By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - August 12, 2025

A two-vehicle crash on Friday, August 8, 2025, near mile marker 88 along Highway 61 in Tofte Township, resulted in multiple non-life-threatening injuries. The crash occurred at approximately 3:36 p.m. 

According to the Minnesota State Patrol, a 2013 Toyota Highlander, driven by 46-year-old Jennifer Senn Gauwitz of Tofte, was traveling westbound and stopped to make a left turn into a business. A 2017 Chevy Silverado, also traveling westbound, was driven by 32-year-old Mitchell Jamie Kerfeld of Tofte when the vehicles "made contact."

The two drivers and five passengers were transported to North Shore Health in Grand Marais for evaluation. All injuries were reported as non-life-threatening. All passengers were wearing a seatbelt, and alcohol or other substances did not appear to have been a factor. 

The road conditions at the time of the crash were dry. The Cook County Sheriff's Office, North Shore Health Ambulance, North Coast Towing, and J & H Towing responded to the scene. The Minnesota State Patrol is investigating the incident.