Regional Briefs – December 25, 2018

Firefighter on Way to Answer Call Dies in Car Crash

MAYS LANDING, N.J. – A volunteer firefighter on her way to answer a call on Tuesday died tragically when she lost control of her car and crashed into a guardrail, The Associated Press reported. The chief of the Mizpah Volunteer Fire Department called Natalie Dempsey, 21, “a light in the sky.”

Rock Climber Dies in Fall On Shawangunk Ridge

GARDINER, N.Y. – A Baltimore tourist rock climbing on the Shawangunk Ridge without a safety rope fell 50 to 100 feet to his death Sunday night, The Associated Press reported. Timothy Wibisono was 41. The Ridge is one of the most popular climbing areas in the U.S., with more than five miles of vertical rock walls and overhangs.

Thousands Islands Region Tourism Had Strong Summer

WATERTOWN, N.Y. – A survey of businesses in the Thousands Island region along the Canada border say this past summer was a strong one for tourism, WWNY reported. More than 150 businesses in both countries cited good weather, the ease of crossing the border and low water levels on the St. Lawrence River.

Firefighters Volunteering at Deceased Comrade’s Farm

MARATHON, N.Y. – Firefighters are continuing to volunteer at the farm of a firefighter who died last month in an off-duty traffic accident, Syracuse.com reported. Friends of Stephen Zelsnack, 48, are caring for livestock on the 228-acre farm.