Teen in coma after West Bend accident
WEST BEND —The collision that killed one teen in West Bend early Saturday morning has left another in a coma. Melinda Bruellman, 17, of Ottosen, was driving north on 570th Avenue with Christopher Gearhart, 18, of West Bend, when they were struck by a vehicle driven by Wyatt Wirtz, 17, of Mallard, who was traveling west on 485th Street just after midnight. According to the Iowa State Patrol report, Wirtz ran the stop sign at the intersection. Lynn Olesen, officer for the Iowa State Patrol No. 5, was the responding officer and said alcohol was involved in the accident, but the investigation is still ongoing and he can’t say how much alcohol or in what way. Gearhart was pronounced dead at the scene. Wirtz and Bruellman were taken to the Palo Alto County Hospital in Emmetsburg and then air lifted to Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City. Wirtz was treated and released but Bruellman was reported in critical condition as of noon on Wednesday by a spokesperson from Mercy Medical Center.
» Full StoryJefferson man killed in Tuesday accident
JEFFERSON — An accident killed a Jefferson man and injured another Tuesday evening.
Drew Campbell, 18, was driving a Pontiac Grand Prix when he lost control of the vehicle at the intersection of U.S.
Disease likely cause in Fort Dodge fish kill
Disease was the likely killer of hundreds of channel catfish found dead in the Des Moines River above the Hydroelectric Dam in Fort Dodge Wednesday, according to environmental officials.
» Full StoryPart of South 10th Street to be closed
Weather permitting, beginning at 7 a.m.
» Full StoryWebster Co. OKs weed control contract
Webster County supervisors approved a contract with B&W Specialists Inc., of Algona, to continue weed-control spraying.
The spraying is estimated to cost $33,850.
Webster supervisors OK semi purchase
The Webster County Board of Supervisors approved the purchase of a semitrailer Tuesday.
The 2002 Freightliner will be bought from Decker Truck Line for $24,000.


