Becker man killed in two-vehicle crash on Highway 10

Detroit Lakes, Minn. (KDLM) – A 91-year-old Becker man has died at St. Cloud Hospital following a crash on Highway 10 Monday afternoon.

The Minnesota State Patrol says a 2022 Hyundai Tuscon, driven by a 25-year-old Cole Daniel Johnson of Thief River Falls, was going west on Highway 10 at Edgewood Street in Becker when it collided with a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica, driven by 89-year-old Betty Lou Wolff of Becker. 

She suffered life-threatening injuries as a result of the crash and was transported to St. Cloud Hospital for treatment. 

A passenger in the Pacifica, identified as 91-year-old Lowell Louis Wolff of Becker, was also rushed to St. Cloud Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

The driver of the Tuscon did not report any injuries at the scene.

State Patrol also stated all three occupants were wearing their seatbelts at the time of the crash and alcohol does not appear to be a contributing factor in the collision.

Ole’s Ride kicks-off Aug. 25-26 in Vergas

The 14th annual Ole’s ride kicks-off this weekend in Vergas as hundreds of motorcycles gather to pay tribute to Ole and ride to raise money for Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Opening registration for the riders will begin on Friday, Aug. 25 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Billy’s Corner Bar with a bike show to follow the registration.

Kellie Albrecht, a giving officer at Hospice of the Red River Valley, said the organization wouldn’t be able to provide all services they do now without generous fundraisers like Ole’s Ride.

“In 2011, a big character of a man, Ole Barten, passed away” said Albrecht. “And in honor of him, his wife and daughter started ‘Ole’s Ride’ as a way to support Hospice (of the Red River Valley) and honor Ole’s life. We couldn’t do what we do, reaching our rural communities … without the support for the community. So, we are so grateful for that.“

The map of the annual lakes area motorcycle event, Albrecht said, changes every year and is always a closely guarded secret until the day of the event.

“The ride itself, the map, is kind of a big deal,” she said. “It’s a secret. Everybody is surprised every year with the direction they take. So, you’ll have to come and check it out to see where they go this year.”

The bikes will leave Billy’s Corner Bar in Vergas at noon, ride all day, and then return to Billy’s for a meal and silent auction to close out the evening.

Motorcycle registration for the event costs $25 and $15 for each additional rider.

For more information about Ole’s Ride, visit their Facebook event page.

Running Stitches Embroidery opens in Fergus Falls

Running Stitches Embroidery is open for business in Fergus Falls.

The new embroidery business features custom embroidery and screen print services, in addition to having items for sale in their retail area.

New owners Andrew and Alison Olson said they are proud to offer a variety of products with a custom logo, name, or designs.

In a statement, the Olson’s said: “We are excited to continue Alison’s family business that has been operating for the last 30+ years. Alison’s mom, Gladys Reinertson, started by doing alterations and expanded into embroidery and screen printing over the years. It is a joy and privilege to carry on the tradition of top-notch customer service and quality apparel.”

As early-stage entrepreneurs, the Olson’s worked with Greater Fergus Falls, a private, economic development nonprofit, through their Entrepreneur Initiative, which gave them access to receive free one-on-one consulting for startups.

The program provides in-person, virtual or hybrid coaching options for startups and technical  assistance to existing business owners.

To learn more about the Entrepreneur Initiative, visit their website at: www.greaterfergusfalls.com/entrepreneurs.

The Olson’s said plan to have a grand opening later in the fall.

For more information about Running Stitches Embroidery, visit their Facebook page, email them at: fergusfallsembroidery@gmail.com, or call: 218-205-2493.

Hawley man injured in rollover near Upper Red Lake

A Hawley man was injured in a single-vehicle rollover Monday afternoon on Highway 72 in Beltrami County.

On Aug. 21 at 1:16 p.m., emergency dispatchers received a report of a rollover crash at mile marker 50 on Highway 72, near Upper Red Lake.

Upon arrival, first responders discovered a 2006 Toyota Corolla, driven by 87-year-old James Elling Tangen of Hawley, was resting in a roadside ditch. 

Tangen suffered non-life-threatening injuries during the crash and was transported to Baudette Hospital for treatment.

The pavement was wet at the time of the rollover.

Tangen was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash and alcohol does not appeared to have played a role in the incident.

Daughters of former President George W. Bush to keynote Fargo-Moorhead women’s celebration

The daughters of former President George W. Bush will be the keynote speakers for the 10th annual Women Connect Celebration.

The Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce says Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Pierce Bush will appear September 26 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the Sanford Health Athletic Complex in Fargo.

Bush Hager is co-author of three #1 New York Times best sellers. She serves as chair of the UNICEF Next Generation Initiative, which is dedicated to reducing childhood deaths worldwide.

Pierce Bush has been leading the NBA’s efforts around health equity, civic engagement and social justice as Vice President of Social Impact. She is also co-founder and board member of Global Health Corps (GHC), an organization that mobilizes young leaders to solve the world’s most pressing health issues.

Story by Jim Monk / KVRR

MNDOT warns drivers to lookout for pavement buckle

The Minnesota Department of Transportation is warning our short but intense hot weather could lead to pavement buckles.

Highs this week are expected to be into the 90s with heat index values into the triple digits. 

MNDOT says roads are constructed to allow for expansion and contraction, and the warmer the temperature, the more the materials expand. 

Experts say the sun heats the road surface, and in some cases, especially in older concrete or weaker roads, there isn’t enough space to accommodate expansion, so it buckles.

Road heaves are extremely dangerous and can act like a ramp, launching vehicles and causing them to go out of control and crash. If a driver comes across one, MNDOT says, you should slow down, and don’t drive over it. Instead, move to another lane and call 911 when it’s safe.

The sweltering weather also takes its toll on equipment too. 

Excess heat makes machinery work harder, and even the oils used to lubricate moving parts have a temperature threshold before they separate or break down.

Other plastic or rubber parts can become brittle or crack.

Story by Jennifer Lewerenz / KNSI

Fargo city officials present $140 million Fargodome renovation plan

Fargo city officials unveiled a potential $140 million renovation plan for the Fargodome on Tuesday.

The proposal would include some sky boxes, as well as, a deck area in the southeast corner. The plan would also add more bathrooms and concession space to reduce wait times.

A new press box on the east side of the dome will also be included in the project, along with expanding the wheelchair and companion seating from 86 to 224 seats for future football games.

The renovations would also extend into the parking area around the Fargodome with the removal of Albrecht Boulevard and moving the football game tailgate area against the newly renovated west side of the dome.

The city plans to use $30 million from the Fargodome’s surplus fund, combined with a quarter-percent sales tax and a 3% lodging tax to pay for the project.

Fargo residents will be able to vote on the measure during a special election on Dec. 5

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