WANAMINGO, Minn. (KTTC) -- Workers at a small town beauty salon are moving forward after their employer suffered a severe injury on Monday.
Harriet Peterson, 60, owner of Classic Hair Design in Wanamingo, was backed over by a pickup truck. She is listed in serious condition. Wanamingo is a town of just more than 1,000 people.
It's the kind of small town where everyone knows everyone.
On Monday Larry Axelson, a first responder for the Wanamingo Fire Department, got the call.
"We got to a patient laying on the ground right about here in a lot of pain," he explained.
It was then, Axelson realized he knew who the woman was.
"The one thing that's difficult in a small town is when you know somebody it just makes you a little bit more tense, a little bit more nervous, and you want to do things the right way," said Axelson.
Harriet Peterson had been accidentally backed over by a pickup truck. The 16-year-old driver didn't see her as he was pulling out of a parking spot. "You go on autopilot. You just do your thing and it's afterwards things start to set in a little bit," said Axelson.
Down the main strip at Harriet's salon, Peterson's employees keep an ear out for updates. "I know that she's had surgery," said stylist Jamie Sommer. "She had a broken pelvis and they have repaired that."
As it turns out Peterson has a strong relationship with her crew.
"Kind. And thoughtful. And caring. She's been, really, the best boss that I've ever worked for," said Sommer.
Covering for Peterson is more like a labor of love for these workers and they rearranged the week's scheduled appointments. "And even more important the clients have been even more flexible and willing to work through this too," said Sommer. "Get her ladies in. Get our ladies in and everyone will be taken care of."
Wanamingo street corner where Harriet was struck on Monday
Salon staff are keeping things going while Harriet heals
