ST. JOSEPH, MN — November 1, 2026 Two St. Joseph residents were injured Sunday morning following a collision involving two vehicles on County Road 75 in St. Joseph Township, according to the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office.
Thomas Backes, 74, and Mary Backes, 75, were traveling in an SUV when another vehicle entered their path, resulting in a collision at approximately 9:45 a.m.
Authorities reported that the other motorist had initially turned onto County Road 134, which was closed because of construction near the new Stearns County Justice Center. The driver then attempted to turn around and return to County Road 75.
During the maneuver, the vehicle pulled into the path of the westbound SUV, causing the two vehicles to collide.
Mary Backes was identified as the SUV’s driver, while Thomas Backes was riding as a passenger. Both residents were transported by ambulance to St. Cloud Hospital for medical treatment.
The other motorist, a 50-year-old St. Cloud resident, was not reported to have requested medical assistance at the scene. Deputies issued the driver a citation for failing to yield the right-of-way.
