Vernon County Sheriff's Office

10/13/2026

10/13/2026

WESTBY, Wis. – Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson and Coroner Betty Nigh report a fatal motorcycle crash.

On Saturday evening, October 10, 2026, at 6:30 PM, the Sheriff’s Office 911 Dispatch Center was notified of a motorcycle crash on County Road P east of Carlson Ridge Road, rural Westby, WI, in the Town of Christiana.

Steven Howard Peterson, age 68, of rural La Farge, WI was operating a 2001 Harley Davidson traveling east when he struck a deer. He sustained very serious injuries and was flown to Emplify Health by Gundersen in La Crosse by Emplify Health EMS - Air. He died in the hospital early Monday afternoon, October 12th.

Responding to this tragic incident were the Sheriff’s Office, Westby-Christiana Fire Department, Westby EMS, Emplify Health EMS - Ground, Emplify Health EMS - Air, and the Wisconsin State Patrol.

La Farge Area Ambulance was paged initially but cancelled when it was determined they were not needed. We appreciate their willingness to respond outside their normal service area, as they have done many times.

My heart goes out to the family and friends who are grieving this unimaginable loss. A tragedy like this affects everyone involved. I want to extend my deepest appreciation for the steady work and care shown at the scene and by everyone involved in the response. As our community offers support in the days ahead, I encourage everyone to keep the family close as they grieve an incredible loss.

Peterson was not wearing a helmet.

The crash remains under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office and the Coroner’s Office.

Sheriff Roy Torgerson

Coroner Betty Nigh

10/13/2026

10/13/2026

It’s simple. It’s important. And it could make all the difference.

Take a few minutes to register your emergency contacts on your Wisconsin driver’s license.

Heaven forbid something happens to you, but if it does, having that information available can help law enforcement or emergency services know who to contact.

You might think, “People in my community know who my family is.” But what happens if something happens while you’re traveling—somewhere far from home, where no one knows you or your family?

This is one of those things that makes so much sense, yet it’s easy to put off because it’s so simple.

Take a few minutes. Register your emergency contacts. You’ll be glad you did—and your family will be, too. 💜

An injury doesn’t have to be fatal to leave someone unable to make a phone call.

A person may be unconscious, confused, undergoing treatment, or simply unable to communicate. Meanwhile, the people who love them may have no idea anything has happened.

Ask your family tonight:
“Who is your emergency contact?”
Then make sure the information is current.

Visit 🌐 Toinformfamiliesfirst.org/register

10/12/2026

STODDARD, Wis. – Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson reports that on Sunday morning, October 11, 2026, at 8:45 AM, the Sheriff’s Office 911 Dispatch Center was notified of a single-vehicle crash on State Highway 35, near Chipmunk Ridge Road, rural Stoddard, WI, in the Town of Bergen.

Ricky Dean Peyton, age 66, of Winthrop, IA was operating a 2012 Freightliner box truck traveling north. The vehicle went off the right side of the roadway. While the operator attempted to recover, the vehicle struck a perpendicular driveway embankment, re-entered the roadway, overturned, and came to rest on the opposite side of the roadway.

Ricky Peyton sustained very serious injuries. Motorists who came upon the scene provided immediate aid. Those actions continued as emergency personnel arrived, but despite extensive lifesaving attempts, his injuries were ultimately fatal. He was pronounced dead at the scene by Vernon County Coroner Betty Nigh.

At the scene with the Sheriff’s Office were the Stoddard Bergen Fire Department, Emplify Health EMS - Ground, Emplify Health EMS - Air, and the Wisconsin State Patrol, including motor carrier enforcement.

There were both partial and full highway closures until the scene was clear just after 12:00 PM. Assisting with a temporary detour between La Crosse and Stoddard were the Shelby Fire Department, La Crosse County Highway Department, and the Genoa-Harmony Fire & Rescue.

Also assisting were La Crosse County Public Safety Communications and Buchanan County Sheriff's Office, in Independence, IA.

The operator was the sole occupant and not wearing a seatbelt.

My prayers and thoughts are with the Peyton family following this tragic loss of life. I ask that the community do the same and keep them close during this very difficult time. This was a traumatic event for everyone involved. I greatly appreciate the professionalism, compassion, and efforts of all those who responded and assisted at the scene. I would also like to recognize our 911 dispatchers for their calm under pressure and their effective, steady communication throughout this incident—this impacts them as well.

The incident remains under investigation by the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office and the Vernon County Coroner’s Office.

Sheriff Roy Torgerson

10/12/2026

Congratulations to Sgt. Swedberg, K‑9 Brutus, and the entire Houston County Sheriff’s Office on your outstanding performance at the USPCA National Patrol Dog Certification! Earning a 3rd place finish is an impressive accomplishment and a testament to your dedication, skill, and service.

As your neighbors here in Vernon County, we’re proud to see your continued success and commitment to excellence. Keep up the great work, and congratulations once again on this well‑deserved recognition!

— Sheriff Roy Torgerson

This week, Sgt. Swedberg and K-9 Brutus competed in the USPCA National Patrol Dog Certification. Not only did they successfully certify, but they also earned an impressive 3rd place finish! 🐾👏

And don’t forget! Brutus and Sgt. Swedberg will be at Swing Bridge Pub on October 5th from 5:00–6:30 PM for a meet and greet!

Swing Bridge Pub is hosting a Give Back Night, and 10% of proceeds will be donated toward K-9 Brutus and his continued service to our community.

Come out, grab some food, meet Brutus, and show your support!

We are incredibly grateful to Swing Bridge Pub for supporting our K-9 program, and to everyone who continues to support K-9 Brutus ❤️🐾

10/12/2026

Come join our team of amazing communications professionals. We are still taking applications. October 14th is the deadline to apply for 911 Dispatcher.

10/11/2026

10/11/2026

UPDATE (12:30 PM): The highway is open and the scene is clear.

Sheriff Torgerson

10/11/2026

UPDATE (12:30 PM): The highway is open and the scene is clear.

Sheriff Torgerson

UPDATE (12:30 PM): The highway is open and the scene is clear.

Sheriff Torgerson

UPDATE (10-11-26, 10:30 AM): Very preliminary estimates say the full closure will be in place for 1 1/2-2 hours.

Sheriff Roy Torgerson

Sheriff Torgerson here on Sunday morning, October 11th, at 9:45 a.m., with an update on the single-vehicle crash north of Stoddard and south of La Crosse.

State Highway 35 is currently closed south of County Road K and north of State Highway 162—basically, closed between the Vernon-La Crosse County line and Stoddard.

We hope that closure is very temporary, but we’ll keep the community informed. Please choose an alternate route.

Again, when it comes to the recovery of the vehicle, that could also cause some additional closures. The current closure is due to Gundersen Air landing at the scene.