(Guthrie Center, Iowa) – Sheriff’s officials in Guthrie County say there were three, separate accidents over the past week. The latest occurred at around 5:20-a.m., Saturday, on Wagon Road, near Panora. Authorities say 37-year-old Donald P. Felgate, of Panora, was driving a 1992 Chevy Silverado pickup, when he swerved to miss a deer on the road. He over-corrected, causing the vehicle to roll over. The pickup struck a mailbox and 911 address marker in the process. The property, belonging to Ronald Clark, of Panora, sustained $500 damage.  Felgate was complained of pain and was examined by Panora EMS before being transported to the Guthrie County Hospital. He was cited for Failure to hold insurance, accident-related.

The second accident happened Friday night on 280th Street at the Guthrie/Dallas County line. The Sheriff’s Department says 40-year-old Daniel Rice, of Guthrie Center, was traveling southeast on 280th Street at around 11-p.m. The 2008 Dodge RAM pickup he was driving failed to negotiate a curve in the road and continued straight, until it hit a utility pole. He was transported by his mother to the Guthrie County Hospital to be treated for minor injuries. Authorities said there were no visible skid marks on the road. Daniel told his mother that he saw a deer and swerved to avoid a collision, but the Sheriff’s report said “There is no evidence to support or back up that claim.” The pickup was totaled in the crash. Rice was cited for Failure to Maintain Control.

And, at around 7:45-p.m. June 6th, a 1999 Chevy pickup driven by 22-year-old Bryce C. Block, of Bayard, was traveling south on 1st Avenue in Bayard. A 2000 Ford Ranger pickup driven by 27-year-old Rodney J. Blackmon, of Bayard, was also southbound on 1st Avenue, and behind the Chevy. The report says Block and a witness advised authorities the Ranger pickup was following too closely. When Block turned-off onto a gravel parking lot/driveway because the Ford was too close.

The Ranger continued southbound, and the Chevy also drove southbound. Blackmon’s Ranger stopped on the traveled portion of the road, cutting off Block’s vehicle in the process. Block locked-up his brakes and slid on the gravel into the driver’s side door of the Ranger. Damage from the collision amounted to $4,000. Deputies cited Rodney Blackman for Reckless Driving, Following too close, and stopping on the paved portion of a highway.