One light is staying red at Route 63 and Route 19, while the other light changes from red to green and back, according to a report to dispatchers.
Traffic is backing up.
Law enforcement is dispatched.
A 19-year-old Batavia man was injured Saturday after he lost control of a go-kart he was driving on Barrville Road, Elba, and was ejected from the vehicle.
Jacob T. Bell, of Washington Avenue, Batavia, was transported to UMMC in a private car with cuts on his face.
Bell was reportedly southbound on Barrville Road at 7 p.m. when he crossed over into the northbound lane to allow another vehicle to pass. Bell said he overcorrected and lost control of the go-kart.
No citations were issued.
The accident was investigated by Deputy Timothy Wescott.
Mark R. Wnuk, 49, of 127 Hewitt St., Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, following too closely, improper/no signal and moving from lane unsafely. Wnuk was stopped at 6:14 p.m., Friday, North Lyon Street in the City of Batavia. During the traffic stop, he was allegedly found in possession of a metal knuckles knife, which was attached to his motorcycle. Wnuk was originally observed driving on Ellicott Street. Wnuk was jailed on $20,000 bail.
Jamie Lee Broadbent, 28, of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Broadbent was taken into custody on a bench warrant out of City Court.
Douglas Nathaniel Clark, 18, of Milburn Street, Rochester, is charged with criminal mischief, 3rd. Clark is accused of throwing a rock at the Stafford Trading Post building on Main Road, Stafford, on June 18, causing damage to a window. The estimated damage exceeds $1,100. Clark was identified as a possible suspect when his mobile phone was found at the scene.
Michele L. DiFalco, 22, no permanent address, is charged with resisting arrest. DiFalco is accused of violating the conditions of her release under supervision (RUS) contract. The RUS was related to three previous felony charges. Batavia Police responded to a report that DiFalco was inside a business in Tops Plaza at 6:30 p.m., Friday. Officer Kevin DeFelice attempted to arrest DiFalco and DiFalco allegedly refused to comply with the officer's orders. She then allegedly struggled with DeFelice. She was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and jailed on $15,000 bail.
Gregory E. Armitage, 50, of Grand Island, is charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, 3rd. Armitage is accused of taking a vehicle from the owner in early June to perform maintenance on it and then not returning the car to the owner.
Sean Michael Howell, 37, of Avenue D, Rochester, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Howell is accused of trying to evade the gate at Darien Lake Theme Park at 11:08 p.m., Saturday, and driving his vehicle into a ditch. During an investigation of the incident by Deputy Joseph Graff, Howell was allegedly found to be intoxicated.
Sammy Paul Davis, 44, of North Street, Batavia, is charged with aggravated harassment, 2nd. Davis is accused of sending threatening text messages to another person.
Jeffery S. Kunkel, 24, of Oehman Blvd., Cheektowaga, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater and failure to keep right. Kunkel was reportedly observed driving a vehicle at 7:45 p.m. Saturday, in the left lane of Sumner Road while following his girlfriend. The couple was reportedly involved in a domestic dispute. Upon investigation by Sgt. Greg Walker, Kunkel was allegedly found to be driving while intoxicated.
Daniel Francis Maxwell, 58, of East Bethany Le Roy Townline Road, Le Roy, is charged with DWI. Maxwell was charged following a one-car accident on Sweetland Road, Stafford, at 5:50 p.m., Sunday.
Lance David Compton, 19, of Washington Street, Attica, is charged with assault, 3rd. Compton is accused of getting into a fight with another individual causing serious injuries on June 25 in the Cherry Hill Campgrounds during the Tim McGraw concert at Darien Lake. Compton was also charged with possession of alcohol by a person under age 21.
Nicholas Anthony Thomasulo, 40, of Warboys Road, Bergen, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Deputy Chad Minuto reportedly observed a vehicle operated by Thomasulo on Route 33, Batavia, stopped with its hazard lights on at 12:06 a.m., Sunday. Upon investigation, Minuto arrested Thomasulo for allegedly driving while intoxicated.
Justin Larry Balso, 20, of Loneoak Court, Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada, is charged with possession/consumption of alcohol by person under age 21. Balso is accused of possessing Rolling Rock Beer at 1:10 a.m., Sunday, and consuming it to the point of intoxication. Balso was arrested in the area of 8484 Route 77 by Deputy Patrick Reeves.
Veniamin Boyko, 19, of Bennett Road, Hilton, is charged with possession/consumption of alcohol by person under age 21. Boyko was allegedly intoxicated while at Darien Lake Theme Park at 7:02 p.m., July 18.
Rubim Kozyluk, 18, of Sunset Circle, Brockport, is charged with possession/consumption of alcohol by person under age 21. Boyko was allegedly intoxicated while at Darien Lake Theme Park at 7:02 p.m., July 18.
Philip Jared Clark, 21, of 3763 Karl Road, Alleghany, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and unlicensed operation. Clark was allegedly found in a parked car blocking a residential driveway on Route 77, Darien, at 8:14 p.m., Saturday, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.
Nicholas Michael Hart, 18, of West Ridge Road, Brockport, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, operating on a suspended registration and no insurance. Hart was stopped at 1:20 p.m., Sunday, on Route 77, Pembroke by Deputy Dana Richardson.
Rachel An Fromwiller, 27, of Main Street, Akron, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to keep right and driver's view obstructed. Fromwiller was stopped at 2:37 a.m., Sunday, on Park Road, Town of Batavia, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.
Austin Keven Dorr, 20, of Washington Street, Attica, is charged with possession/consumption of alcohol by a person under age 21. Dorr is accused of possessing and consuming alcohol while at Cherry Hill Campgrounds at 8:40 p.m., Saturday.
Joshua M. Aldridge, 24, of Jackson Avenue, Lackawanna, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and failure to obey a police officer. Aldridge is accused of driving a 1993 Saturn westbound on Sumner Road, Darien, at 10:58 p.m., Sunday, when he allegedly failed to stop when ordered to stop by Sgt. Greg Walker.
Tyler C. Herold, 20, of Pavilion, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Herold was stopped on Broadway Road, Village of Alden, for allegedly not wearing a seat belt. State Police report that an investigation revealed that Herold was in possession of a small amount of marijuana and a small baggie of white powder. The contents of the baggie are being tested.
Cuyler C. Gentile, 24, of Le Roy, is charged with DWI. Gentile was stopped by State Police for allegedly failing to keep right while traveling on Route 33 in the Town of Pembroke.
Gianfranco Giacchi, 24, of 825 Center Road, West Seneca, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .18 or greater. Giacchi was stopped at 11:46 p.m., Saturday, on Pearl Street by Officer Thad Mart.
Wires are reportedly down in the area of 10420 Brookville Road, Alexander, following a lightning strike.
The strike "blew the pole apart," according to the Alexander chief on scene who called it in.
Alexander Fire Department is responding.
UPDATE 11:22 a.m.: National Grid notified. ETA 30 minutes to 1 hour. Wires are in a tree and there is smoke.
UPDATE 11:31 a.m.: Attica requested to fill in at the Alexander Hall. A chief asks, "Can we have National Grid put a rush on it?"
UPDATE 11:50 a.m.: National Grid is on scene. Secondary wires are involved.
The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office in connection with the Lil’ Wayne concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Sunday:
Carlos Warford, 46, Normal Avenue, Buffalo, was arrested on a warrant issued out of Kentucky, for alleged flagrant non-support. Warford was remanded to jail pending extradition to Kentucky.
Cody A. Tingue, 26, Pleasant Valley Road, Delevan, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly causing a disturbance at the concert venue entrance. Tingue was released on $100 bail.
Timothy J. Weaver, 20, Middlebury Road, Webster, is charged with for trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return. Weaver was remanded to jail in lieu of $350 bail.
Candace M. Hurst, 26, Bush Street, Buffalo, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly throwing a cup of beer on concert security staff.
Cory R. Vanmorrelgem, 21, Little John Way, Webster, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.
Oleg Korolchuk, 18, Sugarcreek Trail, Webster, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly entering the concert venue without a ticket.
A 17-year-old of John Glen Blvd., Webster, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly entering the concert venue without a ticket.
Anthony E. Schimek, 21, South Road, Cherry Creek, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, after allegedly being found in possession of hydrocodone without a prescription.
Diana M. Ellis, 20, Hertle Avenue, Buffalo, is charged with disorderly conduct, being under age 21 in possession of alcohol with intent to consume, being intoxicated under age 21, and then causing a disturbance while being issued the ABC ticket.
Santino M. Mecca, 18, Marine Drive, Buffalo, is charged with trespass after allegedly being found in the campgrounds without permission.
A 17-year-old of Marine Drive, Buffalo, is charged with being under age 21 in possession of alcohol with intent to consume after allegedly being found at the campgrounds without permission, and being under age 21 possessing and consuming alcoholic beverages at a campsite.
Kayla B. Radigan, 24, Milford Street, Hamburg, is charged with trespass after allegedly being found in the campgrounds without permission.
Victoria O. Kallin, 19, Meadow Lawn Orchard Park, is charged with trespass and being under age 21 in of possession of alcohol with intent to consume after allegedly being found at the campgrounds without permission, and being under age 21 possessing and consuming alcoholic beverages at a campsite.
A 17-year-old of Ashwood Lane, Orchard Park, is charged with trespass and being under age 21 in possession of alcohol with intent to consume after allegedly being found at the campgrounds without permission, and being under age 21 possessing and consuming alcoholic beverages at a campsite.
After the jump: citations for alleged consumption of alcohol under age 21.
Adam J. Zarowny, 18, Fairview Heights, Rochester
Zachary J. Salvia, 18, Meadow Cove Road, Pittsford
Steven R. Troup, 18, Thornell Road, Pittsford
A 17-year-old of Whiting Road, Webster
Ryan M. Williams, 18, Eaglesfield Way, Fairport
A 17-year-old of Arbor Creek Drive, Pittsford
A 17-year-old of Falls Meadow Drive, Pittsford
A 17-year-old of Thornell Road, Pittsford
Tiffany A. SanFilippo, 20, East Maple Avenue, East Rochester
Sara M. Fiero, 18, Dugway Road, Canandaigua
Darius R. Dix, 20, Robinson Road, Lockport
Tiffany E. Ficarra, 18, Applewood Drive, Lockport
Ashley E. Colucci, 18, Mt. View Drive, Lockport
Ellie M. Allen, 20, Clifford Heights, Amherst
A 16-year-old of Nelson Street, Fairport
Dillon T. Maxwell, 18, Wayneport Road, Macedon
Thomas J. Vienna, 18, East Foster Street, Palmyra
Mitchell R. Schreiber, 19, Rausler Road, Farmington
Kyle S. Crawford, 18, Macedon Center Road, Macedon
Courtney L. Bright, 19, Angle Road, Orchard Park
Tiffany M. Harmening, 18, Grauer Road, Niagara Falls
A 17-year-old of Sunset Drive, Lockport
Sierra R. Ladue, 19, Watross Street, Perry
Kayla A. Neill, 19, Girard Avenue, Lackawana
Maxwell H. Gawley, 20, Cheryl Drive, Lackawana
Carrie S. Fisher, 19, Cranwood Drive, West Seneca
Jillian L. Piccirilli, 19, Glen Willow Drive, Hamburg
Emily C. Kavanaugh, 19, Hi-View Terrace, West Seneca
Nicholas J. Ernst, 19, East Lane, Lakeview
Kyle W. Bower, 20, Bethford Drive, Blasdell
Omar M. Amin, 20, Roxboro Circle, Mattydale
A Dumpster fire has been reported at the gas station at 100 W. Main St., Le Roy.
Le Roy Fire Department responding.
A Le Roy police officer on scene says it's a small fire that has been smoldering for awhile. "It will probably take about 10 gallons of water or less to put it out."
The following arrests and citations were reported by the Genesee County Sheriff's Office in connection with the Brad Paisley concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Saturday.
Steven M. McNally, 22, of Human Road, Sanborn, is charged with resisting arrest, criminal possession of controlled substance, 7th, harassment, 2nd, and disorderly conduct. McNally allegedly refused to be taken into custody after striking another person in the parking lot. He was allegedly found to be in possession of a controlled substance. Earlier in the evening, McNally allegedly fought with security while being ejected from the venue. He was arraigned and jailed on $500 bail.
Laura R. Fetto, 21, of Kensington Avenue, Cheektowaga, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly engaging in a verbal argument and blocking vehicular traffic on Sumner Road.
Ashley J. Lucas, 24, of Oliver Street, North Tonawanda, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, after allegedly being found in possession of a controlled substance.
Donald W. Foit, 32, of Sterling Road, Hamburg, is charged DWI and driving with a .08-percent BAC or greater after allegedly being stopped for going around two gates, blocking driveways.
Jacob M. Maier, 26, of Harriet Street, Tonawanda, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly striking another person during the concert.
Stephanie C. Rosten, 19, of Townline Road, Ransomville, is charged with harassment 2nd after allegedly punching another person in the face.
Jacob D. Atwood , 20, of Garlow Road, Niagara Falls, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly causing a disturbance inside the venue.
Jaerd L. Atwood, 23, of Garlow Road, Niagara Falls, is charged with trespass after allegedly entering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.
Matthew H. Wrongski, 28, of Rumsey Street, Silver Creek, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly punching a security officer in the face.
Jason D. Kazmierczak, 27, of Meadow Drive, West Seneca, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly grabbing a chair from a Live Nation employee and attempting to punch him.
Paul R. Garland II, 33, of Brendel Avenue, Hamburg, is charged with resisting arrest and disorderly conduct after fighting with concert security and refusing to be taken into custody.
Scott G. Sosnowski, 20, of Piper Court, Alden, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.
Thomas W. Davis, 19, of Enwright Drive, Fairport, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.
Brett C. Goodrich, 19, of Acadian Rise, Fairport, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.
After the jump: The following people received citations for allegedly consuming alcohol under the age of 21.
A 17-year-old of Horner Road, Angelica
Travis S. Thurston, 20, of Horner Road, Angelica
Garrett D. Glass, 19, of Greenwich Street, Belmont
Morgan L. Glover, 18, of South Street, Belmont
Isaac Fraser, 20, of Lake Road, North Brockport
A 17-year-old of Beachridge Drive, Amherst
A 17-year-old of Old Orchard Drive, Williamsville
Jacob D. Atwood, 20, of Garlow Road, Niagara Falls
A 17-year-old of Marshall Avenue, Akron
Joseph D. Werth, 19, of Poags Hole Road, Dansville
A 17-year-old of Geiger Road, Dansville
Jerod W. Gartner, 18, of Kensington Court, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
A 17-year-old of Tad Street, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Laura E. Fisher, 20, of Rollins Drive, Welland, Ontario, Canada
A 17-year-old of Chigwell Lane, Webster
Anthony Biuso, 20, of Counrtyside Lane, Webster
Michael P. Clark, 19, of Thrushwood Lane, Webster
Christine E. Rice, 19, of Old Harbour Trail, Rochester
Jessica R. Dildy, 19, of Susan Lane, Rochester
Marissa L. Scumaci, 19, of Doldras Drive, Rochester
A 17-year-old of Lakewood Crescent, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Krista M. Carbone, 18, of Marie Claude Avenue, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Eric J. Michitsch, 20, of Sauer Road, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
A 17-year-old of McLeod Road, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
A 17-year-old of Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Patrick J. Gannon, 16, of Rudolph Street, Lackawana
Jessica M. Birecree, 20, of North Avenue, Hilton
Daniele F. Puglia, 19, of Fieldstone Crescent, Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada
James E. Nowicki Jr., 19, of Tiburon Street, East Amherst
Kelly M. Rodems, 18, of Glen Oak Drive, East Amherst
Daniel S. Kelly, 19, of Fulton Street, Hornell
A 17-year-old of Homestead Drive, Niagara on the Lake, Ontario, Canada
A 17-year-old of Autumn Place, Virgin, Ontario, Canada
Elizabeth S. Fulkerson, 18, of Red Apple Lane, Greece
Chelsea R. Beszczynski, 18, of Dubonnet Drive, Depew
Jonathan P. Dickinson, 18, of East Lee Road, Holley
A 17-year-old of County Claie Crescent, Fairport
Allison M. Martens, 18, of Blandford Lane, Fairport
Courtney C. Collins, 18, of Old Country Lane, Fairport
Jenna M. Rath, 19, of Stieg Road, NorthTonawanda
Jamie D. Doelman, 19, of Foxtrace Lancaster
Cory S. Blaszczyk, 18, of William Street, Lancaster
Benjamin S. Maciewicc, 19, of Hinman Road, Barnevile
A 17-year-old of Eaton Road, Perry
Lucas G. Sherman, 20, of Tracy Drive, Skaneateles
A 17-year-old of Saunders Settlement Road, Cambria
A 17-year-old of Pearl Avenue, Blasdell
A 16-year-old of Mosher Hollow, Cattaraugus
Thomas W. Davis, 19, of Enwright Drive, Fairport
Brett C. Goodrich, 19, of Acadian Rise, Fairport
Jacob T. Bement, 19, of Macedon Road, Canandaigua
Amanda G. Hoiles, 19, of Outlet Road, Shortsville
Nicholas J. Maiorana, 16, of Dersam Road, Alden
Jeremy A. Banas, 19, of Clinton Street, Elma
Cody D. Vandervort, 20, of Powerhouse Road, Vestal
Scott G. Sosnowski, 20, of Piper Court, Alden
Saturday was the final day of the Genesee County Fair, but I finally made it out to the fairgrounds to see what was going on, enjoy some fair food, a tractor pull and some rock 'n' roll, plus take a few pictures.
There are 41 photos in the slide show below. Recommended, click on the button in lower right for full-screen mode. Pictures may be purchased by clicking here.
A motor-vehicle accident with possible entrapment is reported at the intersection of Attica Road and Alexander Darien Townline Road, Alexander.
Alexander Fire and Ambulance dispatched.
Mercy Flight on standby.
UPDATE 9:47 a.m.: The vehicle has reportedly "rolled a few times."
UPDATE 9:48 a.m.: Mercy Flight on in-air standby.
UPDATE 9:49 a.m.: State Police on scene. Fire chief on scene. Vehicle is on its side in the roadway. The accident is actually in Darien's district. Darien will be toned out as well. Mercy Flight cancelled.
UPDATE 9:51 a.m.: Minor injuries.
UPDATE 10:12 a.m.: Alexander ambulance transporting to UMMC.
UPDATE 11:14 a.m.: Photos submitted by Amber Loboreno.
After an evening at the Genesee County Fair -- yes, I finally made it, in the last hours of the last day -- I stopped by Center Street Smokehouse for some ribs and a drink. A band called The Feast was rocking the house, so I had to take a picture.
Wednesday, I started a project about people working in the hot weather -- breaking news has gotten in the way of finishing it in the way that I planned.
I did get a chance on Wednesday to talk with David Bogue, a local UPS driver, Paul Bernardini, co-owner of Pauly's Pizza, and Jeff Wuest, owner of Excel Fence Company.
All three talked about the need to stay hydrated.
Bogue's truck doesn't have air conditioning and he's in and out of the hot weather all day, constantly moving.
"(Staying hydrated) is about all you can do in this," Bogue said.
Pauly's on Wednesday was, well, hot, like a pizza kitchen.
"On a day like today, you wish it were December," Bernardini said. "There's not much you can do when it's 90 degrees outside. It's 100 degrees inside with the ovens going. You can walk into any place in town right now and it's going to be hot."
Bernardini said he makes sure he and his staff drink lots of fluids on hot days because there is no escaping the heat.
Wuest (above right, with Justin Finch, left) said dealing with the heat is just part of the job for him and his employees.
"We pack a cooler full of water and try to work at a steady pace," Wuest said. "We try not to over exert ourselves. We try to grab shade where we can and take breaks. Make sure to put sun block on and all that good stuff."
The concrete has been poured for the new South Beach patio and owner Ken Mistler said the patio will be open for business in two weeks "at tops."
After the concrete was poured and hardened a bit, it needed to be watered for several hours to help it dry slower and set harder.
Below, pictures submitted by Mistler of the work in progress.
Mercy Flight is being dispatched to the Bergen Fire Hall for an unknown incident on West Sweden Road near the old railroad bed.
Bergen Fire Department is on scene.
Churchville fire requested to the Bergen Fire Hall to set up a landing zone for Mercy Flight.
A Mercy EMS ambulance is in route to the scene.
UPDATE 11:44 a.m.: Mercy Flight on the ground.
UPDATE 11:52 a.m. (by Billie): Mercy EMS is at the scene now and assisting Mercy Flight. A tow truck is requested.
UPDATE 12:04 p.m.: Mercy Flight is airborne to Strong Memorial Hospital with one patient on board.
UPDATE 12:29 p.m.: This was a car vs. motorcycle accident in which a 14-year-old Rochester girl suffered a broken leg and abrasions. She reportedly was riding the trail in Linear Park and crossed West Sweden Road when she was struck by a 2009 VW sedan. No one else was injured.
The following arrests were made in connection with the Motley Crue concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Friday.
Ricky I. McAllister, 24, of 2nd Avenue, Albion, Pa., is charged with trespass. McAllister allegedly refused to leave the concert venue after being told to leave many times. He was jailed on $350 bail.
Ryan J. Vanandel, 25 of Russ Road, Grimsby, Ontario, Canada, is charged with disorderly conduct. Vanandel allegedly urinated in public. He was released on $100 bail.
Thomas S. Ashby, 27, of Wexford Place, Webster, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Ashby is accused of pushing a security guard while being ejected from the venue.
Matthew A. Rodak, 38, of Jerico Road, Bergen, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Rodak is accused of shoving a security guard while being ejected from the venue.
Christopher M. Jensen, 37, of E. Water Street, Waterloo, is charged with trespass. Jensen allegedly entered the concert area after being ejected and told not to return.
Jacob A. Steger, 30, of Buffalo Road, Alleghany, is charged with disorderly conduct. Steger allegedly fought with concert security.
Regy M. Root, 36, of Coneflower Drive, West Henrietta, is charged with trespass. Root allegedly returned to the concert area after being ejected and told not to return.
The following people received citations for allegedly consuming alcohol under age 21.
Geoffrey R. Buckert, 20, Henry Trail, West Henrietta
A 16-year-old, of Duxbury Road, Rochester
Dylan D. Scott, 18, of Long Meadow Drive, Rochester
Joseph B. Devlin, 18, of Indian River Line Road, Indian River, Ontario, Canada
Ryan J. Devlin, 20, of Division Road, Indian River, Ontario, Canada
Gregory D. Watts-Barr, 20, of Kildare Road, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
William J. S. Towns, 20, of Center Road, Lakefield, Ontario, Canada
Reader Dana Barrett submitted this photo.
Two weeks after a disabled Iraq War veteran fell to his death from the Ride of Steel at Darien Lake, the ride was reopened shortly after a late afternoon press conference. The park's manager refused to answer questions about what ride operators said about their interaction with Sgt. James Hackemer.
What did they ask and what was said? Local and regional reporters tried at least six times to get answers and failed. General Manager Christopher Thorpe said he wouldn't "speculate" on what transpired on the ride's boarding platform.
"I don’t want to speculate as to what they knew or didn’t know, nor do I want to speculate as to the thought process of Sgt. Hackemer," Thorpe said.
Reporters told Thorpe they didn't ask him to speculate. They wanted to know what ride operators actually said about what happened July 8.
"That part of our investigation will remain confidential because it’s speculation," Thorpe insisted. "I don’t want to speculate on what was said or done, or what was behind the thought process of those individuals on that ride because I don’t know."
Earlier Thursday, the NYS Department of Labor issued two citations to Darien Lake Theme Park, placing the blame for Hackemer's death on improperly trained operators. The DOL said that operators were unfamiliar with the safety requirements of the Ride of Steel.
Even so, Thorpe maintained today that the operators had been trained.
"Our employees are trained and certified in the rules for the Ride of Steel ride, but for reasons that we will never fully understand, Sgt. Hackemer was allowed on the coaster," Thorpe said.
He emphasized that the Ride of Steel is mechanically sound and that Darien Lake has a long track record of operating rides safely.
"More than 35 million guest since 1964 have come to Darien Lake," Thorpe said. "This is the first ever ride-related death. As a native Western New Yorker, and as a father myself, I can assure you there is nothing more important than the safety of our guests."
Darien Lake has initiated enhanced training and safety procedures.
All 15 staff members who work on the Ride of Steel were "re-certified" in the safe operation of the ride, ensuring, Thorpe said, a comprehensive understanding of its restrictions and rules. The operators will be thoroughly tested verbally, in writing and through practical exams by auditors on the correct rules and procedures of the Ride of Steel, as well as the other rides in the park.
An safety auditor position has been created.
And while both the entrance and the exit of all rides had signs outlining safety rules -- and the Ride of Steel had an audio warning for guests that included a warning about physical disabilities -- new signage has been added with a safety message specifically for riders with disabilities.
"We have worked methodically with the Department of Labor to ensure this will never happen again," Thorpe said. "To that end, we’ve looked at our existing policies and procedures and enhanced our training to include recertification, increased audits and then to ensure increased information for people with disabilities."
Before boarding a ride, guests with disabilities can pick up a pamphlet outside the ride that explains the physical requirements for all rides. The information is also now posted on the Darien Lake website.
The operators were all 18 years of age or older, Thorpe said, but he wouldn't discuss them in any detail citing privacy concerns. He declined to answer any questions about whether they are still employed by Darien Lake or whether they were disciplined.
Meanwhile, WGRZ reports that somebody is preparing for a possible lawsuit in the case because a prominent Buffalo law firm contacted the news station asking for footage related to the story. A legal expert told WGRZ that the request indicates either somebody is preparing to file a site or, if Darien Lake hired the firm, the theme park is preparing to fight a lawsuit.
What's left of a once popular amusement park in Indian Falls was largely undamaged by a late evening fire along Phelps Road.
One small structure -- impossible to tell what it once was -- was charred while several structures remain, though largely overgrown by brush, vines and trees.
The causes of the fire, which was reported at 9:01 p.m., remains under investigation.
The park, locally known as "Boulder Park," opened in 1949, the brainchild of Phil Morrot. Historians know it as "Morrot's Boulder."
While the park featured a miniature steam train and a Ferris wheel, the highlight of the park was reportedly its merry-go-round.
The carousel -- designed by Phil's sister, Emily Bourgard, and built by the Herschell Company -- was a menagerie of animals, including 32 horses, a lion, tigers and a giraffe.
The park was sold in the 1960s, fell into disrepair and was closed by 1970, at which time the animals of the carousel apparently went missing.
An Indian Falls resident, Cindy Henning Hanks, published a book in 2003 about the carousel and what happened to the animals. She's been able to track what happened to all but three of the wooden, hand-carved beasts.
According to her website, the giraffe sold at auction a few years ago for $51,000.
According to a Sheriff's Office report, the property is currently owned by Kelkco, LLC, out of Clarence Center.
The fire is being investigated by Deputy Kevin McCarthy.
Pictures below were taken today.
A domestic dispute in Alexander on Thursday started out as a report of a wife running over her husband with her car and ended for him with a trip to the Genesee County Jail.
Jerod Norcross, 33, formerly of Attica and currently believed to be a resident of West Virginia, suffered a couple of cracked ribs when the side-view mirror of his wife's Toyota struck him, as well as a contusion to his foot when a tire backed over it.
Norcross is accused of taking an unknown object and smashing in the back windshield of the car and cause other damage to the car's body.
After being transported to UMMC by the Alexander ambulance, Norcross was treated and released. Upon release from the hospital, Norcross was arrested by a trooper and arraigned in Alexander Town Court.
He was charged with criminal mischief, 3rd, and jailed on $2,500 bail.
The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are pending, according to State Police Sgt. Sam Taglienti.
The wife was not charged because it's not believed she intentionally tried to hit her husband, Taglienti said. She was reportedly trying to get away from him and he was allegedly trying to stop her.
The type of object that Norcross allegedly used to smash the back windshield has not been determined, Taglienti said. It hasn't been found.
The couple formerly lived in Attica, according to Taglienti, and moved to West Virginia and were in Alexander visiting family.
The drivers of both vehicles involved in a two-car, head-on collision on Indian Falls Road on July 7 remain hospitalized but their health is improving.
Donald Sage, 70, of Judge Road, Oakfield, remains in intensive care at Strong Memorial Hospital.
On a website set up by Strong for family members to share information about loved ones, his daughter reports that Sage recently was able to breath for 27 hours without a respirator. Sage suffered internal injuries and a broken arm.
Meanwhile, investigators were finally able to talk with Sonya M. Charache, 30, of Gorton Road, Alabama, a couple of days ago, according to Chief Deputy Gordon Dibble.
Charache is in intensive care at ECMC. (A family member reports that Sandra is out of intensive care, though will remain hospitalized for some time.)
Dibble said, as is common in traumatic accidents, Charache is unable to remember the accident.
Investigators are analyizing data from the computers on the vehicles, but that information will only get them so far in determining what happened, Dibble said.
"They can tell you about speed, braking and seat belts," Dibble said, "but they can't tell you why a driver crossed over into the other lane. We still don't know what caused the accident."
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