Two people were hospitalized following a serious crash in Genoa Township this morning.
The crash involved two vehicles shortly after 9am on Grand River near Eckles Road. The Livingston County Sheriffâs Office says preliminary investigation indicates a 32-year-old Bruce Township resident driving a Chevy Equinox was heading east on grand River when it rear ended a Ford Explorer, driven by a 59-year-old Howell resident. As a result of the impact, the Chevy Equinox left the roadway and struck a utility pole.
The driver was transported to the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor and was last listed in critical condition. The driver of the Ford Explorer was transported to St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor and is listed in serious condition.
The Sheriffâs Office says drugs and speed appear to be factors. Grand River was closed for approximately two hours and the investigation continues. (JM)
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Drivers Hospitalized After Two-Vehicle Crash On Grand River Drivers Hospitalized After Two-Vehicle Crash On Grand River
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Appeal To Be Heard In Case Against Former Howell Business OwnerAppeal To Be Heard In Case Against Former Howell Business Owner
The Michigan Court of Appeals has agreed to hear an appeal from the Livingston County Prosecutorâs Office regarding a case of sexual assault involving a former Howell business owner.
52-year-old David Price III, owner of the now-closed Hog Wild BBQ and Catering in Howell, was charged in two separate cases last year with 3rd and 4th degree CSC force/coercion and 4th degree CSC force/coercion. The charges stem from allegations made by two 20-year-old women who were fairly new employees at Hog Wild when each incident occurred. The first assault occurred on the victimâs first day of work in November 2014, and on the third day of work for the other victim in August of 2015. Price claims sex with the first victim was consensual, and that sexual interactions with the second victim were as well because she did not leave, step away, or complain.
The first victim went to St. Joeâs Livingston following the assault where nurses gathered evidence. The evidence was tested and it was discovered that Priceâs DNA was found in the victimâs pelvic region. That victim testified during a preliminary exam in March of 2016. She however passed away sometime between then and November of 2016, though the date and manner of death is not listed in court records. Price is not suspected of having a role in her death.
In January, a motion on behalf of Price was granted to exclude evidence of other acts. The Livingston County Prosecutorâs Office is appealing that decision to the Michigan Court of Appeals, though future dates in the case have not been set at this time. (DK)
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Stolen Motorcycles Recovered, Detectives Identify Persons Of Interest Stolen Motorcycles Recovered, Detectives Identify Persons Of Interest
Several persons of interest have been identified in connection with a brazen theft of three motorcycles from a local business.
The Livingston County Sheriffâs Office responded to a break-in at C & C Sports located on West Grand River in Brighton Township on June 4th at approximately 3:10am. Investigation revealed that a large rock had been thrown through the front entrance and three male suspects made entry. The suspects proceeded to steal three off-road style motorcycles from the showroom. The incident was caught on the store video surveillance system.
On June 5th, the Livingston County Sheriffâs Office Detective Bureau received information about a possible location of the stolen motorcycles. Detectives responded to the location and recovered the three stolen motorcycles. The Detective Bureau has since identified several persons of interest in the crime; however the incident is still under investigation.
The Sheriffâs Office is seeking the publicâs assistance in obtaining additional information. Anyone with any information about the crime is encouraged to contact Detective Marc King at 517-540-7953 or CRIME STOPPERS at 1-800-SPEAK-UP. (JM)
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Lee Road Roundabout & Fieldcrest Repairs Start Sunday Night Lee Road Roundabout & Fieldcrest Repairs Start Sunday Night
A resurfacing project will get underway Sunday night in Green Oak Township.
Lee Road, Fieldcrest Road and the northbound US-23 ramp at Lee Road will be milled and resurfaced. Construction will be done at night with traffic regulators directing vehicles. The roundabout will be open but under flag control. Fieldcrest Road will be closed to traffic each night. Work will involve milling out the ramps, the roundabout and Fieldcrest to just south of the Panera Bread restaurant.
Pavement is noticeably deteriorated and the heavily traveled area sees around 20,000 vehicles a day. Livingston County Road Commission Managing Director Mike Craine tells WHMI the upcoming project will address those poor pavement performance issues. He says the project has been on the to-do list for some time but coincided poorly with other construction projects, adding it will be good to finally get it done due to all the traffic in the area. New pavement will be laid down using a slightly different mixture that should hold up better than the last.
The Green Oak Village Place Mall will remain open during construction. All of the work is weather dependent. The tentative schedule is 8pm Sunday to 5am Monday. Work on Monday and Tuesday will start at 9pm and wrap up by 5am. After the pavement cures, permanent markings will be done in off peak hours.
Picture courtesy of Google Street View. (JM)
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Pink Partiers Raise Funds & Celebrate Hope At Annual SoireePink Partiers Raise Funds & Celebrate Hope At Annual Soiree
The community was tickled pink to have the yearly Pink Party return to downtown Howell last night.
The 9th annual event partners with St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Livingston to raise funds for breast cancer research and supportive care. Pink Party President Diana Biermann says the event is for the community, by the community, and fights fear with fun. There was no shortage of fun at this yearâs party, which included fitness and dance break-out sessions, a parade, fashion show, musicians, and a dunk tank that Sheriff Mike Murphy couldnât seem to stay out of.
The Queen of the Night was picked from a fishbowl by Undersheriff Jeffrey Warder. This yearâs Queen, Howell resident Christine Bennett, says she loves attending the party every year in honor of her close friend Cathy Finfer of Howell, who is a six year survivor. For Finfer, her journey was a stroke of luck and early detection. She found the lump Christmas Day in 2010, though was fortunately diagnosed with stage zero breast cancer in January. Because it was detected early, Finfer only needed radiation, and has âbeen surviving ever since".
Another guest, Kristi Cox, also attends every year to pay homage to friends and family who have fought breast cancer. Cox wears a sash comprised of photos of those people. Everyone on her sash has won their fight, except for Coxâs aunt who died four years ago. Her aunt was diagnosed around the time the Pink Party was started, and Cox has participated every year in her honor. Cox appreciates that the event remains local and aids the Livingston County community. Knowing where the funds go and the difference the Pink Party makes, Cox says âItâs something real and tangible that weâre taking part in."
Funds raised at this yearâs party will take a few days to calculate, but will be used to help purchase a stereotactic biopsy table for the St. Joseph Brighton Cancer Center. Andrea Barksdale, Manager of Breast Imaging Services for St. Joseph Mercy, says the hospital has been able to purchase an ultrasound unit, a breast MR coil for screenings, and fund a genetic counseling employee- all of which was made possible by funds raised at past Pink Parties.
A link to an album of photos from the evening is posted below. (DK)
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K9 Heroes To Be Laid To Rest In Michigan War Dog Memorial K9 Heroes To Be Laid To Rest In Michigan War Dog Memorial
Military burials are planned this weekend and next in Lyon Township for a K9 warrior and a dedicated partner.
Michigan War Dog Spaulding with the US Army will be interred on Saturday at noon with full military honors at the Michigan War Dog Memorial on Milford Road. The public is encouraged to attend to support his handler, Sergeant Lee McCoy, and show respect and honor for his service to the country.
Another burial will be held next weekend to honor K9 Axe for his service to the community. Memorial President Phil Weitlauf says last Thursday he has received a call from the Southfield Police Department informing him it was the "End of Watch" for K9 Axe on June 1st. He says Officer Raby requested a full police honor burial for his partner of many years. K9 Axeâs interment will take place next Saturday, June 17th at noon.
More information is available in the link provided. (JM)
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Grand River Paving Almost Done In Brighton Grand River Paving Almost Done In Brighton
Paving operations are moving right along on Grand River in the City of Brighton.
The City advises that weather permitting, the contractor is hopeful that the final coat of asphalt will be finished by Saturday morning. Work is continuing during the evening and overnight hours, between 8pm and 6am, but officials say an additional few hours may be needed Saturday morning to complete all of the asphalt work. Pavement striping will take place immediately after the final course has been laid with special markings being placed the next week.
While the contract finish date is June 30th, the contractor is ahead of schedule with the possibility of being finished by next Saturday, June 17th. Weekly progress updates will be posted on the City of Brighton Facebook page and on the City's website. (JM/JK)
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Howell Fire Academy Celebrates 13 GraduatesHowell Fire Academy Celebrates 13 Graduates
Thirteen students from area high schools graduated from an academy that will put them on track for a career in firefighting.
The Howell Schools Fire Academy celebrated the graduation of their fourth class Thursday evening at the Rod Bushey Performing Arts Center on campus. Cadets from Howell, Hartland, South Lyon, and Whitmore Lake made up the class that prepares them for and gets them the certification needed to become firefighters. Brighton Area Fire Authority Lieutenant Tom Kiurski, who has run the program since it was founded, praised the passion the students showed throughout the 10-month course. He complimented their effort and dedication, saying they were a great group of students to teach. He said he, and many of the officers that help with the class love to pass their knowledge on, and when they see âthat spark, that fire, that glow in their eyes,â then that is all they need to keep going forward.
Cadets shared the Firemanâs Prayer, a poem entitled To Be a Fireman, and spoke about academy life to family, friends, instructors, and members of various fire departments. State Fire Marshal Kevin Sehlmeyer was on hand and complimented the academy, stating that it was a model program that should be implemented in every school district across the state.
South Lyon Fire Chief Mike Kennedy called the graduates a valuable asset to the community. They also received certificates of recognition from Congressman Mike Bishop, honoring their dedication. Many of the graduating class have already begun working with various fire authorities across the Livingston County area. (MK/JK)
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Brighton Mother Leading Effort To Create Down Syndrome Resource CenterBrighton Mother Leading Effort To Create Down Syndrome Resource Center
An event Saturday night in Brighton will help raise funds for a facility in Metro Detroit that will provide free services to individuals of all ages with Down syndrome.
GiGiâs Playhouse is raising funds to open up a Michigan location and a Brighton mother is leading the effort to make it a reality. Lisa Kocab is a mother of five boys, including 6-year-old P.J., who has Down syndrome. A Michigan native, Kocab says her family was transplanted to Wisconsin nearly nine years ago and thatâs where P.J. was born. In her efforts to find resources for him, she came across a website for Gigiâs Playhouse, an internationally recognized achievement center that offers free educational and therapeutic programming to individuals of all ages with Down syndrome and their families.
She led a fundraising drive and was able to help open a chapter in Milwaukee. But then a year-and-a-half ago they moved back to Brighton and now sheâs looking to do it again. A big part of that will be a fundraising dinner at the Lingenfelter Collection Saturday night that will feature over 180 iconic vehicles worth over $50 million. Festivities will include a strolling dinner, an open bar, a variety of auction items and a raffle. Ticket details are available through the link below.
Kocab said they are also excited to welcome the founder of Gigiâs Playhouse, Nancy Gianni, to the event. There are currently 31 centers across North America, but none in Michigan. Kocab says they havenât identified a Michigan location yet, but that it will be located in Southeast Michigan. (JK)
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Howell Middle School Students Complete Salmon In The Classroom ProjectHowell Middle School Students Complete Salmon In The Classroom Project
A program that helps teach about salmon and how the environment and various factors affect them has been completed by local students.
Students from Kristie Hannonâs 8th grade science classes at Highlander Way Middle School in Howell recently took a field trip to release the chinook salmon they helped raise beginning in November out into a tributary of the Great Lakes. As part of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Salmon in the Classroom project, Hannon received fertilized eggs that her students helped hatch and care for throughout the year. Over their time caring for the young salmon, students learned about sport fishing, invasive species in the Great Lakes, and about water quality from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.
Highlander Way was one of approximately 200 schools in the state to take part in the Salmon in the Classroom program this year. This is the 4th time that Hannonâs science classes have participated. (MK)
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Public Hearing Set for Northfield Township BudgetPublic Hearing Set for Northfield Township Budget
Northfield Township has set a date for a public hearing regarding their proposed budgets.
Residents, property owners in the township, and all other interested parties are invited to attend the hearing next Tuesday, June 13th, at 7pm. The Board of Trustees is holding this hearing to collect public opinion on their proposed budgets for their new fiscal year, beginning on July 1st. Of note to be discussed will be the property tax millage rate proposed to be levied to support the budget.
Copies of the document are available for public inspection at the Northfield Township Hall. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Board as the soon as possible. The hearing will take place at the town hall, located at 8350 Main Street, in Whitmore Lake. (MK)
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DIA Art Talk Coming To Downtown BrightonDIA Art Talk Coming To Downtown Brighton
A summer art series in downtown Brighton continues next week with a discussion about the work of an Italian Jewish artist from the turn of the 20th century. Amadeo Modigliani was born in 1884 and is known for his paintings and nudes done in a modern style and characterized by the elongation of his subjects. Next Thursday, the Brighton Arts and Culture Commission is hosting a representative from the Detroit Institute of Arts who will talk about Modiglianiâs, A Woman, in depth. This free event is part of the Commissionâs Story of Us: Summer Performance Series going on each Thursday, downtown, through August. City Management Assistant Jessica Reed said this event is one residents of Brighton wonât want to miss. Following the presentation the Commission will hold an open mic opportunity inviting anyone attending to share stories of art, themselves, or the community. A Woman is one of famous 10 portrait reproductions the DIA is sharing throughout downtown Brighton this summer. Thursdayâs event begins at 7pm at the Sculpture Garden, downtown. More information, event updates, and a walking map of where the 10 paintings can be viewed can be found on the cityâs website or downtown Brightonâs Facebook page. (MK)
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Investigation, Due Diligence Continues On Lyon Township Water Project Investigation, Due Diligence Continues On Lyon Township Water Project
Plans for a new water treatment system are coming together in Lyon Township.
The Lyon Township Board met recently and received an update on progress from Ohio-based Artesian of Pioneer, owned by South Lyon native Ed Kidston. He informed the board that there have been no red flags thus far in the due diligence process and theyâre moving forward at lightning speed. He said they have a good indication of what theyâll be proposing to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and the township to address their water needs. Officials are hoping to have everything operational by the first part of next year.
The project will be funded through bonds and once completed, residents will be able to get rid of water softeners and filters but also eliminate costly bags of salt.
Supervisor John Dolan tells WHMI whatâs on the table is two new water towers, one million gallons each, for storage and two treatment plants with softened water. He says theyâre redoing both water plants and going through the process but itâs an expensive venture so are vetting everything carefully. The hope is to start delivering eater in the early part of next year. Dolan says itâs exciting and theyâre hoping to give residents really high quality, good tasting water.
Kidston has been taking water and soil samples and scouting water tower locations. He has met with the MDEQ, along with consultants related to potential sites for the water towers. Kidston told the board heâs continuing discussions with the MDEQ about the best way to soften the water, noting the township is in a unique situation because it currently has a groundwater discharge wastewater treatment plant. The intent is to recycle wastewater at the new plant, which the DEQ is on board with.
Kidston said the woodwind plant and south hill plant sites are being considered as production wells but no determination been made. He noted theyâre still developing plans and weighing pros and cons of a single treatment plant versus two but testing at both sites revealed the township has good water and that there was no arsenic in the water supply. (JM)
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South Lyon Man Killed, Milford Residents Injured After Being Struck By Truck In DetroitSouth Lyon Man Killed, Milford Residents Injured After Being Struck By Truck In Detroit
A South Lyon man is dead and two pedestrians from Milford were injured after being struck by a pickup truck at a pop-up auto display event in Detroit.
The 73-year-old man from South Lyon died Friday morning in a hospital after the Thursday afternoon crash in Detroitâs Midtown neighborhood. The accident occurred on Canfield outside of the Shinola headquarters, a high-end watch and bicycle manufacturer, next to Traffic Jam & Snug restaurant.
Authorities say the pedestrians had stopped to check out a Tesla parked on Canfield, which was part of a mobile gallery traveling throughout North America. The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office says 42-year-old Deandre Simmons of Inkster drove a pickup truck onto the wrong side of the street as the pedestrians were crossing.
A 45-year old woman and a 65-year-old man from Milford were injured. The woman remained hospitalized while the man was released. Simmons is facing charges of driving with a suspended license causing death, reckless driving causing death, operating a vehicle under the influence causing death and other charges.
Simmons reportedly admitted to taking two Ecstasy pills that morning and investigators believe alcohol may have been involved as well. (JM)
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One Suspect In Local Credit Card Thefts Arraigned, Other Remains At LargeOne Suspect In Local Credit Card Thefts Arraigned, Other Remains At Large
An Ohio woman facing charges connected to credit card thefts from adult care and rehab facilities in Livingston County has been arraigned.
Arraignment has been held for one of two Ohio women charged with stealing credit cards from several Livingston County healthcare facilities.
A warrant was canceled Wednesday for 25-year-old Ieasha Jate Williams, who was arraigned in 53rd District Court on four counts of illegal use of a stolen financial transaction device. Williamsâ bond was set at $250,000 cash/surety and she was lodged in the Livingston County Jail. Williams and 30-year-old Kyiona Renee Coley, both of Toledo, Ohio, are facing charges connected to credit card thefts that affected three healthcare facilities in Livingston County within a 10-day period in February. Williams is due back in court June 20th for a probable cause conference. A warrant authorized for Coley in May remains active, according to court records. Coley is charged as a habitual offender, and faces one count of larceny from a building and five counts of stealing/retaining a stolen financial transaction device. One of the facilities affected by the thefts, The Willows assisted living center in Howell, captured the suspects through video surveillance entering the building on the afternoon of February 10th. One of the suspects, wearing a scrub-style shirt similar to what healthcare workers typically wear, is said to have entered the office of staff and stole numerous credit cards. The other suspect waited in a vehicle outside. The stolen cards were used shortly after in Howell and Ann Arbor. After releasing the surveillance photo, one of the women was reportedly identified by a witness to a theft that occurred in Monroe County. Authorities say the two have been seen on surveillance video in other parts of the state and in Indiana and Ohio, also targeting similar facilities.
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Oak Grove Road To Close At Railroad Crossing For Repairs Next WeekOak Grove Road To Close At Railroad Crossing For Repairs Next Week
A railroad crossing in Cohoctah Township is slated for repairs next week.
Oak Grove Road will be closed at the railroad crossing a quarter-mile east of Preston Road starting Monday. The grade crossing is being repaired by the Great lakes Central Railroad Authority and the work will last through Saturday.
The Livingston County Road Commission advises that signs will be placed near the crossing in advance of the start date to notify motorists of the upcoming closure. Detour signs will be posted via Preston Road and Allen Road.
The project is weather dependent. (JM)
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Boil Water Advisory Removed on M-36 in Hamburg Twp. Boil Water Advisory Removed on M-36 in Hamburg Twp.
This notice has been issued to Hamburg Twp. residents along M-36 who are connected to the Livingston Community Water Authority: According to Authority Chairperson Mark St. Charles, the precautionary boil water notice has been rescinded, and it is now safe to drink your tap water. A water main was repaired and a bacteriological survey was undertaken showing that the water is now safe to drink. Any customers who have questions should call the Livingston Community Water Authority at 810-231-1333, extension 102. (TT)
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Brighton Optimist Club Holds Successful Fishing Derby for KidsBrighton Optimist Club Holds Successful Fishing Derby for Kids
It was perfect weather Saturday for the annual Brighton Optimist Clubâs Fishing Derby for Kids. Over 125 children of all ages cast either their own rod and reels, or those provided by the Optimist Club, and caught several kinds of fish. The largest fish caught in any age group was a 28-inch carp that was landed by Alyson Kue. Optimist Past President Butch Pleiness, who was the chairperson for the event, tells WHMI that the event has been held over the years for no other reason than for kids to have a good time and enjoy the outdoors. Pleiness says handsome trophies were handed out to the various winners in each age category. The first place winners included Hunter Meyer in the 11-16-year-old category; Christian Simeonov is the 1-10-year-old division and Bowen Sprague in the 5-and-under category. Loushyn Noll got the trophy for the biggest fish in the youngest division and Jadyn Noll for the largest fish landed in the 11-16 category. Pleiness says 127 kids participated in this yearâs event, which was held at the Brighton Mill Pond. (TT)
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South Lyon Woman Sentenced For Escape Attempt Into Brighton Mill PondSouth Lyon Woman Sentenced For Escape Attempt Into Brighton Mill Pond
A South Lyon woman who tried to escape police custody by way of the Brighton Mill Pond has been sentenced.
32-year-old Lisa Finlayson was sentenced in Livingston County Circuit Court Thursday to two years and 10 months to eight years in prison. Finlayson was convicted last month of one count of escape while awaiting trial for a felony, which stems from her escape attempt at the Brighton Mill Pond last August. Finlayson and another inmate were being escorted from the 53rd District Court in Brighton into a patrol car when they ran off. Finlayson jumped into the Mill Pond, but was pulled out shortly after with a dredging device. The other inmate was arrested after breaking into a home to steal a change of clothes.
Finlayson had been in custody for operating while intoxicated causing death as a result of her role in a 2015 crash that claimed the life of 51-year-old Lawrence Pettis of Howell. Her pick-up truck struck Pettisâ motorcycle and pushed it into another vehicle. Finlaysonâs 3-year-old son was a passenger in the vehicle at the time and testing later revealed cocaine in Finlaysonâs system. She was sentenced to serve 86 months to 15 years for her guilty plea in that case. Her sentence for the escape attempt will run consecutive to that. (DK/JK)
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Hartland Chamber Hosts First Annual Polo Classic Hartland Chamber Hosts First Annual Polo Classic
A first-ever fundraising polo match in Hartland Saturday was a huge hit with the community.
The Hartland Chamber of Commerceâs 1st annual Polo Classic used the match as a way to raise funds for the chamberâs scholarship fund and community givebacks. Chamber Executive Director Katie Chuba says after meeting the Detroit Polo Clubâs Manager Emmalyn Wheaton, she wanted to hold an event that would âput Hartland on the mapâ. Chuba feels that surrounding communities all have some type of event that theyâre known for. She had hoped the community would embrace the event, despite the fact that the sport isnât as popular in America as it is in other countries. Based on the large turnout of over 400 guests, itâs safe to say the event was welcomed with open arms.
The event included a hat contest, diamond raffle, and live band. The match itself was won 14 to 4 by the Bulldog IT Services team against Hartland Insurance. Justin Powers, a defensive player for the Bulldog team who hails from Pittsburgh, works for the U.S. Polo Association. He says he is trying to relaunch the Detroit Polo Club and agrees the event was a hit.
Powers says the unique sport is not what people think, as many associate it with British culture or the scene from âPretty Womanâ. He explains itâs more of a grassroots sport that brings players from all over the country together, while offering a plethora of opportunities to learn how to play the game.
Chuba says thereâs âno questionâ the Chamber will hold the Polo Classic again next year. The final amount raised for the Chamber hasnât been calculated yet, but Chuba says when it is, chamber members will determine how to utilize the funds. (DK)
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