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Hays woman facing charges after high-speed chase in Minnesota

Photo by Trey Mewes/Mankato Free Press

By KRISTINE GOODRICH
Mankato (Minn.) Free Press

NORTH MANKATO, Minn. — Both the driver who led authorities on a high-speed chase through three counties and his passenger are now facing felony charges.

Driver Larry Edward Brown Jr., 34, of Worthington, Minn., was charged Thursday in Nicollet County District Court with felonies for fleeing police, receiving stolen property and bringing stolen goods into the state.

Passenger Alyssa Joy Goodheart, 23, of Hays, was charged with felonies for aiding and abetting fleeing police, receiving stolen property, aiding and abetting receiving stolen property and bringing stolen goods into the state and a gross misdemeanor for giving false information to police.

Brown and Goodheart were a couple and stopped at New Creation Outreach Church in North Mankato seeking gas money Tuesday morning in a pickup they had stolen from an Iowa casino, according to the criminal complaint.

Brown allegedly told police Goodheart found a valet ticket on the floor at a casino in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and they used it to steal a pickup, which its owner later told police he had just purchased for $51,000.

Church staff called police because Goodheart appeared to have been recently beaten. Police tried to stop them after they left the church and went to a nearby gas station.

Brown allegedly drove through a ditch onto Highway 169 and then got onto Highway 14 where he drove in the wrong lane multiple times and reached a speed of over 125 mph.

In the Janesville area, Brown allegedly drove through multiple fields and a golf course before a State Patrol trooper was able to force him to stop. Brown then reportedly tried to run but was stopped with a stun gun.

Brown reportedly told police Goodheart told him to flee and told him not to stop. He denied causing her injuries.

Goodheart allegedly gave a false name and driver’s license to police and was arrested after police determined her real identity and discovered she had a parole violation warrant in Kansas.

Goodheart reportedly told police Brown had assaulted her and she continued their relationship because he threatened to kill her and her family. She denied being involved in the vehicle theft or encouraging Brown to flee.

Republished with permission

Wood-Atkins named FHSU head volleyball coach

HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State Director of Athletics Curtis Hammeke has announced the hiring of Jessica Wood-Atkins as the eighth head coach in Tiger volleyball history. Wood-Atkins will officially join the Tiger family on January 16, 2018.

“I am greatly honored and excited to be joining the Tiger family at Fort Hays State University,” said Wood-Atkins.” This is a program with a long history of excellence, which is difficult to achieve in such a competitive conference and region. I look forward to building on the foundations laid down by the previous coaching staffs and to work alongside a great set of student-athletes, coaches and administrators.”

“Jessica has an outstanding volleyball background as a player and a coach,” Hammeke said. “Her experience at the NCAA level as a player, coach and administrator have provided her with great insight to the operation of a successful volleyball program. We look forward to seeing the progress of our volleyball program under her guidance.”

Wood-Atkins brings in five years of head coaching experience after leading the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs volleyball team from 2004 until 2008. She accumulated a record of 78-69 over those five seasons, the most wins for a coach in program history. Wood-Atkins led the team to its first (and only) NCAA Division II tournament berth in 2007, coaching the Mountain Lions to 20 wins, one of two 20-win seasons in program history. UCCS went 16-3 in conference play that season, including a three-set victory over Nebraska-Kearney. Her players earned 11 All-RMAC awards and one All-Region accolade. Additionally, Wood-Atkins is already 1-0 inside Gross Memorial Coliseum, defeating FHSU in 2005 before the Tigers moved to the MIAA.

Wood-Atkins got her start in collegiate athletics as an assistant coach for the Mountain Lions, serving in that role for two seasons (2002-03). During that time, she completed her undergraduate degree, graduating from the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs in the spring of 2003.

Wood-Atkins was a four-year starter at Division I Murray State University in Murray, Ky. (1998-2001), helping the Racers to three Ohio Valley Conference tournaments and a pair of postseason victories. A two-year team captain, Wood-Atkins is one of eight Racers in the 1,000 kills/1,000 digs club at Murray State. She accumulated 1,044 kills, 1,134 digs and 121 aces as an outside hitter at MSU, twice earning All-OVC honors (1999, 2000). She earned a spot on the OVC All-Newcomer team after totaling 313 kills and 625 digs as a freshman (1998). She picked up numerous honors as a sophomore in 1999, including OVC All-Tournament honors and strength and conditioning All-American accolades. Wood-Atkins also excelled in the classroom, earning a spot on the OVC Commissioner’s Honor Roll all four years while being named the OVC Scholar-Athlete in 2001.

Wood-Atkins has worked in NCAA compliance in recent years, including at UCCS and at the University of Idaho, where she currently serves as the Senior Woman Administrator. She has served on numerous national and regional committees, including the regional ranking committee, RMAC officiating committee and the Big Sky media and technology committee.

Wood-Atkins also has experience coaching volleyball at the junior level, serving as assistant and head coach of the Colorado Juniors Volleyball Club periodically until 2012.

At the conclusion of her playing career at Murray State, Wood-Atkins was invited to try out for the USA National Team as a libero. A native of Calhan, Colo., she was a USAV All-American as a senior in high school.

Jessica and her husband, Greg, have two children, Mack and Cora.

Rita M. Weigel

Rita M. Weigel, 86, Hays, died Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at her home.

She was born April 17, 1931 in Hays the daughter of John J. and Margaret (Schoenberger) Lang. A 1949 graduate of Hays High School, she was united in marriage to Everett A. Weigel on September 12, 1951 in Hays. He preceded her in death on September 22, 1994.

She worked for over 25 years at Montgomery Wards and upon their closing, she worked for another 12 years at the Senior Center in Hays.

She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and was always willing to share her time and talent with the church. She was also a long time member of the Hays VFW Post #9076 Ladies Auxiliary, and was a twenty year volunteer at Hays Medical Center. Her hobbies included bowling, playing cards and card games, bird watching, collecting bird sculptures and bird houses, and she was a passionate reader. Above all, she was a proud mother and grandmother who always put her family first.

Survivors include one son; Robert J. “Bob” Weigel and wife Judy of Hays, two grandchildren; Justin J. Weigel of Kansas City, and Trina Proberts and husband Kevin of Hays, two great-grandchildren; Toby and JoLeigh Proberts, two sisters; Joann Brown of Hays and Lorrie Uttecht of California, a brother; Frank Lang and wife Micki of Arizona, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, six sisters; Katie, Paulina, Marie, Anna, Marcella, and Mary Alice, and four brothers; Ray, Johnnie, Eugene, and Julius.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am on Saturday, December 23, 2017 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 215 W. 13th Street, with Fr. Fred Gatschet officiating. Inurnment will follow in the St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:30 am until service time on Saturday at the church with recitation of the rosary at 10:00 am.

Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph Catholic Church or to Hospice of Hays Medical Center, in care of the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street, Hays. Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com.

The Learning Center graduates eight students in December

USD 489

Eight USD 489 Learning Center students received their diplomas on Dec. 11.

The graduation ceremonies were at the 12th Street Auditorium.

Learning Center coordinator Keri Petersen welcomed and congratulated the students. Peterson and teacher Sondra Hickert shared stories about each graduate and their success stories on the road to graduation.

Graduates included: Sarah Kirk, Josue Munoz, Wyatt Zentz, Andrea Galicia, Valeria Chavez, Taylor Seib, Tate Bethel and Trevor Berry.

KBI: Ness County sheriff arrested after misconduct investigation

NESS COUNTY – Following an investigation into official misconduct, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) arrested Ness County Sheriff Bryan Whipple on Thursday.

The KBI initiated an investigation into allegations against the Sheriff at the request of the Ness County Attorney.

Whipple, 47, of Ness City, was arrested on Dec. 21 at approximately 11:45 a.m. He was arrested for perjury, making false information, criminal distribution of firearms to a felon, and official misconduct. The alleged crimes are suspected to have occurred over the past four years.

Whipple made his first court appearance in Rush County District Court shortly after his arrest. Ness County Attorney Kevin Salzman is expected to prosecute the case.

This investigation is ongoing. Nothing further will be released at this time.

Teen bystander killed in Kansas City man’s plot against his ex

Kareem McCoy-Lee-photo Overland Park PD

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A woman says her ex-boyfriend was attempting to kill her when he shot at her from a slain Kansas woman’s car and then killed himself when the plot failed.

The Kansas City Star reports that Bryanna Spencer says Kareem McCoy-Lee used the car of 18-year-old Mikayla Norris on Tuesday to chase her as she was driving to a job interview in Liberty, Missouri. Spencer escaped with the help of a worker who happened to be nearby and said Wednesday that she felt burdened by the knowledge that McCoy-Lee’s plot against her claimed Norris’ life.

Mikayala Norris-photo courtesy Overland Park PD

Police say McCoy-Lee’s body was found later Tuesday in Liberty, while Norris’ body was found in Kansas City, Missouri. The Overland Park, Kansas, woman was last seen alive Sunday leaving her job at a barbecue restaurant.

Winter road conditions north and west of Hays

NWKS KDOT crews treating and clearing roads as the drizzle continues moving across the area. Lots of slick roads in NWKS. Updates at kandrive.org. #kswx (Click to enlarge)

NWS DODGE CITY

…ACCIDENTS BEING REPORTED ON INTERSTATE 70 DUE TO ICY
CONDITIONS…

.Numerous accidents have been reported due to the icy conditions.
Travel is discouraged, but if you must travel slow down and pay
attention to rapidly changing road conditions. SEAT BELTS ARE
ESSENTIAL and may save your life in the event you slide off the
highway or interstate.

KSZ016-029-220000-
/O.EXA.KGLD.WW.Y.0006.000000T0000Z-171222T0000Z/
Graham-Gove-
Including the cities of Hill City, Quinter, Grinnell,
and Grainfield
1054 AM CST Thu Dec 21 2017

…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM CST THIS
EVENING…

* WHAT…Freezing rain occurring. The ice will result in very
slippery conditions on sidewalks, roads and bridges. Additional
ice accumulations of a light glaze are expected.

* WHERE…Graham and Gove County.

* WHEN…Until 5 PM today.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A Winter Weather Advisory means that periods of freezing rain
will cause travel difficulties. Be prepared for slippery roads.
Slow down and use caution while driving. The latest road
conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by
calling 5 1 1.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Yuletide Greetings, Kansas Politicos

‘Tis the season. Let’s hoist an eggnog and peruse Kansas politics over the past year – and into the next. Drumroll, please.

The Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. Traditionally, there are three ghosts, but this year just two have appeared. Governor Sam Brownback is obviously the ghost of Christmas past, as echoes of his seven years in office resound around the capitol, even in his absence. In fact, the echoes reverberate through all state office buildings, given the hollowing out of government since 2011.

Burdett Loomis, Professor, Political Science, College of Liberal Arts and Science, University of Kansas

Burdett Loomis, Professor, Political Science, College of Liberal Arts and Science

Lt. Governor Jeff Colyer stands as the ethereal ghost of Christmas future. His upcoming administration is difficult to foresee, given the political turbulence in the Legislature and among Republican gubernatorial aspirants. Who knows exactly what shape his governing might take, assuming, of course, that he actually takes office.

This leads us to the ambivalent ghost of Christmas present – the neither fish-nor-fowl combo of the exiting Brownback and the entering Colyer. One day Sam seems to inhabit this ghost, the next day Jeff. No wonder there’s a faint red glow over the capitol.

The past year demonstrated that wise men (and women) still exist. Most notably, Senator Jim Denning, Speaker Ron Ryckman, and House majority leader Don Hineman, along with many Democrats and moderate Republicans, wisely reversed the destructive tax policies implemented since 2013. Their reward in 2018: engineer a solution to the perennial school finance issue without engendering a constitutional crisis. The wisdom business is tough.

The race for governor. Twelve politicians a-piping. Six GOPers exhorting, Five Demos a-dancing. And one solitary independent. The ghostly executive vacuum, along with a two-term limit, means that the 2018 governorship will be the most widely and hotly contested race in the past fifty years. The Republican herd will probably thin out over the next few months, while state senator Laura Kelly’s entrance into the race has produced a new Democratic lead reindeer.

Lurking about the governor’s race are the Grinch (Independent Greg Orman) and Scrooge McKobach. Ignoring various moderates from both parties, Orman seemingly cannot resist the opportunity to act as spoiler. Perhaps Kelly’s entrance will produce second thoughts about an independent run, which would increase the electoral chances of Kobach, with his sugar-plum fantasies of illegal immigrants, voting suppression, and low-tax prosperity.

The Kansas congressional delegation, usually a placid band of elves, remains in turmoil, with two new members over the past 15 month, and more change to come. For Democrats, Santa has brought two special presents. “Ho, Ho, Ho” in the highly competitive 2nd District, where Paul Davis at least an even bet to win. And “Yo, Yo, Yo” in KS-3, a textbook example of a GOP seat that could turn Democratic in an upcoming wave election. The Democratic scrum to oppose Rep. Kevin Yoder in that district is almost as intense and weird as the Republican battle for the gubernatorial nomination. You need to watch those elves every moment.

The Legislature has already given us the early gift of solid tax policy. But the spirit of giving may come a cropper with the school finance. We’ll see if the Christmas spirit of generosity extends to the Supreme Court, as it rules on whatever plan the Legislature develops. And those postcards in moderates’ GOP House districts? They’re not Christmas cards; the far right is already campaigning to defeat them. Happily, early polling indicates that constituents support those who moved the state back to fiscal sanity.

So, Kansans, pour yourself another eggnog, sit back, and enjoy the unfolding political spectacle. Not a bad present for citizens and junkies alike. Merry Christmas!

Burdett Loomis is an emeritus professor of political science at the University of Kansas.

Police arrest Kan. teen in stolen vehicle, recover Christmas gifts

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and asking for assistance to locate a suspect.

Just before 2a.m. Thursday police officers on patrol observed two stolen vehicles in the Ramada 5800 West Kellogg in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.

HD Automotive on West Douglas in Wichita had reported the vehicles stolen early Tuesday morning. One of the vehicles, a black Kia pulled out of the parking lot and refused to stop. Police chased the vehicle and officers used a tire deflation device.

The vehicle struck a curb at second and West Street, according to Davidson. Police arrested the 19-year-old driver for alleged felon in possession of a firearm, felony traffic charges, possession of stolen property and burglary.

Police also located numerous Christmas presents inside the vehicle, according to Davidson. Officers were currently working a burglary case involving stolen gifts at a residence in the 1800 Block of West Diane.

Kansas Supreme Court appoints Norton Co. judge, others to Chief Judges Council

Chief Judge Preston Pratt, Norton Co., chief judge of 17th Judicial Dist.

OJA

TOPEKA — Chief Justice Lawton Nuss appointed Chief Judge Preston Pratt and Chief Judge Joe Dickinson to the Chief Judges Council, which provides the Kansas Supreme Court with ground-level perspective on issues facing Kansas courts.

Pratt, Norton County, is chief judge of the 17th Judicial District, which is composed of Decatur, Norton, Phillips, Smith, Graham, and Osborne counties. He has been a district judge and chief judge since 2011.

Dickinson is chief judge of the 9th Judicial District, which is composed of Harvey and McPherson counties. He has been a district judge since 2002 and chief judge since 2015.

They will serve on the council through December 2020.

Nuss said the seven-member council represents the diversity of Kansas courts and, as chief judges, the members’ perspectives may occasionally differ from those held by members of the Kansas District Judges Association and Kansas District Magistrate Judges.

Nuss also reappointed three others who have served on the Chief Judges Council since it was created in January 2014:

  • Chief Judge Kim W. Cudney of the 12th Judicial District, which is composed of Cloud, Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Republic, and Washington counties. She has been a district judge and chief judge since 2006.
  • Chief Judge R. Wayne Lampson of the 29th Judicial District, which is composed of Wyandotte County. He has been a district judge since 1995 and chief judge since 2008.
  • Chief Judge Nicholas M. St. Peter of the 19th Judicial District, which is composed of Cowley County. He has been a district judge since 2004 and chief judge since 2010.

These three members also will serve terms through December 2020.

Other members of the council are Chief Judge Patricia Macke Dick of the 27th Judicial District and Chief Judge David A. Ricke of the 13th Judicial District. They also were appointed to the council when it was formed in 2014 and are serving through December 2018.

Macke Dick has been a district judge since 1989 and chief judge since 2007. Her district is composed of Reno County.

Ricke has been a district judge since 2004 and chief judge since 2012. His district is composed of Butler, Greenwood, and Elk counties.

HPD Activity Log Dec. 15-19

kbyw-november16

The Hays Police Department responded to 4 animal calls and conducted 40 traffic stops Fri., Dec. 15, 2017, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Disturbance – General–100 block W 7th St, Hays; 1:01 AM
Disorderly Conduct–500 block W 7th St, Hays; 1:10 AM; 1:35 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–200 block E 11th St, Hays; 8:26 AM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 12/7 8 AM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 12/4 10:13 AM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 12/12 8 AM
Battery – simple–2700 block Fort St, Hays; 3:25 PM
Theft (general)–Hays; 11/11 8 AM; 11/18 1 AM
Animal At Large–2400 block Oak St, Hays; 3:54 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–1300 block Douglas Dr, Hays; 4:25 PM
Suspicious Vehicle–3600 block Canal Blvd, Hays; 4:58 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–2100 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 5:47 PM
Civil Transport–2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 7:02 PM
Theft (general)–2500 block Gen Hancock Rd, Hays; 1:30 PM; 4:30 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 3 animal calls and conducted 20 traffic stops Sat., Dec. 16, 2017, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Disturbance – Fight–100 block W 7th St, Hays; 1:42 AM
44 – Traffic Stop–4100 block Vine St, Hays; 2:28 AM
Abandoned Vehicle–200 block W 7th St, Hays; 8:48 AM
Computer Crime–2400 block Vine St, Hays; 12/15 8 AM; 12/16 12:17 PM
Welfare Check–3700 block Vine St, Hays; 12:51 PM
Driving While Suspended/Revoked–1000 block E 17th St, Hays; 1:59 PM
Driving While Suspended/Revoked–400 block E 8th St, Hays; 2:19 PM
Animal At Large–1000 block E 37th St, Hays; 3:18 PM
MV Accident-Private Property–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 3:24 PM
Driving Under the Influence–3100 block Vine St, Hays; 4:34 PM
Theft (general)–500 block E 20th St, Hays; 4:56 PM
Driving While Suspended/Revoked–200 block Main St, Hays; 6:56 PM
Drug Offenses–100 block E 7th St, Hays; 6:59 PM
Found/Lost Property–2100 block Elm St, Hays; 7:21 PM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–700 block E 6th St, Hays; 12/11 8 AM
Civil Dispute–100 block Ash St, Hays; 9:34 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 4 animal calls and conducted 17 traffic stops Sun., Dec. 17, 2017, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Battery – Domestic–1300 block W 27th St, Hays; 12:10 AM
Disturbance – Noise–3800 block Vine St, Hays; 1:52 AM
Criminal Damage to Property–100 block E 11th St, Hays; 1:56 AM
Driving Under the Influence–100 block Vine St, Hays; 2:20 AM
Driving Under the Influence–2600 block Vine St, Hays; 2:41 AM
Animal At Large–1300 block E 41st St, Hays; 10:51 AM
Lost Animals ONLY–1500 block Holmes Rd, Hays; 12:21 PM
44 – Traffic Stop–2500 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 12:31 PM
44 – Traffic Stop–2000 block Vine St, Hays; 2:15 PM
Suspicious Activity–4700 block Roth Ave, Hays; 12/15 7:48 PM; 12/17 7:48 PM
Suspicious Activity–3000 block Indian Trl, Hays; 11:06 PM
Welfare Check–1000 block Country Club Dr, Hays; 11:14 PM
Assist – Other (not MV)–3500 block Vine St, Hays; 11:20 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 4 animal calls and conducted 10 traffic stops Mon., Dec. 18, 2017, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Shoplifting–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 1:27 AM
Welfare Check–3700 block Vine St, Hays; 7:17 AM
Animal Bite Investigation–700 block E 6th St, Hays; 8:37 AM
Assist – Other (not MV)–3800 block Vine St, Hays; 8:54 AM
Found/Lost Property–Hays; 10:10 AM
Unwanted Person–3400 block Vine St, Hays; 11:25 AM
Counterfeit currency/documents–1200 block E 27th St, Hays; 11:39 AM
Unwanted Person–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 1:12 PM
MV Accident-Private Property–1200 block Main St, Hays; 4:02 PM
MV Accident-Private Property–3700 block Vine St, Hays; 4:32 PM
Welfare Check–200 block E 4th St, Hays; 5 PM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 5:34 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–2700 block Sternberg Dr, Hays; 5:56 PM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–300 block W 19th St, Hays; 6:04 PM
Found/Lost Property–100 block E 11th St, Hays; 7:01 PM
Robbery–500 block E 6th St, Hays; 8:45 PM
Assist – Other (not MV)–200 block E 7th St, Hays; 12/18 10:17 PM; 12/19 2:45 AM
MV Accident-Private Property-Hit and Run–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 10:56 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 6 animal calls and conducted 17 traffic stops Tue., Dec. 19, 2017, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Mental Health Call–1100 block Vine St, Hays; 4:59 AM
Animal At Large–400 block E 18th St, Hays; 10:08 AM
Civil Dispute–2300 block E 13th St, Hays; 11:27 AM
Custody Dispute–1700 block Golden Belt Dr, Hays; 11:58 AM
Bicycle – Lost,Found,Stolen–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 1:24 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–300 block W 32nd St, Hays; 1:28 PM
MV Accident-Private Property–700 block Main St, Hays; 1:38 PM
Phone/Mail Scam–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 1:58 PM
Assist – Other (not MV)–600 block E 13th St, Hays; 3:02 PM
Disorderly Conduct–700 block Main St, Hays; 4:38 PM
Theft (general)–2700 block Vine St, Hays; 11/16 7:33 AM; 12 AM
MV Accident-Private Property–1300 block E 41st St, Hays; 5:08 PM
Welfare Check–300 block Mopar Dr, Hays; 10:01 PM

kbyw-november16

$50M gift: KU to rename football stadium for booster

Image courtesy University of Kansas Athletics

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The University of Kansas plans to rename its football stadium to honor a major donor.

The Kansas Board of Regents Wednesday approved the university’s request to rename Memorial Stadium to the David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.

Booth gave $50 million to the university’s athletic department in September. He has given several other financial gifts to the university, including $4.3 million to buy and donate James Naismith’s original rules of basketball.

Kansas chancellor Douglas Girod told The Topeka Capital-Journal that many details still have to be completed, including what the signs will look like and where they will be placed.

Girod also said he wants to erect a monument or signs to re-emphasize that the stadium is memorial to university students who fought and died in World War I.

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