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Five arrests reported at Georgia Line concert on Friday

By Howard B. Owens

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Florida Georgia Line concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Friday:

A 17-year-old, of Seeley Road, Williamson, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Tyler D. Pemberthy, 22, of Lillybrook Court, East Amherst, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly jumping a fence into the concert venue.

A 16-year-old, of York Street, Honeoye Falls, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly jumping a fence into the concert venue.

Brandon M. Erskine, 24, of State Route 21, Hornell, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly engaging in a fight while exiting the concert.

Jaymi R. Seitz, 26 of Whitney Road, Ontario, Canada, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th, after allegedly using a key to scratch another person’s vehicle.

Sponsored Post: This well laid out ranch is a must see

By Lisa Ace

This well laid out ranch on an awesome lot in the heart of Darien Center is a must see! Close to all major routes for those who have to commute! This home has great space and super floor plan! All rooms are good sized with closets. At the heart of the home is open kitchen with dining area and large living room divided by awesome double sided stone fireplace which makes it elegant and cozy at the same time!! Off of the living room is large enclosed all-season sun porch, which adds so much extra living space and over looks a very deep back yard that backs up to Chestnut Hill Country Club for the golf lover or great scenery!! There is an attached garage, huge basement and nice shed in back yard for all the extras!! This is really a house worth looking at-make an easy to view appointment anytime! Call Lynn Bezon at Reliant Real Estate today or click here to view the full listing!

Free summer concert lineup at Darien Lakes State Park on Harlow Road announced

By Billie Owens

Here is the lineup of 2017 summer concerts for Darien Lakes State Park, located at 10475 Harlow Road in Darien Center. All but the last concert of the season (on Sunday, Sept. 3) take place on Tuesday evenings from 7 to 9 at Shelter #2. See below for details, including those for Sept. 3 concert.

Day area admission to the park is free after 5 p.m. Please remember that Darien Lakes State Park is a “Carry in/Carry out” park. Please help support park events by supporting the Natural Heritage Trust. Donations to the Natural Heritage Trust for Darien Lakes State Park can be made at the park or online at www.nysparks.com

  • June 27 -- Corfu/Pembroke Community Band

Come and kick off the beginning of the 2017 concert series with the hometown sounds from the Corfu/Pembroke Community Band. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the classic concert band ensemble.

  • July 4 -- The Band Anastazja

    Armed with a banjo, mandolin, fiddle, guitar, bass, the spoons, eight kids, Mom, Dad and Gramma. The Band Anastazja travels here, there and everywhere to entertain folks with their unique style of music and their genuineness in real life stories that they tell and the songs to accompany them.

  • July 11 -- Ron and Nancy Oneson

 Traditional American music comes alive with Ron & Nancy. They sing vintage country, bluegrass, Western, Rockabilly, '50s & '60s classics, and Gospel.

  • July 18 -- NY Rockin' Revue Gone Country

It’s all country tonight. They will be bringing out the banjo, fiddle and petal steel guitar. It’s Patsy Cline, Charlie Daniels, Hank Sr. and many more…

  • July 25 -- The Batavia Swing Band

Listen and dance to Batavia’s premier swing band as they play the most popular swing, jazz, and Big Band music from over the years.

  • Aug. 1 -- Ghost Riders

The Ghost riders will lift your spirit with drivin’ “Hardcore Country” music with a twang that makes listeners of all ages want to get out and dance and have fun.

  • Aug. 8 -- Auslanders

German night is back with the sounds of the Auslanders! This popular Buffalo band has been entertaining for years. As one of the areas most enjoyed Oktoberfest bands. Authentic German selections & a polka here or there will keep your feet stomping and spirits high!

  • Aug. 15 -- Old Hippies

The music of the Old Hippies is acoustic and a varied brand, be it their own creative songs or recognizable covers from a golden musical era: the Fifties, Sixties and Seventies and on and on…., nostalgic to those who lived it and romanced by those who didn’t.

  • Aug. 22 -- WNY Bluegrass Association

 Come out and listen to the local bluegrass musicians specializing in the old-tyme Bluegrass sounds from Earl Scruggs, Lester Flatt, Ricky Scaggs, the father of Bluegrass Bill Monroe and more!

  • Aug. 29 -- The Swooners

Enjoy the music of every decade, from the '20s thru the '80s and beyond. They will make you want to dance, sing, laugh and cry.

  • SUNDAY Sept. 3 -- *** FINAL CONCERT! NY Rockin' Revue -- 7 to 9 p.m. at Shelter #2

Whether it’s classic rock, country or old-time favorites, the NY  Rockin Revue provides it all. Enjoy a night of great music and dancing. Along with a fireworks show afterward!

Photos: Color Me Rad at Darien Lake

By Howard B. Owens

Darien Lake Theme Park hosted the Color Me Rad 5K for this year today. The event is a fundraiser for Special Olympics.

More than 1,000 people participated in the 5K.

Sponsored Post: Open house this Saturday from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

By Lisa Ace


Don't miss the open house this Saturday from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. for this solid and cozy brick ranch in 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 at Reliant Real Estate today to see this listing or stop by the open house this Saturday from 11 a.m - 1 p.m. Click here to see the full listing.

Law and Order: Corfu woman convicted of DWI earlier this year, now charged with felony DWI

By Billie Owens

Christina V. Dadey, 43, of Corfu, is facing numerous charges after an investigation following a 9-1-1 call about an erratic driver around 4 p.m. on June 7. Dadey was stopped on Gulf Road in the Village of Wyoming by Wyoming County Sheriff's Deputy Aaron Chase and Sgt. Colin Reagan. They had responded to a call that originated in Genesee County about a vehicle that was all over the road. The vehicle had failed to keep right and the driver was pulled over and a roadside investigation was completed along with field sobriety testing. Dadey was subsequently arrested on suspicion of DWI and transported to the Wyoming County Sheriff's Office where she allegedly supplied a positive BAC or .18 percent or higher. She was charged with DWI, aggravated DWI, failure to use an ignition interlock device and consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle. Dadley was convicted earlier this year of DWI, making this a felony arrest. She was put in Wyoming County Jail on $500 cash bail or $2,000 bond. She is due in Town of Middlebury Court on June 19.

Marissa Marie Yott, 21, of Livingston Street, Warsaw, is charged with second-degree assault. Yott was arrested at 7 p.m. on June 3 on Alleghany Road in Darien after allegedly striking another person in the head with a glass bottle, which caused injury to the victim. Yott was arraigned in Pembroke Town Court and subsequently released under supervision of Genesee Justice pending futher court appearances to be scheduled in Darien Town Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Joseph Graff, assisted by Deputy Ryan Young.

Jordan David Edenholm, 28, of Gabbey Road, Corfu, is charged with: operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 percent or more, first offense; DWI -- first offense; DWAI (driving while ability impaired) -- combined influence of drugs or alcohol and drugs; criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th; and unlawful possession of marijuana. At 7:57 a.m. on June 8, Edenholm was arrested on Griswold Road in Stafford. Following a traffic stop, Genesee County Sheriff's deputies conducted an inventory search of the vehicle and allegedly found a controlled substance and marijuana. The defendant was released on appearance tickets and is due in Stafford Town Court on July 27. The case was handled by Deputy Chad Cummings, assisted by Deputy Andrew Hale.

Law and Order: Concert fan accused of seriously hurting another person with punch

By Howard B. Owens

Nicholas Michael Lotemplo, 18, of Chicory Lane, East Amherst, is charged with assault, 2nd. Lotemplo is accused of punching another person causing severe injury at Darien Lake the night of the Chance the Rapper concert. He was released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Frederick Beniamino Ellis, 50, of West Main Street, Corfu, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, speeding, failure to dim headlights and driver's view obstructed. Ellis was stopped at 2:22 this morning on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Eric Meyer.

Jeremy Clifford John Newton, 28, of Greenfield Road, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of marijuana, more than 25 grams, and failure to stop at stop sign. Newton was stopped at 8:53 p.m. Sunday on South Lake Avenue, Bergen, by Deputy Michael Lute.

Andrew Charles Maier, 30, of Main Road, Corfu, is charged with felony DWI and felony driving with a BAC of .18 or greater and speeding. Maier was stopped at 8:12 p.m. Saturday on Colby Road, Pembroke, by Deputy Jeremy McClellan.

Christina June Morabito, 35, of Chili Center Road, Rochester, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and failure to dim headlights. Morabito was stopped at 2:54 a.m. Sunday on Route 33, Bergen, by Deputy Mathew Clor.

Two arrests at Jason Aldean concert on Saturday

By Howard B. Owens

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Jason Aldean concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Saturday.

Brandon Guevara, 27, of Montana Lane, Clifton Springs, is charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest after allegedly causing a disturbance at the concert venue, striking a Live Nation security officer and then resisting arrest. Guevara was arraigned in Darien Court and put in jail in lieu of $1,000 bail.

James M Craft II, 42, of Baxter Avenue, Alden, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly grabbing and shoving a Darien Lake security officer in the venue parking lot.

Sponsored Post: Price reduced! Open house this weekend

By Lisa Ace


Solid and cozy brick ranch in 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 at Reliant Real Estate today to see this listing or stop by the open house this Saturday from 11am-1pm. Click here to see the full listing.

Man who climbed on roof of concert venue among 18 arrested at Chance the Rapper concert

By Howard B. Owens

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Chance the Rapper concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Wednesday:

Brandon T. Sanzo, 20, of Favara Circle, East Rochester, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly climbing on top of a concert venue building.

(Name redacted), 16, of Harwood Avenue, Hamburg, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

(Name redacted), 16, of Chatham Woods, Pittsford, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

Adam N. Dudek, 18, of Helmsford Way, Penfield, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

Daniel V. Avetisyan, 19, of Simone Terrace, Webster, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

Sophia I. Ricco, 20, of Westminster Circle, New Hartford, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

David M. Koeppel, 21, of Flohr Avenue, West Seneca, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

Drake A. Franciosa, 19, of Cooper Street, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

Johnathan R. Kyte, 19, of Spencer Road, Hilton, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

Joseph R. P. Aronson, 32, of Starboard Lane, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

(Name redacted), 18, of East Park Road, Pittsford, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, and unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly jumping a fence into the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return, and being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

(Name redacted), 17, of Hollingson Road, Clarence, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, and criminal impersonation, 2nd, after allegedly being found inside the backstage area of the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return and then provided another person’s identity.

(Name redacted), 17, of Heise Road, Clarence, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, and criminal Impersonation, 2nd, after allegedly being found inside the backstage area of the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return and then provided another person’s identity.

Kevin M. OBrien, 20, of Valais Court, Fairport, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly jumping over a fence to enter the concert venue.

Anthony T. Sanzo, 22, of Lauren Court, Webster, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, and harassment, 2nd (two counts), after allegedly being found inside the concert venue after having been ejected and told not to return, and he also allegedly punched and kicked two Live Nation employees.

(Name redacted), 19, of Pinegrove Avenue, Irondequoit, is charged with grand larceny, 4th, criminal mischief, 4th, and harassment, 2nd, after allegedly stealing a wallet and damaging another person’s property after elbowing them in the face.

Robert M. Helbringer, 18, of Clarence Center Road, Clarence, is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to re-enter the concert venue after having been ejected and told not to return.

Maria M. Mankowski, 19, of Sunset Drive, Grand Island, is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to re-enter the concert venue after having been ejected and told not to return.

Law and Order: Concertgoer charged with assault in bottle throwing incident

By Howard B. Owens

Roberto James Echevarria, 19, of Laurelwood Drive, Rochester, is charged with assault, 3rd. Echevarria is accused of recklessly causing injury to another person while after a concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Wednesday. At about 11:10 p.m., Echevarria allegedly threw a glass bottle from a moving vehicle that struck another person, hitting the victim in the face resulting in a cut. Echevarria was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released on an appearance ticket.

18 Darien Lake concertgoers have court appearances in their future

By Howard B. Owens

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Future concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Wednesday:

Jessica Ross, 31, of Jasper Parrish Road, Buffalo, is charged with two counts of trespass, second-degree harassment and resisting arrest after allegedly attempting to entering the concert venue after being ejected twice and told not to return. Ross allegedly punched and kicked deputies while being taken into custody. Ross was arraigned in Darien Court and put in jail in lieu of $500 bail.

Alex M. Gonzalez, 20, of Premption Road, Geneva, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

Joshua R. Dauer, 19, of Steven Drive, Cheektowaga, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

(name redacted because of age), 16, of Marvin Hill Road, Springwater, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

Noah J. Klumpp, 19, of Buffalo Street, Hamburg, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

Jonothan S. Daley, 19, of Miles Allen Boulevard, Elkland, Pa., is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

Rae M. Warner, 19, of Calm Lake Circle, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

Roberto J. Echevarria, 19, of Laurel Wood Drive, Rochester, is charged with third-degree assault after allegedly throwing a bottle, striking another subject in the face, causing a laceration.

Alexander Labor, 21, of Peach Street, Buffalo, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly pushing a Live Nation security officer.

Dewayne E. Johnson, 55, of Westside Drive, Chili, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly pushing a Live Nation security officer.

Nathaniel T. Welnhofer, 18, of Colvin Boulevard, Tonawanda, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly urinating in public while in the crowd at the concert venue entrance.

Zachary P. Liberatore, 20, of Stonehedge Drive, Orchard Park, is charged with trespass and criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly refusing to leave the concert venue and then being found inside the concert venue.

(name redacted because of age), 17, of East Ravenside Lane, Webster, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly crawling under a fence to enter the concert venue.

Nadia M Jones, 20, of Magee Avenue, Rochester, is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to re-enter the concert venue after having been ejected and told not to return.

Andrew JW Delles, 20, of Black Creek Drive, Niagara Falls, is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to re-enter the concert venue after having been ejected and told not to return.

Jake R Viza, 20, of Webster Road, Webster, is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to re-enter the concert venue after having been ejected and told not to return.

Olivia I. Flink, 19, of Marlbank Drive, Rochester, is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to re-enter the concert venue after having been ejected and told not to return.

Jennifer M. Abbott, 20, of Bostwick Road, Phelps, is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to re-enter the concert venue after having been ejected and told not to return.

Law and Order: Pedestrian arrest

By Howard B. Owens

James L. Ozzello, 29, of Kathryns Way, Livonia, is charged with: pedestrian failed to yield right of way to a vehicle; pedestrian proceeded into the path of a vehicle; disorderly conduct; and resisting arrest. The alleged incident was reported at 2 a.m. Saturday on West Main Street, Batavia. Ozzello was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Geoffrey M. Anderson, 51, no permanent address, was arrested on a warrant for failure to appear. He was jailed without bail.

Bonnie Mae Marrocco, 47, of Swan Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief, 3rd. During an argument, Marrocco allegedly damaged property of another person with a value of more than $250.

Rebecca A. Edwards, 23, of Central Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Edwards was arrested on a warrant and jailed on $500 bail.

Wendy Lee Henry, 32, of Central Avenue, Batavia, is charged with obstruction of governmental administration. Henry allegedly interfered with a medical situation at 4:08 a.m. Friday at a residence on Central Avenue.

Christopher S. Usselman, 25, of Hamilton Street, Albion, is charged with criminal impersonation, 2nd, two counts of aggravated unauthorized operation, 2nd, open alcoholic beverage in motor vehicle, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Usselman was stopped at 1:49 a.m. Friday on West Main Street, Batavia, for an alleged traffic violation by Officer Mitchell Cowen. Usselman allegedly initially gave the officer the name of another person for his identity. Further investigation allegedly led to the discovery of an open container of an alcoholic beverage in the vehicle, marijuana and a revoked driver's license.

Bleyke Z. Culver, 20, of Willow Street, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct, trespass, and criminal mischief, 3rd. Batavia PD responded to a residence on Maple Street at 8:02 p.m. Friday for a report of a disturbance involving several people. Police were able to separate the parties and after an investigation, Culver was arrested. Culver was jailed (bail status not included in press release). Also arrested and charged with disorderly conduct, Laqueasha M. Taylor, 23, of Bank Street, Batavia.

Bryan S. Harris, 35, of Stratford Road, Buffalo, was arrested on a warrant stemming from an incident reported at 9 a.m., Feb. 23, 2015. No further details released.

Sandra Ann Muhs, 50, of South Street Road, Pavilion, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, failure to keep right, and unsafe tires. Muhs was arrested by Deputy Mathew Clor following the report of a motor-vehicle accident, no injuries, at 5:56 a.m. Tuesday in the area of 9778 South Street Road, Pavilion.

Corey B. Rieser, 29, of Darien Center, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, insecure license plate, and visibility distorted by broken glass. Rieser was stopped in the Town of Sheldon by Sgt. Colin Reagan, Wyoming County Sheriff's Office, for alleged traffic violations. He was jailed on $500 bail or $2,500 bond.

Live Nation ready to open 25th concert season at Darien Lake

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Since 1993, Darien Lake Amphitheater has been bringing the biggest stars to Western New York. Over its history, well over 400 concerts have played its stage and in its 25th season, the lineup is proving to be one of its best yet.  The ceremonial season kicks off next Wednesday, May 24th, with Future and special guests Migos, Torey Lanez,  ASAP Ferg and Zoey Dollaz.

Not only does the venue have a great lineup to celebrate its 25th season but LiveNation is also rolling out some upgrades and special offers to make this concert season one to remember.

Great new things to enhance the concert experience at Darien Lake Amphitheater for its 25th season include:

Updated Aesthetics: Darien Lake Amphitheater’s concession stands and plazas are getting a new, updated look in 2017!  The updates include displays for photo opportunities & selfies, plus additional seating within the main plazas. Our concession buildings will receive a façade renovation and new TV displays.

Fans will even be treated to a beautiful starlight display projected under our amphitheater tent.

Free Theme Park Access: As previously announced, in celebration of Darien Lake Amphitheater’s 25th concert season, Live Nation 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 offer is not valid in conjunction with any other Darien Lake Theme Park offer and is non-transferrable. Free Theme Park access is only valid the same day as the concert ticket and is only valid on purchased tickets and not valid on complimentary concert tickets. Go to darienlake.com/concerts for full details.

More Concession Locations: Darien Lake Amphitheater will have a wide range of new food and beverage offerings this year. New selections include humanely raised food offerings and handcrafted show specialty cocktails, plus a savory selection of local food trucks including House of Munch, Center Street Smoke House and Buffalo’s Best. We will also feature craft beers on tap! Additionally, we will have more points of sale in our concession plazas and at our lawn points of sale to better serve our guests.

Public WiFi: New during the 2017 season, public WiFi will be available for guests within the venue grounds. WiFi accessibility at the Darien lake Amphitheater has never been available to concertgoers before now. During the 2017 season, guests will be able surf the Internet, access their mobile concert tickets and enjoy their favorite apps like theLive Nation app, all from the comfort of their seat or while exploring the venue grounds. This will become available later this summer.

Preferred Lawn: The Preferred Lawn is back for 2017! Each preferred lawn ticket includes a complimentary lawn chair rental, beverage cart access, as well as Early Entry with a hassle-free quick access into a separate, secured area. 

This summer’s spectacular 25th Season at Darien Lake Amphitheater lineup includes:

  • Future – Wednesday, May 24th
  • Chance The Rapper – Wednesday, May 31st 
  • Jason Aldean -  Saturday, June 3rd 
  • Florida Georgia Line  – Friday, June 16th
  • Train with O.A.R. – Tuesday, June 20th
  • Zac Brown Band  – Sunday, June 25th
  • Third Eye Blind  – Thursday, June 29th
  • Nickelback with Daughtry – Wednesday, July 12th
  • Vans Warped Tour – Thursday, July 13th
  • Chris Stapleton  – Sunday, July 16th
  • Chicago & The Doobie Brothers – Tuesday, July 18th
  • Foreigner with Cheap Trick  – Friday, July 21st
  • Kidz Bop Kids – Saturday, July 22nd
  • OneRepublic – Tuesday, July 25th
  • Brantley Gilbert  – Sunday, July 30th
  • Kings of Leon  – Wednesday, Aug. 2nd
  • Dierks Bentley with Cole Swindell  -- Friday, Aug. 4th
  • Goo Goo Dolls with Phillip Phillips – Saturday, Aug. 12th
  • Luke Bryan with Brett Eldredge – Friday, Aug. 25th
  • Green Day – Saturday, Aug. 26th
  • John Mayer – Sunday, Aug. 27th
  • Matchbox Twenty / Counting Crows – Monday, Sept. 11th

Back porch fire reported on Broadway Road, Darien

By Howard B. Owens

A back porch fire is reported at 1401 Broadway Road, Darien.

Darien fire and Corfu fire along with Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 5:05 p.m.: Fire is out. Checking for extensions.

Two new games, wicked rides, Loganberry, and more -- Darien Lake Theme Park is ready for Season 54 Saturday

By Billie Owens

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.

Darien Lake opens for 54th season Saturday

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Darien Lake, Western New York’s largest theme park, will open for its 54th 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 35th 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 25th 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.

Search underway for person in woods off Route 77 in Darien

By Howard B. Owens

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.

Dog is stuck outside on the roof of home in Darien Center

By Howard B. Owens

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.

Sponsored Post: Check out this solid and cozy brick ranch

By Lisa Ace

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.

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