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Oakfield

Law and Order: Car passenger found to allegedly have 2-foot tall marijuana plant in bag

By Howard B. Owens

Clifford Leo Regimbal, 33, of Oakfield, is charged with criminal possession of marijuana and unlawful growing of marijuana. Regimbal was a passenger in a vehicle that was stopped at 6:57 p.m. Monday on Route 77, Basom, and allegedly found in possession of a bag containing more than 25 grams of marijuana and a 2-foot tall marijuana plant. Also charged with unlawful possession of marijuana was Ashley Nicole Janikowski, 28, of Oakfield. The traffic stop was initiated by Depty Patrick Reeves.

Jamie R. Bachorski, 18, of Webber Avenue, Oakfield, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Bachorski is accused of smoking marijuana with a child May 29.

Amber Michelle Hufsizer, 21, of Newark, is charged with petit larceny. Hufsizer is accused of stealing merchandise valued at $90.89 at Darien Lake Theme Park.

Brad C. Doward, 22, of 10 Hall St., Batavia, is charged with criminal trespass, 2nd, criminal mischief, 4th, harassment, 2nd, and endangering the welfare of a child. Doward allegedly unlawfully entered the residence of a friend, damaged property, had physical contact with the resident, all while in close proximity to a child. The incident was reported at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, and Doward appeared at police HQ at 12:30 p.m. Monday.

Mark W. Nassivera, 21, of Rochester, is charged with criminal mischief, 3rd. Nassivera was taken into custody by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 10:03 p.m. Sunday in Alabama. Nassivera was jailed on an unspecified amount of bail. No further details available.

David L. O'Neil, 22, of 101 Elmwood Parkway, Tonawanda, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. O'Neil was stopped by State Police at 12:29 a.m. Saturday in the Town of Pembroke.

'Best and brightest sixth-grade math and science minds' honored today at GCC

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The best and brightest sixth-grade math and science minds in the GLOW region were honored during an awards breakfast at Genesee Community College today.

In February, school districts across the Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming county region nominated 70 students for the inaugural cohort of the Math Science Preparatory Program at GCC. Embedded within the competitive application process was an opportunity for two students to earn a full scholarship to Math Science Preparatory Program at GCC for their first year in the program.

Two students were selected from among 21 Scholar of the Year finalists to win the first-ever award, and all the finalists were recognized today (May 29, 2012). The scholarship winners and 2012 Inaugural Math Science Scholars of the Year are Triton Adamski of Pembroke Central School, and Kiera Gross of Pavilion Central School.

Triton earned the highest score in the competition by performing exceptionally well on the competitive placement examination (placing into college-level mathematics). Combined with his excellent classroom grades in math and science, a thoughtful essay on the role of LEGOS ® in the better understanding of math and science, and an educational Powerpoint presentation, Triton clearly earned top honors. Triton also received awards for reading and character, and has been asked to tutor younger students in reading and math. He is an active member in team sports, his school's band, and the SADD club at Pembroke. Triton's mother, Denise Adamski, told the ACE program that he is looking forward to a wonderful and challenging experience at Genesee Community College.

Kiera demonstrated an exceptional understanding of the scientific method with her essay about the use of crash-test dummies in safety experiments. An active sixth grader at Pavilion Central School, Kiera is a member of PageTurners, as well as Sixth-Grade Band and Chorus. Kiera is also a black stripe belt at Cain's Taekwondo Academy, where she is a member of SMAC Competition Team and GOLD (Guidance on Leadership Development) Team. She also helps run craft activities for kids in grades one through four in Kids Count Sunday School and Vacation Bible School at Akron Free Methodist Church. She is a Cadette Girl Scout and a member of 4-H. She enjoys caring for animals, camping, and making her own science experiments.

ACE program specialist Karlyn M. Finucane says she and other members of the GCC ACE team are looking forward to working with all of the students who were nominated for the Math Science Preparatory Award throughout the next several years.

"While the inaugural cohort was limited to 48 students, the overall quality of the applicants and overwhelming interest expressed by the community for this type of program has prompted the research and development of several additional math and science enrichment opportunities to meet the educational needs of our region's top performing students," says Finucane.

In alphabetical order, students nominated by their school districts in Genesee County for the Math Science Preparatory Program include:

•    Triton Adamski, Pembroke Central School *◦§

•    Landon Bish, Oakfield-Alabama Middle School *

•    Logan Cadieux, Oakfield-Alabama Middle School *◦§

•    Kim Davis, Pavilion Central School ◦

•    Cassandra DeLelys, Elba Central School ◦

•    Trevor Fitzgibbon, Alexander Central School *◦§

•    Samantha Gibbs, Alexander Central School

•    Cassidy Graham, Alexander Central School ◦

•    Kiera Gross, Pavilion Central School *◦§

•    Cameron Hausfelder, Alexander Central School *

•    Gabrielle Havens, Batavia Middle School *

•    Kelsey Hilburger, Elba Central School ◦ *

•    Madison Hoerbelt, Batavia Middle School

•    Lauren Hume, Alexander Central School ◦

•    Ethan Hutchins, Batavia Middle School *◦§

•    Tara Jagodzinski, Pavilion Central School *◦§

•    Logan Kellogg, Oakfield-Alabama Middle School

•    Jora Kusmierski, Alexander Central School

•    Jay Lewis, Batavia Middle School *

•    Nathan Loria, Batavia Middle School ◦ *

•    Michal Lullo, Batavia Middle School *

•    Joseph Marchese, Batavia Middle School

•    Aaron Michalak, Batavia Middle School *◦§

•    Christa Moscicki, Batavia Middle School

•    Madison Murray, Batavia Middle School ◦

•    Jason Normandin, Pavilion Central School ◦ *

•    Callee Norton, Elba Central School ◦

•    Anand Patel, Batavia Middle School *

•    Benjamin Pflaumer, Elba Central School ◦

•    Justina Pruski, Oakfield-Alabama Middle School ◦ *

•    Lauren Reding, Oakfield-Alabama Middle School ◦ *

•    Erik Scharlau, Alexander Central School

•    Kylie Schlagenhauf, Oakfield-Alabama Middle School ◦

•    Jordyn Schmidt, Batavia Middle School

•    Trevor Schoonover, Pavilion Central School ◦

•    Chloe Schrier, Pavilion Central School ◦

•    Edward Skalny, Batavia Middle School *◦§

•    Benjamin Slenker, Alexander Central School *◦§

•    Job Smith, Alexander Central School ◦

•    Ethan Stone, Pembroke Central School *◦§

•    Nicholas Ventola, St. Joseph's School *◦§

•    Grace Vogler, Pembroke Central School *◦§

•    Moira Werner, St. Joseph's School ◦

•    Emma Whalen, Pavilion Central School ◦

•    Claire Zickl, Batavia Middle School *◦§

•    Bethany Zwolinski, Pembroke Central School ◦

Key:

* Accepted for Math Science Preparatory Program

◦ Nominated for Math Science Scholar of the Year Award

◦§ Award Finalist

Law and Order: Orangeville man charged with two counts of menacing

By Howard B. Owens

Rodney L. McKenzie, 47, of Orangeville, is charged with two counts of menacing, including a count that alleges the use of a weapon. McKenzie was arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 11:20 a.m., Sunday, in the Town of Alabama. No further details were release.

Paul H. Burch, 32, of Townline Road, Byron, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and speeding. Burch was stopped by Le Roy Police Saturday in the Village of Le Roy.

Roger K. Rumble, 27, of Lake Street, Le Roy, is charged with DWI, aggravated DWI, aggravated unlicensed operation, refusal to take a breath test and speeding. Rumble was stopped by Le Roy Police Saturday in the Village of Le Roy.

Marche La'Shon Brown, 26, of Doran Street, Rochester, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and failure to keep right. Brown was stopped at 3:15 a.m. Sunday on Route 98, Batavia, by Deputy Matt Fleming.

Coretta Melissa Pitts, 44, of Swamp Road, Byron, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Pitts was allegedly at the residence of a person she was ordered not to contact.

Jeffery M. Johnson, 24, no permanent address, is charged with menacing, 3rd. He was arrested by State Police for an incident reported at 11:27 a.m. Sunday in Oakfield. Johnson was held in jail.

Jerod P. Norcross, 33, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief. Norcross was arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 3:50 p.m., April 11, in Alexander.

Michael J. McCarthy, 24, of Pembroke, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 and inadequate plate lamp. McCarthy was stopped by State Police at 2:35 a.m. Saturday in the Town of Batavia.

Six students amke the Deans' List at SUNY Geneseo

By Billie Owens

The State University of New York at Geneseo has announced its Deans' List for the spring semester. To be on the list, a student must have achieved a 3.5 grade-point average while taking at least 12 credit hours.

Students on the list from this area are:

Clarisse Birkby, from Corfu

Rebecca Barber from Darien Center

Alyssa Cole from Oakfield

Briana Pangrazio from Le Roy

Kasey Cole from Pavilion

Jennifer Davis from Pavilion

SUNY Geneseo is a public liberal arts college recognized nationally for excellence in undergraduate education and for its professional and master's level programs. The college combines a rigorous curriculum and a rich co-curricular life to create a learning-centered environment.

Photos: DWI accident demonstration at Oakfield-Alabama

By Howard B. Owens

The Oakfield Fire Department, along with Alabama fire, Mercy EMS and the Sheriff's Office staged a DWI fatal accident at Oakfield-Alabama Central School on Thursday night to demonstrate for students what happens at a serious motor-vehicle accident scene. The demonstration went along with a message about the dangers of drinking and driving and texting while driving. The State Police also provided a demonstration on what happens in a rollover accident to people who aren't wearing a seat belt.

Students participating in the drill as accident victims: Beth Johnson-Walsh, Arielle Thompson, Casey McVay and Jaden Ohlson.

If you are unable to view the slide show below, click here.

Oakfield-Alabama names new school superintendent

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Board of Education is proud to announce our unanimous selection of
Mr. Mark Alexander as the next superintendent of the Oakfield-Alabama Central School District. Mark began his career as a third-grade teacher at the Churchville-Chili Central School District before joining the faculty at Oakfield-Alabama in 2000. He was promoted to the position of elementary principal in 2008.

Mark has also served as an adjunct instructor at Genesee Community College where he was awarded the prestigious National Institute of Staff Development and Organizational Development Award for Excellence in Teaching and Leadership.

Mark earned degrees in mathematics education and curriculum specialization at the College at Brockport before pursuing his certification in school leadership through the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. 

Mark has served in many leadership positions while a member of the Oakfield-Alabama team, including: chair of the Safety, Health and Wellness Committee; Anti-Bullying Committee member; past chair of the District Advancement Team; past chair of the Career Day Committee; and past president, treasurer, and Negotiations Team member of the Oakfield-Alabama Teachers’ Association.

Most importantly, Mark is an educational leader who has a demonstrated record of commitment to the children of this community, their families, support staff members, teachers, administrators and the broader school community. He is a leader of great character, passion and intelligence.

The board would also like to take this opportunity to express our community’s gratitude to Chris Todd for his outstanding leadership over the past five years. We wish Chris and his family well as he begins his new position as district superintendent of Oswego County BOCES on June 1. We also would like to welcome Mr. Ed Orman, our interim superintendent, who will stay on board with Oakfield-Alabama through our transition in leadership.

Mr. Alexander is a uniquely talented educational leader who will be leading a wonderful school system. He attended and graduated from Oakfield-Alabama and has deep roots in our community. The board looks forward to welcoming Mark and his family with great anticipation and enthusiasm.

Please join us in welcoming Mark on Tuesday, June 12 for a light refreshment reception, from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Middle-High School Community Room.

Two Oakfield residents accused of smoking marijuana with a 12-year-old

By Howard B. Owens

Two teenagers from Oakfield were arrested today following an investigation into a report of a missing child and accused of smoking marijuana with a 12-year-old.

Charged with endangering the welfare of a child were Emily Joan Walker, 19, of Sunset Parkway, Oakfield, and Mark Anthony McNutt, 17, of Webber Avenue, Oakfield.

One incident was reported at 33 Sunset Parkway, allegedly involving Walker, and one incident, allegedly involving McNutt, was reported at 20 South Pearl St., Oakfield. The first alleged incident was reported at 2 a.m., the second at 3:30 a.m.

Both Walker and McNutt were issued appearance tickets.

Deputies Jason Saile and Kevin McCarthy handled the investigation.

Boat out of the water reported on fire in Oakfield

By Howard B. Owens

A boat at 3113 Batavia Oakfield Townline Road, Oakfield, is reportedly on fire.

It is out of the water, but near a structure.

Oakfield Fire Department responding.

A tanker from Town of Batavia requested to the scene.

UPDATE 9:01 p.m.: Batavia back in service.

UPDATE 9:37 p.m.: Oakfield back in service.


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Injury reported in car-deer accident on Lewiston Road

By Howard B. Owens

A car-deer accident with injuries is reported at Fisher Road and Lewiston Road, Oakfield.

Oakfield fire and ambulance responding.

UPDATE 1:38 p.m.: At least one victim with cuts from glass and minor bruising where the deer hit her.

UPDATE 1:45 p.m.: Oakfield Engine 72 back in service.

Covel's 10 Ks pave way for Hornets slot in Section V title game

By Howard B. Owens

Alec Covel and the Oakfield-Alabama Hornets persevered through seven innings of playoff baseball Friday to secure berth in the Class CC finals Tuesday against #1 seed Lyons.

Covel gave up 11 hits against Perry, but more importantly, he struck out 10 and surrendered only two runs to lead the Hornets (17-4) to an 8-2 victory.

Covel said he just wanted to "win one for the team."

The Yellow Jackets got to him for a quick run in the first inning, but then Covel settled in and gained confidence as the game went on.

"In the beginning I had trouble spotting my curve ball," Covel said. "It started coming through. It was working and they weren’t hitting it so I kept throwing it."

The sophomore mixed his off-speed stuff with a dominating fastball to keep the Perry hitters off balance for most of the night.

His lone base on balls came in the final frame, when Perry scored its only other run of the night.

Co-head Coach Dan Gilbert, who shares the position with James Patrick, said the win was a team effort -- Covel was backed by solid defense, but praised Covel's attitude and work ethic.

"It's a combination of Alec's temperament -- he's a great pitcher, great work ethic, hard-nosed kid who doesn't get rattled, and he had great defense behind him," Gilbert said.

Gilbert said the Hornets knew they would have their hands full with Perry, but the team never gave up and the five-run sixth was just what the Hornets needed to put away the #11 seed.

"We knew coming in they were scrappy and they played scrappy," Gilbert said.  "We knew we would have to persevere through any kind of adversity or bumps in the road. We had a couple of mistakes along the way that we had to persevere through and we didn’t quit and we didn’t give up. And we got the big inning when we needed it."

The offense was led by Kurtis Dunlap, who reached base four times -- one hit, two walks and one hit by a pitch -- and scored three runs.

Tommy Manzella had a triple and a run scored.

Hunter Spiotta had his second 2-3 game of the playoffs and scored a run.

The Hornets go into the finals as the #2 seed and getting to the championship game is what O-A's seniors have had in mind all season, Gilbert said.

"The senior leadership has been phenomenal," Gilbert said. "They’ve had a desire to make a run the whole year. They’ve picked up everybody along the way. Our hats go off to the seniors every day because sometimes when you’re a senior, senioritis kicks in. These guys just want to play baseball, do the best they can for the team. That’s been the key to our success all year."

Even though they will be facing the #1 seed, Gilbert said the Hornets are ready for the challenge.

"We feel confident," Gilbert said. "We know we have a chance. We’re going to have to play quality baseball, but we have good quality kids who are going to work hard and leave it on the field."

The game will be played Tuesday at a location yet to be determined.

If you have trouble viewing the slide show, click here.  To purchase prints of these photos, click here.

Community Picnic A Huge Success

By Robin Walters

Care-A-Van Ministries hosted their weekly cookout at Austin Park this evening. . Over 170 people were served a delicious picnic dinner, got to hear a great message by Pastor Dave Bombela, listened to the Care-A-Van band and enjoyed a night of being with friends.  The spring night was topped off with the serving of refreshing ice cream cones. The Seventh day church was on hand with a prayer table and popscicles for the little ones. Genesee Country church had a table set up to do crafts with the kids.

The FREE picnics are being held every Thursday evening at Austin Park from now until mid September.  Dinner is served at 6:00 PM. All agencies and churches are invited to come out and set up a table promoting the services you provide for the community. You can reach Paul Ohlson at 585-343-0328 if you are interested in joining us on these fun evenings for the community of Batavia. 

Team of volunteers pray after a busy night at the Park.

Photos: To honor LaVerne Bridge, pallbearers adopt his favorite clothing style

By Howard B. Owens

LaVerne "Vern" M. Bridge was a man known to enjoy working in his yard and being seen around town in work boots, blue jeans, suspenders and a baseball cap.

Today, at the Maple Avenue Cemetery in Elba, Bridge was laid to rest in his favorite attire while his pallbearers and some friends wore similar clothing in his honor.

The 84-year-old Oakfield resident was working in his yard at 6624 Fisher Road last week, apparently cutting down a tree, when the tree fell on him.

Pallbearers in the top photo are, from left, Joe Seweryniak, John Latko, Rob Warboys, Scott Mabon, Andrew Fowler and Roy Scroger.

For the full obituary of Bridge, click here.

Oakfield GCC student named to Western New York All-Conference Second Team

By Billie Owens

Lindsay Chatt, of Oakfield, was one of three members of the Genesee Community College Softball Team named to the Western New York Athletic Conference All-Conference Team. She was named to the All-Conference Second Team.

Chatt was second on the team with a .433 batting average and delivered 42 base hits. She drove in a team high 20 runs and also scored 20 runs. She appeared in all 30 games and led the team with two homeruns this year.

The Lady Cougars finished the season with a 13-19 overall record. They finished third in the regular season Western New York Athletic Conference standings and qualified for the Region III playoffs.

Genesee Community College athletics program endeavors to provide a quality and competitive intercollegiate athletics program consistent with the National Junior Collegiate Athletics Association (NJCAA) philosophy and the overall educational mission of the college. Participation in collegiate athletics should be an extension of the total educational experience for the student athlete.

The inherent philosophy emphasizes the athletic setting as a classroom used to teach character, commitment, work ethic, respect for differences, and the importance of sacrifice, teamwork and cooperation.

For further information and pictures go to Genesee's athletic Web page, which is updated regularly with game results, team rosters, photographs and information about Genesee's overall athletic program. http://www.genesee.edu/athletics

Submitted Photo: Bunny in the garden

By Howard B. Owens

Mike and Laura were doing a little yard clean up when Mike went to grab a fallen tree branch. It stopped when he spotted a bunny hiding in the wedding bells. Laura ran in, grabbed her camera, attached a long lens and was able to snap this shot before the bunny hopped away.

Car crash at Maltby and Lewiston, Oakfield

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident with minor injuries is reported at Maltby and Lewiston roads in Oakfield. Sheriff's deputies are on scene. Oakfield Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

Accidental death reported on Fisher Road, Oakfield

By Billie Owens

An 85 84-year-old man who has been missing since yesterday was found lying in a creek this morning beneath a fallen tree off Fisher Road in Oakfield.

A third-party caller reported this to dispatch around 10 a.m. Oakfield Fire Department was dispatched as were Mercy medics since it was not yet known if the man was injured, but still alive.

Responders discovered the body, which was well off Fisher Road between Lockport and Maltby roads.

The coroner is en route. Family members are at the scene as are Sheriff's investigators.

UPDATE 11:30: (Provided by Howard at the scene) The victim's name is Lavern Bridge, who lived alone at 6624 Fisher Road, according to Deputy Chief Gordon Dibble. The man's son last spoke to him on Wednesday at 3 p.m. A friend told investigators Bridge's normal routine was to have breakfast with him and when Bridge didn't show up this morning, his friend went looking for him and found Bridge's ATV first and then his body nearby. Bridge had been cutting down a tree and a chainsaw was found next to his body. The tree appears to have fallen and hit his head, Dibble said. Emergency responders describe his back yard as "park like." Dibble said that family members told him Bridge loved taking care of his yard and kept it well maintained.

UPDATE 11:41 a.m.: Oakfield is back in service.

Grass fire at Lamb Farms

By Billie Owens

A grass fire is reported at 3962 Batavia-Elba Town Line Road in Oakfield. It's on the Lamb Farms property and is estimated to be the size of four or five football fields. Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding

This is a dairy farm.

UPDATE 12:25 p.m.: There are no barns or other structures currently in the path of the fire.

UPDATE 12:28 p.m.: A tanker from Oakfield is called. The chief on scene says "This is nowhere near the size it was originally dispatched as." It appears to be following a path along a ditch, not approaching any structures.

UPDATE 12:33 p.m.: Firefighters approaching the scene are told they'll probably see more black smoke than gray smoke because some tires in the field have caught fire.

UPDATE 12:42 p.m.: Foam is being used to put out the tires on fire. The easterly edge of the blaze is knocked down. The chief says "I think we'll be in good shape" when asked if more manpower or equipment will be needed.

UPDATE 12:47 p.m.: The foam has squelched the tire fire. The overall blaze is under control.

UPDATE 12:58 p.m.: The fire is out.

UPDATE 1:11 p.m.: All units are back in service. The revised estimated area of the fire swath is 30 feet by 200 feet.

Oakfield-Alabama fourth-graders planted trees, thanks to Lions Club

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Arbor Day was celebrated on April 27 this year and 69 fourth-graders at Oakfield-Alabama Elementary School rolled up their sleeves and planted a tree. The students became members of the Fourth Grade Foresters.

The project’s goal is to help revitalize a remarkable idea: observation of Arbor Day in America’s Schools. Each Student receives a tree to take home and plant.

“This project was made possible by the Oakfield-Alabama Lions Club which covered the cost of each individually packaged evergreen tree, so that there would be no cost to the students, the teachers, the school or the taxpayers," said Debra Ersch, co-founder of the Fourth Grade Foresters Project. “It’s a wonderful way to show support for the community, education and the environment."

Fourth Grade Foresters USA was created to provide a simple and inexpensive way for any individual, business or organization to send the fourth-grade students at an elementary school home with a tree of their own to plant and care for. Each Student receives an individually packaged 12”-18” evergreen tree seedling packaged by workers with disabilities.

Lions Clubs from around the world have been committed to protecting the environment for several decades and they understand that every small effort makes a big difference. That is why the Oakfield-Alabama Lions Club is doing its part to reach Lions International’s goal of planting a million trees.

Law and Order: DWI follows report of man allegedly drinking and driving on Lewiston Road

By Howard B. Owens

Patrick M. Holler, 58, of 14713 Holley Road, Albion, is charged with DWI, aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, and open container. At 7:40 a.m., Tuesday, deputies responded to a report of a 1994 Chevy Astro van being driven on Lewiston Road by a driver who was consuming alcohol. Holler allegedly refused to submit to a breath test after being stopped.

Joel David Prouty, 25, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt. Prouty is accused of sending a letter to a protected person.

Shawn Richard McGiveron, 23, of Marble Road, Akron, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st, criminal mischief, 4th, and harassment, 2nd. McGiveron is accused of engaging in a fight with a protected person and damaging that person's property.

Driver says his foot was stuck on accelerator leading to accident in Oakfield

By Howard B. Owens

A driver says his shoe got caught on the gas pedal as he was leaving the M&T Bank in Oakfield at 9:11 a.m., Monday, causing his car to accelerate and strike another vehicle.

The other car was flipped onto its side and the driver suffered minor injuries.

Frank J. Mosco, 85, of Orchard Street, Oakfield, was cited for allegedly failure to yield right-of-way.

Injured was F.A. Burdick, 38, of Byron.

Mosco was driving a 2006 Buick sedan. Burdick was in a 2011 Dodge SUV.

A third car, a 1990 Chevy sedan owned by Michael J. Dulkevich, of Basom, was struck by Burdick's car.

The accident was investigated by Deputy Chris Parker.

(Initial report)

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