A resolution has been reached in the case of that New Years Day Crash on Hwy 35 near Holt Drive, west of Bigfork. 31-year olf Kala Renee Knaus (Pictured) has fulfilled her part in the plea agreement that will send her to prison for 20-years, 10-of those suspended. She plead “guilty” Thursday and Judge Heidi Ulbrecht has accepted the plea deal.
Prosecutors say the crash happened just before 1:30 the New Years morning on Hwy 35 near Holt Drive, west of Bigfork. It was a 2-vehicle head-on crash. When troopers arrived, they found Knaus’ vehicle on its side about 10-feet from the highway. In the vehicle, a woman, now identified as Alyssa Sladek, buckled into the driver’s seat.
A second vehicle–on its wheels, was about 20-feet from the highway and about 100-feet from the first vehicle…both with extensive damage.
The investigating trooper reported Knaus conscious and belligerent. At Logan Health, a toxicology same was taken, showing her blood alcohol content was over twice the legal limit. There were traces of Prozac and the sleep-aid, Unisom in her system.
