SLOW at getting these tests and reports complete. I cannot hardly wait for the report finding and see what charges are filed.

How long does it take to get these tests (Blood Alcohol & Black Box) done?

Is someone hoping the Public will forget about it?

I am really surprised Minnesota M.A.D.D. has not got involved and pushed to accelerate the testing, etc. Must just be that slow and lazy Southern Minnesota lifestyle. In the Twin cities if they took 24-hours to announce charges. The Police or Sheriff would get hung out to dry by MADD and the News Media.

What has it been in this case, almost 6-weeks?

Posted by wingo (anonymous) on August 6, 2008 at 1:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree with blayzer, we have not heard the driver and passengers side of their story. I still believe in INNOCENT until proven GUILTY. I think it is best to wait for all factors and evidence to be presented.

hipocryt ~ Maybe you should move some place else. We are waiting for tests and the departments to do their jobs, let them do it.

Posted by hipocryt (anonymous) on August 6, 2008 at 2:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

wingo ~ Maybe you should move some place else and for your information I live in MINNEAPOLIS, so I already do live someplace else.

Remember this is FREE SPEECH. I can post any comment I want as long it meets the Albert Lea Tribune users agreement for posting comments.

These are MY COMMENTS and OPINIONS, if you disagree you don't have to read them.

My employer (A County Sheriff & staff near the Metro, but a non-Metro County) has to meet deadlines and get reports done promptly or the Media and MADD get Mad. It should in NO WAY take 6-weeks to get these tests complete and the data analyzed.

Why have we not heard the other sides (Driver & Passengers stories) excuses? Why have they not made public comments? Did their LAWYER SHUT THEM UP (I would bet so), but am still waiting to hear or read their statements?

I will presume innocent until PROVEN GUILTY, but the FACT remains there are 2-DEAD PEOPLE. Very sadly there are grieving families and a couple little girls whom lost their mom.

Posted by wingo (anonymous) on August 6, 2008 at 3:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You are entitled to free speech, too bad some people use it unwisely.

Just because some results are back sooner than others doesn't mean squat. I am sure the officials are doing their best to get this resolved.

What do you want the others to do? Take out an ad in the paper. I figure when the time comes they will be able to inform the public of their side.

Yes, 3 little girls lost their mother and families have lost members, but they also have rights and feelings. You could chose your words more wisely.

Posted by canarybird (anonymous) on August 6, 2008 at 3:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It must be wonderful to be one of those people who have never made a mistake. Never used poor judgement etc. And then how truly Christian of these folks to be on the watch for others who do, so they can sanctimoniously sit on their high horse and spout off, in case the people involved do not feel bad enough. And I am still waiting to hear how the barricades were moved. In north Iowa a few years ago, barricades were moved by young people as a prank. And someone else paid the price by driving in a large hole and was terribly injured.

Posted by wingo (anonymous) on August 6, 2008 at 3:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thank you canarybird. I can't believe how many people out there have never made a "mistake".

Posted by InterestedReader (anonymous) on August 6, 2008 at 3:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hypocryt- I think test results for alcohol take 6-8 weeks sometimes, I had a friend who got a DWI and it took that long for the test results to come back from the state bca and he took either a blood or urine test, I know it was not a breath test, this was a couple years ago but I wouldnt think it has changed much. I guess as far as the black box, I have no idea how long it should take but I would rather they take thier time and get the facts correct. Even if the barricades were moved, alcohol played a factor, granted if they were moved, if it can be proven who moved them, they should also be prosecuted by the county attorney.

Posted by sophie (anonymous) on August 6, 2008 at 4:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Blyazer said "all i am saying is everyone has there opinion as to what happened even the sherriffs office but people still need to hear the other side because that has not been told."

Well let's get the other side out there. I am sure the Tribune would be more than happy to do the story. My guess is that someone has lawyered up and has been advised not to talk. If there is nothing to hide, why?

Posted by BKB86 (anonymous) on August 6, 2008 at 4:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by InterestedReader (anonymous) on August 6, 2008 at 10:37 a.m. (Suggest removal):

"And the truth starts to come out! Alcohol was a factor!!! Will be interesting to see the information from the vehcile!"

As a former Albert Lea resident, now living out of State, I am amazed and horrified at the lack of sensitivity, narrow-mindedness and self concerning attitude displayed by some readers on this blog. Concerns should be for the family and their loss and not for what "inquiring little minds" think they need to know.

By the way, it is "vehicle" and NOT "vehcile.

Posted by Judgment (anonymous) on August 6, 2008 at 4:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I feel very deeply for all family involved and those who say accidents do happen are in the right. my heart and prayers go out to all those involved. I also believe that people with out hearts should keep their unnecessary commments to themselves. There is no need to be so anal about an accident. After all that is why they are called accidents.

Posted by BKB86 (anonymous) on August 6, 2008 at 4:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Judgment: Amen.

Posted by InteresredReader (anonymous) on August 6, 2008 at 5:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yes we should hear the other side but first of all,the guy that was driving should of never been behind the wheel in the first place if he was drinking.Second there is three little girls that no longer have there mom and they have to grow up with out their mom and that brakes my heart.Third the barricades were there weither they were on the road or to the side.That is still enough to tell someone that there is something wrong with the road.It all comes down to who are all of us to pass judgement on anyof this.God will make sure that the right punishment is done.So to all who responsed to this article lets let God do the judging.I really hope that this is a listen learned to all the people that like to drink and drive.

Posted by blayzer (anonymous) on August 6, 2008 at 6:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

if the barricades were put down in the ditch why would people still think something was wrong. they shouldve had those cement barricades up in the first place so they couldnt be moved by anyone. maybe he shouldnt have been driving but the fact of the matter is that if the barricades wouldve been up this unfortunate accident would never have happened and the families would not have to go through this terrible time right now.

Posted by InterestedReader (anonymous) on August 6, 2008 at 6:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sorry BKB86 I had a typo when I spelled vehicle. I will watch my spelling closer next time!

Posted by healthcareprovider (anonymous) on August 6, 2008 at 7:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am not sure if anyone watched the news last night, however they did announce on the news that the barricades WERE in place at the time the accident occurred. However the basic principle at stake here is driving under the influence. That simply in and of itself is illegal!!!!!! There have been thousands of other people that have lost their lives to drunk drivers, and in this situation two people lost their lives because PRELIMINARY results are showing that alcohol was present in the drivers bloodstream. So had the road been in perfect condition the same driver could have rolled the SUV and killed people, crossed the center line and killed people the fact is, driving under the influence is illegal and WRONG. Also we are not to judge what should happen and really the only issue that is TRULY at stake now is the lives of those little girls!!! Who cares if the driver gets thrown in jail or prison, those little girls will grow up without THEIR mom! Just something to think about!

Posted by sophie (anonymous) on August 6, 2008 at 7:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Cement barricaded!! Don't try to shift the blame. If you believe it was just an accident, say that, but then don't try to blame someone else. This is a bad deal to be sure but if the barricades were in place sounds like driver error. And if he was drinking for sure driver error and he should own up to it.

Posted by wingo (anonymous) on August 6, 2008 at 8:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You can have your opinions and comments, but the fact remains that people are to quick to find a person quilty without a trial. Just remember that you or a loved one could be in a situation where they are judged too quickly. Nobody is perfect in this world and we all make mistakes at one time or another, the secret is to learn from these mistakes and go on. We don't have any idea what the driver of the vehicle is going thru, some of you make it sound like he doesn't care. How do you know this? Think before you post.

Posted by tmfresh (anonymous) on August 6, 2008 at 10:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Excuse me, but where in the article did it say that the driver had been drinking? It only says that alcohol was involved but it didn't say how or by who.

Posted by sophie (anonymous) on August 6, 2008 at 11:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wingo,

Your last post is a good one. I would agree with what you say but add that trying to shift the blame from the driver is wrong. He made a mistake and he is going to have to live with this for the rest of his life which is a stiffer punishment than the courts can or will hand down.

Posted by BriannaNicole507 (anonymous) on August 7, 2008 at 1:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey guys can we cut back on the S**T talking about my family!!! We are still in shock and are still trying to deal with all of this!! So please just watch out what you say and dont say anything about the story unless you know for sure what happened!!! Im family and i know nothing so what does that tell you!!!

Posted by professional (anonymous) on August 7, 2008 at 2:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

From the words being posted, I do not think most of you have a heart. The story I heard on the news said preliminary findings suggest the barricades were NOT in place at the time of the accident. Drinking and driving is illegal; however, it seems a sober (this driver is still in question) driver could have easily been in this same accident if someone else truly moved those barricades. A barricade moved to the side of the road could mean the road is fixed and has reopened. What about the rescue worker that slid into the same area that same night? Were his barricades in place? Too often, people are looking for a good story to gossip about and only get half the story. This whole incident is not just about three little girls left without a mother-two people died and left behind many family and friends who are grieving and deserve respect. God forgives people and does not judge-he is GREAT!!! Wish there were more followers of God in this world. A sincere thank you to all the investigators involved for a thorough job.

Posted by my3sons (anonymous) on August 7, 2008 at 8:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Even if the barricades were removed it is very clear when you turn onto county road 34 it says ROAD CLOSED AHEAD pretty self explainatory.

Posted by mnbluejay (anonymous) on August 7, 2008 at 11:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I find it hard to believe that all of the barricades were removed as there was more than one and they had snow fence weaved in them. And, as stated by my3sons, when you turn on to county road 34 there is a barricade that states the road is closed ahead, I know for a fact that is was in place the night of the accident and that would be the only way on to this road from the north!

Posted by blayzer (anonymous) on August 7, 2008 at 3 p.m. (Suggest removal)

there is also another road that leads right near the spot and if the barricades were removed by someone else they wouldnt have known what was comming.

Posted by southernfirenice (anonymous) on August 7, 2008 at 4:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Some people seemed to have lost the concept of what really happened. It seems to me that this accident happened because people were drinking and decided it would be cool to go look at where a man lost his life. They were morbid people who themselves moved the barricade and the ones who weren't killed or injured are going to say they were already down. So the truth will never come out because the survivors are too ashamed about why they went down that road to admit it.

Posted by purduekelli (anonymous) on August 7, 2008 at 4:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am a firm believer in freedom of speech and being entitled to your own opinion. However, I think our legal system and many money hungry, sue-happy individuals dig around through facts and statistics to the point of making everything they've "discovered" completely useless. Let's look at the bottom line - it was an unfortunate accident that claimed the lives of two individuals. Whether alcohol was or wasn't a factor, whether the barriers were or weren't there, whether they were or weren't wearing seat belts...you can't go back in time and change what happened! Why can't people stop pointing fingers and trying to find reasons and excuses?! Let the families grieve in peace and cherish the good memories of their loved ones. I am not a christian by any means, but I will say I'm a firm believer that God has a plan for all of us, and that everything happens for a reason. I was not put on this earth to point fingers, judge or criticize! So if I spelled anything wrong in this post, I'm sorry I'm not PERFECT!

Posted by wingo (anonymous) on August 7, 2008 at 5:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

southernfirenice ~ I wasn't going to post anymore here, but you are unbelievable. Do you have esp? How do YOU know what was in these peoples minds? I really can't believe these people who think they are better than others, you must be perfect, never ever made a mistake in your life. A lot of people went down that road to look at the area, that is part of our human nature. We want to see these things, why we have this in us who knows. I hope you are never on a jury of anyone I know.

Posted by kellid (anonymous) on August 7, 2008 at 6:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

In regards to the barricades...we have been told by the news and by papers that the barricades were moved and also that they weren't. We were also told they went around them then told they were moved. So obviously from all that it shows that it is possible the full true story is not out. Again, this article stated that it APPEARS that alcohol played a factor and that the officer said "there was some alcohol involved." It didn't say WHO and didn't say if it was a sip or over the legal limit. So why is all this bashing going on when we don't even know what was going on?

I was out to the site after the accident and there was one sign that was moved and if it was dark I wouldn't even have seen it because it was way in the ditch so don't tell me it can't be moved!!!

Posted by ljg (anonymous) on August 7, 2008 at 10:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

some of you don't know this,---The driver of the truck, is kelly jo's nephew. He is kelly's three girls cousin. For those of you so eager for justice to be done, believe me, he started a life sentence on june 30,2008.

Posted by BKB86 (anonymous) on August 8, 2008 at 3:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My apologies,

Some of you took my comment wrong that said "Judgment: Amen". I was rather referring to my approval of the kind hearted comment made by the blogger NAMED judgment and their compassion for the family.....

Posted by Judgment (anonymous) on August 6, 2008 at 4:44 p.m. (Suggest removal):

"I feel very deeply for all family involved and those who say accidents do happen are in the right. my heart and prayers go out to all those involved. I also believe that people with out hearts should keep their unnecessary commments to themselves. There is no need to be so anal about an accident. After all that is why they are called accidents."

Continued prayer for the family.

Posted by southernfirenice (anonymous) on August 11, 2008 at 10:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

wingo - you try and make me look like I am self rightous and have esp. Look inward. How do you think the Wangen family feel knowing that because of the death of their precious member, 2 more people died! If people went down there to pay respects, so be it, but to be drinking and going down there, that's just sick. So don't get so judgemental and high and mighty, if you have a love one die a horrible death and looky lu's come to visit, remember your comments!!

Posted by kellid (anonymous) on August 13, 2008 at 11:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

southernfirenice -
You should stop leading people to believe something that is just not true. They were NOT going down there to look at the site.

I also find it ridiculous that others say "I know for a fact they were up"... were you out there at 1:30am? Didn't think so. I also know some that know they were moved and I went out there (because I know the family and to try to get some closure) and they weren't the greatest setup while I was out there. Plus the news said that right now people are moving them. So if people are moving them now.... why isn't it a possibility that they were moved before.

In regards to the news, I listen to what is said on there but don't take everything for granted. Some things are wrong or they don't have all the info. We had a story run on our family one year and they screwed up how long we were married, what we do, etc... there were severl things wrong ... still a great story but information was still not correct.