Two crashes in one day: County Sheriff’s Office

On Nov. 1, 2023, at approximately 7:08 a.m., the Henry County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a car vs deer accident on Highway 218 near Kentucky Avenue. An investigation determined Barbara Tallman, of Fort Madison, was traveling northbound on Highway 218 when she struck a deer in her 2023 Chevrolet Equinox. Damage was estimated at $10,000 and no injuries were reported.

On Nov. 1, 2023, at approximately 7:49 a.m., the Henry County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of Highway 34 and 260th Street. An investigation determined that 46-year-old Robert Smith of Mount Pleasant was attempting to turn onto 260th Street by crossing westbound lanes in a 2013 Dodge Dart when he was struck by a westbound 2013 Ford Fusion driven by 24-year-old Collin Wilson of Danville. No injuries were reported. Both vehicles were considered totaled. Robert Smith was issued citations for Failure to Yield Upon entering Through Highway, and Failure to Provide Proof of Financial Liability.

(A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.)

Note from Virginia Ekstrand: “Collin Wilson is my grandson. I am thankful that he is OK. I would like to encourage everyone to consider obtaining Life360 and installing it on their smartphones. Both Life360 and Collin’s car 911 service came to the rescue. His car dialed 911 upon impact and Life360 let his family members know that something happened. Further, Life360 sent a message as soon as it was determined that Collin was OK. While one will worry regardless, the quick notifications are helpful.”