Hartley crash claims one life

Members of the Iowa State Patrol continue their investigation following a fatal collision at 7:06 a.m. Monday along Highway 18 just west of Hartley.

The nearly head-on crash claimed the life of 55-year-old Donald John Schmalen of Sheldon. He was pronounced dead at the scene, which was about 1/2 mile beyond city limits.

Investigators think 22-year-old Clayton Michael Noll of Spencer was westbound, but in the eastbound lane when his 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix and Schmalen's eastbound Pontiac Bonneville collided.

Trooper Doug Kueper was at the scene throughout the day and does not suspect intentional recklessness or any sort of drug or alcohol impairment.

He thinks Noll may have been distracted or confused while attempting to make a turn at a nearby ethanol production facility. Very preliminary observations led Kueper to believe Noll may have mistaken the oncoming lane of traffic as a turning lane.

Kueper hasn't been able to verify that with the driver, who was on his way to work when the crash occurred. Noll's injuries include a broken jaw and a possible fracture in the hip area. He was taken to Spencer Hospital by Hartley ambulance, then transfered to a Sioux Falls hospital. His injuries did not appear to be life-threatening, according to the patrol officer.

Traffic near Hartley had to be rerouted until about 11 a.m. State Patrol officers were assisted by the O'Brien County Sheriff's Office, as well as rescue crews from Hartley.