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Many local students made the Provost's List at GCC for the fall 2017 semester

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee Community College, including all seven campus locations in Batavia, Albion, Arcade, Dansville, Lima, Medina and Warsaw, proudly announces that the following students are among 228 students who were named to the Provost's List for the Fall 2017 semester.

Students honored on the Provost's List were enrolled part-time and earned a quality point index of 3.75 (roughly equivalent to an A) or better. The College also maintains a President's List comprised of full-time students who, like the Provost's list honorees, they earned the equivalent of an A. In addition, GCC's dean's list is comprised of full- or part-time students who earn a quality point index of 3.50 to 3.74. These other GCC honorees will be announced shortly. Go to the College's website at www.genesee.edu

This year's Genesee Community College Fall 2017 Provost's List honorees, with their hometowns, are listed below:

Matthew Penepent of Basom

Justin Barton of Batavia

Michael Bauer of Batavia

Catherine Chilano of Batavia

Rebecca Meloon of Batavia

Amii Capuano of Batavia

Cory Feary of Batavia

Brian Wheeler of Batavia

Katelyn Held of Batavia

Alexander Crossett of Batavia

Sara Olivani of Batavia

Kristin Smith of Batavia

Jessica Newton of Batavia

Nicole Rott of Batavia

Audra Davis of Batavia

Daniel DiMartino of Batavia

Kelsee Korczak of Corfu

Elizabeth Dubey of Corfu

Lewis Ryan of Darien Center

Dustin Wheeler of Darien Center

Kodian Becker of Darien Center

Caroline Pelton of East Bethany

Bailey Delelys of Elba

Heather Ezard of Elba

Mariah Woodrich of Oakfield

Jessica Waite of Oakfield

David Giles of Oakfield

Justina Pruski of Oakfield

Patrick Puccio of Stafford

Caitlyn Klotzbach of Stafford

Joshua Robinson of Bergen

Adam Kendrot of Bergen

Elizabeth Jarnot of Bergen

Rebekah Ireland of Byron

Richard Sia of Le Roy

Morgan Pasquale of Le Roy

Debra Pangrazio of Le Roy

Meghan Merica of Le Roy

Jacob Bolton of Le Roy

Tara Jagodzinski of Linwood

Sandra Fanton of Pavilion

Sierra Bosdyk of Pavilion

Genesee Community College serves over 6,000 students per semester through more than 70 academic programs and certificates, including the new Marketing and Social Media concentration within the Business Administration program, and the new Nanotechnology degree with ECC. On a microscopic scale, nanotech focuses on careers in biology, chemistry, electrical engineering, medicine and photovoltaics.

GCC's new Student Success Center makes admissions, financial aid, and enrollment a simple and efficient process. The college has earned three national sports titles; most recently, the Men's Soccer team brought home the National Junior Collegiate Athletic Association D-III title. The athletics program, housed in the brand new, state-of-the-art Richard C. Call Arena hosts more than a dozen intercollegiate men's and women's teams.

Highly convenient, GCC operates seven campus locations throughout Western New York, as well as a significant online learning program. College housing is available at College Village, just a three minute walk from the Batavia Campus. With small class sizes and state-of-the-art technology both inside and out of the classroom, Genesee Community College is known for being "high-tech" and "high-touch."

For further information about all of GCC's opportunities, go to www.genesee.edu

Law and Order: Shoplifting arrests announced

By Howard B. Owens

Shannon Marie Denison, 34, of Colony Run, Attica, is charged with petit larceny. Denison is accused of shoplifting from an undisclosed location on Veterans Memorial Drive.

Nicholas Christian Doell, 27, of Lippold Road, Darien, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Doell allegedly violated a stay away order of protection at 3:20 p.m. Sunday.

James Courtney Presley, 35, of Frances Street, Rochester, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, no tail lamps, and driver's view obstructed. Presley was stopped at 10:10 p.m. Wednesday. He was jailed on $250 bail or $2,500 bond.

Kenneth D. Barnhardt, 51, of Mt. Morris, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and speeding. Barnhardt was stopped at 3:52 p.m. Saturday on Route 33 in Stafford by State Police.

Carl T. Amesbury, 25, of East Bethany, is charged with petit larceny. Amesbury is accused of shoplifting from a location in the Town of Batavia. He was arrested by State Police. No further details released.

Chamber of Commerce 2017 honorees announced, awards event is March 3

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Today recipients of the 46th annual Genesee County Chamber of Commerce awards for 2017 were announced.

The event to honor them will be held Saturday, March 3, at the Quality Inn & Suites on Park Road in Batavia.

This is the county's premier event honoring businesses and individuals for their achievement in business, community service and volunteerism.

Tickets are $50 per person or a table of 10 for $450. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. with hors d'oeuvres, entree tables and a cash bar. (No formal sit-down dinner is served.)

The Award Program starts at 7 o'clock, at which time coffee and dessert will be served.

The 2017 honorees are:

  • Business of the Year -- Baltz Concrete Construction, Pavilion
  • Innovative Enterprise of the Year -- Firing Pin, Bergen
  • Agricultural Organization of the Year -- Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, Batavia
  • Special Service Recognition of the Year -- Batavia Cross Training, Batavia
  • Geneseeans of the Year -- The Family of William Kent Inc., Stafford

Call Kelly J. Bermingham at 343-7440, ext. 1026, to make your reservations.

Students from Byron and Stafford named to President's List at SUNY Canton

By Billie Owens

SUNY Canton President Zvi Szafran recognizes students for high academic achievement during the fall 2017 semester.

"I'm so very proud of all of the students who earned the right to be named to the SUNY Canton President's List," Szafran said. "They've demonstrated a commitment to their academic studies and I look forward to their continued success here at the college and in their future careers."

President's List recognizes full-time students who achieve a GPA of 3.75 or greater. A complete list of academic honors for the semester will be listed on www.canton.edu.

Among those who made the President's List at SUNY Canton are:

  • Kyley Pascarella, a SUNY Canton Management major from Byron
  • Amanda M. Rumble, a SUNY Canton Legal Studies major from Stafford

About SUNY Canton

SUNY Canton is Northern New York's premier college for career-driven bachelor's degrees, associate degrees and professional certificate programs. The college delivers quality hands-on programs in engineering technology, health, management and public service and recently received number one rankings in library resources, library services and tutoring services in the SUNY Student Opinion Survey. The college's faculty members are noted for their professional real-world experience in addition to outstanding academic credentials. SUNY Canton OnLine offers hundreds of flexible and convenient courses as well as 13 online degree programs. The college's 15 athletic teams compete at the NCAA Division III level and are joining the North Atlantic Conference beginning in the 2018-19 academic year. For more information, visit www.canton.edu.

Students from Byron and Stafford named to President's List at SUNY Canton

By Billie Owens

SUNY Canton President Zvi Szafran recognizes students for high academic achievement during the fall 2017 semester.

"I'm so very proud of all of the students who earned the right to be named to the SUNY Canton President's List," Szafran said. "They've demonstrated a commitment to their academic studies and I look forward to their continued success here at the college and in their future careers."

President's List recognizes full-time students who achieve a GPA of 3.75 or greater. A complete list of academic honors for the semester will be listed on www.canton.edu.

Among those who made the President's List at SUNY Canton are:

  • Kyley Pascarella, a SUNY Canton Management major from Byron
  • Amanda M. Rumble, a SUNY Canton Legal Studies major from Stafford

About SUNY Canton

SUNY Canton is Northern New York's premier college for career-driven bachelor's degrees, associate degrees and professional certificate programs. The college delivers quality hands-on programs in engineering technology, health, management and public service and recently received number one rankings in library resources, library services and tutoring services in the SUNY Student Opinion Survey. The college's faculty members are noted for their professional real-world experience in addition to outstanding academic credentials. SUNY Canton OnLine offers hundreds of flexible and convenient courses as well as 13 online degree programs. The college's 15 athletic teams compete at the NCAA Division III level and are joining the North Atlantic Conference beginning in the 2018-19 academic year. For more information, visit www.canton.edu.

Law and Order: Chase Park resident accused of hitting a person, a police officer, and keying cars

By Howard B. Owens

Dalton Chadwick Kelley, 20, of Chase Park, Batavia, is charged with attempted assault, 3rd, and harassment, 2nd. Kelley is accused of hitting another person in the forehead and of hitting a police officer during an incident at 11:03 p.m. Jan. 3 on Chase Park, Batavia. Kelley was jailed on $2,500 bail. Kelley is also accused of keying two vehicles at 6:25 p.m. the same day and was charged with two counts of criminal mischief, 4th.

Austin L. Wester, 23, of Pratt Road, Batavia, is charged with four counts of possession of a forged instrument, 2nd. Wester is accused of forging four checks belonging to another person in order to cash them.

Devon Devonanir Rodgers, 30, of Pearl Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant out of City Court for alleged violations of the terms of his conditional release.

Alicia Michelle Gomez, 42, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with violation of probation. Gomez was released on a warrant stemming from a complaint in February. Gomez was jailed on $2,500 or $5,000 bond.

Frankie J. McQueen, 26, of Snipery Road, Corfu, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, illegal signal, and aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd. Officer Chad Richards was dispatched at 6:51 p.m. Dec. 27 to the area of Thomas Avenue for a report of a red Chevrolet Cobalt being driven erratically and at a high rate of speed. The vehicle was located and stopped at McQueen was identified as the operator.

Samuel A. Torrelli, 24, of Stage Road, Albion, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and inadequate headlights. Torrelli was stopped at 10:30 p.m. Dec. 28 on East Main Street, Batavia, by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Winston A. Lockhart, 22, of Holland Avenue, Batavia, is charged with two counts of harassment, 2nd. Lockhart was arrested on a City Court warrant after police were dispatched to 29 Holland Ave., Batavia, to investigate an unrelated disturbance. 

Zachary J. Marrow, 26, of Seven Springs Road, Batavia, was arrested on two warrants for alleged failure to appear in City Court after being served subpoenas. Marrow was located by Deputy Mathew Clor and turned over to Sgt. Eric Bolles and arraigned in City Court.

Levi Spikes Jr., 44, of Lewis Place, Batavia, is charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, 3rd, speed not reasonable and prudent, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, unlicensed operator, driving without insurance. Spikes was allegedly involved in a motor-vehicle accident at 9 a.m. Jan. 1 at 56 Harvester Ave., Batavia.

 Jacob J. Sponaugle, 18, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with driving while impaired by a combination of alcohol and drugs, aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, driving a vehicle without an inspection sticker, failure to keep right, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Sponaugle was stopped at 9:46 p.m. Dec. 29 on East Main Street, Batavia, by Officer James Prusak.

Joseph Michael. Smith, 41, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Smith is accused of stealing from his employer, a gas station and convenience store at 629 East Main Street, Batavia, in November. Smith was also charged with petit larceny for allegedly shoplifting from Dick's Sporting Goods.

Justin T. Gladney, 28, no permanent address, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and criminal trespassing, 3rd.

James Derek Wert, 36, of Tracy Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd, and harassment, 2nd. Wert was allegedly involved in an incident at T.F. Brown's on New Year's Eve where he violated an order of protection and struck another person in the face. 

Jonathan R. Hyman, 45, of Drake Street, Oakfield, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, driving a vehicle without an inspection sticker, and criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd. Hyman was stopped at 4:08 p.m. Saturday on Main Street Road, Batavia, by Deputy Kyle Krzemien.

Christopher Patino, 23, of Eagan Boulevard, Henrietta, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, unlawful possession of marijuana, and following too closely. Patino was stopped at 7:11 p.m. Friday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Micheal Lute.

Kenneth Joseph Rumble, 28, of Maple Road, Alabama, is charged with possession of a hypodermic instrument. Rumble was allegedly found in possession of a needle during a search by a probation officer.

Michael A. Shetler, 27, of Stafford, is charged with menacing, 2nd, unlawful imprisonment, criminal mischief, criminal mischief, 4th, acting in a manner injurious to a child. Shetler was arrested by State Police in relation to an incident reported at 9:29 p.m. Saturday in Stafford. No further details released.

Ricky O. Cooper, 40, of Le Roy, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Cooper was arrested by State Police in relation to an incident in Pavilion reported at 11:20 p.m., Nov. 21. No further details released.

James M. Caccamise, 29, of Byron, is charged with forgery of a deed or will. Caccamise was arrested by State Police. No further details released.

Oakfield man dies in head-on collision on Route 33

By Howard B. Owens

Investigators are unsure why a 2004 Acura TSX driven by Tracy B. Carpenter, 54, of Oakfield, crossed the center line on Route 33 in Stafford just before 12:30 p.m. today and struck a westbound semi-truck head on.

Carpenter was pronounced dead at the scene by Coroner Donald Coleman.

The weather was not a factor, according to the Sheriff's Office investigators. The road was dry and the sky was clear.

The accident closed Route 33 between Prole Road and Caswell Road for the entire afternoon. Stafford fire is just now clearing the scene. The Department of Environmental Conservation's spill management crew is still working to clean up a fuel spill. National Grid was on scene to replace a utility pole that was broken when the semi-truck struck it.

The 2007 Western Star was driven by Fay B. Warner, 67, of Geneseo. Warner was not injured in the accident.

The crash is being investigated by deputies Jenna Ferrando, Joseph Loftus, Chris Erion, and the Crash Reconstruction Unit. 

Stafford fire responded along with Byron fire, South Byron fire, and Bergen fire to assist at the scene and block roads. Mercy EMS also responded. State Police also assisted at the scene.

(Initial Report)

Caller says two horses on Main Road in Stafford appear malnourished

By Billie Owens

An animal control officer is responding to check the welfare of two horses corraled off Main Road in Stafford that appear to be malnourished, according to a caller to dispatch.

The caller could not provide the exact address of the property but told a dispatcher it is in the area of Nilesville Road, on the north side of Main Road, and that those are the only horses in that vicinity.

Head-on collision between semi and car reported on Route 33 in Stafford

By Billie Owens

A head-on collision between a semi-truck and a car is reported on Route 33 in Stafford. One person is reportedly "unresponsive." Mercy medics and Stafford fire are responding.

UPDATE 12:32 p.m.: The accident is in the area of 5882 Clinton Street Road (Route 33).

UPDATE 12:35 p.m.: There is a lot of debris in the roadway. The roadway is blocked. Bergen Fire Department is called. Extrication equipment will be needed.

UPDATE 12:38: Stafford command also requests Byron and South Byron fire departments to the scene, which is between Mill Road and Westbrook Morganville Road. Mercy Flight #7 is called in; a 15-minute ETA. "We need the extrication as soon as possible for this one patient," says a first responder.

UPDATE 12:41 p.m.: The extrication equipment is en route. Fire police are going to close the roadway near the scene.

UPDATE 12:48 p.m.: National Grid is called because the semi struck a utility pole, which is still standing but "it's damaged and it's making some noise."

UPDATE 12:56 p.m.: Stafford commands says "Just be aware this (roadway) is going to be shut down for awhile."

UPDATE 1:07 p.m.: National Grid is on scene.

UPDATE 2:21 p.m.: Genesee County Undersheriff Gregory Walker confirmed this was a fatal accident. The driver and sole occupant of an eastbound sedan was killed, Walker said, after the vehicle crossed the center line and collided head on with a westbound tractor-trailer hauling food products. The trucker was not injured. "He tried to avoid (the crash)," Walker said. "He saw it coming over the center line and tried to avoid it. He couldn't avoid it." The trucker swerved into a ditch yet there was still a head-on collision. The accident reconstruction/crash management team is taking measurements at the scene and investigating. National Grid also has to replace the broken utility pole before the roadway can be reopened. Next of kin notifications are being made and the victim's information will be released afterward. Walker said the roads are dry now and were at the time the accident occured, so icy road conditions were not a factor. "We're not sure of the reason," that the accident happened, Walker said.

Grand Jury: Man indicted for allegedly driving stolen Honda in Stafford without valid license

By Billie Owens

Carlos M. Colon is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Aug. 18 in the Town of Stafford that Colon knowingly possessed stolen property with intent to benefit himself or a person other than an owner, or to impede the recovery by an owner, and the value of the property exceeded $100. The property in this case is a motor vehicle, a 2008 Honda Pilot.

In count two, the defendant is accused of third-degree criminal possession of stolen property, a Class D felony. It is alleged in count two that he knowlingly possessed stolen property that exceeded $3,000 in value -- the 2008 Honda Pilot.

In count three, Colon is accused of unauthorized use of a vehicle in the third degree, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged that on Aug. 18 in Stafford, that he drove the Honda Pilot.

In count four, he is accused of aggravated unlicensed operation in the third degree, a misdemeanor, for driving the Honda Pilot on Route 33 in Stafford while knowing, or having reason to know, that his driving privilege in New York was suspended or otherwise revoked by authorities.

Photos: Christmas celebration in Stafford

By Howard B. Owens

Stafford held its tree-lighting ceremony tonight. After the tree lighting in Illett Park, community members gathered in St. Paul's Episcopal Church for carols, readings, cookies and cider.

Photos submitted by Amy Swanson.

Grand Jury: Man convicted of driving vehicle without consent indicted for unauthorized use of a Mercury

By Billie Owens

Eddie L. Miles Jr. is indicted for the crime of unauthorized use of a vehicle in the second degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on May 18 in the City of Batavia that, knowing he did not have the owner's consent, he took, operated, exercised control over, rode in or otherwise used a vehicle -- a 2000 Mercury Sable. In count two, Miles is accused of criminal contempt in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor, for allegedly intentionally disobeying or resisting the lawful process or other mandate of a court. In Special Information filed by the District Attorney, Miles is accused of having been convicted of the crime of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle in the third degree, a Class A misdemeanor. The Special Information filing says he was convicted of that on Nov. 13, 2007, in Town of Pembroke Court, which was within 10 years of the crime alleged in count one of this indictment.

Garnet R. Lyon II is indicted for the crime of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Sept. 22 in the Town of Stafford that Lyon drove a 2002 Toyota on Route 237 while knowing or having reason to know that his license to drive in New York was suspended or otherwise withdrawn by authorities. It is also alleged that he was under the influence of alcohol or a drug at the time. In count two, the defendant is accused of DWI, per se, as a misdemeanor, for allegedly driving while intoxicated. In count three, Lyon is accused of DWI, per se, as a misdemeanor, for having a BAC of .08 or more at the time.

Bryan B. Flanagan is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on July 13 in the Town of Darien that Flanagan drove a 2002 Chrysler on Route 77 while in an intoxicated condition. In count two, he is accused of DWI, per se, also as a Class E felony, for allegedly having a BAC of .08 or more at the time.

Nicholas E. Kaiser is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Aug. 13 Kaiser drove a 2017 Ford on West Main Street in the City of Batavia while intoxicated. In count two, he is accused of DWI, per se, as a Class E felony, for allegedly having a BAC of .08 at the time.

Local volunteer firefighters train and hone their skills to save lives and help in dangerous situations

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Fifteen area firefighers successfully completed the Basic Exterior Firefighter Operations (BEFO) training program held at the Genesee County Fire Training Center. Also, an eight-hour Trench Rescue Awareness course was recently conducted at the Genesee County Fire Training Center. Twenty-two members of the County’s volunteer fire service completed this program on Nov. 9.

BASIC EXTERIOR FIREFIGHTER OPERATIONS TRAINING PROGRAM

BEFO is an entry-level program requiring 79 hours of classroom instruction and skill development. This course is designed to prepare students to respond to emergencies as exterior firefighters. BEFO prepares new firefighters to operate under direct supervision in the exterior or IDLH (immediately dangerous to life or health) areas of the fire scene.

Students participated in training covering: firefighter personal protective equipment (PPE); self-contained breathing apparatus inspection and cylinder changing; fire department communications; building construction and fire behavior; modern fire control research; portable fire extinguishers; rope and knot tying; ground ladders; forcible entry; tactical ventilation theory; water supply; hose and fire streams; loss control; orientation to fire origin and cause determination; fire prevention and life safety initiatives; confined space awareness; overview of first aid and buddy care; and Hazardous Materials First Responder Operations. 

Genesee County BEFO training participants included: 

Alexander Fire Department

  • Matthew F. Grimes                    
  • Adam F. Meier                 
  • Douglas G. Mess                 
  • Heidi L. Richmond                    

Bethany Volunteer Fire Department

  • Timothy J. McCabe                    

Darien Center Chemical Fire Company

  • Megan R. Brown                    

East Pembroke Fire Department

  • Lloyd J. Casselbury

Pavilion Fire Department

  • Amanda A. Goodwin                    
  • Sean P. Vogt Jr.                    
  • Timothy R. Zipfel Jr.                     

South Byron Fire Department

  • Aaron N. Belluscio                 
  • Theresa E. Hammer                 
  • Andew L. Konieczny                 
  • Vitorrio J. Muoio                    

Stafford Volunteer Fire Department

  • Samantha S. Call                  

TRENCH RESCUE AWARENESS COURSE

Problems that can and do occur in trench rescue incidents were discussed. Safety techniques, shoring techniques, proper procedures, team operations and hazard assessment were addressed.

Trench Rescue Awareness participants included:

Town of Batavia Fire Department

  • Joshua K. Boyle
  • Clayton A. Gorski                 

Bethany Volunteer Fire Department

  • Christopher M. Page
  • Kyle L. Rombaut

Corfu Rescue Hook & Ladder Co.

  • Mitchell D. Bates
  • Gregory S. Lang
  • Matthew P. Lenhard
  • Steven D. Rodland
  • Jeffrey D. Luker

Darien Center Chemical Fire Company inc.

  • Joe T. Marino
  • David W. McGreevy
  • Mark R. Starczewski Sr.
  • Paul C. Redden

Elba Fire Department

  • Nickolas J. Esten
  • John D. Mudrzynski
  • Jason R. Pallister
  • Michael J. Schad Jr.
  • George M. Underhill
  • Caitlin E. Zipfel                    

Pembroke Fire District

  • James Reinhardt
  • Tera L. Reinhardt

Stafford Volunteer Fire Department

  • Timothy E. Eckdahl

Five-band Jamboree on Dec. 3 at Stafford Fire Hall to benefit Mark Dougherty

By Billie Owens

There will be a Jamboree Benefit Fundraiser for Mark Dougherty at the Stafford Fire Hall from 2 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 3. Admission is free; donations accepted.

Five bands will perform:

  • Scott / Ryan
  • Front Porch Pickers
  • Tonk ! Bros.
  • Rick Howe Band
  • KW Does Country

There will also be a basket raffle, 50/50 and Bell Jar tickets.

Special thanks to Bill Pitcher.

The Stafford Fire Hall is located at 6153 Main Road in Stafford.

Five-band Jamboree fundraiser at Stafford Fire Hall to benefit Mark Dougherty

By Billie Owens

There will be a Jamboree Benefit Fundraiser for Mark Dougherty at the Stafford Fire Hall from 2 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 3. Admission is free; donations accepted.

Five bands will perform:

  • Scott / Ryan
  • Front Porch Pickers
  • Tonk ! Bros.
  • Rick Howe Band
  • KW Does Country

There will also be a basket raffle, 50/50 and Bell Jar tickets.

Special thanks to Bill Pitcher.

The Stafford Fire Hall is located at 6153 Main Road in Stafford.

Event Date and Time
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Stafford Tree Lighting Ceremony in Ilette Park, followed by music, carols, cookies and wassail

By Billie Owens
The Stafford Garden Club together with the Town of Stafford will present the Second Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6:27 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2, at 6: 27 p.m., at the gazebo in Ilette Park, corner of routes 5 and 237.
 
A procession with dancers, singers, a brass ensemble, and special presenters will march to the gazebo.
 
After the lighting ceremony, all are invited to join us across the street at St.
Event Date and Time

Stafford will hold annual tree lighting ceremony Dec. 2, followed by music, caroling, wassail and cookies

By Billie Owens
Press release:
 
The Stafford Garden Club together with the Town of Stafford will present the Second Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6:27 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2, at 6: 27 p.m., at the gazebo in Ilette Park, corner of routes 5 and 237.
 
A procession with dancers, singers, a brass ensemble, and special presenters will march to the gazebo.
 
After the lighting ceremony, all are invited to join us across the street at St. Paul's Episcopal Church Parish Hall for more surprise performances: Community caroling, brass music, dance, bagpipes, wassail bowl punch and holiday cookies.
 
The public is invited. Come meet your friends and neighbors as we begin the Holiday Season.

Resident on Buckley Road reports stolen mail

By Howard B. Owens

A resident on Buckley Road, Stafford, reports that a cream-colored SUV-type vehicle pulled up to her mailbox and stole her mail.

The theft happened about 15 minutes ago.

A deputy is dispatched.

More Christmas lights adorn Red Osier, community invited for tours

By Howard B. Owens

If you drive past the Original Red Osier Landmark Restaurant in Stafford and think its holiday lights have a bit more twinkle this year, your eyes are not deceiving you.

Owners Tim Adams and Steve Foster are adding lights this year. Last year, they had a million lights on display and decided this year to boost the number to more than 1.5 million, but when they learned the DiSalvo family was taking the year off from its annual Christmas light display, the decided to add even more lights.

Soon, they'll have installed more than two million lights.

And Adams and Foster are doing all of the installation themselves.

"It makes you feel good," Foster said. "People drive by and say how good it looks and they think we've had help. We've done it all ourselves."

"Every light passes through our hands," Adams said.

With the DiSalvos' Fargo Road display on hiatus, Adams and Foster have decided to host two community days, Dec. 4 and Dec. 11. They are inviting children and their parents to walk the grounds and take in the lights. Santa will also be on hand to greet the children. Light viewing and the visit with Santa are free.

Red Osier will also open its smaller catering trailer, the lunch trailer, to serve sandwiches, cookies and hot cocoa.

Also, the restaurant will be open on Thanksgiving, serving traditional Thanksgiving dinners, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting local charities.

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