Return From Sturgis .....

Wow ....   what an amazing Ten days.....  Everyone always says "RIDE SAFE!" ....   A somewhat overused term...but....   a quick look at these stats puts it all in perspective

Few of Accident Reports in Sturgis ....

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, Aug. 1, 2011

CONTACT: Terry Woster, Public Information Officer, 605.773.3178

       Rally Time: Motorists, Bikers Urged To Share Road Safely

PIERRE, S.D. – The arrival of August means the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is at hand, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol is reminding bikers and motorists to use extra care as they share the road.

Last year, South Dakota recorded 27 fatal accidents involving motorcycles. More than one-third of those fatal crashes occurred in West River counties during what is generally considered “Rally Time’’ in South Dakota. That’s the roughly two-week period starting the first week of August.

“When the rally approaches, we see increased bike traffic mixing with the already heavy summer motorist travel,’’ said Sgt. Rick Miller of the South Dakota Highway Patrol’s Rapid City division. “Bikers and motorists can increase their chances of traveling safely if they make an extra effort to be aware of each other and to respect each other’s presence on the road.’’

State Office of Accident Records reports from the first two weeks in August in West River counties show 11 fatal motorcycle crashes in 2005, eight in 2006, five in 2007, two in 2008, one in 2009 and 10 in 2010.

The Highway Patrol is reminding motorcyclists and motorists alike of the rules for sharing the road.

• Motorcyclists should ride in single-file lines and avoid crowding the center line or crowding motorists.
• Motorists should remember not to crowd cycles. Motorcycles have the same rights on the road as motorists.
• Motorists and cyclists should follow the recommended speed limits. Motorcyclists should be especially aware of speed limits on curves.
• It is against the law to drink and drive. Motorists and cyclists should make sure they have sober drivers.
• Motorists should remember to buckle up. It’s the law.
• Motorcyclists are encouraged to wear helmets. 

“And, please don’t forget that as fun as motorcycles are, you’re very vulnerable if you’re riding one,” Miller said. “The best protection for anyone on a motorcycle is a helmet.”

The official dates of the 2011 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally are Monday, Aug. 8 through Sunday, Aug. 14.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Saturday Aug. 6, 2011

CONTACT: Capt. Kevin Joffer or Lt. Alan Welsh, SD Highway Patrol, (605) 367-5700

          Brookings County Fatal Crash

What: One-vehicle fatal crash

When: Saturday, Aug. 6, 2011, 12:15 p.m.

Where: U.S. 14 mile marker 418 near Brookings, SD

Driver 1: Alvin A. Havisto, 66, Ramsey, Minnesota, FATAL

Vehicle 1: 2009 Harley Davidson - Motorcycle

BROOKINGS, S.D. – A Ramsey, Minnesota man died in a motorcycle crash Saturday on U.S. 14 near Brookings.

Alvin A. Havisto, 66, of Ramsey, Minnesota was driving his 2009 Harley Davidson motorcycle westbound on U.S. 14 near Brookings, when he lost control of his motorcycle.  The motorcycle left the road and rolled several times, ejecting Havisto from

the motorcycle.  Havisto was transported to the Brookings Hospital by the Brookings Ambulance where he later died.  Havisto was not wearing a helmet.  

The South Dakota Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.  The Brookings Police Department and Brookings County Sheriff’s Office assisted.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sunday, Aug. 7, 2011

CONTACT: Capt. Kevin Karley or Sgt. Rick Miller 605.394.2286

     Highway Patrol Sturgis Rally Daily Information

Below are the statistics as of Sunday Aug. 07, 2011

Item	Sturgis	Rapid City	Southern Hills	Badlands	District Total	Last Year to Date
DUI Arrests	31	1	0	1	33	36
Misd Drug Arrests	13	4	0	0	17	24
Felony Drug Arrests	7	2	0	0	9	12
Other Felony Arrests	0	0	0	0	0	1
Total Citations	123	21	11	8	163	219
Total Warnings	386	67	8	11	472	534
Cash Seized	$0.00	$400	$0.00	$0.00	$400	$332.00
Concealed Weap. Arrests	1	0	0	0	1	0
Vehicles Seized	1	1	0	0	2	1
For Drug Poss.	1	1	0	0	2	0
For Serial No.	0	0	0	0	0	0
Non Injury Accidents	1	0	1	0	2	3
Injury Accidents	5	4	5	0	14	11
Fatal Accidents	0	1	0	0	0	0
# of Fatalities	0	0	0	0	0	0

                Injury Crashes:

                 A motorcycle driven by Marlys Belfany, age 53, of Isanti, MN was traveling on I-90 near

                  Blackhawk, SD and failed to negotiate a left curve in the roadway. Belfany applied the brake and

lost control of the motorcycle and slid into the guardrail. Belfany suffered serious non-life threatening injuries and was transported to Rapid City Regional Hospital. Belfany was wearing a helmet. No charges are pending.

A motorcycle driven by James Bishop, age 51, of Missoula, MT was traveling on US 14A, south of Lead, SD. Mr. Bishop failed to negotiate a curve and lost control of the motorcycle. The motorcycle

                   slid on the highway and into the east ditch. Mr. Bishop suffered minor injuries. A passenger Cathy Bishop,

 age 48, of Missoula, MT suffered serious non-life threatening injuries and was airlifted to Rapid City Regional Hospital. No helmets were worn. No charges are pending.

                            

A motorcycle driven by Kenneth Bachman, age 52, of Jones, OK, traveling west on US 85 attempted to make a right hand turn onto US 14A, near Cheyenne Crossing. The motorcycle foot peg caught on the asphalt causing the motorcycle to tip over onto Bachman's foot. Bachman was transported to Deadwood Hospital and treated for his injuries. No helmet was worn. No charges are pending.

A motorcycle driven by Richard James Stanton, age 55, of Sioux Falls, SD was traveling north on Vanocker Canyon Road, seven miles south of Sturgis, SD. Mr. Stanton failed to negotiate a downhill curve and lost control of the motorcycle. The motorcycle left the roadway and into the east ditch, striking some rocks and an embankment. He was transported to Sturgis Hospital with serious non-life threatening injuries. No helmet was worn. No charges are pending.

A motorcycle driven by Paul Binford, age 40, of Manteca, CA was traveling eastbound on SD 34, near Sturgis, SD. Mr. Binford slowed to make a left hand turn. A second motorcycle driven by Gregory Peterson, age 46 of Coon Rapids, MN, traveling east on SD 34 came up behind Mr. Binford in the same lane. Mr. Peterson's motorcycle struck Mr.Binford's motorcycle. Mr.Peterson was transported to the Sturgis Hospital with minor injuries. No helmets were worn.  Charges are pending for Mr. Peterson

A Jeep Cherokee driven by Aaron Roberdeau, age 36, of Sturgis, SD was traveling north on Elk Creek Road, 5 miles south of US 85 and US 385 junction, when he failed to negotiate a curve in the roadway. The vehicle left the roadway and went through a fence striking a tree. Roberdeau was transported to the Deadwood Hospital and treated for his injuries. He was later arrested for DUI and taken to the Lawrence County Jail.

                 

A Harley Davidson driven by Michael Braaten, age 62, of Austin MN was traveling east on US 16 at mile post 12. Mr. Braaten lost control and crossed the center line striking a Ford F150 driven by William Stumpff, age 38, of Newcastle, WY. Braaten received life-threatening injuries and was transported to the Newcastle, Wyoming hospital by Newcastle Ambulance and taken to Rapid City Regional Hospital by Life Flight. Stumpff was uninjured. No charges are pending and Braaten was not wearing a helmet.

A 2011 Harley Davidson driven by Richard Altizer, age 56, of Little Rock, AR was traveling west on US 18 near Hot Springs. Altizer stated that an eastbound tractor-trailer passed him and kicked up sand and gravel blinding him. The motorcycle traveled across the eastbound lanes, entered the south ditch ,and vaulted a driveway. Altizer was transported to Rapid Regional Hospital with serious, non-life threatening injuries. Altizer was wearing a helmet. No charges are pending.

A 2009 Harley Davidson driven by Lonnie Saunders, age 50, of Okoboji, IA was traveling southbound on SD 87 in Custer County. Saunders failed to negotiate a left-hand curve, ran off the roadway to the right and overturned. Saunders was not wearing a helmet and received non-life threatening injuries. No charges are pending.

A 2010 Harley Davidson driven by Jack Smith, age 52, of Troup, TX was traveling west on US 16A near Plat House Road. A 2010 Honda motorcycle driven by Douglas Smith, age 55, of Rapid City, SD was traveling east on US 16A. Both motorcycles attempted to negotiate a curve in the roadway, and side-swiped each other. Both drivers suffered minor injuries. J. Smith was transported to Rapid City Regional Hospital and D. Smith received treatment on scene and was released. Both drivers were wearing helmets and eye protection. No charges are pending.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Monday, Aug. 8, 2011

CONTACT: Capt. Kevin Karley or Sgt. Rick Miller 605.394.2286

      Highway Patrol Sturgis Rally Daily Information

Below are the statistics thru 6:00 am Monday August 08, 2011

Item	Sturgis	Rapid City	Southern Hills	Badlands	District Total	Last Year
DUI Arrests	61	2	1	1	65	86
Misd Drug Arrests	25	10	0	0	35	43
Felony Drug Arrests	10	5	0	0	15	26
Other Felony Arrests	0	0	0	0	0	2
Total Citations	239	61	26	28	354	434
Total Warnings	801	129	28	64	1022	1098
Cash Seized	0	$1565	0	0	$1565	$332
Concealed Weap. Arrests	2	0	0	0	2	0
Vehicles Seized	2	3	0	0	5	3
For Drug Poss.	2	3	0	0	5	2
For Serial No.	0	0	0	0	0	0
Non Injury Accidents	1	3	2	1	7	6
Injury Accidents	12	4	6	0	22	20
Fatal Accidents	0	0	0	0	0	2
# of Fatalities	0	0	0	0	0	2

Injury Crashes on August 7th:

A motorcycle driven by Dale Grabe, age 41, of Sturgis, MI was traveling west on US 212 east of Nisland. Grabe was behind a vehicle that slowed to make a left hand turn and attempted to go around the vehicle and lost control of the motorcycle. Grabe sustained serious non-life threatening injuries and was transported to Spearfish Hospital. Grabe was wearing a helmet. No charges were filed.

A motorcycle driven by Howard R. Rodrigue Jr. ,age 62, of Abbeville, LA was traveling on US 385 south of Deadwood. Rodrigue failed to negotiate a downhill curve and lost control of the motorcycle striking a guardrail. Rodrigue and a passenger Emmaline Rodrigue, age 61, of Abberville, LA both suffered minor injuries and were transported to Deadwood Hospital. Both driver and passenger were wearing helmets. No charges were filed.

A motorcycle driven by Douglas Kniestadt, age 61, of Lincoln, NE was traveling south on Colorado Avenue in Spearfish. Kniestadt realized his kick stand was down and leaned to correct it. Kniestadt's motorcycle drifted to the right shoulder and went into the ditch. Kniestadt suffered minor injuries. A passenger Irene Kniestadt, age 61, of Lincoln, NE suffered serious non-life threatening injuries. Both subjects were transported Spearfish Hospital. No helmets were worn. No charges were filed.

A pickup driven by Jerry Vrem, age 52, of Rapid City, SD was traveling west on SD 34 near the Buffalo Chip. Vrem turned in front of a motorcycle driven by Todd Baum, age 32, of Pleasant Dale, NE. Baum suffered minor injuries and refused medical treatment. Baum was not wearing a helmet. Charges are pending on Vrem.

A motorcycle driven by Robert Lutz, age 54, of Long Beach, CA was traveling on Vanocker Canyon Road. Lutz lost control of the motorcycle and laid the motorcycle down. Lutz was transported to Sturgis Hospital with minor injuries. He was wearing a helmet. Lutz was charged with DUI.

Russell James Williams, age 61, from Pettibone, ND was traveling on Iron Mountain Road. The motorcycle drifted off the roadway and overturned. Williams was taken by ambulance to Rapid City Regional Hospital to treat non-life threatening injuries. Williams was not wearing a helmet. No charges are pending.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2011

CONTACT: Capt. Kevin Karley or Sgt. Rick Miller 605.394.2286

     Highway Patrol Sturgis Rally Daily Information

Below are the statistics as of 6:00 am Tuesday August 09, 2011

Item	Sturgis	Rapid City	Southern Hills	Badlands	District Total	Last Year
DUI Arrests	82	3	1	1	87	118
Misd Drug Arrests	44	10	5	0	59	65
Felony Drug Arrests	13	5	0	0	18	32
Other Felony Arrests	0	0	1	0	1	2
Total Citations	323	93	38	38	492	628
Total Warnings	1212	212	58	111	1592	1714
Cash Seized	$0	$1565	$0	$0	$1565	$332.00
Concealed Weap. Arrests	4	0	0	0	4	0
Vehicles Seized	2	3	0	0	5	3
For Drug Poss.	2	3	0	0	5	3
For Serial No.	0	0	0	0	0	0
Non Injury Accidents	2	3	4	1	10	11
Injury Accidents	19	9	9	3	40	28
Fatal Accidents	0	0	0	0	0	3
# of Fatalities	0	0	0	0	0	3

Injury Crashes on August 8th:

A motorcycle driven by Brian S Pierson, age 53, and his passenger Nancy Rogers, age 53, both from Newton, IA were traveling west on I-90 near milepost 119 when the rear tire blew out. The driver lost control of the vehicle and skidded down the roadway. Both occupants were wearing helmets and alcohol was not a factor. Both received serious non-life threatening injuries.

William G. Greathouse, age 65, and Carol A. Greathouse, age 60, both from Rock Island, IL, were traveling west on I-90 near milepost 110 when William slowed down to pull over. Carol did not realize he was slowing down and hit the brakes causing her to skid and lose control. Carol’s injuries included a small cut above her left eye, sore left knee and a sore right hand. Carol was transported the Rapid City Regional Hospital for stitches and further examination. Alcohol was not a factor. No helmets were worn. There are no charges pending.

A motorcycle driven by Roger Burman, age 51, from St. Rensselaer, IN, was traveling down Glenn street in Wall when a Chevrolet Cobalt, driven by Laura Swan, age 18, pulled in front of the motorcycle. The two vehicles collided causing the driver of the motorcycle to lose control and crash. The driver and passenger, Charlotte Carr, age 47, were thrown from the motorcycle. Burman received minor injuries and Carr received serious non-life threatening injuries. Both parties on the motorcycle were not wearing helmets and alcohol was not a factor.  Laura was cited for a stop sign violation.

Donald F. Buss, age 53, from Woodstock, IL was traveling on SD 87. He lost control of the motorcycle he was riding and ran off the roadway into the ditch. He was taken by ambulance to Custer Regional Hospital to treat his non-life threatening injuries. He was wearing a helmet.

Robert Walter Leslie Jr., age 60, from Town & Country, MO was traveling eastbound on US Hwy 16A three miles from Keystone and failed to negotiate a left hand curve and ran off the roadway. He was taken by ambulance to Rapid City Regional Hospital to treat his non-life threatening injuries. He was wearing a helmet. No charges are pending.

Billie Lee Anderson, age 30, from Grafton, WI was traveling westbound on Playhouse Road in Custer State Park. Anderson drove her motorcycle across a bridge, lost control and overturned. She was transported to Custer Regional Hospital to treat minor injuries. No helmet was worn. No charges are pending.

James Rafferty, age 56, from Kearney, NJ was traveling north on US 385 when he lost control of his motorcycle and went off the road. Both the driver and passenger, Jacqueline Rafferty, age 49, were thrown from the vehicle. Mr. Rafferty received serious non-life threatening injuries and Mrs. Rafferty received minor injuries. They were not wearing helmets. Alcohol was not a factor.  No charges are pending.

Duane Forrester, age 55, from Torquay, Canada, was traveling north on US 385 south of Deadwood ona 2004 Harley Davidson. The motorcycle was driven off the east shoulder, sideswiped the guardrail, and caused the driver to be separated from the motorcycle. The motorcycle continued until it struck a Ford F-350 driven by Gustav Retman, age 65, from Alamogordo, NM. A Harley Davidson driven by Kay Covington, age 65, from Lehi, Utah, attempted to slow to a stop as Forrester’s motorcycle was coming towards him. The two motorcycles collided. Covington’s motorcycle struck unit one in the northbound lane. Forrester was taken to Rapid City Regional by LifeFlight with serious non-life threatening injuries.  All the other people involved had minor injuries. Covington was not wearing a helmet and no charges are pending.

William Arnold, age 55, from New Llano, LA was driving a 2004 Harley Davidson and Robert Arthur Williams, age 54, from Leesville, LA,  was driving a 2010 Harley Davison north near Hermosa on SD 79. Both motorcycles were being driven in the wrong lane. Kevin Lynn Crow, age 46, from Rapid City, SD, was operating a tractor-trailer driving south on SD 79.  Crow swerved to miss the motorcycles in his lane, and collided with Arnold’s motorcycle.  Part of the tractor-trailer rolled onto its side and blocking the northbound lanes and part of the southbound lane. Arnold was transported by Life Flight to Rapid City Regional Hospital with life-threatening injuries. Crow did not sustain any injuries as a result of the crash. SD 79 was closed for about six hours for the investigation.  No helmets were worn and charges are pending for Arnold and Williams.

A Chevrolet Malibu operated by Erika Torres-Rodriguez, age 23, Rapid City, SD was traveling on Highway 44 near Johnson’s Siding.  The vehicle left the roadway and rolled onto its side.  Torres-Rodriguez sustained minor injuries and was treated and released from Rapid City Regional Hospital.

A vehicle driven by Marilyn Olson ,age 80, of Bowman, ND was traveling south on SD 79 east of Sturgis. Olson attempted to pass a motorcycle driven by Earl Reichard, age 57 of Boynton, FL. Olson struck the motorcycle as she passed. A passenger on the motorcycle Lisa Reichard, age 55 of Boynton, FL suffered serious non-life threatening injuries and was airlifted to Rapid City Regional Hospital. She was wearing a helmet. Ms. Olson was issued a citation for careless driving.

A motorcycle driven by Nicholas Steen, age 28, of Hernando, MS was traveling on US 14A near Deadwood when the driver noticed his kickstand was down. The driver could not negotiate the curve and the motorcycle left the roadway and went into the east ditch. The driver suffered minor injuries and was transported to Deadwood Hospital. He was not wearing a helmet and no charges were filed.

A motorcycle driven by Steven Bonk, age 60, of Midlothian, IL was traveling north on Elk Creek Road near Summerset. Bonk encountered two bicyclists crossing the road in front of him and applied the brake and laid the motorcycle down to avoid the bicyclists. Bonk was transported to Rapid City Regional Hospital with minor injuries. He was not wearing a helmet and no charges were filed.

A motorcycle driven by Alejandro Ybanez, age 55, of Yuma, AZ was riding with a group of three motorcycles on Nemo Road near the Lawrence/Pennington County Line. The group slowed for traffic. Ybanez ran into the back of a motorcycle driven by Robert Cleaver, age 33 of Lakeside, CA. Cleaver was taken to Rapid City Regional Hospital with serious non-life threatening injuries. He was wearing a helmet. His passenger Sandra Cleaver, age 48, of Lakeside, CA was treated for minor injuries. She was wearing a helmet. Ybanez suffered minor injuries and was not wearing a helmet. A passenger on the Ybanez motorcycle Lupe Loredo, age 55, of Yuma, AZ who was wearing a helmet, was transported to Deadwood Hospital with serious non-life threatening injuries. No charges were filed in the crash.

A motorcycle driven by Stephen Revello, age 60, of Thornton, CO was traveling on the service road in Piedmont when he slowed to turn. A second motorcycle driven by Teddy Gibbs, age 50, of Lebanon, TN was behind Revello and was unable to avoid a collision. Revello was wearing a helmet and was not injured. Gibbs was wearing a helmet and suffered minor injuries and was transported to Rapid City Regional. A passenger Tonya Gibbs, age 58, of Lebanon, TN suffered serious non-life threatening injuries. She was also transported to Rapid City Regional Hospital. She was wearing a helmet and charges are pending on the crash.

A motorcycle driven by Kellyn Neth, age 21, of Scotland, SD was traveling on Nemo Road near Dude Wrangler Road in Lawrence County. Neth was unable to negotiate a curve in the roadway, laid the motorcycle down, and the motorcycle slid into a guardrail. Neth was wearing a helmet and was transported to the hospital in Deadwood with serious non-life threatening injuries. No charges were filed in the crash.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2011

CONTACT: Capt. Kevin Karley or Sgt. Rick Miller 605.394.2286

           Highway Patrol Sturgis Rally Daily Information

Below are the statistics as of 6 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2011

Item	Sturgis	Rapid City	Southern Hills	Badlands	District Total	Last Year
DUI Arrests	112	6	2	1	121	147
Misd Drug Arrests	59	14	5	0	78	96
Felony Drug Arrests	16	5	0	0	21	37
Other Felony Arrests	0	0	1	0	1	2
Total Citations	425	132	60	49	666	785
Total Warnings	1594	305	110	162	2171	2341
Cash Seized	$0	$1565	$0	$0	$1565	$332
Concealed Weap. Arrests	5	0	0	0	5	0
Vehicles Seized	2	3	0	0	5	4
For Drug Poss.	2	3	0	0	5	4
For Serial No.	0	0	0	0	0	0
Non Injury Accidents	4	6	4	2	16	16
Injury Accidents	24	9	10	3	46	36
Fatal Accidents	1	0	0	0	1	4
# of Fatalities	1	0	0	0	1	4

Fatal Crashes on August 9th:

A motorcycle driven by Peter Diangi age 70 of Sunrise Beach, MO was traveling on US 385 south of Deadwood. Diangi’s motorcycle entered a downhill curve at a high rate of speed and lost control. The driver was thrown from the motorcycle as it slid into the ditch. Diangi was transported to Deadwood Hospital. Diangi was not wearing a helmet and suffered fatal injuries.

Injury Crashes on August 9th:

A motorcycle driven by Richard Digiallonardo (56) from Muncie, IN, was traveling westbound on SD 36 near Hermosa. The motorcycle drove off the roadway and overturned in the ditch. Digiallonardo was transported to Rapid City Regional Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Digiallonardo was wearing a helmet and no charges are pending.

A motorcycle driven by Lia Jeski Age 53 of Golden, CO was turning right onto Junction Ave in Sturgis. Jeski made a wide turn and the motorcycle left the roadway and rolled over. Jeski suffered minor injuries and was transported to Sturgis Hospital. Jeski was wearing a helmet and no charges were filed.

A motorcycle driven by Gene Jackson Age 59 of Polk City, IA was traveling on US 14A near Deadwood when he attempted to turn onto Shirt Tail Gulch Road. Jackson lost control on loose gravel attempting the turn and the motorcycle went onto its side. Jackson suffered minor injuries and refused treatment. Jackson was not wearing a helmet and was issued a citation for no motorcycle endorsement.

A Cadillac driven by Christopher Cole Age 23 of Lead, SD on US 14A near Deadwood. A motorcycle driven by Nolan Brown Age 22 of Belle Plaine, IA was entering the highway. Cole was unable to avoid a collision and struck the motorcycle. Cole was not injured in the crash. Brown was taken to Rapid City Regional Hospital with serious life threatening injuries. Brown was wearing a helmet. Charges are pending for Brown as a result of the crash.

A motorcycle driven by Jackkie Massyn Age 49 of South Africa was east on SD 34 near the Buffalo Chip Campground. Massyn lost control of his motorcycle when he braked hard to avoid slower traffic ahead of him. The motorcycle went onto its side and slid into the ditch. The driver suffered serious non-life threatening injuries. Massyn was not wearing a helmet and was transported to Sturgis Hospital. A passenger Daphne Massyn, (age not available) suffered minor injuries. No charges were filed.

A motorcycle driven by Tony Brady Harp Age 64 of McCracken, KS was traveling east on US 14A east of Deadwood. Harp came around a curve when he noticed the motorcycles ahead of him had slowed. He locked up the rear brake and lost control. The motorcycle slid on the highway into another stopped motorcycle waiting to make a left hand turn. McCracken suffered minor injuries in the crash. He was not wearing a helmet. He was later arrested for DUI and Careless Driving. The driver of the second motorcycle Jerry Walton Age 49 of Ely, IA and his passenger Michelle Peyton Age 39 were not injured in the crash.

A motorcycle driven by Scott Hoose Age 34 of Mayville, MI was traveling on US 14A near Deadwood. Hoose came upon a pick up that had slowed and pulled off to the side of the roadway to yield to an emergency vehicle. Hoose applied his brake and lost control of his motorcycle. Hoose was transported to Deadwood Hospital with serious non-life threatening injuries. He was not wearing a helmet. No charges were filed in the crash.

A motorcycle driven by Mickel Frisch, Age 44 of Lewiston MN was traveling on US 14A near Lead at a high rate of speed. He attempted to negotiate a curve in the road and crossed the center line and struck a motorcycle driven by Michael Stevens, Age 43 of Flagler Beach FL. Frisch continued in the oncoming lane colliding with a motorcycle driven by Adam Kaye, Age 41 of Delray Beach FL. Frisch then collided with a Volkswagen Passat driven by Carly Neises, Age 19 of Dell Rapid SD. Frisch and his passenger, Brianna Frisch, Age 35 of Lewiston MN were not wearing helmets and received minor injuries. Stevens and his passenger Destiny McCarrick, Age 29 of Flager Beach FL were both take to Rapid City Regional by Life Flight with serious non-life threatening injuries.  Kaye and his passenger, Dana Kaye, Age 31 of Scotch Plains NJ received minor injuries and were transported to Spearfish hospital.  Neises did not receive any injuries in the crash. Frisch was arrested for Reckless Driving.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, Aug. 11, 2011

CONTACT: Capt. Kevin Karley or Sgt. Rick Miller 605.394.2286

Highway Patrol Sturgis Rally Daily Information

Below are the statistics as of 6 am Thursday August 11, 2011

Item	Sturgis	Rapid City	Southern Hills	Badlands	District Total	Last Year
DUI Arrests	140	8	2	1	151	196
Misd Drug Arrests	69	17	10	0	96	114
Felony Drug Arrests	19	13	4	0	36	39
Other Felony Arrests	0	0	1	0	1	2
Total Citations	503	176	89	66	834	948
Total Warnings	1929	367	160	212	2668	2,871
Cash Seized	$0.00	$1853	$0	$0	$1853	$332
Concealed Weap. Arrests	6	0	0	0	6	0
Vehicles Seized	2	3	0	0	5	5
For Drug Poss.	2	3	0	0	5	5
For Serial No.	0	0	0	0	0	0
Non Injury Accidents	6	10	4	3	23	25
Injury Accidents	33	14	13	4	64	54
Fatal Accidents	2	0	0	0	2	6
# of Fatalities	2	0	0	0	2	6

Fatal Crashes on August 10th:

A motorcycle driven by Brian Bye, age 44, from Lincoln NE, was traveling north on SD 79, five miles north of Sturgis, SD. An unidentified vehicle came from behind and struck the rear of the motorcycle. Both units left the roadway and traveled in contact onto the shoulder. Bye was separated from the motorcycle. Witnesses stated the vehicle backed up and left the scene. The vehicle has not been identified at this time and the investigation is ongoing. Bye was not wearing a helmet and was transported to Sturgis Hospital. Bye suffered fatal injuries as a result of the crash. Authorities are searching for a red Honda passenger car with extensive front end damage.

Injury Crashes on August 10th:

A motorcycle driven by Terry Henriksen, age 50, from Courtland KS was traveling south on Nemo Rd. The motorcycle was traveling too fast to safely negotiate a curve in the road, traveled into the opposite lane and struck the guardrail. The driver received minor injuries. Alcohol was not a factor and the driver was not wearing a helmet. Charges are pending.

Gerald Buquet, age 71, from Terry Town LA was westbound on Norris Peak Rd. Buquet lost control and struck the guardrail. He was taken to Rapid City Regional with a non life threatening  injury. Buquet was not wearing a helmet. Charges are pending.

Judith Schumacher age 48, from Appleton WI, was westbound on Harley Drive in Rapid City. She failed to see the traffic stop ahead of her and lost control of the motorcycle she was riding.  She was treated and released from Rapid City Regional Hospital. Schumacher was not wearing a helmet. No charges are pending.

A hit and run crash was reported on I-90 at MM 48. The suspect vehicle that fled the scene was previously reported as a possible intoxicated driver. During the investigation, an injury crash was reported on Eastridge Road in Black Hawk. The vehicle from the first crash that fled the scene was the vehicle involved in the second crash. The driver, Kalani Corpuz, age 21, from Rapid City, SD was arrested for DUI and hit and run.

Joseph D. Holder, age 77, from Greenwood IN was traveling southbound on SD 87 in Custer State Park. When a vehicle stopped in front of his motorcycle he lost control and tipped it over. His passenger, Janice S. Holder, age 72, fell off of the motorcycle. She was transported to Custer Regional Hospital to treat her non-life threatening injuries. They were not wearing helmets. Alcohol and speed were not involved.

William James Lichty, age 64, from St. Paul MN was traveling southbound on SD 87, 1.5 miles from Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park. Lichty failed to negotiate a left hand curve, overturned, and ran off the roadway. Both Lichty and his passenger, Gilbert Hernandez, age 43, from Eagan MN were transported to Custer Regional Hospital to treat their non-life threatening injuries. Helmets were worn. Alcohol and speed were not involved. No charges are pending.

Elvin Bradley Blair, age 62, from Centralia WA was traveling southbound on SD 87 in Custer State Park. Blair lost control when his motorcycle drifted to the side of the roadway. The motorcycle ran off the roadway, overturned, and landed in a small creek. A fellow rider Lynnette Duncan, age 55, from Tumwater WA was stopped on the edge of the roadway and tipped over into the ditch. Blair was transported by ambulance to Custer Regional Hospital to treat his serious non-life threatening injuries. Duncan received minor injuries and refused medical help. Helmets were worn by both parties. Speed and alcohol were not factors. Charges are pending.

A 1997 Pontiac Bonneville being driven by James Patrick Dornbusch, age 18, from Watertown SD was traveling eastbound on I-90. The vehicle was reported by several witnesses as driving recklessly. The vehicle matched the description of a stolen vehicle out of Mitchell. The vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed and Dornbusch lost control of the vehicle and entered the median at mile marker 94. The vehicle rolled and caught on fire. Mr. Dornbusch was not wearing his seatbelt and received minor injuries. He was transported to Rapid City Hospital and released. Charges are pending.

A motorcycle driven by Vess Hurley, age 39, of Fairview MT was traveling south on SD 79 near Sturgis, SD. A second motorcycle driven by Thomas McBride, age 33, from Bonney Lake WA was traveling ahead of Hurley in another group of motorcycles. McBride slowed for a right hand turn. Hurley was traveling too fast for the conditions, lost control of the motorcycle, laid it down on the roadway, and slid into the rear of McBride's motorcycle causing it to go down. Hurley was not injured in the crash. Hurley was not wearing a helmet and was cited for careless driving. McBride was not wearing a helmet and suffered minor injuries.

A pickup driven by Joseph Heimer, age 48, of Vale, SD was traveling north on SD 79 near mile post 118. The pickup was following a group of motorcycles that slowed to make a left hand turn. Heimer moved to the right to avoid the motorcycles. A motorcycle driven by Franklin Michelson, age 54, of Highland Ranch CO came up behind the pickup and did not notice the slowing traffic. Michelson laid the motorcycle down and slid into the rear of the pickup. Michelson suffered serious non-life threatening injuries. He was transported to Sturgis Hospital and later taken to Rapid City Regional Hospital for treatment. He was not wearing a helmet. Charges are pending on Michelson.

A motorcycle driven by Kenn Geiger, age 66, of Davenport IA was traveling on US 14A north of Deadwood, SD. The motorcycle in front of him slowed to make a right hand turn. Geiger locked up the rear brake and lost control of the motorcycle. The motorcycle went onto its side and slid, separating from Geiger and his passenger, Peggy Geiger, age 58, of Davenport IA. The Geigers suffered minor injuries. They were not wearing helmets. Charges are pending.

A vehicle driven by Luke Weitgrefe, age 15, of Spearfish SD on US 14A was going through the intersection at Colorado Blvd near Spearfish, SD. A motorcycle driven by Kristi Weve, age 40, of Nash, OK struck the rear driver's side of the vehicle. Weve was not wearing a helmet and was transported to Spearfish Hospital with minor injuries. Charges are pending against Weve.

A vehicle driven by Carla Bauer, age 48, of Medford OR was traveling east on SD 34 east of Sturgis, SD in bumper to bumper traffic. A second vehicle driven by Andrew Bell, age 21, of Hermosa SD failed to noticed Bauer's slowing vehicle. Bell struck the rear end of Bauer's vehicle. A passenger, Reginald Berry, age 68, no address available, in the Bauer vehicle was transported to Sturgis Hospital for treatment. No charges were filed in the crash.

A motorcycle driven by Daniel Pilarski, age 50, of Blackwood NJ was traveling on SD 34, 10 miles east of Sturgis, SD at a high rate of speed. Pilarski lost control of the motorcycle and entered the south ditch. The motorcycle overturned and separated from Pilarski. Pilarski was not wearing a helmet and suffered serious life threatening injuries. He was transported to Rapid City Regional Hospital. No charges have been filed in the crash.

A motorcycle driven by Randall Pratt, age 66, of Red Oak IA was stopped at the intersection of SD 34 and 3rd Street in Sturgis, SD. A second motorcycle driven by Jebediah Reid, age 25, of Cutler IN was distracted and did not notice the stopped motorcycle ahead of him. Reid struck the rear of the Pratt motorcycle causing both motorcycles to go down. A passenger on the Pratt motorcycle, Karen Pratt, age 68, of Red Oak IA suffered serious non-life threatening injuries. She was transported to Sturgis Hospital. Charges are pending against Reid. No one involved in the crash was wearing a helmet.

Other Noteworthy Items:

Christina Wunderlich, age 38, from St. Louis Mo was stopped on I-90 for a moving violation. After an investigation, 15 pounds of hydroponic marijuana, hash and prescription pills were found. She was charged accordingly.

A vehicle traveling on I-90 near Rapid City was stopped for an equipment violation. A search of the vehicle revealed .25 ounces of marijuana and 0.1 ounces of mushrooms and paraphernalia.

A vehicle traveling on I-90 near Rapid City was stopped for a moving violation. The driver admitted to possession of pills and marijuana. A search of the vehicle revealed .25 ounces of marijuana and three different types of controlled substances without prescriptions.                                                                           

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Friday, Aug. 12, 2011

CONTACT: Capt. Kevin Karley or Sgt. Rick Miller 605.394.2286

Highway Patrol Sturgis Rally Daily Information

Below are the statistics as of 6 a.m. Friday Aug. 12, 2011

Item	Sturgis	Rapid City	Southern Hills	Badlands	District Total	Last Year
DUI Arrests	164	9	2	1	176	230
Misd Drug Arrests	83	18	11	0	112	136
Felony Drug Arrests	20	13	4	0	37	41
Other Felony Arrests	7	1	1	0	9	2
Total Citations	568	198	106	69	941	1105
Total Warnings	2295	403	190	221	3109	3431
Cash Seized	$0	$1853	$0	$0	$1,853	$332
Concealed Weap. Arrests	6	0	0	0	6	0
Vehicles Seized	2	3	0	0	5	5
For Drug Poss.	2	3	0	0	5	5
For Serial No.	0	0	0	0	0	0
Non Injury Accidents	8	18	5	7	38	29
Injury Accidents	37	17	15	5	74	60
Fatal Accidents	2	1	0	0	3	8
# of Fatalities	2	1	0	0	3	8

Fatal Crashes on August 11th:

Jason Soldwisch, Age 31 from Box Elder, SD was traveling south on Dyess Ave when his vehicle drifted off the west side of the road. Soldwisch overcorrected and lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle rolled several times, ejecting the passenger, Jason Burke Age 31 from Rockerville, SD. Burke was pronounced dead at Rapid City Regional Hospital. No seatbelts and alcohol was a factor. Soldwisch is facing charges of DUI and vehicular homicide.

Injury Crashes on August 11th:

A motorcycle driven by Lowell Nanney Age 60 of Buffalo Grove, IL was traveling east on Nemo Road, 11 miles west of Rapid City. Nanney came around a curve in the roadway and drifted over the center line into oncoming traffic. Nanney collided head on with a motorcycle driven by Stacy Dehne Age 37 of Edmond, OK. A third motorcycle driven by Sally Reidel Age 57 of Stratford, WI struck the back of Dehne's motorcycle. All three drivers were ejected from their motorcycles. All three were transported to Rapid City Regional Hospital with serious non-life threatening injuries. None of the drivers were wearing helmets. Nanney was issued a citation for driving on the wrong side of the roadway.

A motorcycle driven by Sylvia Vick Age 48 of Hugo, CO was traveling on Norris Peak Road, two miles east of Nemo Road near Sturgis, SD. Vick lost control of her motorcycle coming around a curve in the roadway and drove off the road. Vick suffered minor injuries and was transported to Rapid City Regional Hospital. She was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash and no charges were filed in the crash.

A motorcycle driven by Richard Schmidt Age 69 of Morden, Manitoba was traveling on Nemo Road about 8 miles east of US 385 when he lost control of the motorcycle on the wet surface. The motorcycle was laid down and slid off the roadway into a sign. Schmidt suffered serious non-life threatening injuries and was transported to Rapid City Regional Hospital. Schmidt was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash and no charges were filed in the crash.

A severe thunder storm moved through Jones and Lyman counties Thursday afternoon. Three semi-tractor trailers and several other vehicles were blown over on I-90 between Mile Markers 177 and 220. I-90 westbound was blocked and had to be shut down in two separate areas for several hours. No injuries were reported in any of the crashes.

A motorcycle driven by Paul Edward Cooper Age 42 from Winfield, KS was traveling on US 16A in Custer State Park. Cooper failed to negotiate a right hand curve, lost control, and drove off the roadway. He was transported to Custer Regional Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Cooper was not wearing a helmet and no charges are pending.

A motorcycle driven by John Edward Bauer Age 58 from Sioux Falls, SD was traveling southbound on SD 87 in Custer State Park. The motorcycle drifted near the edge of the roadway and ran off the roadway. He was transported to Custer Regional Hospital to treat his minor injuries. Bauer was not wearing a helmet and no charges are pending.

A motorcycle driven by Jodi Dittes Age 47 of Appleton MN was northbound on US 385 near Pactola Reservoir. Dittes attempted to turn her into the parking area at Pactola. The roadway was wet and Dittes lost control and laid the motorcycle down. She was taken to Rapid City Regional by Life Flight with serious non-life threatening injuries. Dittes was not wearing a helmet.

A motorcycle driven by Tyler Rebrovich Age 34 from Dilworth, MN was traveling on Spring Creek Road, south of Rapid City. A KIA Sportage driven by Jennifer Harris Age 34 from Sturgis, SD was traveling in the opposite directions. Both vehicles sideswiped causing Rebrovich to receive serious non-life threatening injuries. A helmet was worn and the investigation is still ongoing.