Jan. 26, 2026
GENOA, Wis. — Two motorists avoided injury Sunday night after a pickup collided with a disabled vehicle on State Highway 56.
Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson reported that dispatchers received a call regarding the crash at approximately 7:30 p.m. on State Highway 56 near Mound Ridge Road in the Town of Genoa.
Vernon County authorities report a two vehicle crash on State Highway 56 on Sunday evening – Vernon County Sheriff’s Office photo 
Vernon County authorities report a two vehicle crash on State Highway 56 on Sunday evening – Vernon County Sheriff’s Office photo Vernon County authorities report a two vehicle crash on State Highway 56 on Sunday evening – Vernon County Sheriff’s Office photo
Brian Allan Strasser, 60, of De Soto, was driving a pickup east at the time of the incident. Torgerson said the pickup struck a disabled SUV that was occupied and stopped on the roadway.
The occupant of the SUV was identified as Barbara Irene Dittrich, 23, of Alma. Emergency responders evaluated both Strasser and Dittrich at the scene and both individuals declined ambulance transport.
Authorities noted that safety equipment functioned properly during the collision. Seat belts were worn and airbags deployed.
Genoa Harmony Fire and Rescue and emergency medical services assisted the sheriff’s office at the scene. The sheriff indicated that the incident remains under review. “The crash remains under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office,” said Torgerson.
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