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Peterson Farm Brother avoids injury after grain rig crash

Salina Post

SALINE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are looking for the driver of a red Freightliner tractor-trailer rig that was reported to have crossed the center line, forcing an on-coming tractor-trailer rig into the ditch on Kansas Highway 4 in Saline County Wednesday.

Just after 3p.m., Greg Peterson, one of the Peterson Farm Brothers known for their online music videos, reported he was westbound  near Holmes Road when the 2004 Freightliner he was driving was forced into the ditch because an oncoming red Freightliner hauling a cattle trailer crossed the center line, according to Saline County Undersheriff Brent Melander.

Peterson’s rig overturned, spilling its load of milo into the ditch, but Peterson was not injured, Melander said. The red Freightliner did not stop and continued east on K-4, he added.

A couple who witnessed the incident and who had no connection to Peterson told deputies that the red Freightliner had been traveling at a high rate of speed and had crossed the center line multiple times.

The red Freightliner also had a big black dog in the cab, according to Melander.

Persons with information as to the identity of the driver of the red Freightliner are asked to contact the Saline County Sheriff’s Office.

Ruth Alice (Jacobs) Holdren

Ruth Alice (Jacobs) Holdren, age 100 & 11 months, entered into rest on, Wednesday, November 6, 2019 at Residential Care Center, Beloit, Kansas. She was born on December 1, 1918 in Washington Township, KS to Verne and Lulu (Powell) Jacobs.

Ruth graduated from Montrose High School in 1937. She taught school for 2 years in rural Jewell County. On May 1, 1939, Ruth married her best friend and love of her life Edwin Holdren. She was a homemaker.
Edwin and Ruth were blessed with four children, Walter, Mary, Betty, and Janet.

Ruth was a member of Montrose Community Club, Farm Bureau, she served on the Election Board, and was a writer for Jewell County Record.

She enjoyed crocheting, quilting, going to auctions, sewing for her grandkids and most of all spending time with her family, friends and especially her loving grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

She is survived by her 3 daughters, Janet Wilcox (David), Beloit, KS.; Betty Meis (Bill), Hays, KS.; Mary Folsom, Independence, MO.; daughter-in-law, Vergaline Holdren, Mankato, KS.; a brother, Hugh Jacobs, Arvada, CO.; 2 sister-in-laws, Jean Jacobs, Tucson, AZ. and Jane Jacobs, Jamestown, KS.; 10 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin, a son, Walter Holdren, parents, great-grandchild, Cheryl Carpenter, 2 brothers, George and Leo Jacobs, 2 sisters, Ila Rose Sheahan and Leta Hodgins.

Pallbearers for Ruth’s service will be Jennifer Simms, Megan Wilcox, Beth Wolsieffer, Brian Meis, Roxanne Kimminau, Rebecca Holdren, Crystal Vacura, Debra Folsom, Susan Folsom and Eric Folsom.

Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m., Friday, November 8, 2019 at Melby Mortuary, Mankato, Kansas with Pastor Robert Cartwright officiating. Burial will follow in the Pleasant View Cemetery, Montrose, Jewell County, Kansas. Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 7, 2019 from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with the family receiving friends from 6-8 p.m. at Melby Mortuary in Mankato.

The family suggests memorials to Solomon Valley Hospice in care of the funeral home. For online condolences, please visit www.melbymortuary.com.

Fire Marshal: Kansas house fire intentionally set

Damage from Thursday morning fire photo courtesy WIBW TV

TOPEKA — Law enforcement authorities are investigating another intentionally set fire at a residence in Topeka.

Just after 5:30a.m. Thursday, fire crews responded the the home at 1712 SW Washburn Avenue, according to Fire Chief Michael Martin.

Upon arrival, crews found smoke and flames coming from the  two story wood frame residential structure and kept it from spreading.

The preliminary investigation indicates the fire was intentionally set.

The estimated dollar loss – $7,500.00; all of which is associated with structural loss. Working smoke detectors were not located within the home. There were no injuries.

The Topeka fire department has responded to 278 fires in 2019, according to Matin and been involved in 99 investigations. Thirty-seven of the fires were intentionally set, according to Martin which is typical for a city the size of Topeka.

Hays USD 489 Parents as Teachers program earns Blue Ribbon status

Endorsement is highest designation a program can earn

TOPEKA — Nineteen Parents as Teachers programs in Kansas, including Hays USD 489, have been designated Blue Ribbon Affiliates by the Parents as Teachers National Center, the Kansas State Department of Education announced.

This endorsement is the highest designation a Parents as Teachers program can earn and means the program implements the evidence-based Parents as Teachers model with fidelity and quality, according to the Parents as Teachers website.

The Parents as Teachers affiliate model includes home visits, group connections, child screenings and connections to community resources. It helps equip parents with the knowledge and resources to prepare their children for a strong start in life and greater success in school.

Parents as Teachers affiliates are required to engage in a quality endorsement and improvement process in their fourth year of implementation and every five years thereafter, according to parentsasteachers.org. To earn the quality endorsement, affiliates must complete a comprehensive self-study and review process that demonstrates they are meeting or exceeding Parents as Teachers essential requirements, along with at least 75 of the 100 quality standards.

“Programs that earn the Quality Endorsement are recognized by the national Parents as Teachers office as exemplary Blue Ribbon Affiliates, delivering high-quality services to children and families,” the Parents as Teachers website states.

The 2019-2020 Kansas Parents as Teachers Blue Ribbon Affiliates are:

  • Gardner-Edgerton Unified School District 231
  • De Soto USD 232
  • Kansas City area consortium, Olathe USD 233

o   Also serving Turner USD 202, Fort Leavenworth USD 207, Leavenworth USD 453 and Kansas City USD 500.

  • Wichita USD 259
  • Goddard USD 265
  • Maize USD 266
  • Beloit USD 273

o   Also serving Rock Hills USD 107, Waconda USD 272, Lincoln USD 298 and Sylvan Grove USD 299.

  • Hutchinson USD 308
  • Rock Creek USD 323
  • Concordia USD 333

o   Also serving Washington County USD 108, Republic County USD 109, Clifton-Clyde USD 224 and Pike Valley USD 426.

  • Stafford USD 349
  • Harvey County consortium, Newton USD 373

o   Also serving Halstead USD 440 and Hesston USD 460.

  • Auburn-Washburn USD 437
  • Basehor-Linwood USD 458
  • Winfield USD 465
  • Hays USD 489
  • Topeka USD 501
  • Keystone Learning Services USD 608

o   Serving Doniphan West USD 111, Prairie Hills USD 113, Riverside USD 114, Holton USD 336, Valley Falls USD 338, Jefferson County North USD 339, Oskaloosa USD 341, McLouth USD 342, Perry USD 343, Seaman USD 345, Atchison County USD 377, Atchison USD 409, Troy USD 429, Easton USD 449, Shawnee Heights USD 450, Tonganoxie USD 464 and Eudora USD 491.

  • Southeast Kansas Education Service Center USD 609

o   Serving Erie-Galesburg USD 101, Piper-Kansas City USD 203, Spring Hill USD 230, Fort Scott USD 234, Uniontown USD 235, Lebo-Waverly USD 243, Burlington USD 244, LeRoy-Gridley USD 245, Northeast USD 246, Cherokee USD 247, Girard USD 248, Frontenac USD 249, Pittsburg USD 250, North Lyon County USD 251, Southern Lyon County USD 252, Emporia USD 253, Marmaton Valley USD 256, Iola USD 257, Humboldt USD 258, Chase County USD 284, Ottawa USD 290, Woodson USD 366, Riverton USD 404, Chanute USD 413, Morris County USD 417, Osage City USD 420, Santa Fe Trail USD 434, Caney Valley USD 436, Independence USD 446, Cherryvale USD 447, Burlingame USD 454, Marais Des Cygnes Valley USD 456, Neodesha USD 461, Crest USD 479, Fredonia USD 484, Columbus USD 493, Galena USD 499, Parsons USD 503, Oswego USD 504, Labette County USD 506 and Baxter Springs USD 508.

— Kansas State Department of Education

A CGI James Dean is cast in new film, sparking an outcry

By JAKE COYLE
AP Film Writer

NEW YORK (AP) — James Dean hasn’t been alive in 64 years, but the “Rebel Without a Cause” actor has been cast in a new film about the Vietnam War.

The filmmakers behind the independent film “Finding Jack” said Wednesday that a computer-generated Dean will play a co-starring role in the upcoming production. The digital Dean is to be assembled through old footage and photos and voiced by another actor.

Digitally manipulated posthumous performances have made some inroads into films. But those have been largely roles the actors already played, including Carrie Fisher and Peter Cushing, who first appeared together in “Star Wars” and were prominently featured in the 2016 spinoff “Rogue One.”

But the prospect of one of the movies’ most beloved former stars being digitally resurrected was met with widespread criticism after the news was first reported by The Hollywood Reporter. Chris Evans, the “Captain America” actor, was among those who called the plans disrespectful and wrongheaded.

“Maybe we can get a computer to paint us a new Picasso. Or write a couple new John Lennon tunes,” said Evans on Twitter. “The complete lack of understanding here is shameful.”

Rights to Dean’s likeness were acquired by the filmmakers and the production company Magic City Films through CMG Worldwide. The company represents Dean’s family along with the intellectual property rights associated with many other deceased personalities including Neil Armstrong, Bette Davis and Burt Reynolds.

Mark Roesler, chairman and chief executive of CMG, defended the usage of Dean and said the company has represented his family for decades. Noting that Dean has more than 183,000 followers on Instagram, Roesler said he still resonates today.

“James Dean was known as Hollywood’s ‘rebel’ and he famously said ‘if a man can bridge the gap between life and death, if he can live after he’s died, then maybe he was a great man. Immortality is the only true success,'” said Roesler. “What was considered rebellious in the ’50s is very different than what is rebellious today, and we feel confident that he would support this modern day act of rebellion.”

Adapted from Gareth Crocker’s novel, “Finding Jack” is a live-action movie about the U.S. military’s abandonment of canine units following the Vietnam War. Directors Anton Ernst and Tati Golykh are to begin shooting Nov. 17. In an email, Ernst said they “tremendously” respect Dean’s legacy.

“The movie subject matter is one of hope and love, and he is still relevant like the theme of the film we are portraying,” said Ernst. “There is still a lot of James Dean fans worldwide who would love to see their favorite icon back on screen. There would always be critics, and all we can do is tell a great story with humanity and grace.”

Dean had just three leading roles before he died in a car crash in 1955 at the age of 24: “Rebel Without a Cause,” ”East of Eden” and “Giant.”

Mexican man ICE agent tried to free indicted in Kan. for ID theft

WICHITA, KAN. – A man from Mexico was indicted Wednesday on federal charges of identity theft, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.

Tapia is being held in Chase County

Juan Tapia, 33, a citizen of Mexico, who has been living in Wichita, is charged with one count of using another person’s Social Security number, one count of aggravated identity theft and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by an alien illegally in the United States.

Tapia also is connected to the case involving Andrew J. Pleviak, a former Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent, who is charged with impersonating a federal officer. Pleviak allegedly pretended to be an ICE supervisor in September 2019 when he tried to get Tapia out of the Kingman County Jail. Pleviak was indicted Oct. 9 and is awaiting trial.

If convicted, Tapia could face up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the Social Security charge, a mandatory two years (consecutive) on the identity theft charge, and up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the firearm charge.

Ellis County receives $6.5M grant for Northwest Business Corridor

Hays Post

Ellis County has been awarded a $6.5 million grant to help fund the proposed Northwest Business Corridor, according to the office of Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Hays.

The county submitted an application for the U.S. Department of Transportation grant in July. The project will reconstruct and improve approximately 4 miles of 230th and Feedlot Road and construct a new curved section where the roads meet. The project primarily is designed to give large-load vehicles an alternate route around Hays.

The project would also address the width and steepness of the hills in the road.

The total project cost is just less than $11 million. Ellis County has set aside $900,000 for the project from its Special Road and Bridge Fund. Hess Services, which sits on the route, has pledged $300,000 to the project, while the Kansas Department of Transportation has pledged $1 million in matching funds.

Midwest Energy’s Goodman Energy Center is also located on the route.

The city of Hays also received a $6 million-plus BUILD grant to fund its Vine Street reconstruction.

“I am pleased to announce that I have helped secure a BUILD grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation that will provide new resources to improve the Northwest Business Corridor,” Moran said. “Congratulations to county officials and those across Ellis County for their commitment and dedication to the project. The resources provided in this grant will allow for increased economic development in the region and help existing businesses expand through improved infrastructure that has the capacity for more freight. I look forward to continuing to work in close partnership with officials in Ellis County to see the corridor project through completion for the future of the community and all of northwest Kansas.”

Moran toured the area with local officials in August to learn more about the project.

Check Hays Post for more as details become available.

Herman Joseph Bricker

Herman Joseph Bricker, 79, passed away Sunday Nov 3, 2019, at 1 p.m. from natural causes at the Drumright Nursing Home in Drumright, Oklahoma. 

He was born March 31, 1940, to Paul Bricker and Christine (Berens) Bricker in Gorham. He was the oldest of four boys. 

In Herman’s early years, he worked at the Gorham Co-Op. And later in life, he was a hard worker in the Oilfield of Russell, where he worked at a few different companies as a Roustabout hand. 

On October 14, 1972, he was united in marriage to Patricia Ann (Karst) Bricker. With this union, they were blessed with two children — Sandra and Christopher. 

Herman’s free time was mostly spent with his three grandchildren. But he spent countless hours sitting on the Saline River fishing for catfish with his family. He also loved hunting and working in his garage doing woodworking. His grandson Craig loved playing pranks on him. His grandson Jakob enjoyed organizing and cleaning up his garage while his only granddaughter Kiera enjoyed it when “Pops” would let her paint his toe nails and put bows in his hair. 

Herman is preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Christine Bricker and his three brothers, Gary, Cecil & Phil. 

He is survived by his wife Patty, of the home. Daughter Sandy Boos of Russell Ks and significant other Tom Batt, son Chris Bricker and wife Shani of Cushing Okla., along with his three Grandchildren. Craig Boos and wife Victoria of Wichita, Grandson Jakob Boos of Hays and Granddaughter Kiera Bricker of Cushing, Okla. 

Herman was a hard worker, very loyal family man and he had countless friends and family members that will truly miss him. 

Celebration of Herman’s Life will be held at 10:00 A.M., Friday, November 8, 2019 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Thursday at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. A Memorial has been established with Russell Rough Riders. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.

COLUMN: High school football playoffs — a community happening

By KARISSA NIEHOFF
National Federation of State High School Associations
and BILL FAFLICK
Kansas State High School Activities Association

Many people would agree that their years in high school were some of the best years of their lives—particularly those individuals who were members of a sports team or participated in other activities such as the marching band or debate team.

In many cases, team members become lifelong friends. Reunion parties are held from time to time as teammates return to remember the fun—more so than the outcome of games or events—they had participating in high school activities. Quite often, reunions for sports teams are staged during the highlight of each sports season—the state playoffs.

And as the calendar turns to November, there is nothing like the excitement of high school football playoffs in cities across Kansas and throughout the nation every Friday night.

While each team will be trying to advance to the state championship, the outcome of the games is only a part of the experience for those individuals in attendance.

Why? Because the people in the stands at high school football playoffs are moms and dads, grandparents, aunts and uncles, sisters and brothers, neighbors down the street, fellow students, and longtime residents of the community. People in the stands know the players on the field. Win or lose, their support and love is always there.

There is no tradition in sports with the history of high school football. There are 30 rivalry games (60 high schools) that started before 1900 and continue today, the longest of which is Connecticut’s New London High School and Norwich Free Academy, which have been playing annually since 1875.

In Michigan, Battle Creek Central and Kalamazoo Central have been playing since 1896. In Massachusetts, the Wellesley-Needham Heights rivalry dates to 1882. And in Colorado, Pueblo Central and Pueblo Centennial have been matched since 1892.

Although there are more options for entertainment on a Friday night than ever before, there is still nothing to match high school football playoffs in the fall. With all the people attending games of the 14,247 high schools that play football, expect more than 10 million fans each Friday night—easily the #1 fan base in the country.

As you attend high school football playoff games this year in Kansas, remember that the players, coaches and game officials deserve your utmost support, encouragement and respect. While advancing in the playoffs is the desire of each team, the ultimate objective of high school sports and activities is to have fun and enjoy these special years.

We urge you to continue to support the high school teams in your community!

Kariss NieHoff is executive director of the National Federation of State High School Associations and Bill Faflick is executive director of the Kansas State High School Activities Association.

3 killed in 4-hour span in separate KC shootings

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Authorities say three people have been killed in separate shootings in a four-hour span in Kansas City.

Police on the scene of Wednesday’s shooting investigation photo courtesy KCTV

The first shooting happened just after 3 p.m. The victim was found on a street and died at the scene.

Three hours later, officers were responding to a report of a shooting when they learned that a gunshot victim had been taken to a nearby McDonald’s restaurant. Officers found the woman in the passenger seat of a vehicle. She died at the scene.

Authorities say a third person was fatally shot around 7:15 p.m. on the front porch of a home. Police say the victim was in his late teens or early 20s.

Police Sgt. Jake Becchina says there is “no indication that the events are related in any way.”

TMP-M brings ‘Beauty and the Beast’ to life this week

Maurice (Ben Pfannenstiel), center, meets Cogsworth (Hunter Flax), right, and Lumiere (Lane Werth), left, for the first time in Thomas More Prep-Marian’s production of “Beauty and the Beast.”

By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post

Belle (Madelyn Seiler) performs a solo in “Beauty and the Beast.”

A tale as old as time debuts tonight at Thomas More Prep-Marian’s Dreiling Theatre with the performance of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.”

Travis Grizzell, director, said this year’s fall musical has been so popular the school has added an extra performance. Show times will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.

Madelyn Seiler, TMP-M sophomore, is playing the female lead of Belle. Grizzell said she has already had many years of experience in musical theater.

“I usually have singers who act or actors who sing, but she does both really well and has great stage instincts and is always prepared and well rehearsed,” he said.  “She’s an amazing Belle!”

Mrs. Potts (Maggie Baalmann) and Chip (Avery Werth) take center stage in “Beauty and the Beast.”

Lucas Kraus, who is playing the Beast, unfortunately has had laryngitis. He practiced in costume with the cast on Tuesday night with Grizzell voicing his parts. He was off vocal rest just in time for the cast’s first performance for Holy Family Elementary on Wednesday.

“He’s done an amazing job of preparing, so I knew he’d be fine,” Grizzell said.

Grizzell added “There are plenty of scene stealers in this one. The enchanted objects, the vain villain, his lackey, the bumbling but golden-hearted father or the macabre asylum director … they’re all here.”

The Beast (Lucas Kraus) stares at his enchanted rose during the opening scene of “Beauty and the Beast.”

The tale of “Beauty and the Beast” is a fable. The story tells of a vain prince who is turned into the Beast. The spell can only be broken by someone finding true love in him, Grizzell explained.

A trip to see Salina Community Theatre’s performance of “Beauty and the Beast” might have finally been the inspiration for Grizzell to tackle such an ambitious project.

Gaston (Aakash Patel) threatens Lefou (Kooper Hudsonpillar) in “Beauty and the Beast.”

“I took my drama class to Salina Community Theatre’s production, and it definitely got my ideas going as far as set and costumes if we tackled it one day,” he said. “I look at about every show imaginable each year before picking one, and I kept coming back to B&B and could really start to see this group making it happen.”

Grizzell said costumes where one of the biggest challenges for this production.

Lumiere’s candles light up, and Cogsworth’s hands and gears spin. The school rented a few of the costumes, some of which have been used on Broadway. Grizzell’s wife, Pam, has been among the crew helping with costumes.

” ‘Beauty and the Beast’ is a show I’ve looked at for years and I finally gave in,” he said. “The costuming and set are major challenges, plus you’re up against a very well-known film and its iconic characters. Through very generous donations of time and money and talent, we’re in a position to pull it off, I think.”

Lumiere (Lane Werth) discusses Belle’s arrival with Babette (Morgan Olmstead)

Tickets can be ordered online by clicking here. Tickets can also be reserved by leaving a message at the Fine Arts Ticket Line: 785-621-5478. Tickets cost $8 each.

Cast list

  • Nick Helget – Fish Man, Cronie, Mob
  • Hunter Flax – Cogsworth
  • Ben Pfannenstiel – Maurice
  • Kadrian Ayarza – Wolf, Ensemble
  • Natalie Loftus – Silly Girl, Mob
  • Whitney Befort – Bookseller, Cronie, Ensemble
  • Madelyn Seiler – Belle
  • Aidan Normandin – Monsieur D’Arque, Shepherd Boy, Cronie
  • Kooper Hudsonpillar – Lefou
  • Jensen Brull – Prince, Cronie, Ensemble
  • Maggie Baalmann – Mrs. Potts
  • Avery Werth – Chip
  • Jessica Herrman – Hat Seller, Cronie, Ensemble
  • Belle meets the Beast for the first time.

    Lane Werth – Lumiere

  • Gracie Jo Stanton – Wolf, Ensemble
  • McKynlee Stecklein – Silly Girl, Mob
  • Mary Greenwood – Candlewoman, Cronie, Ensemble
  • Delaney Staab – Silly Girl, Mob
  • Nicholas Herrman – Egg Man, Cronie, Male Villager
  • Sarah Braun – Lady w/Cane, Mob
  • Maggie Brull – Lady w/Baby, Female Villager, Ensemble
  • Sam Allen – Baker, Cronie, Mob
  • Morgan Olmstead – Babette
  • Local girls flirt with Gaston.

    Aakash Patel – Gaston

  •  Lucas Kraus – The Beast
  • Izzy Peine – Enchantress, Wolf, Ensemble
  • Annie Wasinger – Madame De La Grande Bouche
  • Chorus/Ensemble
  • Jake Brady
  • Nathan Stecklein
  • Allison Weber
  • Claudine Stein
  • Breanna Seiler
  • Belle reads in her village’s courtyard.

    Tessa Befort

  • Anabelle Leach
  • Jenna Brull
  • Jaden Brull
  • Kendall Seiler
  • Madighan Norris

Two arrested on I-70 for alleged kidnapping of infant identified

Watkins-photo Geary Co.
Broadnax photo Geary Co.

GEARY COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects in connection with the alleged kidnapping of a one-year old boy in Junction City Friday and have identified those arrested.

Clarence Watkins, 31, Junction City and Pamela Broadnax, 30, Kansas City, remain in custody in Geary County, according to online jail records.

Watkins is being held on requested charges that include kidnapping, battery, flee or attempt to elude LEO and aggravated endangerment of child. Broadnax is being held on requested charges of kidnapping, battery, flee or attempt to flee LEO, and aggravated endangerment of child.

Law enforcement on the scene of the arreFriday photo courtesy WIBW TV

The incident began just before 2 p.m. Friday as Kansas Highway Patrol and Junction City police  tracked a Chevrolet Silverado pickup down Interstate 70. Authorities ultimately located the SUV west of Topeka. The pursuit ended west of Lawrence according to Junction City Police. The  one-year old infant was rescued safely.

Authorities have released no additional details.

————————–
GEARY COUNTY —A man and a woman were taken into custody following the alleged kidnapping of a one-year old infant boy in the 1000 block of West 6th Street in Junction City and a pursuit that ended west of Lawrence Friday, according to Junction City Police. The one-year old infant was rescued safely.

The incident began just before 2 p.m. Friday with the Kansas Highway Patrol joining Junction City police in tracking the Chevrolet Silverado pickup as it traveled down Interstate 70. It was located west of Topeka but was eventually stopped farther east.

No injuries were reported. Police did not release names of the suspects.

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