Vicki Clarke, a Mitchell businesswoman, mother and dynamic community leader, died Thursday in a car accident in Nebraska.
She was 56.
Clarke and her husband, John, own County Fair Food Stores, which includes a grocery store and a convenience store in Mitchell. The Clarks have two grown children, Megan and Steve.
"In the last 20 years, I think Vicki's fingerprints have found ways to touch everything in Mitchell," said Bryan Hisel, executive director of the Mitchell Area Chamber of Commerce.
Clark died in a two-vehicle accident around 6 p.m. Thursday near Fullerton, Neb., on Highway 14, according to Merrick County Sheriff Anthony McPhillips. She died at the scene.
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Clarke's 16-year-old niece, from Central City, Neb., was a passenger in Clarke's car. The girl was injured and airlifted to a hospital in Lincoln, Neb. Her injuries are not considered life-threatening.
McPhillips would not identify the girl, citing his own policy.
The second driver, Julie A. Reynolds, 30, of Fullerton, also was airlifted to Lincoln. Her condition is unknown.
Clarke's 2003 Cadillac Deville was heading south on State Highway 14 when it crossed the centerline and the northbound traffic lane, reaching the northbound lane's shoulder. Clarke overcorrected and lost control of the vehicle.
Clarke's vehicle came back into the northbound land and collided with Reynolds' mini van. Authorities said Reynolds attempted to evade the accident but did not have enough time.
