Resident News Network

Obituary – Ann Blythe (1938 – 2023)

Obituaries

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6:53 pm

Ann was born just south of Carolan, Arkansas on February 10, 1938 and passed away in her home on November 14, 2023. She attended Pleasant Grove Baptist #2 and Abbott Baptist Church for many years.

Ann worked about 45 years in the grocery business in Mansfield. Alongside with her husband Farris, they raised cattle for 65 years and grew broilers for over 30 years.

Ann was the ‘better-half’ of the 1974 Scott County Farm Family of the Year; longstanding member of the Mansfield/Huntington Chamber of Commerce; and served for 14 years with the Poteau River Conservation District.

Ann was one of the founding committee members that helped build the Wall of Fame by- laws, was integral in the ten years of banquets and induction ceremonies. As a committee member she was a voting representative for any that were inducted into the Wall of Fame. She helped with historical information and research for inductees.

Ann loved the Mansfield Tigers and Arkansas Razorbacks. She watched countless volleyball and softball games and attended track meets whenever and wherever her granddaughters were playing or running at.

She is survived by her husband of 68 years Farris; daughter Cindy Black; granddaughters Whitney Black (Jon Nipp) and Celie Black (Chad Knapp); and her precious great-grandsons Cayman Black and Levi Nipp; her beloved Blue Heeler Millie and her kitty Sweetie Pie Midnight. Also surviving is one sister, Gaile (Bruce) Hainley of Mansfield.

She is preceded in death by her son, Mike Blythe and her parents, Clyde and Mary Wisley.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, November 18th at Abbott Baptist Church with Rev. Bobby Clark and Rev. George Wisley. Visitation will be 10:30 a.m. until service time at the church. Private interment will be in Pine Log Cemetery under the direction of Martin Funeral Home of Mansfield.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to Arkansas Children’s Hospital, 1 Children’s Way, Slot 661 Little Rock, Arkansas 72202.

Charleston Hosts Bismarck on Friday in Second Round of 3A State Football Playoffs

Jim Best

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5:28 pm

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Charleston Hosts Bismarck on Friday in Second Round of 3A State Football Playoffs

CHARLESTON- After a big win over a very good Barton Bears football team in the first round of the Class 3A state football playoffs, the Charleston Tigers will host a second-round state playoff game this Friday against the Bismarck Lions. The path of return to the state championship finals will not be easy for the Tigers, and Friday’s game with Bismarck will be another tough opponent for Charleston.

In last week’s first round game, Charleston raced to a commanding 21-0 first quarter lead with the help of a Barton turnover on their first offensive possession. The Tigers rushing attack, led by seniors Eli Huck and Reese Merechka, rolled up the yardage all night for Charleston. Merechka had another big night of scoring with six touchdowns on the night. There is little doubt that Bismarck will key on both Huck and Merechka in their attempt to contain the Charleston offense.

Charleston will need that type of offensive production to continue this week against a very good Bismarck defense. In 2022, the Lions’ defense led their conference in the fewest points allowed, averaging just 17.6 points allowed per game. Junior Johnny Diaz is a force on defense, accounting for 57.5 tackles in 2022.

Bismarck is a member of the 3A-4 conference along with Glen Rose, Centerpoint, Jessieville, Magnet Cove, Danville, Paris, and Two Rivers. In 2023, the Lions overall record was 9-2 and Bismarck was 6-1 in conference play. The Lions have wins over Rison (49-12), Poyen (49-12), Jessieville (46-6), Paris (41-0), Magnet Cove (50-15), Danville (61-0), Two Rivers (53-8), and Centerpoint (42-14). Bismarck’s only two losses were to Prescott (56-20) and Glen Rose (33-14).

In last week’s first round playoff game in Bismarck against the Hackett Hornets, the Lions defeated Hackett by the score of 42-13. That first round win advanced the Lions to Friday’s game in Charleston.

Bismarck is coached by D. J. Keithley. The Lions accumulated just 11 wins from 2015-20 but have been dominant the past two years. And although they graduated an All-State quarterback from their 2022 team, Keithley’s son, junior Ben Keithley, has taken over at quarterback and has performed well all season. Keithley, along with another junior, running back Johnny Diaz, will lead an explosive spread offense that has kept defenses on their heals all season.

We asked Charleston head football coach Ricky May for his impression of Bismarck, and the Tigers’ coach responded by saying, “They are athletic, very disciplined, and well-coached. They have a really good football team.”

The winner of Friday’s second round game will advance to the state quarterfinals that will be played the day after Thanksgiving, November 24. The winner will likely play at Prescott against the Curley Wolves for the right to advance to the state semifinals. A daunting potential opponent in week three, but for now, first things first. Both teams must concentrate on Friday’s game that will feature two evenly matched opponents.

When the Lions board their buses for Charleston, they will have a two hours and forty-six minutes trip ahead of them. But as the Booneville Bearcats proved in the 2022 playoffs, travel can be an issue, or, in the case of the Bearcats, it doesn’t have to be an issue. Booneville traveled long distances for most of the state playoffs and advanced to the state championship game in the process. But make no mistake, Charleston will have a significant home field advantage by not having to travel, remaining in their weekly routine, and having the support of what should be a raucous Alumni Field crowd.

Kickoff in Charleston is set for 7 p.m. on Friday. The WeatherBug forecast for Friday is calling for a high that day of 68 degrees and a low of 42. There is no chance of rain, so, the conditions should be very similar to last week’s first round game. In short, it will feel like football weather, and the conditions should be perfect for two very good football teams to battle it out for the right to advance to the state quarterfinals.

RNN Sports will be on the field to bring you coverage of the Tigers’ game with Bismarck along with action photos from the game. Watch for our post-game story on Saturday on our website at residentnewsnetwork.com. Photos from the game will be posted on Monday at RNN Sports’ “Team Press Pass” page on Facebook, as well as at Charleston Tigers Sports on Facebook.

Enjoy what should be a great match-up, and we’ll see you at the stadium!

“Just Roll with It” Serving up Recipes and Humor

Lifestyle

Tammy Teague

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4:41 pm

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“Just Roll with It” Serving up Recipes and Humor

By Sheri Hopkins, Lifestyle Contributor

Hello everyone! Since Thanksgiving is right around the corner, I’m going to talk about some funny Thanksgiving things that have happened around Thanksgiving with the Wags.

We always have lots of food and desserts and have such a good time. The kids love it because I call bingo and they get to win prizes. Funny stories and laughs all day. This particular Thanksgiving, we were cleaning up and for some reason I asked if anyone wanted the turkey carcass. I had a taker, my niece, Kelly’s husband said he wanted it. So, I got it all packed up for him to take home. Keep in mind, we have our Thanksgiving the weekend before Thanksgiving Day. Their daughter has a birthday in December, and they had her a party at Chuck E. Cheese. The time would be about three weeks after we have had our family Thanksgiving and we are leaving Chuck E. Cheese and I am helping my niece, Kelly, carry stuff to her car from the birthday party. She opens the trunk and low and behold there is that turkey carcass from three weeks ago still in the trunk of her car! I mean I yelled, “that turkey carcass is still in here!!” Been in there three weeks and stinking like a dead dog. I mean who leaves a turkey carcass in the trunk of a car for three weeks? I can tell you who does, my niece Kelly and her husband at the time, Stan. She blamed him because he is the one that said he wanted it to begin with. We have laughed over that turkey carcass for years. We bring it up every year, because after dinner I always yell, “who wants the turkey carcass?”

The other story includes the same man she was married to, Stan. He decided one year to buy a turkey fryer. He thought he could make some money deep frying turkeys for people for Thanksgiving. He had a good little gig going. He would sit it up in the back yard by the picnic table and dep fry those turkeys for people. He was outside frying several one day, sitting them on the picnic table when they were done. Kelly looked out the window while he’s out there and low and behold a cat had come up and was gnawing on one of them turkeys. I mean is this not something out of Christmas Vacation or what?! If I was a guessing woman, he probably shooed the cat and wrapped that turkey up and delivered it. I can’t prove that, but wouldn’t you hate to throw out a perfectly friend turkey? That’s another story we have laughed about over through the years. My poor niece Kelly, we never cut her a break.

Next week I will have stories to tell about our Nashville trip. We had a great time, ate a lot of food, shed some tears and laughed a lot.

This week’s recipe is M & M cookie bars. You can change the color of the M & M’s and use the red and green for Christmas, the peanut butter flavor for Thanksgiving. Have a blessed and Happy Thanksgiving, we have so much to be thankful for!

M & M COOKIE BARS
1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup M&M candies
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a large bowl, using mixer, cream together the butter and sugars for one minute. Add the eggs and the vanilla and mix until combined. Add the flour, baking soda and salt. Stir just until combined. Fold in the chocolate chips and the M&Ms. Save about 1/3 cup of M&Ms for the top (or you can add a 1/4 cup extra to the top.) Line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper (I couldn’t live without parchment paper) or foil. Spray with non-stick cooking spray. Put the cookie dough into the pan and press down evenly. Then place the 1/4 cup extra M&Ms all around the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is barely golden brown. Allow to cool completely. Slice and remove and put on your pretty platter.

UAFS to face Texas A&M-Kingsville in opening round of LSC Tournament

Sports

Tammy Teague

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11:32 pm

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UAFS to face Texas A&M-Kingsville in opening round of LSC Tournament

FORT SMITH, Ark. – University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Volleyball begins postseason play this week as the No. 4 seed in the Lone Star Conference Tournament in Dallas, Texas.

The Lions will face the No. 5 seed Texas A&M-Kingsville in the quarterfinals at 7:30 p.m. Thursday. All games of the tournament will be streamed on the Lone Star Conference Digital Network with each match available for $15. Customers who have a monthly or yearly LSC Digital Network pass will have access to all tournament matches.

Live stats will also be available at uafortsmithlions.com. Tickets to the tournament are $10 daily and available online at www.dbutickets.com.

NOTES:

LAST WEEK: UAFS closed out an undefeated home regular season record with wins over Midwestern State and Texas Woman’s.

POTW: Right-side hitter Sophia McIntyre was named the LSC Offensive Player of the Week after totaling 23 kills and a .488 attack percentage. She hit .647 with 11 kills and no errors versus MSU then had 12 kills, five blocks and four digs in a regionally ranked win over TWU.

RECORD SETTER: Setter Chloe Price moved into first all-time in career assists after dishing out her 2,309^th assist early in the third set against Midwestern State. She is now at 2,353 for her career.

THREE’S COMPANY: This will be the third meeting between the Lions and Javelinas this season. UAFS has won both, winning in five sets at TAMUK and in four sets at the Stubblefield Center.

REGIONAL RANKINGS: UAFS moved up from 10^th to eighth in this week’s South Central regional rankings. Seven LSC teams are represented in the top 10, with TAMUK currently one spot behind UAFS in ninth.

SCOUTING TAMUK: The Javelinas finished the regular season 19-9, 11-5 LSC, but lost three of their final four games. They went 13-2 at home but just 5-5 on the road and 1-2 on a neutral court this year. Middle blocker Ayanna Jackson leads the Javelinas with 2.97 kills per set while outside hitter Jackie Alanis averages 2.82 kills per set.

THE BRACKET: Four quarterfinal matches will be played Thursday, then two semifinal matches Friday and the championship on Saturday.

Hackett Artist Signs with Record Label

Tammy Teague

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11:13 pm

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An up-and-coming artist from Hackett recently signed with a record label.

Waylon Potter, 17, signed on with Music Soup Records. Potter released a new song called “Everything Under The Sun” on Friday, November 10, under the name Waylon Wyatt.

The song is currently on all streaming services, including Spotify, and YouTube.

This young man has a bright future ahead of him, and we wish him well!

Waylon Wyatt – Everything Under The Sun Live Recording Video – YouTube

Velosky Crowned 2024 Arkansas Cover Miss, Miss Heart of the USA

Networks

Tammy Teague

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6:04 pm

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Velosky Crowned 2024 Arkansas Cover Miss, Miss Heart of the USA

Runa Velosky, 3, of Fort Smith was crowned the 2024 Arkansas Cover Miss, Miss Heart of the USA in August. The Miss Heart of the USA organization is a “Pageant with a Purpose” and focuses on addressing hunger and food insecurity both locally and nationally.

Runa will be collecting monetary donations and non perishable food donations over the next several months to donate to local food banks. She is also a junior member of the American Legion Auxiliary unit 31 of Fort Smith. She is using her platform to serve local veterans and educate people on how they can serve our country’s heroes as well.

She will be competing in the National Miss Heart of the USA Pageant this summer. You can follow her journey on Facebook.

Timepiece: Arkansas Presidential Visits

Featured

Tammy Teague

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5:55 pm

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By Dr. Curtis Varnell

Sirens screamed and lights flashed as the cavalcade of huge cars rushed past the intersection where we were standing. The crowd waved, blew kisses, and clapped as the President of the United States flew by at an extreme rate of speed. The date was May 6, 2000 and President Bill Clinton and first lady Hillary were in rapid transit to Subiaco’s St. Benedict church for the wedding of a close friend. Recalling those event to my inquisitive sons, they wanted to know if other presidents had ever visited the state. The answer was yes, several of them and some more than once.

The first President to visit the state was Martin Van Buren who made an unmemorable stop in Chicot County as he brieflystepped off a steamboat for a few minutes. More significant visits occurred as railroads developed and various presidents conducted “whistle stop” campaigns around the depots where they stopped. One of the first to campaign in this manner was Benjamin Harrison in 1891 and his footsteps were followed by President Teddy Roosevelt, Taft, and FDR. FDR made several stops in Arkansas during the 1936 State Centennial and followed that up in 1938 with a stop in Booneville where, accompanied by Hattie Caraway and Joe T. Robinson, he pledged support for the development of Mount Magazine.

Teddy Roosevelt spoke at the opening of the fifth annual Arkansas State Fair in 1910. The fair was held at that time at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs. One of the most colorful speeches, it was held on the track in front of hundreds of people dressed in colorful clothing patterned to form a human American Flag. Teddy seemed to enjoy Arkansas and made several trips to the state with stops in Ozark, Clarksville, Russellville, Carlisle, Conway, Hot Springs, and other small towns not normally visited by presidents.

John F. Kennedy visited several times. On Oct. 29, 1961, a crowd of 15,000 gathered with he, Governor Faubus, J. W. Fulbright and John McClellan as he dedicated the Old Fort National Historic Site and stressed the importance of Fort Chaffee to our nation’s defense. He returned to the state shortly before his assassination in 1963 and spoke at the dedication of Greer Ferry Dam and at the State Fair.

In 1835, a less celebrated president, and one that represented the Confederate States, Jefferson Davis, spent an extensive time in Arkansas as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army constructing the old military road from Fort Gipson to Little Rock. Part of that road is still named the Jefferson Davis Memorial highway.

President Richard Nixon visit was one of the most memorial when he attended the “Game of the Century” between unbeaten Arkansas and Texas on Dec. 6, 1969. He sat in the stands and watched as Texas defeated Arkansas 15-14 in a heart-breaker for Razorback fans. Afterward, he present Texas with a plaque that named them, without authority other than presidential decree, the number one team in the 100^th year of college football. Ronald Reagan held political rallies in the state during each of his campaigns.

George Bush, George W., Jimmy Carter, and Bill Clinton were all on stage at one time on Nov. 18, 2014 during the dedication of the Clinton Presidential center in Little Rock. It was Jimmy Carters second visit; in 1983 he visited Newport and Weiner to duck hunt.

Presidents have come and gone, most stopping for only a few moments to garner votes, political favor, and funding. After the elections, we return to our status as fly-over states as Air Force one whizzes past on trips to or from New York, Washington, and California. With elections coming up next year, expect a flood of candidates from either party passing through for the same reasons.

McIntyre named LSC Offensive Player of the Week

Sports

Tammy Teague

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1:12 am

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McIntyre named LSC Offensive Player of the Week

RICHARDSON, Texas – Freshman right-side hitter Sophia McIntyre was selected as the Lone Star Conference Volleyball Offensive Player of the Week Tuesday, it was announced by the league office.

McIntyre totaled 23 kills and hit .488 in a pair of wins over the weekend against Midwestern State and Texas Woman’s. In her first career start against the Mustangs, McIntyre tallied 11 kills without an error for a .647 attack percentage. She followed that up with 12 kills, five blocks and four digs and a .385 attack percentage in a regionally ranked win against the Pioneers.

McIntyre and UAFS will next take on Texas A&M-Kingsville in the quarterfinals of the LSC Tournament Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in Dallas, Texas.

Homestand continues for Women’s Basketball Wednesday

Sports

Tammy Teague

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1:10 am

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Homestand continues for Women’s Basketball Wednesday

FORT SMITH, Ark. – University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Women’s Basketball continues its season-opening homestand this week by hosting Southern Nazarene Wednesday at Gayle Kaundart Arena at the Stubblefield Center.

The Lions will take on the Crimson Storm Wednesday with a 5:30 p.m. tipoff. UAFS will then travel to Northeastern State Saturday for a 1 p.m.game followed by a home game November 21against Arkansas Tech at 5:30 p.m.

Both home games will be streamed on the Lone Star Conference Digital Network and broadcast on Fox Sports Radio 103.5. Live stats and coverage links for the SNU game can be found at uafortsmithlions.com.

NOTES:

LAST WEEK: The Lions opened the season with a pair of home wins against Westminster, defeating the Griffins, 78-47, and 55-36.

GIMME THAT: UAFS forced 57 turnovers in the two wins, including 28 steals. Guard Zyniah Thomas led the Lions with eight steals.

36: The 36 points allowed are the fewest allowed in a game since January of 2019, when the Lions defeated Texas A&M International, 89-36.

OFF THE BENCH: UAFS received 45 points from its bench in the 78-47 win over the Griffins.

SCOUTING SNU: SNU was picked as the preseason favorite in the GAC this season and has started the season 2-0, including a win over then No. 2 Minnesota State Mankato. Three players are averaging double figures for the Storm, led by guard Lauryn Reither at 16.5 points per game.

SCOUTING NSU: The Riverhawks are 1-1 on the year under first-year head coach Keith Ferguson. Guard Halie Jones leads three players averaging double figures in the two games with 15.0 points per game.

SCOUTING ATU: The Golden Suns won their opener and will face Pittsburg State Thursday before visiting Fort Smith. Guards Pacious McDaniel and Hayleigh Wyrick each scored 19 points in the season-opening win.

THE SERIES: This is just the second ever meeting with Southern Nazarene, with the Storm winning last year’s matchup. UAFS is 4-5 against Northeastern State and this will be the inaugural meeting between the Lions and Arkansas Tech.

Waldron School Board Meets

News

Tammy Teague

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10:20 pm

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The regular monthly meeting of the Waldron School Board was held in the Central Office Building Monday, November 13, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. Board members present were Clay Woodall,Angela Hunsucker, Konnor McKay and Stan Cottrell. Board member Mac Davis was not present. Others present were Superintendent Daniel Fielding, Misty Owens, Kim Solomon, Toni Dozier, Keith Brigance, Cheyenne Smith, Zack Taylor, Darla Jeffery, Erica Dozier, and Chris Lipham.

President Clay Woodall called the meeting to order at 6:34p.m.

Konnor McKay began the meeting with a word of prayer.

Angela Hunsucker led the Pledge of Allegiance.

A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded byKonnor McKay to approve the Consent Agenda items: A) Approval of the October 16^th Minutes; B) Approve Financial Reports and Expenditures. Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Konnor McKay and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to approve the recommendation of Superintendent Daniel Fielding to give all licensed and classified employees a one-time bonus in the amount of $500.00 to be paid November 17^th. Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Konnor McKay to approve policies 3.28.1, 4.29.1 and 8.22.1-Technology Resources Policy. Motion carried 4-0.

Each of the principals reported on the things that are happening at their building. Mrs. Dozier reported that ABC/First Step will be having Ryan Walker Parent Night with cookie and ornament decorating on December 7th. Donations can be made in honor of Ryan Walker to Waldron Pre-K Activity Fund. Mrs. Jeffery informed the board of multiple things that are coming up at Waldron Elementary, some of which include; 3^rd grade Parent Night on Thursday, ESL Parent Night on Wednesday, Celebration Friday to recognize academic achievements and they are also in the middle of their Read-A-Thon. Mr. Taylorinformed the board of all the activities happening at the Middle School, some of which include; Red Ribbon Week, Homecoming Spirit Week, Socials that have started back up, Veterans Days program, Parent Night Paint Party, Pep Rallies and Progress Reports go out on Thursday of this week. Mrs. Solomon had many things to add which included that the Juniors took their 1^st ACT test recently. Other happenings included; Bulldog Brew coffee cart on Thursday’s, there will be the first ever Basketball Homecoming and dance that will be sponsored by Boys and Girls Club, Work keys testing Tuesday and Wednesday for Seniors, and High School students are participating in a change war that will be donated to Boys and Girls Club in honor of Mr. Ryan Walker. She also stated the “Be Proud Be Pro” was a huge hit for the students.

Assistant Superintendent Chris Lipham reported that Waldron Athletics will be in the same conference next year. Cross Country State Meet was a success with boys finishing 7^thin the State and girls finishing 12^th. Landon Defoor, Teagan Johnson and Damien MacPherson received All-Conference in Cross Country. Emily Defoor and Karis Pritchard also received All-Conference in Cross Country. Cheerleading competitions are underway for both Senior High and Junior High Cheerleaders. He also reported that there will be a Homecoming bonfire on Wednesday sponsored by FCA.

Superintendent Fielding informed the board members that there are a lot of good things going on in our school system. He announced that the Waldron High School has been awarded $20,500.00 from the State of AR for recognition of academic growth.

Adjourned to Executive Session: 7:06

Returned from Executive Session: 7:48

A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Stan Cottrell to approve the resignation of Leticia Smith from First Step as of October 31, 2023. Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Stan Cottrell and seconded by Konnor McKay to hire Kiley Hill as Middle School Paraprofessional as of November 14, 2023. Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Konnor McKay and seconded by Stan Cottrell to hire Melissa Bennett as Elementary School Special Education Teacher effective January 8, 2024. Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Stan Cottrell to adjourn. Motion carried 4-0.

Meeting adjourned at 7:49 p.m.

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