Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Thanks to the quick action of a farmer and the local fire department, 130 head of cattle were saved following a fire Sunday morning.
Around 6:50 AM Sunday morning first responders were called to a property in Melrose Township for smoke billowing from a burning building. According to the Stearns County sheriff’s office, the owner went to check and found the skid steer on fire, called 911 and then tried to use a fire extinguisher to put out the flames. The owner told deputies that he used the machine on Saturday night and parked it in the barn.
According to a press release, the Melrose Fire Department was able to remove the skid steer before it caused any further damage. Thanks to the quick action of the farmer and the local fire department, 130 head of cattle were in the barn were unharmed. The cause of the fire is under investigation. No injuries were reported.
The Minnesota State Patrol says the incident happened at about 11:00 p.m. on Monday on Highway 65 in Isanti County near Braham.
A pickup was traveling north on the highway when a car traveling south crossed the center line and the two collided. The driver of the car, 64-year-old Kenneth Snyder of Braham, died in the crash. He was not wearing a seatbelt.
The driver of the pickup, a 17-year-old from Braham, was taken to Hennepin County Medical Center with life-threatening injuries.
As part of National Work Zone Awareness Week (April 21-25), Xcel Energy reminds drivers to slow down and move over for vehicles and workers on the side of the road—including utility and construction vehicles.
Many drivers slow down or move over when approaching an emergency vehicle on the side of the road. Unfortunately, the same is not always done for the utility and construction workers repairing our roads and restoring our electric and natural gas service, even though these crews are also putting their lives on the line for the public good.
On Wednesday, April 23, utility and construction workers around the country will wear orange as part of Go Orange Day, providing a visible reminder of their support for the families who have been impacted in work zone incidents.