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Just Roll With it “Just Roll with It” Serving up Recipes and Humor

Food

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9:14 pm

Just Roll With it “Just Roll with It” Serving up Recipes and Humor

By Sheri Hopkins, Lifestyle Contributor

Hello everyone! Such beautiful fall weather we are having and a much-needed rain. I love this time of year and Halloween is Monday. I have all my full-size candy bought and ready for the little goblins, I can’t wait. I have cotton candy, sour punch straws, popcorn balls, candy bars, and ring pops. N, I’m not a witch, but I love seeing all the kids in their costumes, they are so cute.

This week I’m going to talk about my sweet momma. Today is her birthday, if she was alive she would have been 94 years old. She had Alzheimer’s and it is a horrible disease. Please don’t think I’m making fun of her when I tell some of the stories because if you didn’t laugh you would lose your mind and cry your eyes out.

One day we kept hearing a bird in the living room. I would randomly hear a bird and thought maybe there was a nest on the front porch, which turn out there was. We were sitting in the living room and I could really hear this bird, so I start looking around thinking it has to be in the house somewhere. I finally get closer to the sound and it appears to be coming from somewhere around mom. I decided to look in her purpose and low and behold she had a baby bird wrapped in a handkerchief inside her purse. I go and investigate and the nest had fallen on the porch and she found a baby bird that had fallen and she saved it. Mystery solved, there was a bird in my house. Bless her heart, she just wanted to save it.

One day Jimmy was pacing around the living room whining saying he was starving and wanting me to hurry up and cook them some dinner. Mom pipes us and says “Jimmy you will be lucky to get a glass of water in this house.” Jimmy has never let me live that down. Those that know me, know how I love to cook. It was so funny, we have laughed and laughed over that. This was one of her famous sayings, even before she had Alzheimer’s, she would always say when she heard about something that was crazy or dumb, “that’s just ignorance gone to seed.” It was usually about my niece’s ex-husband, I sure hope he don’t read this. Too late if he does.

Happy heavenly birthday momma. I can just picture Hazel Elmore playing the piano and mom singing heavenly praises.

This week’s recipe is a strawberry upside-down cake. I love anything strawberry. Who am I kidding I like anything sweet.

STRAWBERRY UPSIDE-DOWN CAKE
2 cups fresh strawberries (sliced thin)
2 boxes strawberry jello (3 oz. each)
3 cups miniature marshmallows (optional)
1 strawberry cake mix prepared according to the box directions
Cool Whip or homemade Dream Whip
Take your two cups of strawberries and crush them with a potato masher or a fork. Pour them in a greased 9×13 pan (you may want to line it with parchment paper) sprinkle the dry jello over the top of the strawberries. Then sprinkle the marshmallows over the jello. Prepare the cake mix according to the directions. Pour over the marshmallows. Bake at 350 degrees for 40-50 minutes and then run a knife around the edges of the cake and flip onto a serving tray. Refrigerate. Top with Cool Whip and enjoy. Keep stored in the refrigerator. If you don’t want to flip it, just serve it out of the pan you baked it in.

Paris High School’s Emma Davis Named “Ag Student of the Month” by Farm Bureau

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Resident News Network

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9:13 pm

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Paris High School’s Emma Davis Named “Ag Student of the Month” by Farm Bureau

Paris High School’s Emma Davis was named last week as Farm Bureau’s “Ag Student of the Month” for October.

Davis’s agri teacher at Paris High School, Jessica Gray, told RNN that she “has an SAE of Swine Production that has the biggest scope of the Paris FFA members. SAE stands for Supervised Agriculture Experience. Emma’s area is in swine production and she raises and shows pigs.”

Emma was also the top seller for the Blue and Gold fundraiser. Her teacher continued, “She is a very hard worker and very active FFA member.”

Davis is a junior at Paris High School and serves as reporter for the Paris FFA Chapter. The award was presented to Emma by Mr. Keith Eickenberger of Farm Bureau.

Charleston Looks to Wrap-up Third Consecutive Conference Championship at Lavaca on Friday

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9:12 pm

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Charleston Looks to Wrap-up Third Consecutive Conference Championship at Lavaca on Friday

Since Ricky May’s arrival in 2019 as the Tigers’ head football coach, Charleston has been to the playoffs every year and will now look to complete their third consecutive conference football title in the past four years. An impressive record for a coach who has continued the winning tradition of Charleston football since his arrival in the Spring of 2019.

Charleston will travel to Lavaca on Friday to play its final regular season game for the 2022 season. The Tigers will play for no worse than a share of the conference title and will also lock up a top seed from the 3A-1 conference going into the state playoffs.

RNN Sports and yours truly will be at Lavaca on Friday to bring you special coverage of this game as part of RNN’s game of the week. Look for photos and a special post-game wrap-up on Saturday of the Tigers’ game with the Golden Arrows.

At deadline time for this story, Charleston was making final preparations to host West Fork on Senior Night at Alumni Field. Depending upon the outcome of that game and the match-up of Booneville and Lavaca, Charleston could be 6-0 going into Friday’s game at Lavaca, and the Golden Arrows will be either 4-2 or 3-3 depending upon the outcome of their game with Booneville. Either way, with the head-to-head win over Booneville, Charleston should wrap-up the outright conference championship, barring an upset in the final two weeks of the season.

As of October 27, the 3A-1 standings are:

Charleston 5-0

Booneville 4-1

Lavaca 3-2

Greenland 3-2

West Fork 2-3

Mansfield 2-3

Cedarville 1-4

Hackett 0-5

Lavaca is a much-improved program and is a dangerous opponent for anyone they play. That will not be lost with Charleston coach Ricky May as he will most assuredly remind his team that they must respect the Golden Arrows.

The Class 3A state football playoffs begin on November 11, and RNN Sports will be there to bring you photos and a recap of the Tigers’ drive through the championship brackets. So, bundle up and we will see you in Lavaca on Friday!

Financial Focus: Don’t Overlook the Importance of Cash

Business

Tammy Teague

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9:10 pm

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Financial Focus: Don’t Overlook the Importance of Cash

By Jeffery O’Neal
Financial Advisor

If you’re an investor, you no doubt pay a great deal of attention to your stocks, bonds and mutual funds. But you shouldn’t forget another key element of your financial strategy: cash.

Cash is part of any financial strategy and investment portfolio, but how much have you thought about the different uses of cash, and how much you really need? Consider these four key purposes:

• Unexpected expenses and emergencies – If you face an interruption in employment, you need an extensive home repair or you encounter an unplanned medical expense, you may need access to cash. If you’re not retired, it’s a good idea to have three to six months of living expenses in cash, possibly supplemented by access to a line of credit. If you’re already retired, keeping up to three months of living expenses in cash, possibly supplemented by a credit line, is a good rule of thumb.

• Specific short-term savings goals – You may have some goals you want to meet within the next year or two, such as a wedding, a vacation or the purchase of a new car. And since you have a little more time to meet these needs than you would for an emergency, you might consider using a money market account or a short-term certificate of deposit (CD), in addition to your other savings vehicles.

• Everyday spending – You’ll always need cash to provide for your day-to-day spending needs, such as your mortgage, other debts, groceries, utilities, entertainment and so on. If you haven’t already done so, you might want to create a budget, which could help highlight areas in which you can reduce spending to free up funds for investing in long-term goals. If you’re still working, keeping one to two months’ worth of living expenses in a liquid account may be sufficient, but if you’re retired, you may need up to 12 months of living expenses, which you can adjust to accommodate outside sources, such as Social Security or a pension.

• Source of investment – You can look at cash as an investment source in two different ways. First, cash can be considered its own distinct asset class, and because it typically behaves differently from other asset classes, it can provide some diversification to a portfolio containing stocks and bonds. (Keep in mind, though, that diversification can’t guarantee profits or protect against all losses.) And second, the cash in your portfolio could be used as part of a systematic investing strategy in which you put set amounts of money at regular intervals into investment vehicles that are appropriate for your goals and risk tolerance.

Clearly, cash is an important part of planning for the future, but there can be too much of a good thing. While cash may seem like a perpetual safe harbor from the stormy investment seas, it is not without risk. If you hold too much cash, you could underfund your longer-term investments — the ones with the growth potential you need to reach some of your most important goals, such as a comfortable retirement.

Put your cash to work. By using it wisely, you can add a valuable element to your financial picture.

This article is provided by Jeffrey O’Neal, Financial Advisor
Edward Jones
20 N Express St, Paris, AR 72855
479-963-1321
jeffrey.o’neal@edwardjones.com
edwardjones.com/jeffrey-o’neal
Edward Jones, Member SIPC

Around the Boathouse: Lake Dardanelle

Outdoors

Tammy Teague

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9:08 pm

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The summer’s drought revealed the need for one of northeast Arkansas’s favorite fishing spots. That work has been completed.
As the water dropped in Lake Hogue this summer, district biologists noticed support structures on the fishing pier were badly in need of repair. Contractors closed the pier (photo right) for a couple of days to repair the damaged support posts, and replaced and strengthened the railing to bring the pier back to usable status.

* AGFC biologists recently sampled the crappie population on Lake Dardanelle, visiting multiple areas of the lake with lead nets.
These nets consist of two hoop nets connected by a long lead net that funnels fish into the hoop net where they are captured. Biologists collected over 800 crappie (both black and white) in October, including a 1 pound, 13 ounce black crappie.
Through sampling, biologists hope to better understand important population parameters, such as spawning success, growth and mortality rates. Crappie are known to have highly variable spawning success from year to year.
The biologists from the Russellville DIstrict Office report that from sampling so far, it appears 2021 was a good year for crappie spawning success. They say this means there should be plenty of harvestable-sized fish to catch beginning in 2023. Biologists will learn more as they plan to sample again next month and into December. Of the crappie that were collected in the October sampling, 65 percent were white crappie and 35 percent were black crappie.
White and black crappie (see below photo) can be differentiated by their spot patterns, number of dorsal spines, and general body shape. White crappie have spots arranged in a vertical bar pattern, 7-8 dorsal spines, and a longer body shape. Black crappie spots are irregular, they have 5-6 dorsal spines, and their general body shape is more rounded with a shorter head and upturned mouth.
Anglers should note that the minimum length limit for both crappie species on Lake Dardanelle is 10 inches; the daily possession limit is 30 (black and white combined). As the temperature continues to drop in the next two months, crappie fishing should be picking up nicely. Get your poles and jigs ready!

County Line High School Homecoming

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Resident News Network

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9:08 pm

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Note to Our Readers: The following story was sourced directly from Ms Celia Looney, Yearbook Adviser, County Line High School. Ms Looney is a RNN contributor, and we thank her for bringing this story to our readers.

Homecoming festivities for the 2022-23 school year were held on October 21 at County Line. The evening began with the crowing of the princess and queen. Freshman Song Tan was pronounced princess, and the queen was senior Sunshine Xiong.

The first game of the evening was a rematch of the state semifinal match between Guy Perkins and the County Line boys. The Indians defeated the Thunderbirds 71-38. Scoring was led by Cooper Watson and Trent Johnston who had 16 points each. The ladies ended the evening with a disappointing loss, falling to the Lady Thunderbirds 42-61. Jayleigh Smith scored 15 and Maddie Phillips had 14.

2022 County Line Homecoming Court

Alyiah Luttrell, Rhett Needham, Grayson Law, Alyson Walker.

Second Row: Seventh Grade Maids: Tavilyn Fortenberry and Chloe Lachappelle Eighth Grade Maids: Brooklyn Reed and Paige Watson.

Third Row: Freshman Maid Kyla Appleton, Homecoming Princess Song Tan, Freshman Maid Karlie Bottoms.

Fourth Row: Sophomore Maids: Addyson White and Mylee Schulte Junior Maids: Emily Daniels and Princess Sarten.

Back Row: Senior Maid: Annalynn Burton, Homecoming Queen Sunshine Xiong and Senior Maid Melissa Ludwick.

JR Tigers Maul Cedarville In Season Finale

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Adam Hecox

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7:08 pm

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JR Tigers Maul Cedarville In Season Finale

The Mansfield JR High football team started off their 2022 season with many holes to fill and questions to answer. A program that finished as conference runner-up in 2021 now had to step up and try to not only repeat but try to do even better. Losses to Charelston and Booneville hijacked their hopes of a conference championship and a shot at repeating as conference runner-up. However, for the JR Tigers there is no stopping the effort of this JR High crew as they endeavored to persevere. The Tigers could still match their conference record from the previous year and even pull off a record-setting seven total wins for the year. But first, they had to go through the Cedarville Pirates.

Tigers quarterback, Cooper Edwards, pushes off a Cedarville defender to gain extra yards.
Photo courtesy of Raine Hecox

Mansfield started off the game on offense and quickly went to the passing attack. Tigers quarterback Cooper Edwards rolled out of the pocket and slung a pass intended for Dominic Shores. Unfortunately for the Tigers, a Cedarville defender picked the pass off. The interception was called off by a pass interference penalty though and the Tigers were back in business. Not to be deterred, Mansfield rebounded on the very next play with a short shovel pass to Ethan Martin who rolled 55 yards for a Tiger touchdown. Martin then ran in a two-point conversion putting the Tigers up 8-0 early in the first quarter. The Tigers defense then took charge and shut down Cedarville’s offense with big tackles by Alex Hecox, Zander Walters, and Dawson Robinson. The big play would have shut down Cedarville quickly, but a few mental mistakes and penalties allowed the Pirates to stay in the mix. Mistakes happen though and once they were fixed Mansfield was able to force a Pirate punt. Defensive end, Matthew Burton, was Johnny on the spot on the kick as he was able to get a hand on the ball creating a short punt that gave Mansfield solid field position.

Dominic Shores wraps up tight for the takedown on a Pirate receiver.
Photo courtesy of Raine Hecox

With Mansfield having the ball at the 16-yard line, running back Zander Walters plowed his way in for a one-play 16-yard touchdown. Walters then seemingly walked across the goal line for a two-point conversion stretching the Tigers lead to 16-0. Mansfield’s defense went back to work taking only two Cedarville plays to shock the scoreboard. Tigers linebacker, Zander Walters, intercepted a Pirates pass and sprinted 36 yards downfield for a turnover touchdown. Dawson Robinson ran in the two-point conversion setting Mansfield up with a 24-0 lead in the first quarter. Robinson remained hot on defense when Cedarville got the ball back as he intercepted a pass for a touchdown. A penalty negated the pick six though and Cedarville continued their drive. The first quarter ended with the Pirates having the ball, but Mansfield was dominating on the scoreboard 24-0.

Zander Walters leaps over a Pirates defender into the endzone.
Photo courtesy of Raine Hecox

Cedarville bounced back on their first play of the second quarter scoring from three yards out. The Pirates couldn’t tack on their two-point conversion though setting the score at 24-6. Mansfield’s Gunner Williams made a wild 44-yard return on the ensuing kickoff which put the Tigers right back in Pirates territory. Tigers receiver, Matthew “Bear” Burton, came through on a speed sweep and “Beared” down on Cedarville’s defense taking the ball 41 yards for another Mansfield Tiger touchdown. After another two-point conversion, the Tigers were roaring 32-6. Mansfield emptied their roster for the remainder of the contest allowing players to get a feel for the game. Each and every team member was able to rack up a positive stat for the books by the final sound of the clock as Mansfield finished the game with a 40-30 victory.

Gunner Williams snapping Pirate ankles on a big kickoff return.
Photo courtesy of Raine Hecox

The JR High Tigers finished their season with a win and more notably a 5-2 conference record adding up to a 7-2 overall record. This conference record matches the 2021 teams 5-2 record proving that the program has sustained stability in its success. Mansfield outscored opponents 224-150 this season which shows that they are not a one side of the ball program. The JR High program will lose a star-studded group of 15 ninth graders for next season, most of who will contribute big time for the SR High program in upcoming seasons. Although that is a lot of players to replace, it shouldn’t be a huge concern for anyone. There are many eighth graders who started and contributed during the season and are up to any task placed before them. The future of Mansfield Tigers JR High football is in their hands now and they will not disappoint.

Simple Kitchen Improvement Ideas on a Budget

Lifestyle

Resident News Network

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6:33 pm

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Simple Kitchen Improvement Ideas on a Budget

The kitchen is the heart of many homes. Family and friends gather in the space to talk and hang out during any part of the day. Kitchens deserve to look their best, but not everyone has the extra money to spend on a complete renovation. These are simple kitchen improvement ideas on a budget, so you can freshen up the space without spending much money.

Add Touches of Elegance

Paint and tile can only take your kitchen so far. Adding touches of elegance throughout your kitchen space will create interesting focal points. Use unexpected décor like an antique silver tray, showy artwork, a stunning chandelier, or a rack displaying decorative pots and pans.

Find chic and sophisticated items that you love and that work well with the area. Soon, you’ll have built an improved kitchen without spending a lot of money.

Change the Cabinetry Hardware

Want to make a big impact without spending a lot of money? Change up the cabinet hardware. Which hardware you choose depends on the style and aesthetic you’d like for your kitchen. Are you looking for a modern feel? Opt for sleek black knobs and pulls or go for mixed metals. Look for rustic-styled hardware for a farmhouse kitchen.

Install a Backsplash

Backsplashes are budget-friendly ways to add personality and liven up your kitchen space. There are plenty of different styles and designs to choose from in the backsplash world. If you’re renting your home, use peel-and-stick ones to avoid damaging the wall. White subway tile will make your kitchen feel modern and bright.

Choose the style that works best for you. There are many cost-effective options available. Wainscoting and shiplap are also beautiful yet inexpensive backsplashes.

Update Your Lighting Fixtures

The kitchen is an area where you need proper lighting. Who wants to read a recipe and prepare dinner in dim lighting? Add a bold lighting fixture to really freshen up the kitchen. Ensure the piece matches the style and kitchen hardware.

A new lighting fixture will make a huge difference in the space. There are plenty of ways to find inexpensive or discounted lighting at many big box stores or online. Visit your local antique or resale shop if you want to give a second chance to an older fixture.

Try all of these budget-friendly simple kitchen improvements to freshen up your kitchen. These will make an overall significant impact. Choose which ones will work in your space.

Attorney General Alert: Rutledge Warns of Fentanyl Pills Mistaken for Candy

News

Tammy Teague

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9:37 pm

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Attorney General Alert: Rutledge Warns of Fentanyl Pills Mistaken for Candy

Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge is warning the public about the increased prevalence of illegal fentanyl pills designed to look like well-known candy. As Halloween approaches, parents should be aware of these extremely dangerous drugs and be able to identify signs of a potential overdose.

“Fentanyl is an extremely dangerous substance that drug cartels often smuggle into the United States with the intention of marketing the colorful pills to children and young adults,” said Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. “With the increased prevalence of this dangerous drug, parents should be vigilant this Halloween season in order to protect their children and loved ones.”

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, known to be 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has seized brightly colored, “rainbow fentanyl” that looks like candy in 26 states. According to the DEA, drug cartels are smuggling the fentanyl across the southern border to target young children, including those in elementary and middle school.

Very small amounts of fentanyl are extremely deadly. Even a small dose can be lethal enough to kill multiple individuals. Everyone should take strong precautions to ensure that children do not come into contact with products that may contain fentanyl. Parents should speak with their young children, and even teenagers, to educate them and provide age-appropriate guidance on the dangers of this look-a-like drug.

Signs of fentanyl overdose include, but are not limited to:

Small, constricted pupils
Falling asleep or losing consciousness
Difficulties breathing
Choking or gurgling sounds
Limp body
Cold or clammy skin
Discolored skin (especially in lips and nails)

If you suspect your child has ingested fentanyl, call 911 immediately. Consider administering naloxone, if available. Arkansas Poison Control Hotline may be reached at (800) 222-1222. Consumers who encounter suspected fentanyl products should not touch the item and contact law enforcement immediately.

Tigers Return to Alumni Field on Friday for Final Regular Season Home Game vs West Fork

Resident News Network

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7:46 pm

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Tigers Return to Alumni Field on Friday for Final Regular Season Home Game vs West Fork

At deadline time for this story, the Charleston Tigers were preparing for a war with the Booneville Bearcats that would more than likely be for the 3A-1 football conference championship. The winner of that game will more than likely be a #1 seed in the state playoffs and the loser will go as the #2. Either way, it was sure to be an intense, physical battle for all of the marbles in conference play.

But that game is history, and regardless of its outcome, it has been a very successful season for both Booneville and Charleston, and both should do well in the state playoffs. For Charleston, the Tigers are returning home this week to play West Fork for the final regular season home football game. It will also be Senior Night at Alumni Field, and the Charleston football program will honor a stellar senior class of football players on Friday night.

After last week’s physical contest at Booneville, Charleston will face another big, physical opponent in the West Fork Tigers. West Fork is an experienced team that has good size and likes to grind and pound the football. They are a little more open to using the pass this year compared to the last few years, but their core belief remains to want to run the football.

West Fork’s coach, Rodney Selph, returned this year to coach the Tigers after having success in the program several years ago. Going into this season, he inherited a veteran team that had nine returning starters each on both sides of the football. Coach Selph is trying to restore the winning tradition in West Fork football, but like a lot of other 3A-1 conference schools, the schedule is tough every year with both Booneville, Charleston,and Greenland in the conference along with Hackett who is making good strides in being competitive.

West Fork runs the Wing T offense and presents a multiple or odd front on defense. Up to deadline time for this story, the West Fork Tigers record in 2022 is:

vs Gentry 7-28 (L)

at Green Forest 28-14 (W)

vs Berryville 28-6 (W)

vs Paris 13-0 (W)

vs Mansfield 14-18 (L)

at Booneville 21-48 (L)

vs Lavaca 7-31 (L)

at Cedarville 42-14 (W)

At deadline time for this story, the West Fork Tigers were about to take the field against Hackett. West Fork has games remaining on October 28 at Charleston and will end the regular season on November 4 at rival Greenland.

Image Special to RNN Sports / Ronni Tate Young

The Charleston Tigers will finish their season on Friday, November 4 at Lavaca. RNN Sports will be in Lavaca to cover Charleston’s game at Lavaca as its game of the week. Look for coverage of the game on the RNN website and in the weekly newspaper, RNN Logan County Edition.

Congratulations to the Charleston senior class who has won two back-to-back conference titles and are in contention to win a third consecutive title this year. Their work is by far not done; I expect Charleston to make a deep run in this year’s state playoffs.

It should be a great night for football. Come out to the stadium, honor the 2022 seniors, and enjoy a great night of high school football! And thanks to all of you for reading RNN Sports!

R

Add Touches of Elegance

Change the Cabinetry Hardware

Install a Backsplash

Update Your Lighting Fixtures

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