Two people injured in two-vehicle accident in Grant County

TWO VEHICLE CRASH  

On February 6, 2026, at approximately 7:22 A.M., the Grant County Sheriff's Office received several 911 calls of a two-vehicle crash on Hwy 61 at Liberty Ridge Rd., in Liberty Township. The information received was the highway was blocked by the vehicles involved.  

Along with Grant County Sheriff Deputies, emergency crews from Lancaster Fire Department, Lancaster EMS, and Stitzer Fire Department responded to the scene. 

When deputies arrived on scene they learned Mary Kopp, 65, of Stitzer, was driving a 2011 Chevy Express van. Kopp had stopped at the stop sign on the west side of the intersection of Liberty Ridge Rd., and Hwy 61. Kopp then proceeded through the intersection, but failed to yield the right of way to a 2020 Chystler Voyager, being driven south bound on Hwy 61, by Lynn Gilkes, 51, of Fennimore.  

Gilkes attempted to avoid the collision, but both vehicles collided in the middle of Hwy 61. 

Kopp had seven passengers who were either not wearing seat belts or properly restrained in child safety restraints. None of Kopp's passengers were injured. Kopp was wearing her seatbelt, but sustained minor injuries and refused transport.  

Gilkes was also wearing her seatbelt, complained of chest pain, but also refused transport. 

Both vehicles were a total loss and were removed from the scene by local towing services.  

As a result of the investigation, Kopp was cited for failing to yield the right of way from a stop sign, along with multiple citations for failing to have passengers properly restrained.