Weather Conditions a Factor in 2 Fayette Co. Accidents

Weather conditions were a factor in two recent traffic accidents in Fayette County.

Both happened late Thursday night (Nov. 8).

At about 10:30pm, Fayette County deputies responded to a one-vehicle rollover on Harding Road, west of Clermont. 21 year old Paul Franzen Jr. of Elgin lost control of his SUV due to weather conditions, entered a ditch, and the vehicle rolled onto it's side. Franzen was not injured, but the 2002 Ford Explorer had $2,500 in damages. The accident is still under investigation.

And shortly after 11pm that same night, officers were called to a rollover accident near the intersection of 160th Street and W-14, south of Hawkeye. A sport utility vehicle driven by 22 year old Alexander Wallace of Hawkeye went out of control because of weather conditions, entered the ditch, and rolled over. Wallace was not hurt. His 1999 Kia Sportage was totaled.

An Elkport man has been arrested by the Fayette County Sheriff's Office on an alcohol-related charge. At about 3:30 Saturday (Nov. 10), deputies were called to the city of Wadena for a welfare check. Following the investigation, 40 year old Jacob Steger was arrested on a charge of Public Intoxication-3rd and Subsequent Offense. He was held in the county jail until his initial court appearance.