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Oakfield

Oakfield Resident Earns Award from WGU

By Press Release

Press release:

Courtney Hendershott of Oakfield, N.Y. has earned an Award of Excellence at Western Governors University College of Business. The award is given to students who perform at a superior level in their coursework.

About WGU
Established in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors with a mission to expand access to high-quality, affordable higher education, online, nonprofit WGU now serves more than 131,000 students nationwide and has more than 257,000 graduates in all 50 states. Driving innovation as the nation's leading competency-based university, WGU has been recognized by the White House, state leaders, employers, and students as a model that works in postsecondary education. In just 25 years, the university has become a leading influence in changing the lives of individuals and families, and preparing the workforce needed in today's rapidly evolving economy. WGU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, has been named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies, and was featured on NPR, NBC Nightly News, CNN, and in The New York Times. Learn more at www.wgu.edu.

Duke ran after a deer and now he's missing

By Howard B. Owens

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Duke saw a deer near his home in Byron and decided to give chase. Owner Chriss DeValder hasn't seen her boy since.

"I just don't know what to do without him," she said.

She said he may have been spotted in Oakfield.

He's also not good with other dogs, she said.

She asks that people call or text if they see him, or "call out Duke."  She can be reached at (585) 409-9325.

Photos: 8th Annual Genesee Sno Packers Bikini Rally

By Howard B. Owens

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About two dozen people donned skimpy swimsuits and rode snowmobiles before a crowd of onlookers on a sunny but frigid Saturday in Oakfield for the 8th Annual Bikini Rally sponsored by the Genesee Sno Packers.

The event raised $19,205 for the Pink Fund, a breast cancer financial assistance program.

About 450 people attended, according to Jane Chaddock, one of the event organizers.

Photos by Kristin Smith.  For more, click here.

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Power lines down in Oakfield, Main Street being closed

By Howard B. Owens

Some sort of vehicle passing through Oakfield heading toward Batavia has taken down power lines across Main Street in Oakfield.

The roadway is being closed in the area of Dollar General.

Oakfield Fire is responding.

UPDATE 12:25 p.m.: A National Grid crew, apparently not the assigned crew, is on scene: "happened to be in the area and is going to check it out."

Smoke in the building reported at Crazy Cheap Cars, Oakfield

By Howard B. Owens

Oakfield Fire responded to Crazy Cheap Cars on Main Street for a report of smoke in the building.

The building was evacuated.  The involved building was apparently a storage area on Water Street.

The fire is believed to be out now.

UPDATE 8:48 a.m.: Oakfield assignment is back in service.

 

Law and Order: Batavia man facing new arson charge

By Howard B. Owens
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Matthew Zakrzewski

Matthew Zakrzewski, 42, of Batavia, is charged with arson 3rd and criminal mischief 3rd. Zakrzewski, already in custody on unrelated charges, was arrested on new charges stemming from an incident reported at 9:30 p.m., Jan 16, on Bank Street, Batavia. He was jailed on nominal bail. Previously: Batavia man accused of setting fire in Washington Towers, stealing a bike

Laura Lee Pacer, 36, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Pacer is accused of harassing a neighbor at 10 a.m., Jan. 24, on Jackson Street. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Bleyke Z. Culver, 25, is charged with harassment 2nd. Culver is accused of hitting another person in the face during a fight on Pringle Avenue at 5:31 p.m., Jan. 11. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Heather Nicole Holbrook, 36, of Ellsworth Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Holbrook is accused of stealing merchandise from Walmart in Batavia at 3:49 p.m., Jan. 28.  She was released on an appearance ticket.

Michael David Hazzard, 31, of Morgan Road, Scottsville, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation 3rd, driving with an open alcohol container. Hazzard was stopped at 4:11 a.m., Jan. 23, on Dublin Road, Bergen, following a complaint of a disturbance by Deputy Trevor Sherwood.

Joshua M. Bratcher, 31, of Pavilion, is charged with driving while impaired by drugs. Bratcher was stopped at 5:24 p.m., Jan. 30, by State Police in the Town of Bergen. He was issued an appearance ticket. No further information released.

Alonzo A. Dillard, 29, of Medina, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Dillard was stopped at 2:46 a.m., Jan. 30, by State Police in the Town of Alabama. He was issued an appearance ticket.  No further information released.

Jordan E. Brodie, 32, of Le Roy, is charged with possession of sexual performance of a child. Brodie was arrested in connection with an investigation that started on Jan. 13, 2020 by State Police. He was arrested on Jan. 29 and released on an appearance ticket.  No further details released.

Bobbi M. Bane, 45, of Batavia, is charged with welfare fraud 3rd and three counts of filing a false instrument 1st. Bane was arrested by State Police in connection with an investigation that began Jan. 25 in the Town of Albion.

John M. Toal, 46, of Oakfield, and Andrea L. Osborne, 37, of Oakfield, are charged with petit larceny.  Toal and Osborne were arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 4 p.m., Jan. 28, in Albion. They were issued appearance tickets. No further details released.

Kenneth Harris, 26, of Tonawanda, is charged with two counts of grand larceny 4th. Harris was arrested in Cheektowaga by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 10:24 a.m., Oct. 23 in the City of Batavia. No further details released.

Jordan R. Rose, 21, of Oakfield, is charged with criminal contempt  1st. Rose was arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 3:10 p.m., Jan. 25, in the Town of Royalton. He was ordered held. No further details released.

Hecate Energy announces completion of application for 500- megawatt solar farm in Elba and Oakfield

By Press Release

Press release:

Hecate Energy announced today that the application for its proposed 500- megawatt Cider Solar Farm in the towns of Elba and Oakfield, New York has been deemed complete by the New York State Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES). If approved by ORES, Cider Solar Farm would be the largest solar project permitted and constructed to date in the State of New York.

Established by Section 94-c of Executive Law, ORES is the newly established state office charged with implementing the timely consolidated review and permitting for major renewable energy facilities in New York State. Its acceptance of the Cider Solar Farm application is the first time ORES has deemed a renewable energy application complete.

“This is the first 94-c application to be deemed complete by ORES, which is a significant milestone for renewable energy in New York,” said Harrison Luna, Cider Solar Farm’s project developer. “The establishment of ORES and the 94-c permit process underpins the state’s commitment to supporting sustainable power, and we’re fortunate to be in a position to use it to bring clean, homegrown electricity to Genesee County. We are encouraged both by the transparency brought to the permitting process by ORES and the comprehensiveness of that process, and we believe this project will be an excellent addition to the next generation of sustainable power supply in New York State.”

The completed permitting application for Cider Solar Farm was extensive and comprehensive. It included 6 bound volumes and more than 96,000 pages of detailed analysis of data from studies assessing the proposed project’s effect on the host communities. Surveys were commissioned regarding a wide range of environmental, cultural, land use, and socioeconomic considerations such as wetlands and streams, wildlife habitat, nearby traffic patterns, cultural resources, noise and vibrations, visual effects from nearby areas, site security, and other potential concerns.

If approved by ORES, Cider Solar Farm would be built on nearly 3,000 acres in the towns of Elba and Oakfield in Genesee County. It is expected to create over 500 construction jobs and will be capable of supplying 920,000 megawatt-hours of renewable electricity per year – enough to power over 120,000 average New York households. Clean energy from Cider Solar Farm is expected to offset 718,694 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, which according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is equivalent to the annual emissions from 141,794 passenger vehicles.

“For years people have talked about bringing economic development to upstate New York. This milestone is a very positive sign to other developers who are considering bringing their investment, jobs, and sustainable energy projects to this region,” said Luna. “The New York State Legislature, Governor Hochul, and ORES are to be commended for following through and making this happen. Together with the renewable energy industry, we are finally bringing long-term, sustainable economic development to the upstate region.”

To learn more about Hecate Energy and the proposed Cider Solar Farm, visit the project website at www.CiderSolarFarm.com.

Law and Order: State Street resident accused of animal cruelty

By Howard B. Owens

Sarah P. Lytle, 39, of Batavia, is charged with torture/injure/failure to provide sustenance to an animal.  Lytle was accused of animal cruelty after Batavia PD was asked to assist the Probation Department with a house check at 10:39 p.m., Dec. 21, on State Street. Lytle is accused of keeping a dog in a cage without adequate food or water and the cage contained the dog's own feces. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Brian Paul Demko, 44, of Montclair Avenue, Batavia, is charged with DWI, use of a vehicle without an interlock device, refusal to take breath test, driver license restriction violation, driving with motor vehicle vision obstruction. Demko was stopped at 12:36 p.m., Dec. 23, on Main Road, Stafford, by Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush. 

Mathew Paul Parker, 32, of Oak Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal trespass. Parker is accused of trespassing at Walmart at 3:02 p.m., Dec. 21. He was taken to the Genesee County Jail for prints and photos and released on an appearance ticket.

Jeffrey Michael Kirkey, 50, of South Wind Court, Rochester, and Jessica Lynn Zicari, 38, of Suston Street,  are each charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance. Kirkey and Zicari were arrested after Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush and Deputy Kyle Krzemien responded to Route 33 in Stafford for a report of a vehicle partially blocking the roadway.  Kirkey and Zicari were allegedly found in possession of cocaine.  The suspects were processed at the Genesee County Jail. Zicari was released on her own recognizance. Kirkey was turned over to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office on an outstanding felony warrant.

Robert W. Russo, 46, of Winter Park, Fla., was arrested as a fugitive from justice at 2:06 a.m., Dec. 18, by Batavia PD when he was located by an officer investigating an unrelated complaint. The warrant out of Orange County, Florida, was for an alleged assault.  He was arraigned in City Court and ordered held in the Genesee County Jail.

Marcell F. Greene, 37, of Bliss, was arrested on a bench warrant. Greene allegedly failed to comply with a court-ordered program. She was arraigned in Batavia Town Court and released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

John J. Saddler, 34, of Batavia, is charged with grand larceny 4th. Saddler is accused of stealing cash from the pants pocket of another person at 11:30 a.m., Oct. 25, at a location on East Main Street, Batavia.  He was issued an appearance ticket.

Jason P. Gorton, 25, of Batavia, is charged with assault with intent to cause physical injury with a weapon and criminal possession of a weapon. Gorton was arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 10:51 p.m., Dec. 26, in the Town of Batavia.  He was released on his own recognizance.  No further information was released.

Chase E. Shultz, 31, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Schultz was arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 1:45 p.m., Dec. 23, in the Town of Oakfield. Schultz was issued an appearance ticket. No further information was released.

Kaleb J. Bobzien, 23, of Lockport, is charged with criminal contempt. Bobzien was arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 5 p.m., Oct. 5, in the Town of Batavia. He was ordered held in the Genesee County Jail. No further information was released.

Anthony J. Maye, 21, of Bergen, is charged with rape 3rd (inability to consent) and sexual abuse 3rd. Maye was arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 12:48 p.m., Oct. 26, in the Town of Bergen. He was released on his own recognizance.  No further information was released.

Oakfield Betterment Committee announces winners of Christmas light contest

By Howard B. Owens

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The Oakfield Betterment Committee has announced the winners of its annual home Christmas Decorating Contest.

First place, top photo: Becky Chatt, 50 Drake St.

Photos and info submitted by Jamie Lindsley

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Second place, Jerry Bliemeister- 32 Oak St.

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Third place, Matt & Amanda Kastelic - 30 Webber.

Photos: Winter Wonderland at Memorial Park in Oakfield

By Howard B. Owens

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For the first time this year, the Oakfield Betterment Committee installed Christmas decorations for the first time this year in Memorial Park, 17 Main St.

The "Winter Wonderland" light display is a walking tour on the paved paths of the park.

"This is OBC’s gift to the community for their support of Labor Daze and other events," said committee member Jamie Lindsley. "We hope to make this an annual project and would like to undertake even more projects to improve our community for all."

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Sponsored Post: Reliant Real Estate; new listing: 7516 S. Pearl Street, Oakfield

By Lisa Ace


NEW LISTING: 7516 South Pearl Street Road, Oakfield. Just an AWESOME homestead! This three bedroom home is sitting on such a beautiful scenic 4.27 acre lot. Situated far off road almost hidden, the land is beautifully maintained with a beautiful wooded backdrop! Built by current owner, this place was lovingly maintained throughout the years and systematically updated throughout. Windows, metal roof, updated gorgeous kitchen and bathroom, new boiler and hot water tank, completely re-insulated, and leaf guard gutters with lifetime guarantee-all within last 10 years! The home is super cozy and welcoming BUT very spacious! There are 3 fireplaces, beautiful sun room and the basement is spacious with a place for entertaining and rooms for the hobbyist! This homes outdoor space has something for everybody – large open lawn for parties, great pool space, deck with patio for summer days, a gazebo, two barns and a shed! There are so many little things that you will have to come see for yourself! Not to mention that this home is located minutes from the thruway and shopping, but has the bonus of quiet country living in one of the County's nicest area!! Delayed negations until 12/23/21 at 7:00. Call Lynn Bezon at Reliant Real Estate today, call 585-344-home.

Law and Order: Woman from Fulton accused of trespassing to hunt ghosts in Genesee County

By Howard B. Owens

Hannah R. Roberts, 18, of Fulton, is charged with criminal mischief 4th criminal trespass 3rd, and conspiracy 6th.  Roberts is accused of breaking into GO ART! at 4 a.m., Aug. 28, and of conspiring with one other person to break a window and illegally enter the property in the middle of the night. The subjects were captured on security cameras and identified as the same two who broke a window and trespassed at Rolling Hills Asylum a short time after the Batavia incident.  Nothing was reportedly stolen.  Ghost hunting appears to be the motive.  The case was investigated by Det. Jason Ivison, Batavia PD, and Investigator Kevin Forsyth, Sheriff's Office.  The name of the alleged accomplice has not been released at the time of publication.  (VIDEO: Survellience video released by Batavia PD on Sept. 17)

UPDATE: Also charged in the same incident above, Talana J. Savery, 22, of Fulton.  Criminal mischief 4th, criminal trespass 3rd, and conspiracy 6th.

Thomas C. Rada, 21, of Batavia, is charged with driving while impaired by drugs.  Rada was stopped by State Police on Route 246 in Perry for allegedly exhibiting signs of impairment. Rada reportedly failed a field sobriety test.  He was arrested and transported to SP Warsaw and evaluated by a Drug Recognition Expert from the Wyoming County Sheriff's Office.  He was released on an appearance ticket.

Jorden Prescott, 27, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd and obstruction of governmental administration 2nd.  Prescott is accused of grabbing a probation officer and preventing the officer from performing his lawful duties at 10 p.m., Nov. 24.  Prescott was issued an appearance ticket.

Nathan Maniace, 77, of Batavia, is charged with an open burn violation. Maniace is accused of having an open burn and burning unapproved materials in his backyard at 3:52 p.m., Nov. 19.  He was issued an appearance ticket.

Gerome J. Redmond, 40, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny.  Redmond is accused of stealing items from a local business at 5:41 p.m., Dec. 8. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Lyndsay T. Young, 38, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd.  Young allegedly had contact with a person covered by an order of protection at 12:13 a.m., Nov. 7. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Leonard Conner, 62, of Rochester, is charged with harassment 2nd.  Conner is accused of punching another person in the face during an argument at 7:03 p.m., Dec. 4, and a location on Bank Street, Batavia.  He was issued an appearance ticket.

Jan Luca Krumm, 26, of Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, moved from lane unsafely, and no turn signal. Krumm was stopped at 1:48 a.m., Nov. 25, on Fisher Park, Batavia. Krumm was issued traffic tickets.

Peter L. Jackson, 55, of Batavia, is charged with menacing 2nd and harassment 2nd. Jackson allegedly pushed a woman and menaced her with a kitchen knife during an incident at 12:28 a.m., Nov. 29.  Jackson was arraigned in City Court and released on his own recognizance.

Justin Calmes, 43, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd and harassment 2nd. Calmes is accused of violating an order of protection at 3:05 a.m., Nov. 27.  H was released on his own recognizance.

Roger Joe Ridd, 55, of North Lake Avenue Bergen, is charged with strangulation 2nd. Ridd is accused of obstructing a victim's breathing causing the person to fall into a supor for a period of time. Ridd was arraigned in Town of Bergen Court and released on his own recognizance.

Cuahtemoc Moses Ramirez, 19, of Fisher Road, Oakfield, is charged with menacing 3rd.  Ramirez is accused of placing another person in fear of physical injury, serious physical injury, or death.  He was arraigned in Town of Oakfield Court and released on his own recognizance. 

Serena L. Duryea, 36, of Oakfield, is charged with petit larceny. Duryea was arrested by State Police for an alleged incident at 9:42 a.m., Dec. 10, in the Town of Batavia. She was issued an appearance ticket. No further information was released.

Jennifer C. Moscicki, 45, of East Bethany is charged with petit larceny.  Moscicki was arrested by State Police for an alleged incident at 5:10 p.m., Dec. 7, in the Town of Batavia. She was issued an appearance ticket. No further information was released.

Photos: Turkey Trot in Oakfield 2021

By Howard B. Owens

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Brandon Rebert won another local 5K today. This time the Turkey Trot in Oakfield, hosted by the Caryville Inn.  He finished with a time of 18:02.

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Kim Mills, also a regular winner of local 5Ks, was the top female runner today.

Law and Order: Rochester teen accused of throwing a hissy fit while being arrested in Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

Celina Andreanna Desinord, 19, of Ridge Road, Rochester, is charged with attempted criminal mischief 4th, aggravated unlicensed operation 2nd, harassment 2nd, and unlicensed operation.  At 12:50 a.m., Nov. 21, Deputy Jacob Gauthier observed a vehicle running in the parking lot of the Crosby's at 5267 Clinton Street Road, Batavia, and the operator asleep in the driver's seat. Upon investigation, the driver was identified as Celina Desinord, who allegedly presented a suspended identification card when asked for a driver's license.  Desinord was placed in the back of a patrol vehicle and her vehicle was searched. A deputy reportedly found suspected narcotics. The substance is being sent to a lab for testing.  The deputy spoke with Desinord. She is accused of spitting on the deputy. While the deputy was completing an appearance ticket, Desinord allegedly kicked the rear passenger window as well as the divider between the front and back seat at least 71 times.  She also allegedly spit several times on the divider and the window.  She was issued an appearance ticket.

Justin L. Pyatt, 33, of Silver Springs, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property 4th and petit larceny.  Pyatt is accused of using a stolen credit card to make purchases in the City of Batavia.  He was issued an appearance ticket.

James Carl Malone, 24, of South Pearl Street, Oakfield, is charged with criminal mischief 4th.  Malone is accused of taking the mobile phone of another person in order to stop that person from calling 9-1-1 during a dispute in an incident reported at 2:19 p.m., Nov. 19.

Law and Order: Batavia resident in jail faces new drug charge

By Howard B. Owens

Michael Robbins, 61, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Robbins was allegedly found with an unidentified substance on him during an interaction with police at an incident at 7:20 p.m., Aug. 28. The substance was tested and found to allegedly contain methamphetamine and fentanyl. Robbins was arrested at the Genesee County Jail, where he is being held on other charges, and issued an appearance ticket.

Matthew W. Kurtz, Sr., 52, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 4th, attempted assault 3rd, and harassment 2nd.  Kurtz is accused of shoving another person and throwing an object at that person during a disturbance reported at 7:10 p.m., Nov. 16, at a location on Liberty Street, Batavia.  He was arraigned in City Court and ordered released on his own recognizance. 

Jesslyn F. Bigelow, 24, of Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, driving without insurance, driving a vehicle with a suspended registration. Bigelow was stopped at 1:56 a.m., Nov. 13, on Jackson Street, Batavia by a Batavia patrol officer. Bigelow was issued traffic tickets.

Christine Caplis, no age or residence provided, is charged with theft of services. Caplis allegedly failed to pay for services provided by a local restaurant on Ellicott Street, Batavia, at 8 p.m., Nov. 4. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Ziyad Ziyad Alhojaji, 22, of Geraldine Parkway, Rochester, is charged with petit larceny.  Alhojaji is accused of shoplifting from Walmart in Batavia. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Tonya Marie Weber, 37, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Weber is accused of shoplifting from Five Below on Veterans Memorial Drive in Batavia. Weber was released on an appearance ticket.

Michael R. Mullen, 37, of Oakfield, is charged with 10 counts of sex abuse, 1st (contact with a person less than 11 years old), course of sexual conduct, 2nd, with a child less than 11 years old, and 10 counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Mullen was arrested by State Police on Saturday. He was ordered held in jail. No further information released.

Theresa A. Gillette, 44, of East Rochester, is charged with petit larceny. Gillette is accused of stealing in Bergen in an incident reported at 10:51 p.m., Sept. 14.  She was arrested by State Police and ordered held in jail. No further information released.

Sean M. Harloff, 31, of Farmington, is accused of grand larceny 4th. Harloff was arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 12:53 p.m., July 6. He was ordered held in jail.  No further information released.

Michaela R. Bohn, 22, of Batavia, is charged with burglary 2nd and criminal mischief 4th. Bohn was arrested by State Police in relation to an incident reported at 11:51 p.m., Nov. 10, in the Town of Batavia. She was released to a third party. No further information released.

Son suspected of killing his father in home they shared in Oakfield

By Howard B. Owens

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A 37-year-old Oakfield man was arrested in Erie County yesterday and charged with the murder of his father at the home they shared in Oakfield.

Sixty-nine-year-old Martin Maher was found dead in his home at 32 Drake Street after deputies were dispatched to his house for a welfare check at 10:57 a.m. because family members had been unable to contact Maher.

Deputies found Maher deceased and that he was the apparent victim of a homicide.

Upon investigation, detectives identified Nicholas M. Martin as the suspect.  He was located in Erie County at 3:35 p.m.

He is charged with murder in the second degree. He was arraigned in Town of Oakfield Court and ordered held without bail.

The Genesee County Sheriff's Office believes this was an isolated incident and that there is no threat to public safety. 

Assisting in the investigation are State Police, the Erie County Sheriff's Office, the Coroner's Office, and the District Attorney's Office.  The investigation is ongoing.

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