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H-BC staff prepares for start of school year

By Jolene FarleyStaff members in the Hills-Beaver Creek district are busy preparing for classes to start Wednesday, Sept. 1. Kindergarten teacher Shelly Fischer began working in her classroom the second week of August.This week, she continues to prepare for the arrival of her 16 students. Before the school year officially starts, she designs bulletin boards, makes copies and nametags for her new students.Staff workshops are planned for Monday and Tuesday of next week. At the workshops, teachers get reacquainted with each other after the summer, set goals for the year, review information from the state, and sometimes listen to speakers. Each building has separate staff meetings before students arrive. Fischer contacts each of her students before school starts. "I send a letter in the mail — a welcoming letter," she said. An open house Monday, Aug. 30, at the elementary and high school are a good start to the school year, according to Fischer. "I think that’s a great way to communicate with parents," she said.It’s also a way to relieve some anxiety students have about attending school for the first time.Hills-Beaver Creek District encourages the public to attend the open house from 6 to 8 p.m. at the elementary school and from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the high school."This is a great opportunity to meet the staff, drop off the school forms from student packets and to pay for any fee or lunch account," Superintendent Dave Deragisch writes in the school newsletter. Fischer has some suggestions to prepare students for the new school year:oEstablish a routine such as an earlier bedtime in the days before school starts. oMake sure children eat breakfast before school each day. Fischer finds that students can’t concentrate on anything but lunch if they skip breakfast.oGo over family schedules so students know when and where to go after school, what bus to ride or what day care to walk to. oFischer also suggests reviewing reading and math skills with children before they start back to school.

School board takes tour of buildings

By Jolene FarleyThe Hills-Beaver Creek School Board and administration walked through the elementary school in Beaver Creek and the high school in Hills Monday for an annual inspection. Issues at the elementary building were a leaky roof and correcting a tripping hazard by one of the doors.At the high school, Superintendent Dave Deragisch pointed out some ripples that have appeared in the wood floors in some of the classrooms. He also pointed out some joints that opened up in the new locker room addition. The construction has a year warranty that should cover correcting the problem.Water pressure is still an issue in the addition, but Deragisch has withheld partial payment to the parties involved. If a pump to increase water pressure isn’t installed by the year cutoff, the district will use that money to hire someone else to do the job, according to Deragisch.In other board business:oThe board scheduled a finance committee meeting to discuss the operating levy and possibly refinancing the district’s current bond. Deragisch wants to present recommendations from the finance committee to the full board at the next meeting Monday, Sept. 13.The current levy expires next year, according to Deragisch. "We need more money for cash flow purposes," Deragisch said. "To pay the bills one month to the next is tough." oThe board approved hiring Wade Jellema as part-time cross country coach for $400 for the cross country season.With 30 athletes out for the sport this year, head coach Tom Goehle asked for extra help. With runners at different skill levels, the athletes can be spread out while practicing, making only one coach a safety issue.There are times when Goehle attends meets with more experienced runners and less experienced athletes stay behind. "It’s a time when Tom feels his younger, less experienced runners would be out in the cold," Deragisch said. "You have to give Mr. Goehle credit; he’s built this up from close to nothing," board member Gary Esselink said. oDeragisch is interviewing for the head cook position. "I’ve been very pleased with not only the number of applicants but the quality of applicants," he said. oThe board awarded the fuel oil and propane bids to Popkes Oil, Rock Rapids, Iowa, after Deragisch clarified the bid the company submitted for the last meeting. Popkes Oil bid $.949 for LP and $1.199 for #2 heating oil up to 40,000 gallons."I’m very comfortable awarding the bid to Popkes," Deragisch said.

Steen team sweeps tournament

By John RittenhouseThe Steen fast-pitch softball team earned the right to play at an all-new level after participating at a weekend tournament in Sioux Falls.Steen, a member of the Border League, went 3-0 to win the American Softball Association’s Class C Regional Tournament Saturday and Sunday.By winning the event, Steen will advance to ASA’s Class C National Tournament in Hastings, Neb., Sept. 1-6.The 2004 Steen squad will be the town’s first team to compete at a national level."We didn’t think we would make it that far," admitted Steen player-manager, Myron Sandbulte. "We’ve been playing quite a bit of ball recently."Steen earned the right to compete at the region tournament by tying for fifth place at the Minnesota State Class C Tournament in Mankato two weeks ago.Teams that finish eighth or better at the state attraction advance to the national tournament.Steen breezed through the region field by outscoring its opponents 22-3 in three games.After receiving a first-round bye, Steen topped Geneva 5-1 in the tournament’s second round before earning a berth in the championship series by topping Young’s, Watertown, S.D., in the semifinals.Young’s emerged out of the loser’s bracket to face Steen for the region championship, and Steen rolled to a 12-0 win to take the title.Sandbulte said the Steen squad has a 9-5 Border League record this season, and is playing .500 ball in tournaments this season.Other team members include Nathan, Dale, Brian and Craig Sandbulte, Randy and Dean Baker, David Top, Justin Van Maanen, Clint Roozenboom, Cory Meinerts and Lyle DeBoer. Adam Huisman played for Steen during the regional tournament.

Hills City Council meets Aug.10

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE HILLS CITY COUNCILAUGUST 10, 2004Mayor Jim Jellema called the meeting to order at 6:05 P.M. with the following Council present: Jim Jellema, Linus Svoboda, Keith Elbers, and Dana Dahlquist. Employees present: Connie Wiertzema, City Clerk; Joanne Goehle, City Treasurer; and Wayne Ward, City Maintenance. Guests present: Jan Solberg; Beaver Creek Sportsmen-Stan Van Wyhe, Roger Jackson, and LeRoy Van Wyhe; Rock County Commissioner Rich Bakken, Rock County Sheriff Mike Winkels, and Gerald Haak. Motion by Elbers, seconded by Dahlquist to approve of the minutes of July 13th. Motion carried. Motion by Dahlquist, seconded by Svoboda to approve payment of the July expenditures: General $7,284.37; Park $2,967.64; Fire $2,606.51; Street $2,314.32; Legion $627.41; Sewer $959.44; Garbage $2,951.16; Recycling $492.34; Water $4,197.36; Baseball $29.00; Softball $1,044.01; Law Enforcement $8,944.00. Motion carried. General Checking 105,578.94General Fund CD#18197, 2.5%, 12/4/04 237,314.41General Fund CD#17792 (prev. #15742) 2.5%,5/29/03 – cashed in 6/3/03General Fund CD#17760 (prev. #17573) 2.5%, 3/15/05 20,735.68Sewer Fund CD#17877 (prev. #17433) 2.5%,10/18/03 – cashed in 10/03- ($21,000 to general)Sewer Fund CD#18255, (prev. #18171) 1.5%, 7/19/04 – inter-fund loan to Southern Hills Apts. topay-off apt. bond - $70,771.64Fire Truck Replacement Fund CD#18237, 1.5%, 1/11/05 23,228.20Hills EDA Security Deposit Account 2,412.85Hills EDA Checking – Acct. #1248 11,288.17Southern Hills Apt. Acct. #1255 8,213.32Southern Hills Condo Acct. #1263 -1.86Southern Hills CD#17759 (prev. #17572) 2.5%, 3/15/05 5,183.92EDA CD#17850 (prev. #17384) 2.5%, 5/7/05 27,963.43EDA CD#18275 (prev. #17268) 1.25%, 07/04 – inter-fund loan to Southern Hills Apts. to pay-off apt. bond - $10,661.76EDA CD#18160, 1.5%, 10/17/04 20,000.00EDA CD#18505, .75%, 8/24/04 10,661.76TOTAL $472.580.20The City’s auditor will be contacted to confirm whether the Southern Hills Apartment accounts could be dissolved, and all money transferred to the Hills EDA account.The Treasurer inquired whether city maintenance could obtain additional water meter readings from residents. Motion by Dahlquist, seconded by Elbers to approve of the Treasurer’s report, and refund a utility deposit to Ed Kolberg. Motion carried.Discussed a utility connection for rental property consisting of two units, and whether to charge a minimum water and sewer charge when one or both units are vacant, since there is only one shut-off to the structure. The Council agreed to remain consistent with the City’s policy, if the water is connected at the curb stop, and if the home is not occupied, monthly water and sewer costs apply.The Council reviewed two asphalt proposals for paving Josephine Drive, and Sixth Street. Motion by Elbers, seconded by Dahlquist to accept the proposal from Midwest Asphalt for $14,895. Motion carried. Ward’s family health insurance benefit decreases by $48 per month, beginning with the October 2004 premium. The Council will not make any changes at this time, and will continue to pay $925.00 per month toward Ward’s family health insurance. Ward reported that Howe, Inc. could seal cracks in the septic tank at the Rez, but the cost is uncertain, ranging from $100 to $500. A motion was made by Elbers and seconded by Dahlquist to purchase a new 1,000-gallon septic tank from Adrian Concrete for approximately $625. Fall junk pickup will be scheduled in September.Discussed continuous problems regarding poor water quality, and Rock County Rural Water’s explanation that it’s caused by phosphate added to the system, which coats and cleans iron from pipes and connections. The City is receiving several calls regarding dirty water, concern for drinking, and major appliances. City maintenance was instructed to contact Rural Water to demand immediate attention to correct the problem. City maintenance was instructed to check on a street sweeper. Roger Jackson, Stan Van Wyhe and LeRoy Van Wyhe, representing the Beaver Creek Sportsmen, requested use of the City’s truck to remove barley straw from the Rez. Also, to inquire about interest for installing a used aerator ($250), in order to eliminate winter kill in the fish. Other costs: electrical $550, trenching $400, monthly electric service $8.00 per day, and insurance. The Council was not in favor due to liability issues. The Sportsmen provided the Council with information for an aluminum dock with rails, and is handicap accessible for $8,680. The Sportsmen will pay $4,500 of that cost, along with providing labor. The City will obtain a proposal from Midwest Asphalt for a blacktop approach to the dock. The Council approved of the project, which will be completed in the spring of 2005. Rich Bakken and Mike Winkels approached the Council with information pertaining to Rock County Law Enforcement contracts, and the possibility that Luverne may not enter into a contract with the County, and how it may affect area cities. Currently, the law enforcement contract is figured at $33 per capita for all contracted cities. Bakken also informed the Council of the County’s proposal to increase the assessment contract, from $4,700 to $5,600 per year. The Council will obtain proposals from other assessors and cities prior to making any decisions. The Rock County Assessor and Recorder’s Offices will be combined and renamed Land Records Office. Gerald Haak appeared at the meeting to discuss the proposed blacktop work for Sixth Street, and its assessment to lots owned by United Enterprises. Haak inquired whether the City is interested in purchasing lots along Sixth Street (Park View Third Addition). The Council asked Haak to obtain prices for lots owned by United Enterprises for discussion at the September regular meeting. Discussed a citizen’s complaint regarding grass and weeds on commercial property, a letter will be sent to those property owners. Reviewed an inspection report from MN Dept. of Natural Resources, pertaining to Rez Park. The report addressed the following issues: ensure the safety standards for beach playground equipment, disability access to the restroom and newer playground equipment, accessible parking space and walkway to the picnic shelter, and installation of a local grants program sign. The Council will request detailed information from the Department prior to addressing the park equipment and walkway issues. The replacement of the septic tank will suffice the restroom issue, and a grant program sign will be purchased. The regular September meeting is rescheduled to September 13th at 6:00 P.M. due to the primary election; and a special meeting to discuss the proposed budget is scheduled for September 8th at 6:00 P.M.Motion by Dahlquist, seconded by Elbers to grant a building permit to Jesse Gaugler for a patio. Motion carried. Discussed whether a communication system for city maintenance is necessary, in order to keep in contact with his home, especially during winter months. Motion by Elbers, seconded by Dahlquist to adjourn at 8:30 P.M.Connie J. WiertzemaCity Clerk(8-26)

H-BC School Board

Hills-Beaver Creek Dist. 671Minutes8-09-04The Hills-Beaver Creek School Board met for its semimonthly meeting at 7:30 pm in the library in Hills. Board members present were Leuthold, Larson, Harnack, Esselink, and Baker. Absent were Boeve and DeBoer. Superintendent Deragisch and Principal Holthaus were also in attendance. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Harnack. Chairman Harnack recognized as the visitors to the meeting. Visitors were Jolene Farley of the Crescent. The agenda was approved.Motion by Esselink, second by Larson and carried to approve the minutes as sent out. Motion by Larson, second by Esselink, and carried to approve the bills. The bids for fuel and LP gas were opened. Only firm bids were asked for in the bids notice. Nobles County Oil – LP gas $1.05/gal; #2 fuel oil $1.34/gal.Popkes – LP gas $0.949/gal; #2 fuel oil $1.99/galFarmers Union – LP gas $1.115/gal; #2 fuel oil $1.369/galMotion by Esselink, second by Larson, and carried to table the awarding of the bid until the next meeting. Motion by Baker, second by Esselink, and carried to set the Truth & Taxation meeting for 6:30 pm on December 7, 2004. Motion by Leuthold, second by Larson, and carried to set December 14, 2004 at 6:30 pm for the continuation meeting. Motion by Esselink, second by Baker, and carried to hire Jennifer Madsen as the High School Special Education teacher at .8 FTE at a salary of $26,120.00.Motion by Larson, second by Leuthold, and carried to hire Angie Blosmo as the elementary gifted and talented teacher at a salary of $1,575.00.Motion by Leuthold, second by Baker, and carried to hire Scott Harnack as .25 FTE high school math and .25 FTE high school computer at a salary of $18,218.00.Motion by Esselink, second by Leuthold, and carried to accept with regrets the resignation of Brenda Hansel as head cook. The board commends her for a job well done. Plans were finalized for the MSBA summer convention. Dates to Remember: August 11-12 MSBA convention-Bloomington Sheraton August 23 School Board mtg (6:30 pm walk through) August 24 Staff picnic @ 6:30 pm in the Hills Park August 30-31 Staff inservice August 30 Open house at the elementary & high schoolAgenda items for the next meeting: Discuss the bidding for LP & fuel oil Approval of head cookMeeting adjourned at 8:27 pm.Lois Leuthold, Acting Clerk(8-26)

Mabel Haugsness

Mabel Pauline Haugsness, 91, Windom, formerly of Jasper, died Friday, Aug. 20, 2004, at Sogge Memorial Good Samaritan Center in Windom. Services were Wednesday, Aug. 25, at Jasper Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jasper. Burial was in Jasper City Cemetery. The Rev. Bruce Bringle officiated. Mabel Kolsrud was born to Lewis and Clara (Wangen) Kolsrud on Feb. 28, 1913, on a farm near Hills where she was raised and attended school. After her graduation from Hills High School, she attended Normal School. Upon completion of her education, she taught country school for several years. She married Ingwald Joseph Haugsness on Sept. 1, 1937, at Jasper Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jasper. Following their marriage, they farmed the Haugsness family farm in Rose Dell Township, near Jasper. During this time, she worked as a nurse’s aide at Pipestone County Hospital in Pipestone for a few years. Following their retirement in 1977, they moved to Jasper. Mr. Haugsness died on April 18, 1983. After his death, she continued to reside in Jasper and moved to Jasper Sunrise Village in 1996. In November 2001, she moved to Sogge Memorial Good Samaritan Center in Windom. Mrs. Haugsness was a member of Jasper Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jasper. She was president of Ladies Aid several times, member of the church choir and led many Bible studies. She enjoyed gardening and cooking.Survivors include her daughter, Marilyn (Jack) Kelly, Windom; four grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, Kent (Nancy) Kelly and their children, Forrest, Jack, Katie, Liam, Elizabeth and Lauren, all of Windom; Kimberly (Steve) Kelly-Sommer and their children, Cody, Kent, Josiah and James, all of Roseville; Kerry Kelly (Dave) Koenen, St. Paul; and Kristi Kelly Raverty (Troy) and their children, Alexis, Tessa and Declan, also all of Roseville; one brother, Marvin (Harriet) Kolsrud, Sioux Falls, S.D.; and one brother-in-law, Norman Haugsness, Jasper. Mrs. Haugsness was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Ingwald, one daughter, Barbara Haugsness, one sister, Lydia Dahl and her husband, Elmer Dahl. Hartquist Funeral Home, Foster Chapel, Jasper, was in charge of arrangements.

Peeking in the Past

10 years ago (1994)"After several months of collecting funds for a new crow’s nest at the Hills-Beaver Creek football field, work began on the structure on Saturday. Local contractors, Alan Leenderts, Tim DeHaan and Rick Tatge, pounded the nails with help from Bob Hansen (organizer of the project), Eric Leenderts and Shannon Tatge. Doug Chapman and son, Brent, also lent a helping hand with the electrical work. The new crow’s nest is expected to be complete by the Patriot’s first home game on Sept. 9. Hansen solicited donations from area businesses and residents for the new crow’s nest."25 years ago (1979)"The Hills Jaycees began work this week at cleaning the floor of the ‘Rez’ with the special ‘low service tension’ cat they have rented. With just two days of work with the cat, they have already cleared a large portion of one end of the ‘Rez.’ The work is a bright sign for Roger Jackson and several other Jaycees who have hundreds of hours work completed and hundreds more to go on grant applications and other labor at the project site. While much remains to be done, the progress is now becoming evident." 50 years ago (1954)"At Ash Creek Friday night Hills contested for a resulting score of 3 to 4, favoring Ash Creek. Each team got 3 runs in the second inning, from where it stood tied up until the last frame when the Creekers put one over on a walk, a double and an error. Soehl and John Van Malsen for Hills, and Don Boysen and Stanley Wessels of Ash Creek were the batteries."75 years ago (1929)"O.N. Iverson has installed a National Cash Register in his garage that takes care of all transactions. It’s a register made especially for garages. There are separate keys for oil, gas, accessories, etc. One feature of the new machine is that the drawer cannot be opened before all the figures representing the transaction with that certain customer are placed at the top of the register in such a way that they are perfectly visible to the man who is buying."100 years ago (1904)"J.N. Jacobson moved to his fine new residence opposite the brick church on Tuesday of this week and himself and estimable wife are now housed in one of the most substantial and costly residences in our little burgh. The building was designed by architect Greene, of Luverne, up-to-date in every respect and is a valuable acquisition to our fine list of residences for which Hills is particularly noted, being erected at a cost of $4,000. …Mr. Jacobson is our pioneer merchant who has put in many hard licks for his hometown and we secretly rejoice with him in being domiciled in so convenient and permanent a home."

Letters from the Farm

The mayor of Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, hopes to throw a wet blanket on your vacation plans. That’s especially true if you fantasize about traveling to his city and gawking at newly washed laundry hanging from outdoor clotheslines. According to Reuters, "The unseemly sight of underwear flapping in the breeze along narrow streets of the medieval city will be punishable with a 50 Cyprus pound ($96) fine as of October 1." Cleanliness may be next to godliness, but apparently not in Nicosia, where it carries a price. The mayor, who hopes to clean up the city’s image for visitors, told Cyprus radio, "Imagine walking along a road and having wet washing drip all over you...from someone else’s underwear." He added that washing wardens will also prevent city residents from beating carpets and rugs on their balconies and throwing laundry water into the streets. The announcement is unfortunate news for travel agents who might have been busy during the past year, developing winter vacation packages centered around the theme, "Nicosia – – Real people, real lives." The new travel plans, if they exist, are intended to placate tourists who become eventually bored with thousand-year-old cities. They want something more than the 1570 Famagusta Gate, the Presidential Palace and the Cyprus Archaeological Museum have to offer. The most promising tour package was The Underwear Tour, and it understandably was for adults only. "If you can’t see enough long underwear, thongs or high rise briefs in your own neighborhood, this is the tour for you! You will be fascinated with the fast-drying characteristics of silks and synthetics. Members of your tour group will not only languish in a lovely landscape of lingerie, but you also gain a new appreciation of how quickly undergarments can dry under the hot Cyprus sun. A shortened, light-hearted version of the tour is also available and it’s appropriately called, The Briefs." The On the Beaten Path Tour might also have been popular with tourists of all ages. "Watch in amazement as rugs and carpets of every imaginable size and color are dragged from homes and artfully draped over fences, clotheslines and balcony railings. Be prepared for the thrill of a lifetime as homeowners, equipped only with wire rug beaters or sticks, pound upon those carpets and rugs for all they’re worth. Experience second-hand what it must be like to have your sweat-covered face and body bake in the sweltering Cyprus sun as you take out all of your pent-up aggressions on a four-by-six wool rug. " No boats would be required for The Nicosia Underwater Tour. "This exciting tour simply involves walking up and down the side streets and alleys of the ancient city and playfully dodging washbasins, pails and tubs of water unexpectedly thrown from balconies high above you. Immerse yourself in this primitive version of a water park as you try to sidestep additional wash water tossed from open windows and doorways. The surprise drenchings of this tour will make the wet t-shirt contests back home pale by comparison. " Given what these three tourist packages might have offered – – glimpses of everyday life on a Mediterranean island – – the mayor’s plan is definitely a washout.

Hills Local News

Class of 1945 has reunionAbout 30 individuals attended a gathering Saturday at Tuff Village for reminiscing and lunch. There were 13 graduates in 1945. Those graduates present were Margaret (Bakk) Thornton and husband Art, Madison, Minn.; Kenneth Berghorst and wife, Clarabelle; Cornelius and Darlene Bosch, Luverne; Everett Fikse, Hills; Lois (Hellie) Loge, Sioux Falls; Eilert and Audrey Pederson, Brooklyn Park; Glenn Rye, Arizona; and Gwendolyn (Sanderson) Harsh, Sioux Falls.Also present were Jim Fleming, Geneva (De Jongh) and husband Bud Van Hill, Inwood, Iowa; Loretta Kruse and sister, Dorothy; Gwendolyn Harsh’s sister, Norene, Lakewood Colo.; and Corney Verhey, Sioux Falls. Tuesday, Aug. 10, Darlene Anderson, Luverne, and her daughter, Victoria Thorp and children, Margaret Erickson, Worthington, and Kirsten and Patrick Anderson, Nicole and Ericka, Sioux Falls, were supper guests in the home of Wendell and Kathryn Erickson. Erma Schubbe returned home, Tuesday, Aug. 17, after spending 10 days with her children. They met at Mountain Home where Chris, son of Steven and Flora Schubbe, San Diego, Calif., is stationed. Joining them there were Tom and Maggie Schubbe, Thomas and Jonathan, Afton, Paul and Carolyn Randal, Jeffrey and Nathan, Stillwater. Flora Steven was absent.Spending the weekend in Hills with Arnold and Dorothy Thorin were Maxine and Charles Hanson, Austin. Mark and Karen Sandager, Ian and Tom, and Jane Schubert, Claire and Isaac, helped Vic and Fran Sandager celebrate their wedding anniversary on Friday with dinner at a Japanese restaurant in Sioux Falls. Lorraine Wiese and Don and Edyth Briggs attended the Midwest Shrine sessions at Fargo, N.D., from Thursday through Saturday where Don played in the El Riad band. Saturday Bob and Twila Kirsch attended the wedding of Kimberly Neels and Jonah Burckhardt at Russell. Kimberly is the granddaughter of Berneta Johnson. Wendell and Kathryn Erickson had a busy week. On the 14th, they attended his sister, Ramona and Roger Nelson’s 50th wedding anniversary at Waverly, Iowa. On the 16th they visited Kathryn’s brother, Lloyd and Judy Thorsgard at Northwood, N.D. On the 17th they visited Dr. Ernest and Ina Thorsgard at Thief River Falls. The 18th found them in Remer visiting Kathryn’s sister, Mildred Strong. On the 19th they visited Eunice and David Simonson at Fergus Falls who are missionaries in Tanzania. Friday, the 20th, Charles and Naomi Erickson and children came to spend until Sunday and they, including Margaret Erickson, went to Sioux Falls to visit the Patrick Andersons. Chuck and Rheta DeBoer spent last week in Rapid City, S.D., with Dave and Bonnie Fagrey and family. Daryl Schubert returned to his duties in Tanzania on Aug. 11, while Jane and children, Claire and Isaac remained a few days longer to be with the Sandager families. Jane and children deported for Tanzania on Saturday.Joshua Hogburg, the new band instructor at H-BC, has taken up residency in the apartments. The couple who formerly occupied this apartment moved across the street to the home formerly known as the Christine Sundem home. Michelle and Michael Merritt have about completed the wood on the house on the corner of Main Avenue and 2nd Street and will be moving in soon. Eric and Amy Sundem, Minneapolis, spent the weekend in the parental Orv and Bonnie Sundem home.

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