On Thursday, July 22, 2021, at 4:23 p.m., the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office was called to the intersection of 490th Street and 460th Avenue (Highway #4) in Mallard for a two-vehicle accident. After investigation it was determined a 2014 Dodge Caravan, owned and operated by Joleen Helbig (59) of Cumberland, WI. was westbound on 490th Street and stopped at the stop sign intersecting with 460th Avenue. Helbig was attempting to turn south on 460th Avenue when she was stuck by a northbound 2017 Buick Envision, owned and operated by Jane Nielsen (65) of Arnolds Park, IA. After the collision in the intersection, Nielsen’s vehicle would enter the east ditch and strike a utility box owned by Windstream.
Damage to Helbig’s vehicle was estimated at $5,000. Damage to Nielsen’s vehicle was estimated at $10,000. Damage to Windstream’s utility box has not been determined. Helbig and Nielsen complained of minor injuries, were both checked out by the Palo Alto County Ambulance Service, and released from the scene with minor injuries. Helbig was issued a citation for failure to obey stop sign and yield right of way, a simple misdemeanor.
Assisting the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office was the Iowa State Patrol, Mallard Fire Department, Mallard First Responders, Palo Alto County Ambulance Service, and Wickman Towing.
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