OFFD readies full weekend of demonstrations, training classes and recreation

The 46th Annual Fire Fighter’s Drill School hosted by the Old Forge Fire Department is set for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, September 14 through 16.

Registration will be held at the Old Forge Fire Hall on Thursday, September 13 beginning at 6 p.m. and Friday, September 14, at 7:30 a.m. and again on Saturday, September 15 at 7:30 a.m.

Classes will be held Friday and Saturday at the Strand Theatre and at the George T. Hiltebrant Recreation Center and Pavilion on North Street.

Outdoor instructional classes will be held on North Street and adjacent to the Fire Hall.

Event chairman Patrick Russell invites the public to observe the outdoor classes from a safe distance.

Instructional programs on Friday will run from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday.

At 5:30 p.m. on Friday, the annual Push Ball Competition will take place in front of the Fire Hall.

At 8 p.m. the Double Image Band will entertain at the Fire Hall. The public is invited.

The annual Firefighter’s Parade will begin at 2 p.m. from Old Forge Glass and proceed up Main Street to the Fire Hall.

It will include dozens of entries representing the fire departments taking part in the drill school.

The presentation of trophies and awards, along with a number of raffles sponsored by the Old Forge Volunteer Fire Department and Ladies Auxiliary will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Fire Hall.

Live music by the Honey Bush Band will begin at 7:30 p.m. Again, the public is invited.

Food  will be available for purchase along with commemorative Fire School shirts and hats.

At noon on Sunday, winners of the 17th Annual BIG BUCKS GIVE-A-WAY will be announced at the Fire Hall.

Tickets are $50 each with a maximum of 2,000 sold.

Town of Webb Police and State Police personnel are investigating a burglary that occurred at a home in Big Moose on Monday, September 10.

According to Police Chief John Russell, the burglary was reported by the Martin Road homeowners who upon return from an evening out, found the house ransacked and a number of articles stolen.

Among the stolen property were 20 weapons, jewelry, cash, and personal items including family heirlooms.

The homeowners said the theft occurred between the hours of 5 and 9:30 p.m.

Anyone who may have witnessed any unusual activity in the area, or who has any information regarding the theft, is asked to call the Town of Webb Police at (315) 369-6515.

Chief Russell said another theft was reported in the Twitchell Lake area within the last two weeks, and urges all Town of Webb residents to be proactive when it comes to securing their property when they are not home.

“People need to get in the habit of locking their doors and notifying their neighbors if they are going to be away for a few days. Residents should be leary if they see unfamiliar vehicles or suspicious activity at their neighbor’s properties, and should err on the side of caution and not hesitate to call the police,” he said.

Chief Russell also recommends that residents take precautions such as setting up surveillance cameras and documenting valuables by photographing them and writing down their make, model and serial numbers, which will help authorities with their investigation should a theft occur.

 Totés Tea House in Thendara will host a benefit for MAC’s Safe Ride on Friday, September 21.

The event will take place from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. and will include specials and music provided by the Tea House Monday Night Jam Band.

A $5 donation will be collected at the door with 100% of the donations directed to MAC’s.

Totés’ owner Jay Jones said he’s hosting the benefit in thanks to MAC’s, which provided safe transportation for folks, to and from his establishment, throughout the summer.

“It saved my summer. I had my best summer in 15 years thanks to the MAC’s transportation service, and it only seems right to return the favor and help support the efforts of the organization and its volunteers,” Jones said.