Darien

Darien Lake Theme Park unveiled its newest water ride today, RipCurl Racer, a 24-second roaring slide through curling tubs before splashing down in the pool at the bottom of the ride.

The Neid Marcucci family of Batavia was officially the first riders of RipCurl.

The ride is part of a $1.5-million capital investment in the park and was previewed today for the season.

“Bringing in RipCurl Racer, the third new thrill ride to join the park’s lineup over the past year, is really exciting for us,” said Chris Thorpe, general manager at Darien Lake. “The continued growth and expansion at Darien Lake is a testament to our dedication to providing guests with the best entertainment value in the region.”

The growth of the state's largest seasonal employer is a continued benefit to the local economy, said GC Chamber of Commerce President Tom Turnbull.

“With the addition of RipCurl Racer, Darien Lake continues to invest in Genesee County and solidify its position as one of the top family entertainment destinations in Western New York and the entire Northeast,” Turnbull said. “Not only does Darien Lake provide a premier entertainment venue, but they also are the leading provider of seasonal jobs that are vital to our local economy.”

Darien Lake hosted its fourth annual Color Me Rad 5K fun run today, with proceeds this year benefiting substance abuse and rehabilitation programs.

From information provided by Darien Lake Theme Park:

The fourth annual "Color Me Rad" 5K -- a nationally recognized human tie-dye spectacle and run/walk -- returns to Darien Lake Saturday, May 14, rain or shine.

A total of 2,500 color-plastered participants are expected. This year, proceeds will benefit the Erie County Council for the Prevention of Alcohol and Substance Abuse.

All participating runners/walkers receive free access to Darien Lake Theme Park the day of the race. To top it off participants will also get a free T-shirt, temporary tattoo, and a Goo Guard phone case.

The course is the same 3.1-mile fun run with twice as many color stations. That means every half a mile our volunteer Color Bomb Squads will cover people from head to toe in pink, yellow, green, blue and violet.

New this year are Gel Color Stations. Participants will be colored rad all over with a cooling sensation and full coverage of spectacular colors.

The fun begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 11:30 a.m. at the theme park, located at 9993 Alleghany Road in Darien Center.

Cost is $50 per person today, $55 on Saturday. Kids' pack -- for ages under 7 -- is $15 each.

Yesterday was the first day of another new season of fun at Darien Lake Theme Park.

While we didn't get out to Darien for photos until the afternoon, after the clouds arrived, the morning blue skies helped encourage a great first-day attendance, park officials said.

Press release:

Darien Lake, Western New York’s largest theme park, opens this weekend for its 53^rd season of family thrills and entertainment. This season guests will experience the new RipCurl Racer water ride, updated Ignite the Night laser show, and four free in-park concerts.

RipCurl Racer

Towering above the ground at 42 feet, six mat-riding competitors launch themselves headfirst into side-by-side tunnels and rocket through the twisting tunnels before accelerating into separate racing lanes. Riders then drop down the home stretch, enjoying speed, compression and zero gravity moments as they blast into a high-velocity finish. RipCurl Racer will begin taking riders on the water park’s opening day – May 21.

Ignite the Night Laser Show

Darien Lake’s Ignite the Night laser show has been upgraded to include full-color laser beams; extra pyrotechnics, and an all-new soundtrack. Ignite the Night, presented by Tops Friendly Markets, takes place every evening at 10:10 on the lawn at the Lakeside Amphitheater from May 20 to Sept. 4.

In-Park Concerts

The in-park concert series presented by Tops Friendly Markets are free with a Season Pass, a hotel/camping package or daily admission. The series will take place on the Performing Arts Center stage, with access to and from shows provided exclusively through the park. The concert series includes performances by Jacob Whitesides and Laura Marano on May 28, Rachel Platten on June 4, Sabrina Carpenter on June 25, and the latest addition Daya and Shawn Hook on July 2.

“We continue to improve and develop the park to provide exceptional value and extraordinary experiences for our guests,” said Darien Lake General Manager Chris Thorpe. “The new RipCurl Racer water ride and the stunning must-see laser show elements are as awe-inspiring and exhilarating as they are colorful. If you haven’t visited the park in a while, now’s the time to come out and see what’s hot and happening at Darien Lake.”

With park admission or season pass, guests receive unprecedented access to all in-park entertainment/concerts, special dive-in movies, special events, shows, and now more than 50 rides. A 2016 season pass has even greater value than ever before, paying for itself in less than two visits.

Season Pass holders will have front-row access to RipCurl Racer at Darien Lake’s Season Pass Preview Party on May 20 and receive a free souvenir mug, free tickets for friends and free parking. Restrictions apply, visit www.darienlake.com for more details.

County planners expected a detailed discussion last night about a proposed Arby's restaurant at 8364 Lewiston Road, Town of Batavia, but the applicant withdrew the application earlier in the day.

County Planning Director Felipe Oltramari said he expects the proposal to come back to the planning board at a later date, perhaps as soon as the meeting next month.

There are a few variances needed for a 2,000-square-foot fast-food restaurant at the location, which is across from Kmart where a used car lot is now and next to Jerry Arena's Pizza.

The zoning code for the town requires a 40,000-square-foot lot for such an establishment, but the lot size at this location is only 29,664 square feet.

The builders are proposing parking spaces of 9x18 feet, instead of the required 10x20 feet.

The restaurant will also require three signs instead of the permitted two, with one being a bit larger than the sign ordinance allows.

The owner listed on planning documents is Bill Meland, with a business address of the current Arby's location on West Main Street in the City of Batavia.

In other matters brought to the board Thursday night:

• The Chamber of Commerce received approval plans to remodel 8276 Park Road, Batavia, which will become the new headquarters for the chamber and the visitors' bureau once it's completed. The project includes a building addition, facade renovations, a new roof and a new accessible ramp.
• Richard Mistretta is planning to open a record store at 220 E. Main St., Batavia, and received approval for his sign.
• The Town of Batavia is planning to revise its zoning code to remove the requirement that certain properties in industrial parks be directly accessed from a state highway. The town has granted three variances in recent years and since there might be addition variance requests that would likely be granted, the town is seeking to remove the requirement altogether.
• The Town of Alabama is extending its moratorium on commercial development for 12 months. This is the third extension sought by the town.
• Daniel Miller and Padrna Kasthurirangan were approved for a windmill at 10021 Simonds Road, Corfu. The windmill will stand 121 feet tall.
• The new Waggin (sic) Wheel Restaurant at 8282 Park Road, Batavia, was approved for outdoor cooking and a change to the commercial sign.
• Suzanne Schultz received permission to hold craft classes at 57 Main St., Oakfield.

The county planning board is not the final word on application approvals. Their approvals are recommendations. Final decisions rest with the planning or zoning boards in each jurisdiction.

A two-car accident is reported at 2025 Attica Road, Darien.

An injury is reported.

The call was first dispatched as a non-injury accident, but the dispatcher later updated the call to say an injury was now reported.

Darien fire and Darien ambulance are dispatched.

UPDATE 7:33 a.m.: Darien is back in service.

(Submitted photo. Darien Town Justice Gary Graber is helping present the wreath to a sentinel guarding the "Tomb of the Unknown Solider.")

Press release:

On April 7 the New York State Magistrates Association had the honor to place a wreath at the "Tomb of the Unknown Soldier" at one of the nation’s most sacred shrines honoring veterans and their families who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom. The Tomb of the Unknowns is in the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

Hon. Gary Graber, who serves as Town Justice in Darien, Hon. Tanja Sirago, Hon. Harold Bauman and Hon. Dennis Quinn placed the wreath on behalf of the New York State Magistrates Association. They acknowleged that it was an honor and a humbling experience to be able participate in this ceremony honoring our NYSMA members who have served as well as all of those who serve in the Armed Forces both past and present.

The "Tomb of the Unknown Soldier" includes the remains of unknown service members from World War I, World II and the Korean War. Soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (AKA "The Old Guard") keep a 24-hours-a-day, 365 days-a-year vigil at the Tomb. The wreath ceremony is memorial in purpose and patriotic in nature, dedicated to the memory of all those interred in the cemetery and to all those dying in the military service of the United States.

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Kendra Marie McGuire, 25, of Bryant Street, North Tonawanda, is charged with fourth-degree grand larceny. She was arrested and issued an appearance ticket for April 26 in Darien Town Court. It is alleged that she stole cash and coins valued at more than $1,000 from a residence on Richley Road in Darien in November of 2012. The case was investigated by Sheriff's Deputy Chad Minuto.

Daniel Joseph Kish, 44, of Payne Avenue, of North Tonawanda, was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, and unsafe turn/failure to signal at noon on March 17. He was arrested on the charges March 31 after turning himself in on an arrest warrant out of the City of Batavia. Kish allegedly missed city court for prior alleged traffic violations. Bail was set at $250 and he did bail himself out at city court. He was released and is to reappear in city court on May 18. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Michael Lute.

Adam D. Smart is indicted for the crime of first-degree criminal contempt, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Nov. 6 in the City of Batavia, the defendant violated an Order of Protection which required him to stay away from the person on whose behalf the order was issued. In count two, he is accused of first-degree criminal contempt for allegedly violating an Order of Protection on Nov. 6, which required him to stay away from another person in the City of Batavia who also had a protective order against him.

Gayno S. Standsblack is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a Class D felony. Standsblack is accused of driving a 2000 Dodge on Meadville Road in the Town of Alabama on Jan. 16 while intoxicated. In count two, he is accused of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony, for driving on that date allegedly under the influence of alcohol or a drug while knowing, or having reason to know, that his driver's license was suspended or revoked. In count three, he is accused of the crime of using a vehicle that did not have an ignition interlock device, a Class A misdemeanor.

John R. Benton is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a Class E felony. On Oct. 1, in the Town of Darien, it is alleged that he drove a 2006 Toyota on Tinkham Road while intoxicated. In count two, Benton is accused of aggravated DWI, per se, as a Class E felony, for allegedly having a BAC of .18 percent or more at the time.

Alfonso G. Mayfield is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a Class E felony. On Nov. 8, in the Town of Pembroke, it is alleged that he drove a 2007 Jeep on I-90 while intoxicated.

Press release:

Darien Lake Theme Park is enhancing its popular in-park laser show Ignite the Night with the addition of full-color laser beams, extra pyrotechnics, an all-new soundtrack and radio frequency-driven LED color wands that enable guests to “glow with the show.” This advanced technology brings an exciting new element to a long-standing park tradition.

The new handheld color wands are integrated with the show, flashing and glowing a kaleidoscope of colors throughout the performance. Guests can purchase color wands for $8 and have a souvenir of their family-fun experience for long after the show concludes.

Ignite the Night has been part of Darien Lake’s free family entertainment since 1992. The show started with simple green and yellow lasers, which were New Age at the time. The show has seen several enhancements over the years, including a 3D laser show introduced in 1995 and the addition of a 100-foot-wide water screen and hydro-cannon blasters in 2013.

From its humble beginnings to today’s fully modernized production, the show has paid tribute to our American heritage, and still to this day “Proud to be an American” by Lee Greenwood closes every show with a blast of fireworks.

“Our Ignite the Night laser show is the perfect way to end a fun-filled day with us,” said Darien Lake General Manager Chris Thorpe. “Families gather at the lawn on a warm night and look to the sky for a spectacular and magical experience.”

Ignite the Night, presented by Tops Friendly Markets, takes place every evening at 10:10 on the lawn at the Lakeside Amphitheater from May 20^th to Sept. 4^th. For a full list of special park events click here.

   Timothy Weinstein

A 43-year-old Darien man has been charge with a felony and jailed on $20,000 bail for allegedly striking a woman with a 1x1 wooden board (length unspecified) and pushing her from his pickup truck at Route 77 and Sumner Road, Darien, just before 8 a.m. this morning.

The board strike broke the woman's arm, according to the Sheriff's Office.

Emergency dispatchers received a call about a woman with a broken arm who had been pushed from a vehicle at 7:52 a.m. The initial report also said the woman's face had been cut by a knife, but the Sheriff's Office report doesn't mention that injury.

Timothy M. Weinstein is also accused of breaking two mobile phones belonging to the victim and of growing marijuana.

He was identified as the suspect soon after the incident was reported and taken into custody a short time later.

He lives not far from the incident scene on Alleghany Road.

Weinstein is charged with secomd-degree assault, third-degree criminal mischief, criminal mischief, 4th, criminal possession of a weapon, 4th, criminal possession of marijuana, 3rd, and unlawful growing of cannabis.

Following arraignment in Town of Darien Court, he was jailed on $20,000 bail or $40,000 bond.

The investigation is ongoing and is being conducted by deputies Lonnie Nati and Andrew Hale, investigators Chad Minuto and Joseph Graff, the Local Drug Task Force, Corfu PD and the State Police.

Press release:

The Board of Directors of the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) approved a final resolution for an application for assistance from Darien Lake Theme Park Resort, as well as an initial resolution for Mega Properties, Inc.’s Koolatron project, at its March 3 board meeting.

Darien Lake Theme Park Resort will add two new attractions in time for its 2016 operating season, including a six-flume water slide and a roller coaster train. The new attractions are part of the company’s 2016 Tourism Destination Project aimed to enhance visitor experience.

The company was approved for a sales tax exemption of $189,200 and the project’s planned capital investment will total an estimated $2.8 million.

“We are very pleased to have such tremendous support from the GCEDC in our efforts to offer guests the highest quality, most memorable visitor experiences,” said Chris Thorpe, general manager, Darien Lake. “GCEDC’s investment in our 2016 Tourism Destination Project will help us remain one of the Northeast’s most attractive tourist attractions.”

“As one of Genesee County’s largest employers, Darien Lake is one of the most powerful economic contributors to our local economy, providing over 400 full-time equivalent jobs and approximately 2,000 seasonal positions each year,” said Paul Battaglia, GCEDC Board chairman. “The GCEDC remains committed to investing in projects that will enhance the park and allow it to continue serving as one of our region’s most popular tourist destinations.”

In addition, the GCEDC board approved an initial resolution for Mega Properties, Inc., which provides distribution services to the United States for Koolatron Corporation, a Canadian-based manufacturer of consumer goods. Koolatron’s distribution center has operated in Batavia since 1979 and plans to add 25,000 square feet to its existing 45,000-square-foot facility in order to increase production and expand its global footprint.

The company was approved to receive a total of $172,096 in sales, mortgage and property tax exemptions. The capital investment for the project is approximately $750,000. Since the company is receiving incentives of more than $100,000 there will be a public hearing at a time, date and location to be determined.

A woman was allegedly shoved out of a black Dodge pickup truck while it was moving, at Allegany and Sumner roads, Darien. The victim was also allegedly cut with a knife by the driver of the pickup during the incident. She is bleeding from the face and has a shoulder injury and possible broken arm and/or collarbone. Sheriff's deputies are pursuing the truck southbound on 77. State Police and Darien medics are at the scene with the victim. Darien Fire Department is also responding.

UPDATE 8:12 a.m.: The victim is being transported to UMMC. 

Rochard Joseph Tomaino, 28, of Wheatfield Street, North Tonawanda, is charged with: unlawful fleeing a police officer; speeding; no/inadequate plate lamps; obscured plate; failure to yield the right of way to emergency vehicles; aggravated unlicensed operation; failure to stop at a stop sign; reckless driving; criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and resisting arrest. Tomaino was arrested following an alleged police pursuit that started in the Town of Batavia at 1:36 a.m. Saturday on Pearl Street Road, proceeded through the City of Batavia and continued back to the west, ending in the Town of Darien at the Erie County line. The Sheriff's Office was assisted by Batavia PD, State Police and the Erie County Sheriff's Office. Tomaino was jailed without bail pending his next court appearance. (Initial Report)

Cody Patrick MacNaughton, 25, of Weatherwood Lane, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and registration / plate display violation. MacNaughton was stopped after allegedly being observed speeding in the Village of Bergen at 8:06 a.m. Sunday by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Carl Daniel Blackmon, 43, of Stewart Avenue, Buffalo, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Blackmon was stopped for an alleged traffic violation at 2 p.m. Friday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Richard Schildwaster.

A 16-year-old resident of Mill Street, Le Roy, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th, menacing, 2nd, and harassment, 2nd. The youth was charged following a domestic incident reported at 5:30 p.m. Thursday. The youth was jailed on $500 bail.

Paul Konieczny, 51, of Harvester Avenue, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Konieczny was arrested by Batavia PD following an investigation into a reported domestic incident at 12:21 a.m. Thursday. He was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Ryan James Wetsell, 22, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Wetsell was allegedly found in possession of marijuana during a police investigation into a reported burglary at his residence.

Michael T. MacCowan, 42, of Meadow Farm North, North Chili, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and passed red light (two counts). MacCowan was stopped at 2:20 a.m. Sunday on Clinton Street by Officer Eric Foels.

Frank L. Morrison, 34, of East Avenue, Medina, was arrested on a warrant. Morrison was arrested by a deputy and turned over to Batavia PD on a City Court warrant.

Press release:

Today, Darien Lake, Western New York’s largest theme park, announced a $1.5 million capital investment that will be used to build a new extreme water ride – the RipCurl Racer. Upon the approval of an incentive package from the Genesee County Economic Development Center and building permit completion, the park will begin construction on the new water ride, with plans to be fully operational for the water park’s 2016 opening on May 21.

The RipCurl Racer Experience:

42 feet above the pool, six mat-riding competitors launch themselves headfirst into side-by-side tunnels and rocket through the twisting tunnels before accelerating into separate racing lanes.

Riders drop and slide down the home stretch, enjoying speed, compression and zero-gravity moments as they blast into a high-velocity finish.

“Bringing in RipCurl Racer, the third new thrill ride to join the park’s lineup over the past year, is really exciting for us,” said Chris Thorpe, general manager at Darien Lake. “The continued growth and expansion at Darien Lake is a testament to our dedication to providing guests with the best entertainment value in the region.”

“As one of the premier tourism destinations in Western New York, Darien Lake once again is investing in Genesee County,” said Genesee County Chamber of Commerce President Tom Turnbull. “It’s been proven in the past that adding new ride attractions increases the number of visitors to the park and we’re expecting the new RipCurl Racer will do the same. And that’s good not only for Darien Lake but for Genesee County as a whole.”

Paying for itself in just two visits, Darien Lake’s 2016 season pass is a greater value than ever before!

The park is open May 7 to Sept. 25 and welcomes overnight guests in a wide range of accommodations – from a full-service hotel and modern cabins to rental RVs and campsites. For more information or to order season passes, visit www.DarienLake.com.

Adam M. Kruetz, 27, of Ross Street, Batavia, is charged with strangulation, 2nd, petit larceny and criminal mischief, 4th. Kruetz allegedly grabbed the throat of another person at 10:20 a.m. Sunday at 5 Ross St., Batavia, and caused that person to nearly lose consciousness, then stole property and broke an item belonging to that person. Kruetz was jailed without bail.

Elizabeth A. Wortman, 28, of Lake Street, Le Roy, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and driver's view obstructed. A witness reported a vehicle driving erratically on Lake Street Road, Le Roy, on Monday. A Le Roy PD patrol stopped Wortman's vehicle on Lake Street and Wortman was allegedly found to be intoxicated.

Michael J. Elmore, 25, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal impersonation. Elmore was located in the parking lot of 305 E. Main St., Batavia, and Elmore allegedly provided false identification to a Batavia police officer in an attempt to avoid arrest on a warrant.

Joseph A. Auricchio, 25, of Broadway Road, Darien, is charged with possession of a hypodermic instrument. Auricchio was allegedly found in possession of a needle at 4:53 p.m. Monday at a location on South Main Street, Batavia.

Brant Gordon Matthews, 21, of Maple Avenue, Le Roy, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Matthews allegedly showed up to a probation meeting at 2:08 p.m. Monday with marijuana in his pocket.

Tyler D. Price, 23, of East Main Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to meet conditions of sentencing.

Todd Patrick Galen, 53, of Merrill Road, Byron, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Galen allegedly violated a court order by failing to comply with animal control regulations.

Tyler J. Penepent, 21, of Oakfield, is charged with petit larceny. He allegedly stole a car lighting bar worth $12.96 from WalMart. 

Kristen E. Dwyer, 23, of Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Dwyer was stopped on Judge Road by State Police for an alleged expired registration. She was allegedly found in possession of 3.5 grams of marijuana in a baggie, a glass pipe containing burnt marijuana and a multicolored glass pipe containing burnt marijuana residue.