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Twin Lakes Night Out is Tuesday

Citizens and Twin Lakes police officers interact at last year's National Night Out event.

Twin Lakes’ National Night Out event will be Tuesday, Aug., 3 from 5 to 8 p.m., at St. John’s Catholic Church, 701 North Lake Ave.

The annual event is a chance for citizens to interact with law enforcement in a friendly, casual way that strengthens the bound between the two.

New this year will be a Milwaukee Wave Soccer Club Demo and a presentation on identity theft by a local shredding service. Visitors are invited to bring a limited number of documents for free shredding.

There also will be a dunk tank with local village officials volunteering to be dunked, Flight for Life, Fire Department fire demo, police Taser demo, water patrol and police chaplain’s displays, and a display by the “Stand Tall Against Alcohol” Concerned Citizens Coalition On Alcohol & Other Drug Abuse for Greater Kenosha County. And as always there will be free food, refreshments and gift bags.

Permit amendment stumbling block in Paris-Dragaway talks

Photo by kahle via morgueFile.com

The status of a amendment to a conditional use permit addressing many of the town’s concerns appears to have developed as an obstacle in negotiations between the Great Lakes Dragaway and Paris town officials.

The town and dragaway are conducting the negotiations as a a way to avoid the town having to pass a strict noise and light ordinance. The two are attempting to negotiate an agreement that will address how the dragaway will handle some aspects that prompt complaints from citizens, such as noise, light coming from the site and late operating hours.

Nick Infusino, a lawyer representing the dragaway, said at Tuesday’s Town Board meeting that he has been meeting with town attorney Jon Knuteson, but that status of the amendment, which were signed in 1994, apparently as part of the issuing of a conditional use permit, is unresolved. A top county planning official who might be able to clarify the document’s status was unavailable this week. Infusino said he will check back with him next week.

The amendment (view here) addresses the concerns that people traditionally have had about the dragaway, calling for plans to be in place for dealing with noise and light  by 1995.

By their comments, town officials appear to be growing anxious with the length of time the negotiation is taking.

“We have to get serious and get something done,” said Chairman Virgil Gentz. “I think this has been going on for  along time.”

As a way to break the apparent stalemate, Gentz suggested involving a representative of the board and track ownership in the talks along with the attorneys.

Girl Scouts and Lois family to receive thanks from Wheatland Town Board

The flowers planted and maintained by Girl Scout Troop 7061 on a recent day.

Two organizations that have recently beautified New Munster Park will receive recognition and thanks for their efforts from the Wheatland Town Board.

Letters expressing those sentiments will go out to:

  • The Gert Lois Family, which recently donated and planted a tree in her honor at the park, with permission of the Town Board. The tree was planted near the pavilion.
  • Girl Scout Troop 7061 will be recognized for planting and maintaining flowers around the park’s main sign at the entrance near the fire station off of Geneva Road.

KASA Fall Soccer registration party is Thursday

KASA Fall Soccer  is just around the corner and the league is kicking off the season with a registration party Thursday, July 29,  at Brewed Beginnings Coffee Shop in Paddock Lake from 4 to 7 pm.

Brewed Beginnings  is located between Promise Land Restaurant and La CaBana Mexican Restaurant on Highway 50.

Everyone who registers will be eligible to get in on the raffles and giveaways. Some of the raffle items will include soccer balls and gift certificates, t shirts and more.

KASA also will be accepting registrations by mail as well. The form is available here.

Daily Quack: Two demo derbies for more crunching, crashing fun

The sound of the fenders of two cars crunching can be sickening — unless you’re at the Kenosha County Fair’s demolition derbies.

There will be plenty of intentional crunching at the Wilmot Raceway on the fairgrounds on Sunday with two demolition derbies — one at 1 p.m. and another at 5 p.m.

In demolition derby, competitors try to disable each other’s vehicles by running into them. The last driver with a car that can still get around is the winner.

The demo derbies always draw a good crowd to the grandstand. Seeing all the destructive action of the derbies is included in the gate admission.

For entry information contact the fair office at 862-6121.

This year’s Kenosha County Fair runs from Aug. 18 to Aug. 22.

Wisconsin Lightning Softball sign-ups this week

Tryouts for the Wisconsin Lightning Softball teams for the 2011 will be in August.

Tryouts will take place at Wilmot High School softball fields, 3173 116th St., on the following dates and times:

  • Aug. 14 and 15 – 10U, 9 to 11 a.m.; 12U to 14U, noon to 3 p.m.; 16U to 18U, 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Aug. 17 — 10U 5 to 6:30 p.m.; 12U to 14U 5 to 6:30 p.m.; 16U to 18U 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Registration is available on the Lightning website.

Paris clerk/treasurer resignation tabled

Paris town Clerk/Treasurer Beth Frederick submitted her resignation by letter today, but the Town Board tabled accepting it until they can discuss the matter further with her.

In fact, town Chairman Virgil Gentz said he didn’t even read the letter because he wants to find a way to keep Frederick in her current position.

“I think it’s really important that we try to keep Beth on,” Gentz said.

For her part, Frederick said after the meeting that she  resigned in part because the scope of the position has been expanding since she was appointed to it after former Clerk/Treasurer Linda Terry resigned in February to take a job with another municipality.

“The additional duties have been adding up,” Frederick said.

However, Frederick said she was OK with the board tabling her resignation and meeting with the board on what could be done to keep her on board.

“I’m willing to listen to what they have to say,” Frederick said.

The board has been working on ways to give Frederick additional pay for what they say are duties above and beyond those performed by the clerk/treasurer. Board members were not specific, but said that they have run into statutory limits to how that can be done.

Frederick was also supported by four speakers during citizens comments. The most extensive comment was made by Pam Luebke, who cited numerous  improvements that Frederick has instituted in town office operations and suggesting that the board has been taking advantage of Frederick by having her work extensive hours.

“She keeps this place running like a well-oiled machine,” Luebke said.”I ask the board to really think twice about accepting her resignation.”

For her part, Frederick thanked residents Marilyn Zirbel and Kathy Frederick for volunteering to help her reorganize the town office.

“From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your assistance,” Frederick said.

Former Clerk Terry told westofthei.com that some of the files etc, that needed to be organized was due to the move into the newly remodeled town hall that took place in 2007.

“Just prior to tax time in 2007, the new portion of the Town Hall was able to be moved in to,” Terry wrote in an email. “File cabinets and boxes were moved into the back room and left for Lori and I to deal with when we had time.  Tax time came and went with no time for filing.  After that, my deputy clerk helped out with the building permits that had been boxed up – they were filed by parcel number – some of those permits dated back to the early 1990′s. For the next two years, Lori and I attempted to get things straightened up in that back room.  I had a deputy clerk that worked 4 – 6 hours a week, except during tax time, wherein she worked when I did – Monday, Wednesday and Friday; we also were open two Saturdays in December and January.

“I would have to agree – the new clerk/treasurer DOES need help with the work; I would have to wonder though, why did the Board choose to ‘let go’ the deputy clerk/treasurer that the Town already had? The present clerk/treasurer is fortunate in the fact that she was able to bring in, not one, but two people to help her – I was never given that opportunity by the Board.”

Daily Quack: More to junior fair than just animals

When many people think of the fair, and kids showing projects, they think of animals large and small. And kids do exhibit animals at the fair from cattle to cats.

Perhaps lesser known, however, is the many non-animal projects that are also part of the fair, which this year runs from Aug. 18 to Aug. 22.

Here are the general categories in the  junior fair outside of animals: plant and soil science, flowers and house plants, natural sciences,cultural arts, photography/computers, woodworking, electricity, mechanics, food and nutrition, clothing, knitting and crocheting, home environment, family living, youth group scrapbook and banners, youth leadership, health and social and school exhibits.

To see the impressive and creative work exhibited in these categories, don’t miss the exhibit buildings just to the northeast of the Commercial Building. They are a little out of the way, but worth the trip to see all the hard work members of 4-H clubs and other youth organizations have put into their projects from decorated cakes to wood furniture.

Units responding to report of rollover crash

Photo by kconnors via morgueFile.com

At 5:15 p.m., sheriff’s deputies are responding to the report of a rollover crash on Highway 50 (75th Street) near 216th Avenue at the Bristol-Salem line.

Dispatch reports that the vehicle is in the median and apparently is upright again, but there may be injuries.

Salem Fire/Rescue also responding to the scene.

UPDATE 5:20 p.m. — Deputy reports to dispatch that there may be two injuries. Additional rescue squad dispatched from Salem Fire/Rescue.

UPDATE 5:46 p.m.– Two rescue squads transporting patients to a hospital under non-emergency conditions.

UPDATE 5:55 p.m. — All fire/rescue units are leaving the scene.

Salem Fire/Rescue to host open house Aug. 1

Salem Fire/Rescue will host and open house with water fights this Sunday, Aug. 1, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Salem station, 8339 Antioch Road.

The event promises fun for the entire family with apparatus on view, fire truck rides, DJ, concession stand and kids activities.

Kids water fights begin at 1 p.m.

Firefighter water fights begin at 1 p.m.

Proceeds will go to help pay for advance training for firefighters to better protect the community and themselves.

For more information, call 843-2170.

Lakeland American takes senior district championship

Pictured with Championship banner are: (from left, kneeling) Mike Sorensen, Jake Ludwig (back row), Coach Mike Sorensen, Tyler Sorensen, Anthony Anichini, Sean Flahive, Tommy Neave, Jaon Gackowski, Sam Shelton, Corey Muhlenbeck, Luke Podella, Mike Harms, Zach Keller And Mngr. Mario Anichini. /Photo submitted by Scott Muhlenbeck

The Lakeland American Senior baseball team captured the District 6 crown Monday and advanced to the state tournament in Madison, starting July 29.

In the double elimination tournament they lost their first game to Franklin National 12-8. They then won 5 straight games coming through the losers bracket to face Franklin National for the championship and beat them 2 games in a row 4 to 1 on Sunday and 10 to 4 on Monday. On their way to the championship game they defeated Oak Creek 14-4, Lakeland National 13-0 and Franklin American 16-11.

Highlights of the championship game Monday’s game were strong pitching performances by Luke Podella and Anthony Anichini by limiting a strong hitting Franklin squad to 4 runs on 7 hits. Behind 2-0 in the 2nd inning Tom Neave put down a perfect squeeze bunt to score Corey Muhlenbeck to get them on the board. Then there was no looking back. Offensive leaders for Lakeland included Podella with 2 home runs in consecutive at bats in the 4th and 6th innings. Neave also hit a home run in the 5th.

In the elimination game on Sunday Mike Harms pitched a complete game allowing only 1 run on 2 hits while striking out 8. Sam Shelton and Podella lead the way at the plate with 2 hits apiece.

Sam Shelton lead the way for the tournament batting .450 and hitting 2  home runs, while Mike Sorensen and Mike Harms batted .363.

Two crashes on Interstate 94, no injuries

Photo by kconnors via morgueFile.com

Within the hour, sheriff’s deputies have responded to two multi-vehicle crashes on Interstate 94:

  • The first involved three vehicles and was at Highway 50 in the southbound lanes. Two of the involved vehicles were beyond construction barrels when deputies arrived and therefore out of the way. A third vehicle did not stop. No injuries were reported.
  • At about 10:38 p.m., deputies and Somers Fire and Rescue responded to a report of a crash in the northbound lanes of the 3700 block of Interstate 94 (north of Highway 142). The crash reportedly involved a semi tractor trailer and a minivan, with the van having gone off the roadway as a result. A deputy on the scene reported no injuries.

Garage Sales Page updated

garage-saleWest of the I’s garage sales page has been updated.

Be sure to check it out each week before you begin your bargain hunting.

If you’d like to be added to the list, please drop us a line at westofthei@yahoo.com. Include your address, days, hours etc. We’ll even add a map to your info.

Bristol to seek bids for new entrance signs

It used to be the town of Bristol.

Then it was the village of Bristol and the town of Bristol.

With Bristol’s corporate identity united again as a village, the Village Board is considering redoing signs along roadways that enter the village to reflect the new identity.

The village has one proposal in hand already for 20 redwood signs at a cost of $750 a piece of a total of $15,000.

With some trustees seeming to balk at that cost, the board voted to have village administrator Randy Kerkman seek additional bids including proposals for metal signs as well as wood.

“I would like to get a couple of more bids for this,” said Trustee Carolyn Owens.

Trustee Ruth Atwood asked that the bidders come to a future meeting to answer questions about their proposal as well as bring some samples.

“This is a lot of money,” Atwood said, referring to the $15,000 proposal.

Daily Quack: This fair has talent (shows)

Fairgoers with talent can display their skills at the Kenosha County Fair.

The fair will host talent shows at the Free Acts Stage on Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 18 and 19, starting at 6 p.m.

The talent contests are open to amateurs ages 7 to adult. There are solo and group classes in each of the following categories:

  • Instrumental music.
  • Vocal music.
  • Miscellaneous.

There also is a special class for out of state groups.

Those interested in competing should contact the fair office for further information at  862-6121 or in writing at: PO Box 96, Wilmot WI 53192

Lakeland girls take state title; on to regional in Ohio

Pictured left to right sitting, Adria Bollendorf, Brooke Biedrzycki, Margaret Rynkiewicz, Pam Anderson, Jessica Rainey. Standing: Coach John Willis, Ashley Henningfield, Ashley Alter, Katie Skora, Madison Hahn, Holly Niederer, Manager Jerry Alter , Kailey McCormack, Clare O’Neill, Alliyha Willis and Coach Raquel Willis.

This past weekend, the Lakeland Little League Junior Girls captured the district softball tournament earning them the right to represent the state of Wisconsin in the regional tournament in Elyria, Ohio Aug. 6-11.

The winner of that tournament will get to participate in the softball Little League World Series held in Kirkland, Washington .

The tournament victory was a complete team effort from hitting to strong defense. This allowed the girls to out score their opponents 36-14 in the games.

Silver Lake looking at demolishing rescue storage building and some sidewalks

Silver Lake's insurance carrier is concerned this storage building on the rescue squad property could damage a nearby residence if it fell or burned down.

The Silver Lake Village Board is considering replacing distressed sidewalks like these on Park Street with grass.

After a recent inspection by the village’s liability insurance carrier, Silver Lake is considering demolishing a storage building on the rescue squad property and some out of repair sidewalks in town, rather than pay to replace them.

The insurance company recently identified the storage building and the sidewalks on East and West Lake Street and in the 300 block of North Street as areas in need of repair in written communication sent to the district. Village officials agreed that Park Street walks were just as bad if not worse.

Village President Roger Johnson was emphatic that most of the sidewalks not be replaced due to cost. Instead, he suggested taking out the concrete and replacing with dirt and grass where practical.

“There aren’t going to be any new sidewalks in the village, I guarantee that,” Johnson said.

Johnson also deemed the building, which is used for fire department storage though it is on the rescue squad property, as beyond repair. The land the building sits on is owned by the village and leased to the rescue squad for $1 per year.

“We’ve got to do something with that old building … and do it soon,” Johnson said.

The fire department uses the building for storage of items such as dive team equipment and extra hose, said Trustee Richard Maron, who is a member of the department.

The board did not act on sidewalks or the building, though it is expected to again review options regarding each issue.

Resignation of clerk/treasurer on agenda of Paris Town Board meeting

The agenda for the next regular monthly meeting of the Paris Town Board has been posted.

Included on the agenda is an item for the formal acceptance of the resignation of town Clerk/Treasurer Beth Frederick. She was appointed to fill the position after former Clerk/Treasurer Linda Terry resigned in February to take a job with another municipality. Recently, the board had been considering ways to increase Frederick’s pay for additional duties they felt she was performing.

The meeting also will include an update on talks between the town and the operators of the Great Lakes Dragaway. The town has been attempting to negotiate an agreement with the track to regulate aspects such as noise and lighting that some nearby residents have been complaining about.

The meeting will take place Tuesday, July, 27 (changed to correct date–DH), at 7 p.m., at the Public Safety Building.

A copy of the full agenda is available here.

Crash at Highways HM and Z

Photo by kconnors via morgueFile.com

At 5:39 p.m., Twin Lakes Fire and Rescue is responding to the report of a crash with unknown injuries at Highways HM and Z in Twin Lakes.

UPDATE 5:45 p.m. — Crash is single vehicle in ditch, no injuries, an officer on the scene reports.


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Daily Quack: Get commercial at the fair

The Commercial Building at the Kenosha County Fair hosts a wide variety of booths from the strictly commercial to the more philosophical.

Through the years I have seen booths from law enforcement, political parties, builders, media, sellers of all types of merchandise and even cooking demonstrations. If for no other reason, a trip or two or three through the Commercial Building is worthwhile because many of them have fun stuff to give away too.

There are always some mainstays that you see year after year. But there is almost always something new to see too.

West of the I will again have a booth in the Commercial Building. Please come out and share your thoughts about the site or perhaps what you’d like to see us follow in the future. We’d love to share our knowledge of the fair or connect you with one of our sponsors for the goods and services you need. We’ll have a fun giveaway and a contest too.

The fair this year runs from Aug. 18 to Aug. 22.

Salem Town Board gives Heath property owners a little more time to improve site

The farmhouse on the Heath property on Highway AH photographed July 24.

Owners of the dilapidated Heath farmstead on Highway AH in Salem have received a little more time from the Salem Town Board to get the property visually presentable.

The board agreed at a special meeting last Monday to give the owners of the property until Nov. 15 to get the home on the property looking good and secure. The family had been working under a September deadline.

“It’s definitely not presentable now,” said Bob Brown, a contractor that Heath family representative Michael Hart may hire to work on the home.

Brown’s Illinois-based firm (though Brown is a local resident)  specializes in historical restorations. But town administrator Patrick Casey pointed out the town’s interest is simply in getting beyond eyesore status, not historical restoration.

“The big issue is when you drive by, if it’s a decent looking house,” Casey said.

The extension was approved unanimously by the present board members (Supervisor Dennis Faber was absent).

Silver Lake approves road paving projects for 2010

The Silver Lake Village Board has approved $171,000 in road paving projects for the current year.

The board will borrow that money from Peoples Bank at 4.1 percent interest for five years.

Included in the project will be:

  • East and West Elm Street.
  • Lawn Court.
  • Prairie Drive.
  • Oak Street.

The board had some discussion on whether to include Oak Street this year. Including the street drove the paving project above the cash the village had on hand for paving this year, prompting the need for the loan.

“Oak Street is pretty bad,” Johnson said.

Trustees ultimately decided that borrowing the money now was better than letting roads continue to deteriorate.

“We’re going to be penny wise and dollar foolish if we don’t go ahead and do it,” Trustee Barbara Ingram said.

Paddock Lake to host Green Expo July 31

Paddock Lake’s Green Expo will be Saturday, July 31, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Village Hall, 6969 236th Ave.

Exhibitors at the expo will include:

  • Eco-Tech (Joe Sadlier) — on recycled plastic products.
  • Fox Plumbing (Chris Fox) — on water conservation.
  • Reliable Heating and Air Conditioning (Rick Sheehan) — energy conservation.
  • Village of Paddock Lake (Tim Popanda) — storm water, rain barrel construction, energy conservation and building moisture control.
  • Libertyville Toyota — Prius display.
  • John’s Disposal — recycling program.
  • Kenosha County Health Department.
  • Kenosha County Parks Department.

Door prize drawings will be held every hour.

Daily Quack: Hay bale toss contest is Friday evening

If you’re the kind of person who likes to throw some weight around, the Kenosha County Fair has an event just for you.

The hay bale throwing contest will take place at 6:30 p.m., Friday of the fair. Pre-registration starts at 6 p.m. There is a $1 entry fee

The premise is simple. Take a bale of hay and see how far you can toss it. Techniques vary.

Classes are divided by gender and age: 9 years old and under, 10 to 14 years old, 15 to 20 years old and 21 and over. cash and prizes are awarded for the top finishers. Usually at least some members of the fair court also give the contest a heave.

The contest is sponsored by Slades Corners Lucky Clovers 4-H Club. Medallions are sponsored  by Farm Bureau and John Squire.

The Kenosha County Fair runs this year from Aug. 18 to 22.

Livingston and Lux lauded at Twin Lakes Protection and Rehabilitation District annual meeting

Two big contributors to the enjoyment and health of Lakes Mary and Elizabeth were recognized for their contributions Saturday.

Michael Lux and Bob Livingston were the recipients of recognition awards at today’s annual meeting and budget hearing for the Twin Lakes Protection and Rehabilitation District. The meeting was held Saturday morning  at Wilmot High School.

Here’s the presentation for Lux, who died earlier this year from cancer. His award was received by Jerryl Lux, his wife.

Here’s the presentation for Livingston:

And here are Livingston’s remarks after the presentation:

Body recovered on Lake Elizabeth


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The body of a man who drowned on Lake Elizabeth Thursday evening was recovered Friday night.

The drowning victim was iJohn A. Jones, 53, of Elgin, Ill., a Twin Lakes Police Department press release said.

Firefighters and dive teams from multiple jurisdictions had searched for Jones on Thursday and for his body all day Friday to no avail. The recovery effort was suspended for the night at around 6:30 p.m. Friday and was to resume Saturday morning.

But the police department received a call at 8:30p.m. from a citizen reporting a possible body floating in the lake. Police and fire personnel responded to the northwest side of Lake Elizabeth where the caller directed them and recovered the body of  Jones, who had been seen by witnesses in distress while in the water on Thursday around 5 p.m., the press release said.

The body was released to the Kenosha County Medical Examiner.

The drowning is being investigated by the Twin Lakes Police Department.

Recovery effort on Lake Elizabeth re-starting

Photo by kconnors via morgueFile.com

At 8:54 p.m., Twin Lakes firefighters have been called back to the station for an apparent restart of the body recovery effort on Lake Elizabeth, according to scanner transmissions.

UPDATE about 9:15 p.m. — Emergency workers have launched at least one boat onto the lake.

Update: Lake Elizabeth recovery effort suspended for today

Photo by kconnors via morgueFile.com

Twin Lakes police Chief Dale Racer has issued the following statement regarding ongoing efforts to recover the body of a man who went missing after entering Lake Elizabeth in Twin Lakes Thursday evening:

Fire Department dive and sonar teams battled the winds and waves on Lake Elizabeth today and were unable to recover the body. The Incident Commander from Twin Lakes Fire Department, Fire Chief Stan Clause, made the decision to close down the lake today in order to prevent interference during the recovery operation.

Fire department personnel also did a search along the shore line with negative results.

The recovery operation will be suspended shortly (statement issued at 6:24 p.m.) and resume at 6 a.m. tomorrow. A sonar team will stay on the lake to mark specific finds for the divers to check tomorrow.

Tomorrow morning Fire Chief Clause will determine whether to open the lake or open part of the lake to the public or continue keeping the lake closed until recovery.


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Daily Quack: Powerful pedaling at pedal tractor pulls

Youngsters will be putting pedals to the metal on Thursday and Friday at the Kenosha County Fair as part of the annual Pedal Tractor Pulls. The competition is sponsored by Jockey International and is open to youngsters from 5 to 12 years old.

In pedal tractor pull, the kids pedal a special pedal-powered tractor pulling a sled that is a mini version of the type used in engine powered pulling competitions. The father the competitor pedals, the heavier and harder to pull the sled becomes. The person that pulls the farthest with the most weight wins.

The competition is divided up into four classes: 5 to 6 year olds, 7 to 8 year olds, 9 to 10 year olds and 11 to 12 year olds. Prizes are awarded for the top finishers.
Competitors can register between 10 and 11 a.m. Thursday and Friday of fair week at the 4-H exhibit buildings. The pull takes place nearby starting at 11 a.m. on Thursday and 11:30 a.m. Friday.

There also will be a special pedal pull on Friday for 13 to 16 year olds on Friday giving some older young people a chance to relive their pedal glories.

This year’s fair runs from Aug. 18 through Aug. 22.

Salem Fire/Rescue responding to report of person who was submerged in pond

Photo by kconnors via morgueFile.com

At 3 p.m., Salem Fire/Rescue personnel are responding tothe 22000 block of 45th Street (Highway NN), Brighton, for a person who was underwater in a pond and is not breathing and is not conscious.

UPDATE 3:05 p.m. — Scanner transmissions indicate CPR was performed on the person and they are now breathing, but still unconscious.

UPDATE 3:24 p.m. — Some Salem Fire/Rescue units leaving scene.


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