The Pelican Rapids High School band, joined many others at a band contest in Chicago.  On the way home, however,  the 100 youngsters and HS staff, traveling north in 2 busses, met with disaster on I -94 when one of the buses flipped over on the slippery road. One of the band youngsters died in the accident and many more were seriously injured.

Over  1,000 people from this close nit community in northern Minnesota packed the Pelican Rapids High School gymnasium Monday evening to hold hands, share tears and seek comfort amidst the pain they were feeling following the tragic bus accident.   In an effort to comfort grieving classmates, over 100 Hugs Acrross America teddies will be given to the students as they return to school with the help of Police Chief Jeff Stadum and the Pelican Rapids High School guidance department.