Clear Lake Twp, MN (September 5, 2025) – An accident with injuries occurred Thursday afternoon on eastbound Highway 10 at 70th Ave SE in Clear Lake Township, Sherburne County. The crash involved two vehicles and resulted in non-life-threatening injuries to one driver, according to officials from the Minnesota State Patrol.
The collision took place just after 2:20 p.m. when a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee, traveling eastbound, collided with a 2026 Honda Civic that was positioned in the median. First responders from Clear Lake Fire and Rescue, along with Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office personnel, arrived quickly at the scene to assist those involved.
Robert James Arthur Knacke, 35, of Saint Cloud, was driving the Honda Civic and was transported to Saint Cloud Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Two passengers in the Honda—a 5-year-old female and a 1-year-old male, both from Saint Cloud—were evaluated on site and reported no injuries. The driver of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, 61-year-old Karen Eileen Novak of Merrill, WI, was unharmed.
Both vehicles had airbags deployed, and all occupants were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash. Authorities reported that the roadway was wet when the collision occurred, possibly contributing to the incident. The Minnesota State Patrol continues to investigate. Our thoughts are with all involved, and we wish a full recovery to the injured driver.
Two-Vehicle Collisions in Minnesota
Accidents at highway junctions like Highway 10 and 70th Ave SE in Sherburne County often occur during transitional weather or under rapidly changing road conditions. Thursday’s crash in Clear Lake Township demonstrates how even responsible drivers—both wearing seat belts and with no alcohol involvement—can still face harm in high-speed traffic environments.
Wet roads are a common contributing factor to collisions throughout Minnesota, particularly in rural townships where visibility may be reduced, and turning vehicles are harder to anticipate. In this case, the presence of children in one of the vehicles is a strong reminder of the importance of proper restraint use and immediate medical evaluation, even when injuries are not initially visible.
While no life-threatening injuries were reported in this crash, the implications for those involved—especially the injured driver—can still be serious. From medical recovery to vehicle replacement and the emotional strain of the event, victims may need access to resources beyond the immediate emergency response.
Minnesota crash reports show that intersections involving medians or turning vehicles carry elevated risk, especially when drivers are attempting to merge into or cross multi-lane highways. Continued investment in intersection design, signage, and public education are critical to reducing incidents like this.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a crash in Sherburne County or the surrounding area, Local Accident Reports is here to help. We provide detailed reports and connect families with the recovery tools and legal resources they may need in the aftermath of a serious accident. Reach out today to learn how we can support your next steps forward.
