Resident News Network

MMS Students Learn Financial Lessons

Headlines

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11:58 am

Shaw Nee Soresen from the Sebastian county at the U of A Division of Agriculture recently visited the 8th Grade Career Development class, with some sound advice.

Ms Soresen came and taught a week long lesson about writing checks and balancing checkbooks to the class.

(Left to Right) Natalie Allison, Madelen Jones, Kinley Hanfelder, and Serenity Brunson

The students were assigned jobs and family’s and they had to learn how to to pay all their bills like you would in a real family household. Many of the students were surprised by how much everything cost like insurance, childcare, and utility cost.

Resigned Council Member Faces Charges

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9:42 am

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Paige Cupit, who recently resigned her position on the Waldron City Council, is now facing four counts of theft of property.

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On January 25, Cupit’s employer, Dalton’s Place, contacted the Waldron Police Department. Detective Horatio Gonzalez said, “when asked for the books, she notified them that things weren’t going to add up.” When Gonzalez interviewed Cupit, she admitted to taking the money, and that she “had a money problem.”

Cupit was forthcoming in admitting the theft, and she and her spouse did return the amount which had been stolen. However, Dalton’s Place returned the monies, and chose to go through the courts for restitution.

Dalton’s Place terminated Cupit, and refunded the monies taken from the trust accounts of the residents.

The case has been handed over to the prosecutor. The four counts of theft of property are all misdemeanor charges.

Two Days Until Valentine’s Day, have you bought the love of your life a gift?

Resident News Network

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1:22 am

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With only two days left to buy a gift, have you decided what you want to get the love of your life?

I have always thought Valentine’s Day should not be about the amount you spend, but about the thought that counts. I would much rather have a gift that was thoughtful than roses that will die in a few days, chocolates that make me fatter, a gigantic bear that will be in next summer’s yard sale since it is just creepy to look at during the night, or an expensive dinner that I will stress later about because it might break the bank. So, I have decided I would make it easier for you this Valentine’s Day just in case you need a last-minute gift idea besides the normal flowers, roses, and gigantic teddy bear. Here are 15 Unusual and Creative Gift Ideas for the love of your life!

The night before Valentine’s Day, decorate the inside of her car with post-it notes with reasons why you love her or with favorite memories that you two have created together. Tape a 100 Grand candy bar to the steering wheel and tell her, “The Many Reasons Why You Are SO Grand To Me!” If you have time, it would be great if you could come up with 100 things however I know that may be quite the task to accomplish.
Bring home a basket with a note that says, “You Float My Boat!” Inside the basket include ice cream, a 2 liter of Root Beer, two straws and two glasses.
Buy your significant other a pair of shoes (It could just be cozy house shoes or a pair of running shoes.) And place a note inside that reads, “From the day you WALKED into my life, I’ve never been happier. Every STEP with you has been truly amazing! I’m so glad we TIED the knot! I’m so lucky and blessed you RAN into my life!”
If your wife is a busy mom, believe it or not, she would love for you to unexpectedly clean the house. There is something about waking up to a clean house, an empty sink (Can I get an Amen, ladies?) a cup of coffee, and the smell of laundry being washed. Leave a note that says, “Thank you for all you do. I hope this helps you a little today!”
Record yourself lip singing a song to her. Maybe use the song, “Count on Me” or “Just The Way You Are” by Bruno Mars. How about Brett Young singing, “In Case You Didn’t Know.” Notice I didn’t say sing it? Why? Well, not everyone was born with a Bruno Mars or Brett Young’s voice. So, no need to run her off at the first note you sing!
You will feel cheesy doing this, but then at the end of the video, say something sweet. I promise you this will add laughter and love to your relationship and a memory of a life time!

If you know me well, you know I just had to google the top 2017/2018 greatest male voices just to finish that line.

6. Don’t want to lip sing? Write her a love letter. Believe it or not, sometimes girls still want a little bit of a love storybook moment. Share what made you fall in love with her. What makes you love her now and what makes you want to grow old with her? Don’t be afraid to let her know how much you love her. You don’t have to be sappy year-round. But, just this once, share your heart.

7. Make her a bath basket that she would love after a long day’s work. Include in the basket, bubble bath or a bath bomb, lotion, maybe a new perfume, even splurge for a new robe. Have the basket waiting for her when she gets home. While she enjoys her bath, cook her dinner!

8. Attempt to cook a meal from start to finish. Buy cheap crystal candle sticks from the dollar tree to have a candle lit dinner. If you don’t normally cook for her, this will be special for her. Be sure to pick out a favorite song to play at the end of the meal, and ask her, “May I have this dance?” Dancing in the kitchen or living room can be just as sweet as dancing under the stars. It’s the thought that counts. However, make sure if you cook, you clean up your mess! If you have kids and this is near impossible, you can still cook the meal, and then once the kids go to bed, light the candles and ask her to dance!

9. Make her a movie basket with all her favorite snacks, popcorn, a new fuzzy warm blanket, and her favorite movie or rent a new romantic one from Red Box. Then, put a sweet note inside the basket that says why you want to spend time with her. The note will probably be her most favorite part of the basket. She won’t be expecting you to share your feelings, but be honest and tell her what you love most about her.

10. Does your significant other have an office job and love donuts? Send him or her a dozen donuts, and inside the box on the lid write, “(Insert Name), I donut know what I’d do without you!”

11. Make a YouTube video recording yourself recalling the memory of when you first met and the way you felt. If the place is nearby, you could even visit the place in your video. Then, share how much you love her/him now. If you don’t know how to upload to YouTube, a simple tutorial can always be found online to explain the process. It’s simple and easy. However, uploading to Facebook could be another option.

12. Is your significant other a book worm? Does he or she love reading books? Slip little sweet notes all throughout the pages of the book he or she is currently reading. So, later the notes will be found. Or, if you know a book that he or she has been wanting, make a book basket, include the new book with favorite snacks but don’t forget to put the sweet notes within the pages of the book!

13. Buy some Gummie Bears, Hershey kisses, Hot Tamales, and a pack of Extra gum. Put a note on the gummie bears that says, “Life without you would be unBEARable.” Place a note on the bag of kisses that says, “I love your sweet KISSES” and a note on the hot tamales that says, “You are my HOT TAMALE!” Last, place a note on the gum that says, “I love you extra much! Thank you for being so EXTRA special in my life!”

14. Buy a watch for your significant other and inside the box place a note that says, “After all this TIME, I’m still in LOVE with You!”

15. Buy a gift certificate for your sweetheart to get her nails done or a haircut. You can always purchase a massage as well. You can even order a couple’s massage. Think outside the box instead of the things you buy every year.

One thing that the love of your life needs to know is that you don’t just love them on Valentine’s Day once a year, but that you love him or her every day that you are together. Make your significant other feel special. It only takes a few minutes to google an idea and then make it your own.
Sometimes, just a simple card sharing your feelings can mean more than any expensive gift. Be creative, be fun, and don’t be afraid to be romantic.

Laughter and love should always go hand in hand!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Arkansas Wildlife Fishing Report

Outdoors

Tammy Teague

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8:39 pm

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Weekly Fishing Report

This is the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s fishing report for Feb. 6, 2019. If there is a body of water you would like included in this report, please email AGFCfishingreport@outlook.com with information on possible sources for reports about that lake or river. Reports are updated weekly, although some reports might be published for two weeks if updates are not received promptly or if reporters say conditions haven’t changed. Contact the reporter for the lake or stream you plan to fish for current news.

WEST-CENTRAL ARKANSAS

Lake Atkins

(updated 2-6-2019) Sharon at Lucky Landing (479-641-7615) says clarity is muddy and the lake is returning to a normal level. Surface water temperature on Tuesday was 42 degrees. Anglers tried for crappie but reports were poor. Bass fishing also was poor. Nothing reported on bream, catfish or white bass.

Lake Catherine
For weekly flow releases from Carpenter Dam, visit www.entergy.com/hydro.

No report.

Lake Catherine (Below Carpenter Dam)

For weekly flow releases from Carpenter Dam, visit www.entergy.com/hydro.

(Updated 1-30-2019) Shane Goodner, owner of Catcher All Guide Service, reports that Entergy is currently running a minimum flow pattern below Carpenter Dam. Fast flows and dangerous currents had been the norm for weeks as Lake Ouachita stayed in the flood pool for most of January. Fisherman can now safely access areas that hold good numbers of rainbow trout as the stocking schedule is in full swing. Bank fisherman are recording limits of trout using corn floated just off the bottom with a marshmallow floater. Waxworms or mealworms are also working well presented in the same manner. Spin fishermen casting Super Dupers in silver or gold colors have perfectly matched the injured threadfin shad that are drawn through the turbines in times of generation. Shad are a main prey for trout and other area gamefish below the dam. Little Cleo’s and small jigs are also very effective in current situations from the bank or boat. Fly-fishermen are taking advantage of the 5-foot drawdown and are wading to areas that hold big schools of fish. Woolly Buggers in black or green and San Juan worms in hot pink cast with a strike indicator have been deadly for those anglers who chose to brave the freezing temperatures of the last several days. Overall, rainbow trout fishing has improved dramatically in the last week as stable conditions have returned to the Carpenter Dam tailrace. Fishing will only become better as the month of February brings another 12,000 rainbow trout into the area. As January comes to an end, the walleye spawn looms on the horizon. Smaller males will begin to show up in early February to prepare the beds for the much larger females. Trolling shallow-running crankbaits against the current below the bridge is an excellent way to target these fish that guard their beds aggressively. Carolina rigs tipped with live minnows or night crawlers work better in slack water conditions. The spawn will start below the bridge and bedding fish can be found all the way to the dam by late February. White bass fishing has been very slow with no reported catches. Striper activity has also been slow. These fish are often found together in the tailrace as both species feed on shad schools and injured baitfish. Rainbow trout are king below the dam as huge numbers are stocked this time of year and this influx of trout gives fishermen the chance to catch a beautiful fish and provide their families with a tasty and healthy table fare. Anyone navigating Lake Catherine is urged to be aware of the generation schedules and always use caution and wear a life jacket when on the water.

Lake Dardanelle

(updated 1-30-2019) Charles Morrison at Classic Catch Guide Service (479-647-9945) said water temperature is 46 degrees. The river is muddy. Creeks are starting to clear. All species have been slow due to the high and dirty water conditions. But as the creeks start to clear there will be opportunity. Jerkbaits, and Alabama rigs will play a role in catching you some largemouth bass. A jig and Bamboozie will also play a role; make sure the jig is small, and shorten up the Bamboozie and dragged it very slow on bottom without picking it up. The bite is really light and you should be ready for it. The striped bass have also been good on jerkbaits and Alabama rigs. The best bite has been early. A single swimbait will work, also. White bass have been with the stripers. Jerkbaits and spoons will catch you some good white bass. Crappie have been hit-and-miss due to the current in the creeks. The clarity is getting good with the current, it’s been just a tad bit swift to keep the jig where the crappie are. Chartreuse, black/chartreuse, Bobby Garland Monkey Milk and Cajun Cricket have been working well if you can keep the jig in front of the fish.

Lake Hamilton

(updated 2-6-2019) Greeson Marine, hometown dealer of the Arkansas born-and-bred Xpress all-welded aluminum fishing boats in Hot Springs, reports lake levels still down 3-5 feet in all areas of the lake with slightly stained water and clarity 2-4 feet. Lake clarity will change this week with the rains expected. Water temperatures are hovering near the 50-degree mark throughout. The bass bite is sluggish due to water temps and the increased pressure of fisherman practicing for upcoming tournaments. Bass are still, for the most part, deep in the 20-30 foot range, but when the sun comes out expect the fish to move up into depths of 10-15 feet, and feed near the main channel points over rip-rap and rocky areas (rocks hold heat). Go-to baits will be watermelon seed jigs with subtle trailers, suspending and deep-diving-suspending jerkbaits in shad or crawfish colors and, of course, the drop-shot rig with finesse-style Senko worm setups. Crappie are smoking hot right now just over the tops of brush piles near the main channel and feeder creeks. Look for depths of 20-35 feet using your side imaging and downscan. Minnows and tipped jigs are working well fished just above the fish (typically 20 feet). Walleye and hybrids have been mixed in with bass-infested areas and are good attackers of vertical-fished white or chrome spoons. “Wear those life jackets, folks, it may be 70 degrees outside but the water temps are still dangerously cold! Good luck and Go Greeson!”

(updated 1-30-2019) Capt. Darryl Morris at Family Fishing Trips said the pattern has been the same for several weeks here. Vertical-jigging spoons at a range of 35-55 feet depth will produce plenty of catches. Work deeper channels and the deep end of points.

Lake Nimrod

As of Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 342.51 feet msl (full pool: 342.00 feet msl).

(updated 2-6-2019) Andrews Bait Shop and More (479-272-4025) said the water is cloudy and at a normal level now (342 feet). No temperature was reported. Anglers report catching fish in deep waters. Crappie are fair on minnows and white/chartreuse jigs. Bass reports are fair. Catfishing is fair. Nothing reported on bream.

(updated 2-6-2019) Good Ole Boys Trading Post (479-272-4710) said the lake is clearing and the water level is normal. Still, they say, not a lot of fishing is going on. Crappie are the best thing going, they say, with good reports. Bass are poor. Catfishing can be good at times. The bream bite is poor. No other details were offered.

Lake Ouachita

As of Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 576.09 feet msl (full pool: 578.00 feet msl).

(updated 2-6-2019) Todd Gadberry at Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa (870-867-2191/800-832-2276 out of state) said black bass are fair. Alabama rigs, jigs or spoons fished on main lake points or in creek channels are working OK at this time. No report on walleye. Stripers are still fair on live bait and Bama rigs. Major creek mouths and main lake points on the western and central parts of the lake are the best for these fish. No report on bream. Crappie are slow and being caught with jigs or minnows in 20-30 feet of water near brush. Catfish produced no reports. Water temperature is ranging 46-50 degrees. The clarity is clear. Lake level is at 576.08 feet msl. Contact the Mountain Harbor guides – Mike Wurm, 501-622-7717; Chris Darby, 870-867-7822; and Jerry Bean, 501-282-6104 – for more information.

Blue Mountain Lake
As of Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was 384.38 feet msl (full pool: 384.00 feet msl).

No reports.

Local Sheriff Attends ASA Winter Conference

Headlines

Tammy Teague

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8:28 pm

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Local Sheriff Attends ASA Winter Conference

The Arkansas Sheriffs’ Association (ASA) is comprised of 75 Sheriffs from across the state who proudly serve and protect the citizens of Arkansas. Recently, Scott County Sheriff Randy Shores attended the winter conference, which was held in Little Rock.

The ASA holds a summer and winter convention every year to offer Sheriffs the opportunity to elect board members, discuss the status of the ASA, and to assist each other with different issues such as – new laws, equipment, procedures, crime prevention, and other relative topics. The association also offers various training throughout the year to assist Sheriffs and their Deputies in protecting and serving the citizens of Arkansas.

“They bring in speakers, like this time they had someone there from the FBI,” noted Shores. He added that they discussed things such as jail management, and changes to laws.

The next conference meeting will take place in August.

ALC Files Civil Suit in Scott County

Headlines

Tammy Teague

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8:22 pm

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On February 7, President of the Arkansas Liberty Coalition, Gary Epperson, filed a civil lawsuit against Forrest City and officer Darren Smith.

In the filing, Epperson contends Forrest City is in violation of the Freedom of Information Act. Additionally, that Smith is in violation of the Arkansas Civil Rights Act, and the crime victims statute.

Court documents reflect Epperson’s FOIA requests to the FCPD on November 5, 27, December 11 and 16 of 2018. The two initial requests were related to an arrest of a persons carrying a weapon.

FCPD denied the first request, stating the case was still under investigation. Charges in that case were dropped on November 4, 2018. According to court documents, Epperson followed up with FCPD Lieutenant Eric Varner. At that time, Varner informed Epperson that his office had not received a FOIA request.

“After an investigation, it was determined that after improperly denying Gary Epperson’s request, Darren Smith had deleted Epperson’s FOIA requests.”

The alleged deletion of these requests, and the delay in response, is both a violation of the Arkansas Civil Rights Act, as well as the FOIA statute.

The complaint stated, “despite repeatedly broken promises and delayed timelines from Forrest City about compliance, Forrest City has yet to comply with either the December 11 or December 16 FOIA requests.”

Epperson noted that the ALC has exhausted all efforts to retain the requested information and this was the only recourse. He added “We aren’t anti-law enforcement. We have always had a good relationship, and we want to maintain that.”

The ALC, which formed in 2013, has more than 16k plus members. According to Epperson, the ALC was formed “to stand up for the every day citizens of the state. The second amendment is the bedrock of the ALC, although we cover other areas other than the second amendment. From this point forward, after Taff vs Arkansas, the ALC will pursue litigation against any law enforcement agency who cites an individual who is carrying a weapon for lawful purposes.”

The Arkansas Liberty Coalition’s attorney, Whitfield Hyman, is asking the court to set the hearing within seven days of the filing.

Mamaw’s Chicken and Dumplings

Food

Resident News Network

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11:14 am

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When my husband and I first got married, one night he requested chicken and dumplings for dinner. Being young and clueless on cooking, I knew I had better call his mother to get the recipe right! She told me that her mother had passed on the recipe to her for chicken and dumplings as well! Now, as the years have passed by, this has become one of our family’s favorite warm comfort foods on a cold winter day! With ball games and busy schedules, I have never had the time to make homemade dumplings. I know a lot of people make them from scratch and that is absolutely amazing. However, I have found that we love Mary B’s Dumplings in the frozen section at CV’s or Wal-Mart. They are a fast and easy solution! Within the ingredients, I have included a picture of the package of the dumplings to make it easier to find them!

Ingredients:

4 Chicken Breasts

1 package of Mary B’s Dumplings
(in the frozen bread section at Wal-Mart or CV’s)

1 can of Large Can of Cream of Chicken Soup

2 cans of Chicken Broth

2 Sticks of Butter or Margarine

Salt and Pepper to Taste

Directions:

Fill a large pot with water and place four chicken breasts into the water. Place on high heat, and bring water to a boil. Once water has came to a rolling boil, now bring the temperature back down to a medium heat, and continuing boiling the chicken. Never let your pot run out of water while boiling or it will scorch the bottom of your pot. Boil the four chicken breasts until fully cooked. This takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour. You may have to add more water during the cooking process if your water level becomes too low due to evaporation of the liquid from the heat.

Once the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink, remove the pot from the burner. The water you have boiled your chicken in has now became part of the broth you will need for the dumplings so do not discard this! You will need it for later in the dumplings. Now, carefully remove the breasts from broth filled pot. Debone chicken meat from the bones. Dispose of bones, and set meat aside.

Open the package of frozen dumplings and begin breaking them into thirds.

Next, add two cans of chicken broth to the broth already in the pot. Take the pot back to the burner and bring the broth to a boil. Once the broth is at a rolling boil, slowly begin to add the dumplings into the boiling broth. You may need to use a fork to help the dumplings to not stick together.

Once all dumplings are dropped in, turn heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and simmer now for 45 minutes. Stir about every ten minutes to prevent sticking.

Once the dumplings are soft and cooked for 45 minutes, you will now need to add the shredded chicken, the can of cream of chicken soup, and the two sticks of butter.

Adding butter to the Chicken and Dumplings!

Next, add 2 tablespoons of pepper and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir. Bring Chicken and Dumplings back to a boil on medium heat with continuous stirring until butter is melted and soup is mixed well. Once all is mixed, return to low heat and serve when ready!

If you do not wish to use the frozen dumplings, canned biscuits pinched up in small pieces or strips of tortillas will work just as well for dumplings. Many people make homemade dumplings, but I rarely find the time to be able to make mine homemade and I have found my family loves it all the same, especially using the frozen dumplings. Enjoy!

Season Concludes For Jr Lady Bulldogs

Sports

Megan Hecox

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11:00 am

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It was a pretty wondrous season for the Jr High Lady Bulldogs. The girls closed out their 2018-2019 year with a first-round matchup against Charleston in the Jr District Tournament. Through the ups and downs, the Lady Bulldogs played hard and always battled it out.

The Waldron Jr High girls’ team competed in 24 games plus numerous tournaments. Head Coach, Hannah Scantling, shares her thoughts on the season, “Even though the season didn’t go as planned, I am so proud of these girls and the work they put in. They showed a lot of improvement throughout the season and never stopped working.”

“Hopefully, we got some kinks worked out this season that we won’t have to spend so much time worrying about next season. Outside of the win/loss record, I felt we achieved many victories this season. I am eager to get to work for next years season!”

Sr Hornets Primed For District Takeover

Sports

Megan Hecox

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9:43 am

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The Sr High Hornets are geared up and ready to outperform their fellow competitors in this weeks 2A-4 Sr District shoot-out which is being played in Danville.

The Lady Hornets just ended conference play last Friday with their dual against the Lady Rebels of Westside. Unfortunately, Hackett picked up a 48-33 loss which set the seal on their 3-9 conference record. The Lady Hornets sit at the #7 seed and will go after the #6 Lady Rattlers in tonights game at 6 p.m. The winner will go on to play #3 Hector on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.

The Hornets are still flying high over their final game of the season. Taking on the Westside Rebels, Hackett won by a landslide with a final score of 59-28. The Hornets are locked into the #4 seed position with their 7-5 conference record. Hackett and Westside will get round two against eachother with their first District game on Tuesday at 5:15 p.m.

Waldron Preps For Tourney Dogfight

Sports

Megan Hecox

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8:07 am

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The Waldron Sr High Bulldogs brought their conference play season to an end last Friday night. The Bulldogs invaded Greenland to take on the Pirates in one last attempt to up their game before District.

The Lady Bulldogs came close to fighting off the Lady Pirates but in the end, got outran 34-28. The girls are a team who consistently compete until the final buzzer of every game. Ending their conference play season with a 2-12 record, the Lady Bulldogs locked in the #7 seed position. Tonight starts Waldron’s round in the 3A-1 Sr District Tournament. The Lady Bulldogs will take on the #6 West Fork Lady Tigers at 7 p.m. District is being played in West Fork.

The Waldron boys’ team sealed their 20th win on the season bringing their total play record to 20-7 as of now. The Bulldogs collapsed the Pirates in a 55-40 conquest. With Waldron keeping the lead the entire game, Greenland never could keep pace. The Bulldogs walked away with 31 rebounds and 12 steals. Leading the team in points was Payton Brown with 33, Isaac Villareal with 10, Drew Dozier with 7, and Jacob Avila with 5. The boys will tackle the second round of play in the 3A-1 District Tournament when they will face either Cedarville or Greenland on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.

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