OFF THE WIRE
by Maury Glover
/ FOX 9 News
Biker brawls prompt force boost during annual trip..
Police in southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin are stepping up their staffing before the annual Flood Run fundraiser to benefit Gillette Children’s Hospital.
On most days, Prescott, Wis., is a quiet community nestled along the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers, but a couple times a year, downtown Prescott starts to look more like Sturgis, South Dakota.
“Bikes as far as you can see, this way and that way,” said Ryan Miller. “It’s really busy.”
The motorcycle ride brings in a steady stream of 20-30,000 bikers to the town of 4,000 to commemorate when bikers rode in to Winona to help with sandbagging in the 1960s. The ride from St. Croix Beach to Winona brings thousands of customers to local bars and restaurants -- but it can also bring a fair share of problems.
Last year, several members of the Wisconsin-based Outlaws Biker Gang crossed into Hell’s Angels territory in Minnesota, and beat several Angels outside a bar in Winona County.
This year, members of law enforcement agencies along the ride route will have extra staff on duty to make sure there isn’t any more trouble.
The Minnesota State Patrol also plans to have extra troopers on duty during the Flood Run.
Read more: Police Step Up Staffing before Flood Run http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/dpp/news/wisconsin/police-step-up-staffing-before-flood-run-apr-17-2011#ixzz1JpEPAZTZ
