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. 

Statement from Chief Deputy Jerome Brewster, Sheriff's Office:

The attached was found in a Village of Alexander parking lot and turned over to the Sheriff's Office this morning.

The bills are not valid currency and believed to be used to train bank tellers in China. These fake bills can be found for purchase online at sites such as eBay and Amazon and are also available in various denominations. The printing is not as precise as real money and the colors are not quite right but they might pass for real at a glance.

The Sheriff's Office has not received any reports to date of this type of counterfeit bill actually being used to purchase goods and recommends that merchants and citizens be aware and examine all bills during transactions. Use of these bills may constitute a felony and the Sheriff's Office or your local police should be contacted if any are encountered.

High winds are expected to hit the area tomorrow so the National Weather Service has issued a wind warning starting at 9 a.m. and lasting through 10 p.m.

Winds of 25 to 35 mph expected with gusts of 60 mph.

Strong winds can lead to downed trees, property damage and scattered power outages. Travel for high-profile vehicles could be difficult.

Jackson School kicked off its winter reading program today; this year it's called "Camp Read-A-Lot." 

The program is intended to encourage students to read at least 15 minutes per day.

Today, faculty and staff performed a play for the students called Camp Read-A-Lot, which tells the story of the campers who will get lost if the students don't read every day.

Thursday is family reading night at the school. There is a book fair from 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. and 7:15 to 7:30 p.m. Reading rotations, which includes community guest readers, begins at 5:30 p.m. The Hill Brothers perform a reading-themed concert in the gym at 6:30 p.m.

McCormick Family Dairy in Alexander has been named the 2016 Conservation Farm of the Year by Genesee County Soil & Water Conservation District.

About the award from Soil & Water:

This is a large family farm CAFO in the upper Tonawanda Creek watershed south of Alexander. Most of their land drains directly into Tonawanda Creek and the dairy farm itself is less than a mile from the Creek. Most of the drainage channels flowing from the steep hillsides above their lands are directly draining into the Creek.

With about 950 dairy cows, manure management has been a large part of their program for many years. They have tried several types of manure treatment and silage leachate collection systems. A large manure storage pit is located above the farm and manure is pumped to or hauled over land to it. It is over 50 feet higher and about 4,000 feet away. Some other practices they have employed include tile drainage, rotational grazing, zone building and rotational graze about 85 acres using more than three miles of fencing.

The McCormicks have been excellent stewards of the land and were chosen as this past year’s recipients for their continued efforts at environmental conservation and sustainability.

Photo: Aaron Reichert, Jen Reichert, Tim Pohl, Michelle Pohl and Dan McCormick.

A 56-year-old woman from Batavia was killed in a single-vehicle accident in Alabama after the minivan she was riding in went off the east shoulder of Route 77, into a gully and struck a tree.

The driver of the 2003 Dodge Caravan reportedly suffered a medical event before the car left the roadway.

Coroner Karen Lang pronounced Karen Mann dead at the scene.

As a result of the accident, one person was taken to Strong Memorial Hospital by Mercy Flight and the other two people in the vehicle were transported by Mercy EMS to Strong.

Mann was a backseat passenger. 

State Police say this is still an ongoing investigation and released no further information at this time.

(initial report)

State Police opened an investigation Saturday into a report of racist graffiti being left on the side of a building in Pembroke that is owned by a church based in Cheektowaga.

Trooper James O'Callahan, spokesman for Troop A in Batavia, said it is against State Police policy to provide details on an ongoing investigation, but he did confirm such an investigation is taking place.

The property is on Marble Road and is owned by New Creation Fellowship.

A rollover accident with entrapment is reported at 6891 Alleghany Road. Alabama fire is responding.

UPDATE 2:04 p.m.: "Bystanders have pulled one subject out. Doing CPR," says a dispatcher. Mercy medics are called in emergency mode. Command at the scene asks for Shelby Fire Department to respond mutual aid. He says two people are still trapped in a van.

UPDATE 2:08 p.m.: Traffic on Route 77 will be shut down in the vicinity of the accident.

UPDATE 2:17 p.m.: Mercy Flight is responding.

UPDATE 2:18 p.m.: Shelby is on location.

UPDATE 2:38 p.m.: Mercy Flight #5 is airborne and heading to Strong Memorial Hospital with one patient onboard. A Mercy ambulance is also taking two patients to Strong. A portion of the road will remain closed for awhile.

UPDATE 3:56 p.m. (By Howard): A spokesman for NYSP confirms there is a fatality. A coroner is on scene. 

NOTE 6 p.m.: We're withholding photos from the scene until we've been informed by State Police that family notifications have been completed. Once notifications are completed, we expect NYSP to release more information.

UPDATE: Follow-up story posted.

A 26-year-old man wanted in connection with a shooting on Jackson Street on Dec. 2 has been located in East Hartford, Conn., and taken into custody.

Jeremy R. Armstrong is being held in Connecticut pending extradition following his arrest Feb. 28.

He is wanted on charges of second-degree attempted murder and criminal use of a firearm, 1st. 

Police say Armstrong fired several shots at close range.

He allegedly shot a person while on Jackson Street and the two men reportedly knew each other.

According to sources, the victim suffered shoulder and chest wounds. He was treated first at UMMC and then transferred to ECMC.

Armstrong was located in East Hartford outside the residence of a family member, according to police. He was taken into custody without incident.

"City detectives have been working closely with the East Hartford, Connecticut, Police Department after learning Armstrong may have been in that area," the police said in a statement.

Also assisting in the investigation and attempt to locate Armstrong were Connecticut police in South Windsor, Hartford, and New Britain, as well as the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and the New York State Police.

Batavia PD said no further information would be released since this is a pending investigation.

Individuals with information that may assist in the investigation are asked to call Det. Eric Hill (585) 345-6373, Det. Thad Mart at (585) 345- 6372, or the confidential tip line at (585) 345-6370.

Fire and Burglar alarms sounded at Tomkins Bank of Castile on Main Street downtown and city fire and police responded, blocking traffic in front of the building. No smoke, fire or crime reported.

The Elba Volunteer Fire Department held its 2017 installation banquet on Saturday night and Don "Rat" Reinhard was honored for this 23 years of service as assistant chief. He was presented a handmade trophy by all the officers (trophy made by John Mudrzynski).

Michael Pfendler and Nathan Tabor were recognized for achieving the most training hours and Mike Schad Jr. responded to the most calls.

Photos and info submitted by Carrie Mudrzynski.

Elba's fire police officers for 2017: Mark Wiatrowski, Mike Banks, Leonard Peterson Sr. , Kenny Miller and Kevin Dart.

The firematic officers for 2017 who were able to attend the dinner: Caitlin Zipfel, Nick Esten, Mandy Esten, Jennifer Cardinali, George Underhill, Mike Schad Jr., Ryan Hart, and John Mudrzynski. Unable to attend: Mike Heale and Chris Lane.

​​

Corporate officers: Mark Wiatrowski, Kenny Miller, Don Gavenda, Linda Loder, Bob Zipfel, Sue Dart, Donna Hynes, Leonard Peterson Sr., and Glenn Bloom.

The officers of the Ladies Auxiliary: Linda Loder, Lynette Gregori, Joyce Zipfel, Bobette Hyatt, Irene Griffith-Pierce and Marylou Andrews.

Members of the Batavia Blue Devils indoor track team performed well at the NYS champions Saturday at the Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex in Staten Island.

Anthony Ray placed ninth in the shot put with an overall throw of 50' 10". In the weight throw, an event he holds the record in for Section V, he earned all-state honors by placing sixth in the NY Federation and fourth among state competitors with a throw of 62' 7". That is his second-best throw ever and led all WNY competitors. He will compete in the shot put and weight throw next weekend at the Indoor National Championships at the Armory in Manhattan.

The girls 4x400 relay team finished ninth with a time of 4:04.11, which broke an existing school record. They also qualified for nationals next week. The team is Claire Zickl, Regan Henrici, Brianna Bromley and Kiaya Franklin.

Nate Crane is a team of one for Letchworth, so he trained with Batavia this season. In the pole vault he placed sixth in the NY Federation and fourth among state competitors. He cleared 14' 6" and will also compete next week at nationals.

Photos and info submitted by Coach Nick Burk.

There are unknown injuries after a car hit a utility pole in the area of 7332 Quinlan Road.

Lines are down.

Le Roy fire and Le Roy ambulance dispatched.

A possible fire in a wall is reported at 6900 Cockram Road, Byron.

Byron and South Byron fire departments are dispatched.

UPDATE 6:01 p.m.: Chief on scene requests all units respond non-emergency.

A 32-year-old Depew woman is in custody today after allegedly leading police on a high-speed chase through Corfu, the Town of Batavia and into the City of Batavia where the reportedly stolen car she was driving hit a spike strip before crashing into a tree.

Kimberly A. Genson, of Lancer Court, Depew, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property, 4th, unlawful fleeing a police officer and reckless driving.

The chase started after Deputy Rachel Diehl was dispatched to the Corfu area to investigate a complaint of erractic driving.

Diehl spotted a vehicle fitting the description, a black SUV, heading eastbound at a high rate of speed on Route 33. Diehl activated her emergency lights, but rather than stop, the vehicle sped up, according to the Sheriff's Office report. Diehl initiated a pursuit and backup units responded.

Spike strips were deployed on Pearl Street in the City of Batavia. The strips caused the vehicle to slow down, but it continued and tried to negotiate a turn onto South Main Street where the driver lost control and the vehicle struck a tree. 

The Sheriff's report includes no mention of any possible injuries.

The vehicle had been reported as stolen earlier in the day in Buffalo.

The investigation is ongoing and being conducted by Diehl, Deputy Ryan Long, Deputy Rich Schildwaster and Sgt. Jason Saile. Assisting at the scene were Batavia PD, State Police, City fire and Mercy EMS.

Genson was arraigned this afternoon in Town of Batavia Court and jailed on $25,000 bail or $50,000 bond.

Photo submitted by Samantha Schoener.

(initial report)

At the Quality Inn & Suites last night, the Chamber of Commerce presented its annual local business and leadership awards. Here are photos and links to our stories from the past week about the winners.

Above, Charlie Cook, CEO of Liberty Pumps.

Chamber Awards: Business of the Year -- Liberty Pumps

Bill and Joy Hume, owners of Foxprowl Collectables.

Chamber Awards: Foxprowl Collectables -- Entrepreneurial Business of the Year

Owners of Stein Farms. Natasha Sutherland speaking, then on left, Jerrod Stein, Ray Stein, and Nathan Stein (Dale Stein was out of town and unable to attend).

Chamber Awards: Agricultural Business of the Year, Stein Farms

Steve Foster and Tim Adams, owners of Red Osier Restaurant.

Chamber Awards: Special Service Recognition, Red Osier Restaurant

Steve and Lisa Grice.

Chamber Awards: Geneseeans of the Year, Batavians Steve and Lisa Grice

Tom Turnbull, present of the Chamber of Commerce, during his opening remarks.

The Elba Lancers didn't dominate Prattsburg in the Section V Class D1 match at Alfred State yesterday, but there was never a time when it didn't seem like the squad was anything but in control of the game.

That comes from experience, said Ciaci Zambito, in his second year as head coach of Elba.

The Lancers started four seniors.

"They’ve played in a lot of big games," Zambito said. "They don’t get rattled by this kind of environment. Obviously, this is the biggest game they’ve ever played in up to this point, but it’s hard work. If you work hard and prepare yourself for moments like this, when you get to it it’s going to be a little bit easier."

Four seniors and a freshman, Collin O'Halloran, a point guard who scored 16 points, grabbed seven rebounds and had four assists and four steals to make him the most valuable player of the tournament.

The low score on both sides -- Elba won 50-38 -- really shows the game was really a defensive battle, Zambito said.

"When you hold a team that good to 38 that just speaks volumes to the effort and the defensive attitude that we have as a program," Zambito said.

The other top scorer for Elba was Tucker Bezon, who had 12 points to go with 13 rebounds. Shane O'Halloran had seven points and six rebounds, and Jon Boyce had seven points and seven rebounds. 

This is the fourth sectional title for Elba and the first since 2005, when Zambito was a junior on the team. That year both the boys and the the girls won Section V titles, a feat repeated this year.

Zambito said he wanted to acknowledge last year's seniors because they really helped make this year's championship possible, he said, by embracing a young coach and setting the example of hard work and leadership for the younger players.

"They kind of created the blueprint to our program and these guys just took it and put up the building, if that’s the way you want to look at it," Zambito said.

Next up for Elba, a Class D consolidation game to be played Wednesday. The time and location is not yet available.

Dom Valle, who with his wife, Mary, owned and operated Valle Jewelers after taking over the 66-year-old business from his father, passed away Friday.

He was 63 years old.

Dom's good nature and ease around people were always apparent to customers of Valle Jewelers and in 2011 when reflecting on the store's 60th anniversary, he said he loved what he did.

"I've always been happy to be in the business," Dom said.

And he was raised in the business, so were his children. Stephen Valle and Carrie Lawrence operate the store now.

For his full obituary, click here.

There was a police chase that ended last night around 10:30 p.m. on South Main Street, Batavia, when the suspect vehicle hit a tree.

We've been waiting for a press release from the Sheriff's Office, but the suspect apparently hasn't been arraigned yet so it hasn't been released. We won't have further information until that's released.

Reader-submitted photo.

Quality products, enterprise and innovation, peerless customer service and a commitment to international growth are the hallmarks of Bergen-based Liberty Pumps. Combine these with an exceptionally skilled and dedicated workforce of about 200 employees (counting temps and part-timers), including a 19-member executive team, and you have a winner.

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce named Liberty Pumps its 2016 Business of the Year.

The privately held, family-owned company makes sump, effluent and sewage pumps for the professional trade. Last year, sales were well over $95 million.

Firmly at the helm is CEO and President Charles Cook, who everybody calls "Charlie." His uncle, Fred Cook, started the business in 1965. Charlie joined the company as an engineer and bought the business back in the the '70s.

Charlie holds two of the dozen or so patents on Liberty Pump products. These are proof of his and his company's ability to find creative engineering solutions to solve problems, resulting in products that are designed and manufactured with exacting specifications to do tough tasks.

For example, they developed a grinder pump that can handle disposable products like baby wipes and throw-away cleaning products like Swiffer cloths that can jam traditional sewage pumps. They are currently working to develop their biggest pump to date. Their engineers can tweek the flow meters, turn valves and pressure gauges in a tank filled with water 12 feet deep, all while tracking the progress in real time on big computer screens. It's fascinating to watch.

The engineers work behind closed doors, of course, "no cameras" allowed. 

The manufacturing, assembling, painting, and other aspects of the business are spread out in a gargantuan building. The floor of the manufacturing plant itself is more than 200,000 square feet.

In 2015, they undertook a massive, multimillion dollar expansion project, roughly doubling the size of the facility on Apple Tree Avenue. The office building is sleek and spacious, and there's an Internet cafe, fitness center and state-of-the-art teaching/presentation/meeting rooms, too.

The overall impression is that of a clean, efficient, comfortable work environment. It's quite impressive.

"Day to day you don't think about it," Charlie said about the newly renovated premises after giving a tour. "But once in a while you have to stop and pinch yourself and say 'How did I get here?' We're proud of it and we like to show it off."

More important than the space is the culture of the workplace, which Charlie says is a top priority. 

"Taking personal responsibility is important," he said. "We give people freedom to present ideas and implement them. We have an active suggestion program."

The ideas of employees can boost productivity and increase safety, and recognizing their contributions benefits the work environment and helps the company succeed, Charlie said.

So does an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, which was implemented in 2014. It provides the majority of employees with shares of stock as part of their retirement package. To be fully vested and receive shares, an employee must work for the company for five years. Every year, employees get a statement with their share information and they can sell their shares back to the company when they retire. The company averages an annual growth rate of about 13 percent and the quantity of shares each vested employeed receives increases with growth.

Although Liberty Pumps has been asked about relocating elsewhere, Charlie says he's not budging.

"We're very proud to be a local U.S. business," Charlie said. "It can be a tough environment in New York from time to time, but our people are connected here. Our executives are all homegrown. We aren't going anywhere."

But their products are going more places than ever. The sales growth potential is high, not only nationwide and in Canada, where they've sold goods since the mid-'90s, but also internationally. Since expanding its global presence in 2010, Liberty Pumps now ships to more than 30 countries.

And along the way, the company has garnered impressive awards from Greater Rochester Enterprise's International Business Council, for example, and it's landed on the Rochester Top 100 list of businesses for 16 of the last 19 years. In May, Liberty Pumps was one of only 123 companies nationwide to receive the President's "E" Award for exporting excellence at a ceremony in Washington, D.C.

But nothing beats the recognition of your peers, friends and colleagues in your own backyard, says Charlie.

The award from the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce "is far more meaningful," he said. It will be presented tonight at the Quality Inn & Suites in Batavia.