On May 20, 2024 at 12:45 PM, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center, received a report of a car versus semi crash at the U.S.
Highway 61/State Highway 81 Roundabout. Penny Jo Vanert, age 58 of Prairie du Chien, was traveling south on U.S. Highway 61, in a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox, and was approaching the roundabout. Derrick Coffman, age 48 of Lakewood, CO, was traveling north on U.S. Highway 61, in a 2017 Freightliner semi, pulling a flatbed trailer, and was stopped at the yield sign at the roundabout. Vanert failed to yield at the roundabout, traveling south across the right side of the center divider of the roundabout, going over the curb on the divider, striking a road sign, and then striking the trailer Coffman had attached to his semi. Vanert was removed from the vehicle by Lancaster Fire Department and was transported to Grant Regional Health Center for injuries sustained. The Grant County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by Lancaster EMS, Lancaster Fire Department, and Bennett’s Auto and Towing. Vanert was issued a citation for Failure to Keep Vehicle Under Control, ss. 346.57(2).