Single Vehicle Accident

On 02/14/2019 at 10:44 a.m. the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a one vehicle rollover in the 2900 block of 420th Avenue. Following the investigation, the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office determined that Kaci Ann Stearns (27) of Graettinger, was southbound on 420th Avenue in a 2007 Toyota Corolla, registered to Todd Mervyn Stearns of Emmetsburg, when she lost control of the vehicle in the roadway. The Toyota slid sideways into the east ditch, rolling several times before coming to rest in the field. The Toyota was deemed a total loss. Stearns and a passenger in the vehicle were transported to Palo Alto County Hospital by ambulance to be treated for non-incapacitating injuries. Stearns was issued citations for Failure to Maintain Control and Failure to use Safety Belt, both simple misdemeanors.

The Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office was assisted on scene by the Graettinger Fire Department and Palo Alto County Ambulance Service.

A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.