North Dakota
Escaped cattle walk on to highway, sparking 3 car crashes and 25 animal deaths in North Dakota
Cattle escaped a North Dakota pasture Monday and wandered onto the interstate, causing a three-vehicle crash and leading to the death of 25 animals.
The incident happened around 1 a.m. Monday, the North Dakota State Highway Patrol said in a news release, when a large amount of cattle left a pasture next to Interstate 94, exit 190, near Driscoll.
A group of cattle gathered under an overpass when they were struck by a semi-truck carrying refrigerated produce, the agency said. The semi entered the median and overturned, causing a small fire to start. The fire was immediately put out and the driver, 57-year-old Ewert Nel, was not hurt. He was wearing his seatbelt, the agency said.
The roadway was closed for at least four hours in wake of the crash.
Kaycee Anderson, a driver in a 2024 Ford Escape who was also traveling east on I-94, hit the cattle. The 26-year-old was wearing her seatbelt and suffered minor cuts and bruises. She was taken to the hospital.
Lastly, Dina Diamanti, 41, was westbound in a 2014 Ford Fusion when she hit the cattle. In the car with her were a 20-year-old and two teenagers. Everyone in the vehicle wore a seatbelt, but each person was taken to the hospital for possibly minor injuries, the agency said.
The escaped cattle and vehicles blocked both I-94 lanes under exit 190, the agency said.
The roadway was closed at 1 a.m., the agency said. The westbound lane reopened just over four hours later, while the eastbound lane took about five hours to reopen.
The North Dakota State Highway Patrol said none of the drivers will be charged.
The agency said in its news release that 60-year-old Gerald Schmidt owns the cattle and altogether, 25 were killed Monday. Schmidt, the cattle owner, will not face charges, Sgt. Jeremiah Bohn from the North Dakota State Highway Patrol confirmed to USA TODAY Wednesday morning.
Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY’s NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Follow her on Twitter at @SaleenMartin or email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com.
Submitted Photo
Mae Streich, left, Bottineau, conductor pro-tem, escorts Lois Schaefer, new president of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Department of North Dakota, to the podium to conduct her first council meeting
BISMARCK – A Bottineau woman now is president of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary North Dakota Department.
Lois Schaefer and other VFW Department 2025-26 officers were elected and installed during the state VFW and Auxiliary Convention held in Bismarck, May 29-June 1.
Lois Callahan, national representative for the convention, served as installation officer.
Callahan will be elected and installed as the 2025-2026 national president at the VFW and Auxiliary National Convention in Columbus, Ohio, Aug. 9-13. As national president, Callahan will visit every state. Her visit to North Dakota is scheduled for Aug. 22-24 during a fall workshop in Bottineau.
Schaefer’s theme as state president is the Rosie the Riveter theme “We Can Do It!”
Submitted Photo
Sharol Paulson, right, Minot, was honored with the title “The Legend” during the recent Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Department of North Dakota convention held in Bismarck. Brad Reed, 2025-26 senior vice commander for the VFW Department of N.D., escorts Paulson to dinner as part of her “royalty” title and many years of service to the auxiliary.
In her position as state president, Schaefer also will raise funds for a special project. Her project is Service Dogs for America based at Jud in LaMoure County, and her plans are to raise money for scholarships to assist veterans with the purchase of service dogs. The service dogs cost $25,000 each.
During the convention, Sharol Paulson, Minot, was crowned with the title “The Legend,” recognizing her for her many years of service with the auxiliary.
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Submitted Photo
Mae Streich, left, Bottineau, conductor pro-tem, escorts Lois Schaefer, new president of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Department of North Dakota, to the podium to conduct her first council meeting
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Submitted Photo
Sharol Paulson, right, Minot, was honored with the title “The Legend” during the recent Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Department of North Dakota convention held in Bismarck. Brad Reed, 2025-26 senior vice commander for the VFW Department of N.D., escorts Paulson to dinner as part of her “royalty” title and many years of service to the auxiliary.
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In the U.S., smoke from Canadian wildfires was detected drifting through Montana, North Dakota and northern Minnesota.
Medora, a tiny community in North Dakota surrounded by the rugged landscape of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, has been named to HGTV’s list of the most charming small town downtowns.
The city – with a population of 121, according to Census Bureau data – is south of Interstate 94 in the far western part of the state.
“Nothing charms like a small downtown that beckons visitors with historic architecture and boutique shops or local culture and tree-lined streets,” HGTV said. “Many small-town downtowns are located in beautiful settings or have stunning views. Others welcome visitors with lively festivals, delicious foods or a nostalgic atmosphere.”
The network didn’t list any specific criteria for inclusion on the list, but said it “looked for vibrant towns that invite you in and encourage you to stay and explore.”
What did HGTV say about Medora?
HGTV highlighted Medora’s role as a gateway town for the south unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, where visitors can take a scenic drive through the badlands, home to bison, mule deer, prairie dogs, horses and other wildlife.
The network also mentioned the community’s museums, fudge shops and the Old Town Hall Theater, and it recommended the Medora Musical, a “toe-tapping Broadway-style show,” and the Rough Riders Hotel, a “historic inn where Theodore Roosevelt himself once stayed.”
Were any other Midwest communities featured on HGTV’s list?
The network’s list also included:
- Marquette, Michigan
- Abilene, Kansas
- Deadwood, South Dakota
- Fish Creek, Wisconsin
- Galena, Illinois
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