FAYETTE COUNTY – A pair of Northern Iowa motorists driving at night struck black cows on a remote roadway, causing well over $30,000 in damages.
On November 12, 2024, at approximately 12:30 AM, a Fayette County Deputy was notified of an accident near the 29,000 block of Lincoln Road from a concerned citizen who had passed by. Upon arrival an investigation was initiated as it had been discovered two separate vehicles had hit black cows. Upon conducting the investigation, it was discovered that Lonny Lindenbaum age, 54 of West Union, was traveling southbound on Lincoln when he struck the first cow, disabling his 2025 Jeep Compass. The Jeep sustained severe damage. Nicholas Buchheit, age 27 of Fort Atkinson, reported that when he passed by, he saw Mr. Lindenbaum and shortly after struck a separate black cow, which was in the roadway, with his 2005 Chevrolet K250.
Police say the owner of the cattle, Ray Steffens of West Union, was notified of the loose cattle and identified the two that had been struck as his livestock upon his arrival.
The accidents caused an estimated $35,000.00 in damages.
The incident remains under police investigation.