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“IS IT TRUE” FEBRUARY 19, 2019

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We hope that today’s “READERS FORUM” will provoke honest and open dialogue concerning issues that we, as responsible citizens of this community, need to address in a rational and responsible way?

IS IT TRUE that GOP Party Chairman Wayne Parke’s just announced that he opposes ALEX SCHMITT’S for the AT-LARGE CITY COUNCIL seat?  …it’s well known that Mr. Schmitt is the hand-picked candidate of Mayor Winnecke?  …we predict that Mr. Parkes decision to publically oppose Alex Schmitt’s candidacy for the At-Large City Council seat has caused a split between Mayor Winnecke and GOP Chairman Wayne Parke? …we predict that this is a developing story with a lot of political twists and turns?

IS IT TRUE we wonder why did the Ford Center drop the Evansville IceMen hockey team who paid them $10,000 per home game and replaces them with the Evansville Thunderbolts hockey team that pays them $1,000 per home game?  …if the Evansville IceMen played 32 home game at the Ford Center they would have paid $320,000 for the use of that facility? …if the Evansville Thunderbolts plays 28 home games they paid the Ford Center $28,000 per season?  …if our calculations are correct the Evansville IceMen paid the Ford Center exactly $292,000 more in rent than the Evansville Thunderbolts?  …we would like to know how is the Ford Center management going to make up the $292,000 in revenue shortfall for the 2018 to 2019 hockey season?

IS IT TRUE right after Mayor Winnecke took office he quietly approved of (without fanfare) a $50 million “Smart Water Meter project that was funded by future water and sewer rate increases?  …several people questioned this decision because the new smart meters were installed on a water delivery system that was over 100 years old? …because of unexplained reasons, this multi-million dollars project was never completed?  …we wonder what happened to the bond money left over from this abandoned public works project?

IS IT TRUE we wonder if the Executive Director of the Evansville DMD and members of the ERC board would spend their own money the same way they spent our tax dollars buying property located on North Main Street and Main Street?  …we bet the answer to this question is a resounding “NO”?

IS IT TRUE last week one of our posters made the following comment about former Vanderburgh County Sheriff Eric Williams being appointed to the Evansville Vanderburgh Library board?  …that Danielle Wilson posted; “Wishing former Sheriff Eric Willaims success and prayers for the journey he’s taking with the Evansville Vanderburgh Library.”  Good luck!

IS IT TRUE that the Memorial Village Center City complex already houses offices for Memorial Community Development Corporation, a Community Federal Credit Union, the Evansville Black Chamber of Commerce, Family Barbershop, Subway Restaurant, outstanding Child Care facility and offices for job creation and affordable housing? … that the Memorial Village complex has enough land for future well-thought-out commercial development projects?

IS IT TRUE we wonder why members of the ERC and Evansville DMD haven’t approached the developer of the Memorial Village Complex located in the Center City to do a similar project in the North Main Street area?  …it’s obvious that the infrastructure of certain areas of North Main Street is well positioned for some future creative economic development?

IS IT TRUE we find it interesting that community activist and mega preacher Dr. Adrian M. Brooks, Sr. of Memorial Baptist Church has been appointed to several important community boards?  ….he was recently appointed to the Southwest Economic Development Board and also the Airport Authority Board of Directors.  …that longtime Democrat Dr. Adrian Brooks was appointed to these meaningful boards by Republicans?  …all we can say about this is “Very Interesting?

IS IT TRUE that the Downtown Farmers’ Market won’t be opening for 2019 Season?  …this another prime example why this type of activity should be left up to the private sector?  …the West Franklin Street Bazaar is being run by a group of volunteers and is flourishing every year?

Todays “Readers Poll” question is: Do you feel its time for the Evansville City Council to adopt an ordinance to have the Ford Center management put under the direction of a “Board Of Control”?

Please take time and read our articles entitled “STATEHOUSE Files, CHANNEL 44 NEWS, LAW ENFORCEMENT, READERS POLL, BIRTHDAYS, HOT JOBS” and “LOCAL SPORTS”.  You now are able to subscribe to get the CCO daily.

If you would like to advertise in the CCO please contact us City-County Observer@live.com.
EDITOR’S FOOTNOTE:  Any comments posted in this column do not represent the views or opinions of the City-County Observer or our advertisers

 

GOP CHAIRMAN WAYNE PARKE OPPOSES ALEX SCHMITT FOR AT LARGE CITY COUNCIL SEAT

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Yesterday Afternoon The Vanderburgh County Republican Party Chairman Wayne Parke Posted The Following Comment On His FACEBOOK Page:

E. WAYNE PARKE

Republican Chairman Wayne Parke will not be helping/supporting City Council Candidate Alex Schmitt in his campaign for City Council At-Large because he supports some Democrat candidates over Republican candidates I will be ignoring him and Connie Whitman.  Neither represents Republican believes.

The Republicans have 3 other good at-large City Council candidates.

WAYNE PARKE

FOOTNOTES: The above statement by GOP Party Chairman was posted without editing. 

The City-County Observer posted the following statement in yesterday’s “IS IT TRUE” section:

IS IT TRUE we now understand why the Vanderburgh County GOP Party Chairman Wayne Parke hasn’t taken the Republican At-Large City Council candidate to task for attending Democrat Ben Trockman official campaign filing event at the Civic Center?  …we have been told by people in the know that the reason why Mr. Parke hasn’t taken the Republican At-Large City Council candidate to task is because he’s a handpicked City Council candidate of the Mayor?

HAPPENINGS AT THE VANDERBURGH COUNTY GOP

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Central Committee:
Wayne Parke, Chairman
Mary Jo Kaiser, Political Director
Dottie Thomas, Vice Chairman
Lon Walters, Secretary
Farley Smith, Treasurer
Kevin Harrison, Editor
 
News and Upcoming Events Tuesday, February 19, 2019

  This past Saturday several Republican candidates for City Council attended the VCRP monthly breakfast. Those that addressed the gathering spoke of being part of a “team” that will work together with Mayor Winnecke to keep Evansville moving forward. It was also mentioned that as Republicans each individual would also work to help one another get elected this Fall. This is an important point to keep in mind when selecting which candidates will run under the Republican banner.

As a Party, we need to support candidates for office that have themselves supported other Republicans, either by action or acclamation. When voting in the upcoming Republican Primary contested races, cast your ballot for the candidate(s) that have supported the Republican party and its candidates in the past. Do not let anyone tell you that voting for an ‘R’ or a ‘D’  in a local contest doesn’t matter. It does.

The local Parties, and the offices they hold, are the foundation upon which the national Parties stand. Every local race has national ramifications by virtue of either strengthening or weakening that Party. Looking ahead to November, it is important that Republicans support Republicans in every race. A vote for any Democratic candidate helps to advance a party that has embraced socialism, infanticide, open borders, and a ‘New Green Deal’ fantasy.

 Several candidates for Evansville City Council attended the February 16, 2019 VCRP Breakfast. Pictured (L-R) Ron Beane (At-Large), Tim O’Brien (Ward 1), Carol McClintock (representing Mayor Lloyd Winnecke), David Christmas (At-Large), Steve Melcher (Ward 3), Archie Carter (Ward 4), VCRP Chairman Wayne Parke.

   Vanderburgh County Lincoln Day Dinner 2019:
You are Invited to Join the Vanderburgh County Republican Party for our 2019 Lincoln Day Dinner
When: Thursday, March 21, 2019
             3810 Stringtown Rd., Evansville
Keynote Speaker: the United States Senator Mike Braun
Special Guests: 
Indiana Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch
8th District Congressman Larry Bucshon
Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke
Doors Open: 5:30 pm
   Reception: 5:30 – 6:30pm
        Dinner: 6:30pm

Single ticket price is $100 dinner <> $150 dinner & reception.

Mark your calendar to join the VCRP on Thursday evening, March 21, 2019 for our annual Lincoln Day Dinner. This year’s featured speaker will be Indiana Freshman Senator Mike Braun. Additional information will be provided soon.  Contact Mary Jo Kaiser if you have any questions at 812-425-8207 or beamerjo59@gmail.com. 

Nominations for 2019 Republican of the Year
The VCRP is currently accepting nominations for Republican of the Year. The Republican of the Year Award is presented annually to a local Republican who gives a lot of  his or her time and money to make the local Republican Party the best it can be to serve the voters of our area. If you know of someone deserving

of this honor please forward his or her name to Mary Jo Kaiser, VCRP Political Director (phone 812-425-8207 or Email beamerjo59@gmail.com). The Republican of the Year Award will be presented March 21, a the end of the 2019 Vanderburgh County Lincoln Day Dinner.

VCRP has MAGA Hats:
The VCRP has a limited number of Make America Great Again hats available for $20 each. If you are interested in a MAGA hat, contact Mary Jo Kasier at 812-425-8207 or Email beamerjo59@gmail.com

 City Council Meeting-   Date: Monday, February 25, 2019

    Time: 5:30 PM

Location: Room 301, Civic Center Complex
                1 NW Martin Luther King Blvd, Evansville
 For more information visit

City Council

EVSC Board of School Trustees Meeting-
  Date: February 25, 2019
             Time: 5:30 PM
 Location: Board Room, EVSC Administration Building
                  951 Walnut St., Evansville

 County Commission Meeting-   Date: Tuesday, February 26, 2019
   Time: 3:00 PM
Location: Room 301, Civic Center Complex
                1 NW Martin Luther King Blvd, Evansville
 For more information visit

County Commissioners

VCRP Central Committee Meeting -  Wednesday, February 27, 2019
Time: 11:30 AM
Location: GOP Headquarters
815 John Street, Evansville
Meetings are open to all Vanderburgh County Precinct Committeemen 

 County Council Meeting- Date: Wednesday, February 27, 2019

    Time: 3:30 PM

Location: Room 301, Civic Center Complex
                1 NW Martin Luther King Blvd, Evansville
 For more information visit

County Council



 
Aurora
Learn about emergency housing services and the Commission on the Homeless.

Meet your Legislators Meeting-
Date: Saturday March 9, 2019
Time: Doors open at 9 am. Sessions start at 9:15 am and end at 11 am.

200 SE Marin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Evansville, IN 47713

Local state legislators are invited to make themselves available to answer questions on the second Saturdays of each month during each year’s legislative session.

Cracker Barrel Meeting–
Date: Saturday, March 16, 2019
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: Warrick Co. School Corp. Center Service Building

930 West Main Street, Boonville, IN

The Posey County, Vanderburgh County and Warrick County Farm Bureau Inc. join the Southwest Indiana Chamber of Commerce and the Warrick County Chamber of Commerce to host the Cracker Barrel sessions on the third Saturday of each month during the 2019 Indiana Legislative session. Join local state legislators in the third of four scheduled public forums Saturday, March 16, 2019.

Voter registration for the 2019 Primary Election ends April 8, 2019.
Register to vote online or update an existing voter registration record by visiting the Indiana Voter Portal at https://indianavoters.in.gov/ . For information on how to register to vote by mail or in person visit the Vanderburgh County Voters Registration webpage, or contact the Vanderburgh County Voter Registration office at 812-435-5222.                                                        

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Join Indiana Republican Party for the 2019 Spring Dinner March 11, 2019 at the JW Marriott in Indianapolis.
Special guests Corey Lewandowski and David Bossie.

Supporting Hoosier Teachers:
(from February 15,Newsletter)

Teachers play an integral role in our community and state by helping prepare our kids for success. While teacher pay is set by local school boards, this session, the Senate is considering several measures to support Indiana teachers and teaching candidates.

 One proposal would increase Indiana’s school-supply tax credit for teachers from $100 to $500. Expanding this credit is projected to save Hoosier teachers $6 million to $15 million a year.

Another proposed effort would streamline our current patchwork system of training requirements for school employees by requiring trainings on topics such as bullying prevention and gang activity to be offered on a multi-year cycle, with teachers completing one each year.

An additional measure, which I authored, would require the State Board of Education to replace Indiana’s current teacher licensing exams, which have high failure rates, with new nationally administered teacher licensing exams. This change would remove an obstacle that has prevented qualified teaching candidates from entering the profession.

Finally, senators are working on giving school corporations more flexibility in setting teacher pay by removing the current cap on how much teachers’ years of experience and academic degrees can impact potential raises.

At the Statehouse, we know how critical good teachers are to the future of our state, and these bills respond to concerns brought forth by Hoosier educators.

Follow Bills introduced for the 2019 legislative session HERE.

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Presidential Proclamation on Declaring a National Emergency Concerning the Southern Border of the United States (issued February 15, 2019)
In order to secure more funding for a wall on the U.S southern border President Trump issued a Proclamation of National Emergency last Friday, February 15, 2019.  The President  felt it necessary to take this action after open border Democrats in congress refused to provide funding for a border barrier needed to protect American citizens by securing our southern border.
 Read the Presidential Proclamation on Declaring a National Emergency HERE.

Watch  President Trump’s full speech declaring a national emergency for border wall funding HERE.

“Hoosiers have made it clear that they want border security. While I’m glad an agreement was reached to fund the government, I am disappointed that Democrats refused to fully commit to securing our border. Under the Constitution of the United States, it is the responsibility of Congress to fund border security and fix our broken immigration system. I will continue to urge my Democratic colleagues to put politics aside and come to the table.”

– Senator Todd Young (021419 News Release)
 “Government shutdowns need to stop, but I cannot support our dysfunctional system of out-of-control government spending through a broken process: it would never work in the private sector and it certainly doesn’t work in Washington. This legislation did not sufficiently address the humanitarian and security crisis on our southern border and left President Trump with no other option than to declare a national emergency, which I support.”
– Senator Mike Braun (021419 News Release)

Stay in touch with GOP members of Congress representing our area at these links:

            Visit the Vanderburgh GOP 

page for daily updates.

  Mark Your calendar                CLICK on event for more information
February 21 (5:00 pm) Rascher for City Council Fundraiser
February 25, (5:30 pm) City Council Meeting
February 25, (5:30 pm) EVSC Board of Trustees Meeting
February 26 (3:00 pm) County Commission Meeting
February 27 (11:30 am) VCRP Central Committee Meeting
February 27 (3:30 pm) County Council Meeting
March 1 (6:00 pm) Winnecke Campaign Kick-Off
March 9 (9:00 am) Meet Your Legislators
March 16 (7:30 am) VCRP Monthly Breakfast
March 16 (9:00 am) Cracker Barrel Meeting
March 21 (5:30 pm) VCRP Lincoln Day Dinner
April 8 Voter Registration Ends for Primary Election
April 9 Absentee Voting for Primary Election Begins at Election Office

  Make sure you add vandygop@gmail.com to your address book so we’ll be sure to land in your inbox!

         If you have any questions, contact Mary Jo Kaiser, VCRP Political Director, at

or (812) 425-8207.
                                                       Visit www.vanderburghgop.com
for more info. Thank you.
Paid for by the Vanderburgh County Republican Party, Farley Smith, Treasurer

Nationwide Girls Go CyberStart Competition Includes Indiana

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Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb today announced the 2019 Girls Go CyberStart challenge, a skills-based competition designed to encourage girls to pursue cyber-based learning and career opportunities. Registration is now open.

 Indiana was one of 16 states to participate in the inaugural event hosted in 2018 by the SANS Institute. More than 6,500 girls participated, including more than 400 Hoosier high school students. This year, the program has expanded to 26 states, including a collegiate competition, and the organization provides free cybersecurity resources to interested schools.

“Indiana is a proven cybersecurity leader and continues to grow its reputation as a national leader in technology,” Gov. Holcomb said. “We should encourage our young people to know and pursue tech-based skills to help develop critical thinking skills and find fulfilling careers in a high-wage, high-demand field.”

The country faces a deep shortage in computer science and cyber-trained workers, although experts predict these to be some of the highest paying, in-demand jobs. Since 2010, cyber jobs have increased by more than 75 percent, outpacing the talent pool and resulting in more than 1 million unfilled cyber positions nationwide. In Indiana, an estimated 2,300 jobs are unfilled, according to the Cyberseek jobs tool.

Girls Go CyberStart centers on a fun and thought-provoking game to inspire young women to test their aptitude in cyber skills. Female students in grades 9-12 can participate for free, either as individuals or as part of a school-based team. As part of theCyberStart challenge, participants will take on the roles of agents in the Cyber Protection Agency, where they will develop forensic and analytical skills and deploy them to sleuth through challenges and tackle various online cybercriminal gangs.

As they work their way through the game, players will be challenged to solve puzzles and be introduced to a broad spectrum of cybersecurity disciplines, including forensics, open-source intelligence, cryptography and web application security.

In 2018, a team from Park Tudor High School in Indianapolis took home the first-place finish from among nearly 400 Hoosier students who participated. For a quick look at some of the challenges, visit the CyberStart website.

This year, college students can participate in a separate challenge called Cyber FastTrack, which allows students who excel in both the CyberStart Game and CyberStart Essentials (an online course that extends the learning of CyberStart Game) to be eligible to win $2.5 million in scholarships for advanced cybersecurity training and to be introduced to employers for internships and jobs in the field.

High school girls may register for Girls Go CyberStart now through March 20, when the games begin. College students may register for Cyber FastTrack beginning on April 5 and will be able to start playing immediately. Participating students do not need prior cybersecurity knowledge or IT experience. All that is required is a computer and an Internet connection.

More information may be found at girlsgocyberstart.org for Girls Go CyberStart and at cyber-fasttrack.org for Cyber FastTrack.

 

24th Annual Celebration of Leadership!

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We are one month away from the 24th Annual Celebration of Leadership! We are so excited to once again invite everyone to this incredible event!
We have a record number of nominees this year and are expecting a large crowd–even more than the 1600 we had last year! Reserve your seat today!
Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students. Please note that if you are a nominee, you receive two complimentary tickets and need only to email or call to confirm your reservation. And please share this invite with your friends and colleagues!
Please note that the event has moved downstairs to the Exhibit Hall of the Old National Events Plaza.
Who?
Everyone in our community who wants to celebrate servant leadership!
What?
The 24th Annual Celebration of Leadership, where we honor individuals, organizations, projects, and businesses who make significant, collaborative contributions to our community.
Where?
Exhibit Hall
Old National Events Plaza
715 Locust Street
Evansville, IN 47708
When?
Thursday, March 14, 2019
4:00 pm – doors open
4:15 – 5:15 pm – Light reception
5:30-7:30 pm – Ceremony

NEW HARMONY SCHOOL PROPERTY BIDS TO BE DISCLOSED TODAY

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NEW HARMONY SCHOOL PROPERTY BIDS TO BE DISCLOSED TODAY

By: Dan Barton, Publisher of the New-Harmony Gazette

February 18, 2019

In case you haven’t heard the news, the Town Council of New Harmony will meet on Tuesday morning, February 19th at 8:30 a.m. where this second round of new bidders will reportedly reveal their plans for the school property, should one of them be selected for ownership.

There are a total of six bids and a request by one group to delay the process for 120 days. The six bids run from $10,000 to $125,000.

1) The New Life Apostolic Church, Carmi, Illinois, Pastor Richard Giles – $10,000 for the 56 thousand sq. ft. building plus five acres.

2) Tom Guggenheim, of Mt. Vernon, $79,000 for the entire property.

3) An $80,000 bid by attorney John Goodridge of 1925 W. Franklin Street, Evansville, Indiana, on behalf of an undisclosed client for the entire property.

4) Joe Lupfer of Lupfer Paving, Cynthiana, Indiana, $80,500 for the entire property.
5) Jason Baize Contracting of Evansville and New Harmony, $85,000 for the entire property.

6) A $125,000 bid by attorney Darin Higgs of 1925 W. Franklin Street, Evansville, Indiana, on behalf of an undisclosed client for the entire property.

7) A proposal from Jeremy Efroymson, Dan Mason, George Rapp, and Kent Parker, all local businessmen or residents of New Harmony, to delay the bid process for 120 days so that an independent assessment of the building condition can be conducted to obtain current cost estimates for remediation costs and repairs.

Stewart Udall Visits Evansville by Pat Sides

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In this photo, which was autographed by Stewart Udall, the nation’s Secretary of the Interior is greeted by several women when he arrived at Evansville’s airport on July 10, 1962. Udall took a motor trip through southwestern Indiana, ending up at the Lincoln Boyhood Memorial, where he attended the dedication ceremony for the historic site.

A passionate lover of the outdoors and former U. S. Representative from Arizona, Udall favored the conversion of strip mines in Warrick County to a national park, as well as the creation of a scenic parkway along the Ohio River. The national park system expanded greatly under his tenure (1961-1969), when four national parks, six national monuments, and twenty national historic sites were added.

Vanderburgh County Sheriff Department to Receive 45 AEDs

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Vanderburgh County Sheriff Department to Receive 45 AEDs

FEBRUARY 18TH, 2019 TYRONE MORRIS EVANSVILLE, INDIANA

The Vanderburgh County Sheriff Department will be receiving a big donation from HeartSavers.

They will receive 45 automated external defibrillators at a ceremony on Tuesday at 11 a.m.

A presentation of the devices will be held in the main lobby of the Orthopedic & Neuroscience Hospital located on the Deaconess Gateway Campus.

The new AEDs will be placed in Vanderburgh County Sheriff Department vehicles.

Gov. Holcomb announces $750,000 in grants to local coalitions to combat drug crisis

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Gov. Eric J. Holcomb announced the State of Indiana will award $750,000 in grants to support local coalitions across the state in their efforts to combat the drug crisis.

“As we continue to attack the drug crisis, effective local coalitions are our partners on the front lines,” said Gov. Holcomb. “These grants will help empower them to come alongside more Hoosiers who are in need of care.”

Substance use coalitions in the following 10 counties will each receive a $75,000 grant to develop, improve and enhance their collaborative, evidence-based treatment and recovery initiatives:

Bartholomew County: Alliance for Substance Abuse Progress in Bartholomew County;

  • Cass County: Four County Counseling Center;
  • Clark County: Clark County Cares
  • Dearborn County: One Community One Family, and Dearborn County Recovery Oriented System of Care;
  • Hancock County: Hancock Health;
  • Howard County: Turning Point;
  • Knox County: Samaritan Center;
  • Marion County: INSTEP;
  • Scott County: Scott County Partnership, and Get Health Scott County; and
  • St. Joseph County: St. Joseph County Health Improvement Alliance, and Partnership for the Education and Prevention of Substance Use.

The grants will help coalitions identify gaps in services, measure outcomes, build capacity, and develop recovery-oriented systems of care. Funds to support navigators who provide case management services and guide individuals and families through the recovery process will help communities coordinate public and private services. Reducing barriers to treatment by funding services, including transportation, housing and childcare, the grants will help people with substance use disorder who are engaged in treatment.

“Gov. Holcomb has called for an all hands on deck approach to attack the drug crisis and communities across the state are answering that call,” said Indiana Executive Director for Drug Prevention, Treatment and Enforcement Jim McClelland. “The grants will helplocal coalitions develop stronger alliances and bolster initiatives to help more people recover from substance use disorder.”

Grant recipients were selected from applications received in response to a request for funding announcement from the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration. The one-year grants are effective March 1.

 

ADOPT A PET

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Andy is a male 2-year-old Shiba Inu! Like many Shiba’s, he’s smart, vocal, and energetic. He only weighs 30 lbs. and was transferred in to VHS from Evansville Animal Care & Control. His adoption fee is $130 and includes his neuter, microchip, vaccines, and more. Contact Vanderburgh Humane at (812) 426-2563 for adoption details!

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