Darien

If you took a game like "whack-a-mole" and merged it with a ride that goes up to 20 feet in the air, mixed in some friendly competition, the concoction would be a game known as "Strike-U-Up," which will be one of the new fun options at Darien Lake Theme Park this year.

Western New York's largest family fun zone opens for its 54th season tomorrow, May 6.

Located next to the Rolling Thunder roller coaster, Strike-U-Up straps two riders in special seats as two other people hammer away on large switches at the game's base, propelling the riders in the air. The person to make their partner reach the top first, wins.

Here's a YouTube video of the game at park in Florida:

Slapshot, the other new game, is based on ice hockey, and it's a spinoff of the National Hockey League's Accuracy Challenge.

You don't need ice skates or special clothes. Participants have a set amount of time to shoot a hockey puck at four targets within a regulation-size net. The company All Black Hockey Sticks donated Darien Lakes' supply of hockey sticks. Players can win some neat prizes, including team jerseys. 

The new indoor hockey game is located where the shooting gallery used to be next to the world-renowned Viper, the park's signature steel coaster featuring five inversions, a blackout tunnel and a 70-foot drop that is decidedly not for the squeamish. (A special 35th anniversary party is planned next month for the wicked and beloved Viper.)

Well before, or well after, an engagement on the Viper, or Rolling Thunder -- and its 73-foot high, 20-foot wide steel loop that spins riders clockwise and counterclockwise -- you might want to try one of the new noshes at the park. For example, the big salty pretzels filled with warm, gooey caramel, or a hot juicy beef sandwich from the new Beef 'n' Beer stands, which also serve craft brews.

Loganberry soda is available at some locations in the park thanks to its new beverage partner, PepsiCo., which also sells the ever-popular Mountain Dew in its product line. Loganberry is popular in Western New York, parts of Southern Ontario, Canada, and in merry olde England where it is used to flavor English trifles and the fortified dessert wine, sherry. (But it was created in California by Judge J. H. Logan, of Santa Cruz, who cleverly combined the Aughinbaugh blackberry and red Antwerp raspberry.)

Of course, there are Anchor Bar wings, pizza, and that curiously toothsome ice cream treat, Dippin' Dots.

And let's not forget about all the great music that's in store at Darien Lakes this year, its 25th concert season. To commenorate the anniversary, Darien Lake and Live Nation have teamed up to offer concertgoers at the Darien Lake Amphitheater a free admission ticket to the theme park on the day of the show. 

As General Manager Chris Thorpe says "Where else can you ride coasters all day and rock out all night with the greatest stars in the music industry?”

A total of 23 shows are scheduled, including Lady Antebellum, Goo Goo Dolls, Train, Zac Brown Band, Third Eye Blind, Nickleback, One Republic, Kings of Leon, and John Mayer.

Saturday is designated as Season Pass Holder Appreciation Day, and each season pass holder will get an additional free bring-a-friend ticket good for any day this season, as well as a Buy One, Get One Free discount on the two newest games, four free fun tickets, and a souvenir mug.

The Darien Lake Theme Park complex sits on more than 1,850 acres and features more than a hundred rides; included in the entrance fee is the Barracuda Bay water park with more than 20 water attractions and a huge wave pool. A hotel is next to it and a camp site with 2,000 camping lots and some cabins.

For more information on season passes, concerts or accommodations, visit www.DarienLake.com.

Press release:

Darien Lake, Western New York’s largest theme park, will open for its 54^th season on Saturday, May 6. The park plans to continue its long-standing role as Western New York’s premier homegrown family destination.

The season will kick off with a Season Pass Holder Appreciation Day on opening day, May 6. Each season pass holder who visits the park that day will receive an additional free bring-a-friend ticket that’s good for any day this season, as well as a Buy One, Get One Free discount on the park’s new games, “Strike U Up” and “Slapshot.”

2017 marks a momentous landmark occasion for the park’s signature coaster – the Viper. Upon completion in 1982, the Viper brought Darien Lake international attention as the home to the first steel coaster in the world to feature five inversions. The coaster also features a blackout tunnel and a gut-wrenching 70-foot drop – the ultimate experience for thrill-seekers. In honor of the park’s most beloved ride, a special 35^th anniversary party will be held in June.

“Many of our guests throughout the years have pinpointed the first time they were tall enough to ride the Viper as one of their fondest memories,” said Darien Lake General Manager Chris Thorpe. “Thirty-five years later, it’s a wonderful thing to see those guests bring their children and grandchildren here to recreate that special moment.”

It is truly the “Year of Traditions” at Darien Lake this season. Not only will the Viper be turning 35, but The Darien Lake Amphitheater will be celebrating its 25^th season of concerts this summer.

To commemorate this special occasion, Darien Lake and Live Nation have partnered to enhance the experience and value for concertgoers this year. Every ticket purchased for a 2017 season concert will also include free admission to Darien Lake Theme Park on the same day as the show.

“By inviting all our concert guests to join us in the theme park before the show, there’s a truly unique opportunity for fun,” Thorpe said. “Where else can you ride coasters all day and rock out all night with the greatest stars in the music industry?”

Darien Lake’s 25-year partnership with Live Nation is just one of several long-standing business relationships that have brought added value to park guests while supporting the local economy. Darien Lake proudly partners with Western New York brands including Tops Friendly Markets, Perry’s Ice Cream, Anchor Bar, Tim Hortons, Sahlen’s and Tyson. Darien is also welcoming a new partner this year – PepsiCo., which means the region’s favorite Pepsi products including the popular Buffalo drink, Loganberry, will be available in park.

For more information on season passes, concerts or accommodations, visit www.DarienLake.com.

A K-9 is assisting in a Sheriff's Office search for an individual who has gone into the woods off Route 77 in Darien.

We don't have information on what initiated the reason for the search.

The subject is described as a white male, about 6' 2" tall, 175 pounds, in tan pants and a gray/green short-sleeve shirt.

A dog is reportedly stuck outside a house, on the roof, and the windows are shut and no one appears to be home at 1888 Broadway Road, Darien Center. Darien firefighters are called to the scene to rescue the animal.

Solid and cozy brick ranch in the Darien hamlet with great neighbors! This home has loads of possibilities and plenty of spread-out room for its size! Hardwood floors throughout and mechanically up-to-date with newer furnace and metal roof. Downstairs features awesome walkout basement with great hobby shop and three additional rooms currently used as bedrooms and or playrooms...come check it out! Call Lynn Bezon today to see this listing or click here to see full listing details.

Elizabeth Ann Hicks, 34, of Jackson Street, Batavia, is charged with promoting prison contraband, 1st, criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and possession of a hypodermic instrument. Hicks was allegedly found in possession of a needle and syringe with Suboxone while being booked on an unrelated charge. She was jailed on $5,000 bail, $10,000 bond.

David Henry Luther, 56, of Cider Mill Court, Lancaster, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle. Luther was charged following a "check the welfare" call on Bloomingdale Road, Tonawanda Indian Reservation, at 7:43 p.m. Sunday by Deputy Michael Lute.

Alicia Brandi Clark, 41, of Halstead Road, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child, unlawful possession of marijuana, mobile phone use on highway and misuse of dealer plates. Clark was stopped at 4:35 p.m. Saturday on Lewiston Road, Batavia, by Deputy Michael Lute.

Timothy McCarthy, 47, of Alexander, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .18 or greater. McCarthy was stopped by State Police.

Shawn Matthew Szczcygiel, 39, of Tinkham Road, Darien, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, moving from lane unsafely, unsafe tires, and inadequate exhaust. Szczcygiel was stopped at 4:54 a.m. Saturday on Tinkham Road by Deputy Eric Meyer.

Hector Maximilliano Vidal, 22, of Eggert Road, Tonawanda, is charged with petit larceny and unlawful possession of marijuana. Vidal is accused of shoplifting at Kohl's.

Dustin W. Bogue, 35, no permanent address, is charged with trespass. Bogue allegedly entered property owned by another person after being advised to stay off the property. He was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Ashley N. Ziccardi, 24, of Brooklyn Avenue, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear.

Tiffany M. Brown, 25, of Maple Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear. Brown was arrested by Sheriff's deputies and turned over to Batavia PD on a City Court warrant.

Russell R. Miles, 48, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st. Miles allegedly violated an order of protection. He was allegedly found at the residence of the protected party in violation of the order. He is accused of violating the same order at least twice in five years. He was jailed without bail.

Brian J. Hawkins, 37, of Pries Avenue, Buffalo, was arrested on warrant for alleged failure to appear. He was taken into custody at the Erie County Holding Center on the warrant. He was jailed on $300 bail.

Submitted photo and press release:

Pembroke Corfu Darien Kiwanis Club is sponsoring its Easter Egg Hunt on Easter Sunday and it begins promptly at 12:15 p.m. at the Pembroke Town Park (Route 77 and next to the high school).

This is for kids ages 2 to 10 years old and there are 3,500 plus eggs. Please bring your camera since the Easter Bunny will be there.

The PCD Kiwanis has been sponsoring this event for 40+ years!

This is an outdoor event and please dress appropriately for the weather. For more information, call Pat at 762-8419.

Every Tuesday, Troop A, State Police, put out a press release on an unsolved crime, a cold case. Today's release is about a Cheektowaga woman whose body was found in Darien:

Cold Case Tuesday: The New York State Police in Batavia continue to investigate the 39-year-old murder of Jessica Rose Lane.
  
On Nov. 25, 1977, the partially decomposed body of Jessica Rose Lane, age 66, was found by two deer hunters in a wooded area off of Alley Road in the Town of Darien, Genesee County. The victim was found fully clothed with three fractured ribs, a fractured left elbow and a fractured skull, likely caused by stabbing.
 
Lane was last seen on Nov. 11, 1977, at Williamstown Apartments in Cheektowaga.
 
The exact location of the crime has yet to be determined. However, residents below the victim’s apartment claimed to have heard two “thumps” between the hours of 4 and 4:30 a.m. on Nov. 12, 1977.
 
Lane, who resided alone, was known to keep to herself and rarely had visitors. Suspects have been developed but no arrests have been made.
 
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Investigator Ron Wilson of the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation in Batavia by calling 716-361-1585. Please refer to SJS # 3029541.

A rollover accident with entrapment is reported at 10391 Alleghany Road (Route 77). Darien Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding. A Sheriff's deputy is on location. Mercy Flight in on ground standby.

UPDATE 3:31 p.m.: The male driver had a medical issue, and the van he was driving left the roadway and went into a culvert and hit a berm and it landed on its wheels on the other side of the culvert. The driver suffered minor facial injuries due to air-bag deployment and he was taken by ambulance to a hospital. The van does not appear to be seriously damaged.

Press release:

EPR Properties, a specialty real estate investment trust (REIT), today announced the purchase of Darien Lake under an agreement that also retains Premier Parks, LLC, as the park’s operator and awards a 40-year operating lease for the New York park along with 11 other theme and water parks.

“Darien Lake has an even brighter future under this new agreement with EPR Properties as it gives Premier Parks new resources to grow and improve our theme and water parks,” said Premier Parks CEO/President Kieran Burke. “The new 40-year operating leases awarded in conjunction with this purchase give our parks much greater stability and investment in the years to come.  Our parkgoers won’t see any changes in the day-to-day operations of the park. It is business as usual as we enter an exciting 2017 season!”

The operating lease agreements impact 12 of the water and theme parks currently managed by Premier Parks including Frontier City and White Water Bay in Oklahoma City, OK; Darien Lake near Buffalo, NY; Wet ‘n’ Wild parks in Kapolei, HI, Palm Springs, Phoenix, AZ and Houston, TX; Rapids in West Palm Beach, FL; Wild Waves in Seattle, WA; Magic Springs in Hot Springs, AR; Waterworld California in Concord, CA; and Myrtle Waves in Myrtle Beach, SC. 

EPR Properties (NYSE:EPR) is a New York Stock Exchange publicly traded REIT with substantial resources, over $5 billion in investments, and a proven track record in the entertainment industry with assets in golf entertainment venues, megaplex theatres and ski resorts.   

“Premier Parks has been successfully operating most of these theme and water parks for many years,” continued Burke.  “In anticipation of the EPR purchase, we were able to bring four new parks under the Premier Parks management umbrella last fall including the theme and/or water parks in Seattle, Concord, Myrtle Beach, and Hot Springs. We are confident the new ownership will have a positive impact on each of our parks’ customers, staff and community.”  

Other parks not involved with this sale but also managed and owned by Premier Parks, LLC include:  Wet ‘n’ Wild Toronto, Canada; Clementon Park & Splash World, Clementon, NJ; Nashville Shores, Nashville, TN; and Ocean Breeze in Virginia Beach, VA.  Premier Parks also manages Elitch Gardens in Denver, CO for Revesco Properties. In total, Premier Parks manages or owns 16 U.S. parks and one park in Canada.

A tractor-trailer rollover accident is reported at 2061 Broadway Road, Darien. The big rig also struck an unoccupied parked car.

"We'll need the rescue, then an ambulance. The patient's going to be able to get himself out; he's just looking for some paperwork right now," says a first responder at the scene.

Darien Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

The location is between Attica and Smithley roads. "Unknown if fluids are leaking," says the dispatcher. 

Law enforcement is on scene. "A pole is hit, but it doesn't appear to be damaged," says a first responder. National Grid will be called.

UPDATE 5:27 a.m.: A heavy wrecker will be called for the trailer, which is on its side against a utility pole, and another tow for the front cab.

UPDATE 6:01 a.m.: The trucker claims he swerved to avoid a moose. The tractor-trailer then slid along a guard rail and landed in the front yard of a residence, crushing the front end of a parked Jeep. A woman who was sitting in her living room at the time said it sounded like a truck dragging a car down the road, then went boom. The big rig wound up only a few feet away from where she was sitting. It was carrying a light load -- shoes.

Press release:

Darien Lake, Western New York’s largest theme park, is expanding benefits for season pass holders by increasing its free concert offerings through its partnership with Live Nation.

Season pass holders will have exclusive eligibility for a limited number of free lawn tickets to three Live Nation concerts during the 2017 season, including Third Eye Blind on June 29, OneRepublic on July 25 and Goo Goo Dolls on August 12.

“We are always looking for ways to reward our most loyal guests and increase the experience value,” said General Manager Chris Thorpe.  “What better way to do that than to increase our free concert offerings for season pass holders?”

Season pass holders will present their processed season pass at Darien Lake’s Live Nation Portal located in the park next to the Grizzly Run attraction only on the day of the concert to receive their free lawn ticket. This benefit is first-come, first-served, and only a limited number of tickets will be given out. As these concerts are Live Nation events, all Live Nation restrictions apply.

Paying for itself in just two visits, a Darien Lake 2017 season pass remains the best value available to park guests. In addition to unlimited admission all season long, season pass holders will enjoy a free souvenir mug, free tickets for friends, free parking, free concerts and other benefits if they purchase and process their pass by May 29.

For more information on season passes, concerts or accommodations, visit www.DarienLake.com.

Two barns were destroyed in fires on Saturday.

The first was reported about 2:45 p.m. at 7014 Townline Road, Bryon. Responding were Byron, South Byron, Elba, Bergen and Emergency Services. The fire is believed to have started when the owner was burning a small debris pile near the barn causing extension to the barn. The barn was a total loss. (Note: We didn't have prior coverage because I was in Buffalo covering basketball and Billie was at our house without any electrical power at that time.)

The second fire was reported about 10:30 p.m. at 9829 Simonds Road, Darien. Darien Fire, Town of Batavia, Alexander, East Pembroke, Corfu and Pembroke along with the City's Fast Team and Mercy EMS were dispatched. The barn was already fully involved by the time the first firefighters arrived, so the city's response was canceled and Mercy EMS soon went back in service. Tim Yaeger, emergency management coordinator, said the cause of the fire has yet to be determined. For photos and additional coverage, click here.

A fully involved barn fire is reported at 9829 Simonds Road, Darien. All available manpower from Darien Fire Department is called to the scene, along with Mercy medics and mutual aid from the city's Fast Team, Town of Batavia, Alexander, East Pembroke, Corfu, and Pembroke. A first responder en route says flames can be seen a mile away. Crittenden Fire Department is called to fill in at Darien's fire hall. The location is between Richley and Bennett roads.

UPDATE 10:29 p.m.: Mercy medics are back in service.

UPDATE 10:42 p.m.: The barn is on the ground, totally destroyed.

UPDATE: Below, reader-submitted photos, first of the fire and then of one of the tanker refill locations.

UPDATE: More reader submitted photos.

Press release:

The region’s largest seasonal employer is looking to fill 1,800 open positions across its multiple departments, including amusement park, water park, lodging, entertainment, retail and food service.

Darien Lake has already begun accepting applications for the upcoming season with some positions starting as early as April. The park will open for the 2017 season on May 6 with full, daily operations beginning June 15.

Darien Lake will be hosting an open job fair at the Park’s Lodge on the Lake Hotel on Saturday, March 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information about the job fair and the types of positions available, visit www.darienlake.com/jobs.  

Interviews for the following positions will be held during the job fair: food service, park services, games, admissions, ride operations, lifeguards, rentals, warehouse, retail, hotel/campground, attractions, and security officers. Representatives from the Darien Lake Amphitheater, run by Live Nation, will also be at the fair to discuss seasonal opportunities.

“We’re seeking friendly, ambitious applicants of all backgrounds who are interested in helping us create memorable experiences for our guests,” said Darien Lake General Manager Chris Thorpe. “While we look forward to meeting our new team members, we are also thrilled to welcome back more than 800 rehires every year, filling a total of more than 2,000 positions.”

Special Perks and Benefits

·       Free Admission to the Park – An employee ID is equal to a 2017 Darien Lake season pass. Come as often as you like, free of charge!

·       Free Park Tickets for Friends & Family -- Where else can you work and earn free tickets to Darien Lake? Share the fun with your friends and family all season long.

·       Opportunities to Advance -- Our team members are on a fast track to success. With so many great opportunities, both new and returning employees can take on new challenges and develop their leadership skills.

·       Great Resume Building Experience -- Darien Lake offers great experience for future business leaders. Understand your labor force, how to manage inventory and interact with guests, all under the sun and in a place that’s all about fun.

Interested applicants can apply online at www.DarienLake.com/jobs or call the Darien Lake Job Line at 585-599-5108. 

A 55-year-old Leicester man involved in a serious-injury motorcycle accident after the Heart concert at Darien Lake on July 27 has been charged with three felonies following the completion of an investigation into the incident by the Sheriff's Office.

Eric R. Brumstead, of South Main Street, Leicester, is charged with two counts aggravated vehicular assault and aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st.

Brumstead was allegedly driving his Harley-Davidson with a BAC greater than .18 percent and had a prior DWI conviction within 10 years.

According to the Sheriff's Office, Brumstead failed to stop for deputies who were directing traffic and then continued eastbound on Sumner Road at a high rate of speed. He failed to negotiate a curve in the roadway near Walker Road.

Both Brumstead and a passenger were ejected from the bike and both were flown by Mercy Flight to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

Upon his arrest, Brumstead was jailed pending arraignment in County Court.

The accident was investigated by Deputy Ryan DeLong and the Livingston County Sheriff's Office.

Nicholas Anthony Esposito, 31, of North Street Road, Le Roy, is charged with criminal mischief, 3rd, menacing and harassment, 2nd. Esposito was reportedly involved in an incident at 2:55 p.m. Friday in the parking lot of Walmart where he allegedly damaged the property of another person, struck the owner of that vehicle with a closed fist and placed a woman in the vehicle in fear of physical injury.

Tomy Lee Velasquez, 24, of Fisher Road, Warsaw, is charged with obstructing governmental administration, 2nd, false personation, aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, and rental vehicle without an ignition interlock device, and loud muffler. Velasquez was stopped Feb. 20 for an alleged traffic violation by Le Roy PD.

Cassy Drury, 23, of Myrtle Street, Le Roy, is charged with two counts of rape, 3rd. Drury, being a person over 21, allegedly had sexual intercourse with a person under 17 years old between Jan. 16 and Feb. 20. She was released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Douglas Edward Artman, 26, of Alleghany Road, Darien, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and speeding. Artman was stopped at 7:44 p.m. Thursday on Route 77, Darien, by Deputy Eric Meyer. He was allegedly found in possession of a marijuana smoking pipe containing marijuana.

Davon Shaquille St. John, 18, of Oak Street, Batavia, is charged with assault, 2nd. St. John is accused of assaulting somebody while confined at the Genesee County Jail at 8:49 p.m., Monday. He was jailed on $10,000 bail.

Wayne L. Pierce, 75, of Alexander, is charged with forcible touching. Pierce is accused of inappropriately grabbing a female employee at the Ben Go's gas station in Attica.

Bishop Williams, 23, of Genesee Street, Le Roy, is charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance, 4th, and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 4th. Williams is accused of selling Suboxone in May while in the Village of Wyoming. He was arrested by Wyoming County Drug Task Force following an investigation. He was jailed on $15,000 bail.

Odanis Betances, 21, of Morris Avenue, Bronx, is charged with petit larceny. Betances is accused of stealing $125.99 in merchandise from Kmart.

Brian James Lipinski, 33, of Richley Road, Darien, is charged with criminal possession of a forged instrument. Lipinski allegedly used a counterfeit bill to pay for food delivered to his residence.

Jarvis Davon Seymore, 33, of Michigan Street, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, unlicensed driving, aggravated unlicensed driving, and speeding. Seymore was stopped at 1:51 p.m., Monday, on Clinton Street Road, Stafford, by Deputy Chad Cummings.

Press release:

In celebration of Darien Lake Amphitheater’s 25th concert season, Live Nation, the amphitheater operator is partnering with Darien Lake Theme Park to offer an amazing deal to concert ticket buyers for this season. Each ticket purchased for a concert at the amphitheater will include complementary same-day admission into Darien Lake Theme Park. The offer will be valid for all tickets purchased for any concert at the amphitheater that occurs during the theme park’s operating schedule.

The 25th season lineup at Darien Lake Amphitheater is already shaping up to be one for fans of all types of music, including appearances by Luke Bryan, Green Day, Chicago & The Doobie Brothers, Train and many more to be announced in the coming months.

“This historic offer is a great way to honor the long history of the amphitheater, as well as its unique proximity to the theme park. This promotion is a great savings to the concert fan and thrill seeker alike – it truly is the deal of the summer,” said Jim Koplik, Live Nation president of Upstate New York and Connecticut.

In previous years, concertgoers wanting to enjoy a day at the Theme Park would have needed to purchase a combo ticket in advance or at the gate for a cost that has ranged from $9.99 to $19.99 plus fees.

“In celebration of our 25th season of concerts at Darien Lake, we’ve partnered with Live Nation to add some extraordinary value to the experience. Where else can you ride coasters all day and rock out all night with the greatest stars in the music industry?” said Chris Thorpe, general manager of Darien Lake Theme Park.

Ray Felski, left, with Chief Jeff Fluker and former Chief China Marino, was named Firefighter of the Year for the Darien Volunteer Fire Department at the department's annual awards and installation dinner at the fire hall.

Officers installed:

• Fire company line officers: Jeff Luker, chief; David McGreevy, 1st assistant chief; Mark Starczewski, 2nd assistant fire chief; Kenneth Fisher, 3rd assistant fire chief; William Brunea, fire police captain.
• Fire company board of directors: Ronald Meides, president; China Marino, vice president; Michelle Krzanowicz, secretary; Ryamond Felski, treasurer; Dennis Bialkowski, Willaim Brunea, and Paul Redden, directors at large.

China Marino, right, was honored for his dedicated service to the fire company with a custom engraved rifle. Presenting the award is Ron Meides.

The Service Person of the Year award went to Pat Bialkowski.

A fire apparatus company donated a check to the fire company in the name of past chief Dale Breitwieser, who died this past year.

Gary Graber has been a member of the department for 45 years.

Officers sworn in.

The annual memorial this year honored Dale Breitwiser, Barbara Garigen and all who have served throughout the nation and have passed.