Car vs. Deer Crash w/ Injuries
On October 7, 2025, at 6:48 AM, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office received a 9-1-1 call about a vehicle versus deer crash on Hwy 61 just
south of Substation Rd, in Potosi Township. The caller reported a vehicle struck a deer and the car was disabled in the road creating lane
blockage. The caller also reported that her minor passenger’s arm was injured.
The investigating deputy learned Tiffany Helmke, 44, of Lancaster, was driving her 2022 Ford Explorer south on Hwy 61 when a deer jumped
the guardrail on the east side of the road directly in front of her vehicle, which was in the southbound lane. Helmke was not able to avoid
hitting the deer which caused significant damage to the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle became disabled in the two southbound lanes
with a large debris field behind it. This caused temporary closure of both southbound lanes.
Helmke’s minor passenger was transported by EMS to a local hospital for treatment of her injuries. Helmke reported minor injuries but was not
transported by EMS.
The Potosi Fire Department, Potosi EMS, and Arrow Towing of Lancaster all assisted the Sheriff’s Office.
One Vehicle Crash With Injuries
On Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at approximately 1:34 p.m., the Grant County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a one vehicle crash with
injuries, on County Road T, near the intersection of Haidinger Road, in Watterstown Township. A Grant County deputy was dispatched to the
scene along with Fennimore Fire Department and Fennimore EMS.
When the deputy arrived on scene, he learned Teah Ward, 20, of Fennimore, was traveling north on County Road T, just south of Haidinger
Road, in her 2003 Chevrolet Impala, when she looked at her cell phone to change the song that was being played. The vehicle veered into the
gravel on the right shoulder of the road. Ward over-corrected her steering causing the vehicle to cross into the opposite lane of travel and
enter the ditch on the west side of the roadway. The vehicle traveled some distance before it struck a culvert and went airborne. The vehicle
was airborne for approximately 20 feet before landing back on its wheels and continuing in the ditch for approximately another 150 feet before
coming to a stop. Ward was transported to Gundersen Boscobel Area Hospital by Fennimore EMS, for suspected injuries from the crash.
As a result of the crash, Ward was issued a citation for inattentive driving. Assisting at the scene was the Fennimore Fire Department and
Fennimore EMS.
Motorcycle vs. Truck Crash with Injuries
On October 9, 2025, at approximately 7:33 A.M., Grant County Dispatch received a report of a motorcycle vs. truck crash at the south
intersection of USH 61 and Hwy 129, in South Lancaster Township. Grant County Deputies and Lancaster Police Officers, along with the
Lancaster Fire Department and Lancaster EMS were dispatched to the scene.
When officers arrived on scene, they learned Stephen Smith, 40, of Boscobel, was riding a 1990 Harley Davidson, southbound on Hwy 61,
just west of the intersection with Hwy 129. As Smith approached the intersection and began to turn north onto Hwy 129 from Hwy 61, Robert
Noble, 68, of Lancaster, entered the intersection, driving his 2022 Chevy Silverado, in an attempt to turn south onto Hwy 61. Noble didn’t see
the motorcycle and ended up striking the motorcycle in the middle of the intersection.
Smith was wearing full protective gear and received minor injures as a result of the crash, and was transported to Grant Regional Health
Center by Lancaster EMS. Noble was not injured. Smith’s motorcycle had to be removed from the scene by Bennett’s Towing.
Noble was cited for Fail to Yield, from a stop sign.
The Grant County Highway Department, Lancaster Police, Fire, and EMS assisted the Sheriff’s Office at the scene.