Dust Storm causes minor injury accident

DATE & TIME:                        03-14-2025 / 4:25 pm                          

LOCATION:                            Highway 136 / Southwest 75^th Road                                         

OFFENSE:                              Injury Accident                                               

CASE #:                                2025-1065                                                                              

DETAILS:  

On Friday, March 14, 2025 at approximately 4:25 pm two vehicles were eastbound on Highway 136 at Southwest 75^th Road.  At this time the Gage County area was experiencing heavy wind, dust storms, causing visibility on the roadways to be greatly reduced.

67-year-old Paul Schlund of Beatrice was driving his 2004 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck eastbound on Highway 136 near Southwest 75^th Road.  60-year-old Marla Finke of Table Rock, Nebraska was ahead of him, also driving eastbound on Highway 136, but due to the near zero visibility, she had slowed down to about 15 miles per hour.  Mr. Schlund, who had also slowed down, did not see her until it was too late to stop and his vehicle rear ended her vehicle.

Both drivers then continued on into Beatrice where they found an off duty deputy at the Casey’s on West Court Street and they reported the accident to him.  Beatrice Fire and Rescue was dispatched for a minor injury to Ms. Finke.  She was evaluated, treated, and released without being transported to a hospital.

Alcohol is not a factor in this accident.  Seatbelts were in use.  The greatly reduced visibility was a major contributing factor in this accident.

Sheriff Millard “Gus” Gustafson #903

Sergeant T. Hanson #90310