The Rice County Sheriff’s Department is sounding the alarm for a disturbing trend on the roads this year. As of the end of August,
the number of fatal and serious-injury motorcycle crashes in 2022 has already matched those in all of 2021.
So far, Rice County has recorded three fatal crashes, and 12 serious-injury crashes. Six other motorcycle crashes have involved lesser or no injuries.
Investigators say that only two of the serious-injury crashes involved alcohol as a contributing factor. And while that’s down from 2021, Rice County Sheriff Jesse Thomas is imploring motorists – no matter what they’re driving – to take extra precautions when on the road.
“Slow down and pay attention while driving. It only takes a few seconds to double check the roadway before pulling out into the traffic lane. Put your phone down and keep your eyes up. Leave yourself adequate spacing so you can react to an unexpected event.”
According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, 6.4% of all motorcycle crashes in Minnesota are fatal, compared to .6% of all other types of motor vehicle crashes. The DPS pointed out that motorcycles lack the external protection cars, trucks and SUVs offer, and there is no helmet requirement for bikers over 18.
Training and licensing are critical for bikers. Minnesota in 2021 had 259,000 registered motorcycles and 397,000 licensed operators. In the year prior, 32% of the 64 motorcycle operators involved in a fatal crash didn’t have a valid endorsement.
Thomas asked motorists to watch for motorcycles. Due to their smaller size, motorcycles’ speed and distance is more difficult to judge. Other tips include looking twice before entering a roadway, turning left or changing lanes, give riders room by maintaining a two-second following distance and check blind spots, and pay attention and drive at safe speeds. Defensive riding skills can be vital to motorcyclists’ safety out on the road.
Riders, he said, should remain constantly aware of their immediate environment. They should also try to anticipate what’s going to happen on the road, and be prepared for the actions of other drivers
When basic riding skills are second nature, bikers can concentrate on their surroundings and other important factors. DPS recommends riders take a training course every season or two to keep their basic skills sharp.
The Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center, created in the early 1980s to address record high motorcyclist fatalities, provides on-cycle and classroom rider education, training and licensing to prevent crashes and the resulting fatalities and injuries. Classes are available at 22 locations across the state.
For more information, visit the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website.
Heywood honors will kick-off DJJD Wednesday night
The 2022 Defeat of Jesse James Days celebration will begin on Wednesday with the traditional graveside service honoring Joseph Lee
Heywood, the bank teller who gave his life when he refused to open the bank vault for the Jams-Younger Gang.
On Wednesday night, Jerry Anderson will be honored as the 39th recipient of the Joseph Lee Heywood Distinguished Service Award.
The award honors a Northfield citizen who exemplifies a commitment to public service. A statement released by the committee said Anderson is well worthy of the honor after forty-plus years of service to the community.
Among his many endeavors, Anderson, a former Northfield mayor, was chairman of the Epic Enterprises Board of Directors for more than 15 years. He was a volunteer firefighter for 19 years and served with the Northfield Relief Fire Association for more than 35 years. He led the efforts to raise private funds to revitalize the Northfield outdoor pool and was on the board of directors for the Northfield Senior Center in the 1990’s as they were raising money to build the building that is now the home of FiftyNorth.
Defeat of Jesse James Days General Chair Galen Malecha said Anderson is a good example of the type of person the award looks to honor.
“We are thrilled to celebrate Jerry’s contributions to our community during this year’s DJJD festivities. This award is given to a Northfield citizen who exemplifies a commitment to public service. We are fortunate that Northfield has such a wealth of people that hold those attributes, and we are excited to recognize Jerry’s contribution as this year’s recipient.”
The graveside memorial will be held at Joseph Lee Haywood’s grave at noon on Wednesday at the Northfield Cemetery. The Joseph Lee Heywood Distinguished Service Award banquet will begin at 6:30 that night. The doors will open at 5:00
For more information, visit djjd.org.
Northfield Shares grant deadline approaches
And Northfield Shares is reminding all interested parties that about a month remains to apply for a 2023 Northfield Shares
grant.
Northfield Shares is a local foundation that looks to support local programs and non-profit organizations by encouraging philanthropism, volunteering, and promoting collaborative leadership.
Grants bestowed through Northfield Shares will be evaluated based on need in the community, feasibility, and the ability of the organization to achieve the project’s goal. Organizations are evaluated on the assistance they offer to sustain a “thriving, equitable community for all residents,” and their ability to create the broadest possible range of help. The foundation tends to favor projects and organizations that involve volunteers, and collaborative projects from multiple organizations.
Grant applicants should have a goal in mind to maintain and enhance the overall well-being of the Northfield community. They should also have the ability to manage the funds granted and deliver on the proposal.
Some grants will come through dedicated funds that are managed by Northfield Shares. Those funds, according to a statement, aid Northfield youth and young adults and help with the beautification of Northfield.
Once an application is received, it will be reviewed by the Grants Committee which will then make its recommendations to the Board of Directors for final approval. Grant recipients will be announced in November. The funds will be distributed at the Northfield Shares Annual Meeting in December.
The deadline to turn in a completed application is October 3rd.
For more information visit northfieldshares.org.
Rich larson is the KYMN News Director. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
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