On February 26, 2024, at approximately 9:30am a two-vehicle fatal crash happened on the north side of Hazelton on US-83, at the intersection of 64th St. SE and ND-34. A semi hauling agricultural products was northbound on US-83 from Linton to Sterling when it collided with the right side of a pickup
that was eastbound on 64th St SE, heading toward ND-34.

Both roadways intersecting US-83 were posted with stop signs. Both vehicles came to rest, interlocked, in the east ditch to the northeast of the intersection. Wayne Schmitcke, the driver of the pickup, was extricated by Fire and EMS. Mr. Schmitcke was transported by ambulance to the Linton hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The driver of the semi, Christopher Iszler, was not injured and declined
medical treatment.

This crash is pending investigation by the North Dakota Highway Patrol.